Chapter 119: James's Mom Is Coming Back

“Why won’t you believe me? Am I the kind of coward who doesn’t dare to admit what I’ve done?” Luna glared at him.

“Yes, you are.” He nodded with a smile.

She choked on his words.

“You’re the coward,” she mumbled.

“Yes.” He nodded with a smile. “I am a coward. I love you, but I didn’t dare tell you.”

Luna flushed slightly as she looked at him.

“But I’m not a coward anymore,” he said with a smile. “I love you, and I dare to say it out loud.”

He walked over, pulled her into his arms, and looked down at her flushed face.

“Honey, I love you,” he said earnestly.

“I know. Stop saying it all the time.” She nodded softly and looked up at him.

He leaned down to kiss her.

This time, she didn’t pull away.

She tilted her head back, letting him kiss her.

She even kissed him back, taking the lead at times.

He carried her to the sofa and positioned her so that she was facing him, straddling his lap.

He held her waist while she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Their eyes locked as they kissed, slow and unhurried.

“So sweet,” he murmured, gazing at her rosy lips.

“Sweeter than your first love?” she asked, smiling.

“I don’t know. Give me another kiss so I can taste it,” he chuckled.

He deliberately licked his lips, savoring the sensation.

“Just as sweet as first love,” he said softly. “Because you are my first love.”

“Then I’ll make you sweeter.”

She leaned in and kissed him again, deeper this time.

The kiss lingered until her breath grew unsteady.

Theodore held her close, his voice soft and content. “Honey, you’re so sweet.”

Luna smiled shyly, stirring his heart.

He gently pushed her back onto the sofa.

He wanted her, completely.

——

The next morning

Luna opened her eyes and shifted, trying to find a comfortable position.

Sensing the motion, Theodore pulled her into his embrace.

They both drifted back to sleep until nearly eleven.

After washing up, they went downstairs just in time for lunch.

Midway through the meal, James suddenly spoke up in a casual tone, “Mom’s back, Dad.”

The dining room fell silent instantly.

Everyone turned to look at James.

Mary's expression changed.

Panic, unease, and even fear.

Luna wondered.

Is Mia really that formidable?

John looked at James and nodded.

Then he lowered his eyes, lost in thought.

The atmosphere became awkward.

The group finished their meal in silence.

——

After dinner, Luna and Theodore returned to their room.

"Why did Mia suddenly come back?" she asked, curious.

"Maybe she just wants to come back for nothing," he said with a smile.

Luna thought for a moment, then added, "But judging by your mother's expression, she seems really concerned about Mia coming back."

"Don't worry. Mom's fine," Theodore said calmly.

"I believe you," she said with a smile.

"Believe in me for what?" He raised an eyebrow.

"I believe you can let me live happily," she said.

"What if I let you down?" he asked with a smile.

She paused and replied, "Then we'll just get a divorce. There are so many rich men in the world. Why should I have to stay with you?"

Theodore froze for a moment.

"I thought..."

"You thought I'd be like the heroines in those cheesy romantic dramas?" she interrupted him with a chuckle. "Saying things like 'Whether you're rich or poor, successful or a failure, I'll stay by your side and love you forever'?"

"Isn't that the case?" he asked.

"No." Luna shook her head with a smile. "Those kinds of words are easy to say but hard to live up to, Theodore. I was born a Carter heiress. I've always had the best of everything since childhood."

"Are you really that delicate?" Theodore smiled and pinched her face.

"Don't worry. I won't let you suffer," he added.

"I'll help you," she said seriously.

He nodded with a smile.

——

That afternoon, Luna and Theodore returned to the Carter House.

"Mia is back," Luna said.

Maggie and Charles both looked taken aback.

"I thought Mia would never come back to this city," Maggie said.

"Be careful. Mia isn't someone that easy to deal with," Charles said seriously, looking at Theodore.

"I know." Theodore nodded with a smile. "I'll be careful."

"Is she really that formidable?" Luna asked curiously.

"Mm-hmm." Maggie nodded. "I was just a teenager when she divorced John. Back then, she was the most talked-about woman in high society—no one could compare to her. She was well-bred, beautiful, capable, and shrewd."

Luna raised an eyebrow, growing more curious about Mia.

"We were all Mia's fans back then," Maggie added.

They planned to have dinner at the Carters' that evening.

Theodore was playing chess with Charles in the study, while Luna rested in her room and searched her phone for news about Mia.

Around five o'clock, Theodore came into the room.

"Mom called. Mia's inviting the Davises over for dinner tonight," he said.

"So soon?" Luna asked.

Theodore looked at her, then kissed her on the lips.

"Don't be afraid. I'm here." He smiled.

She frowned slightly, her tone tinged with annoyance. "I'm not afraid."

"Yeah, I know you're not afraid." Theodore nodded and smiled. "You're not afraid of anything."

"You're wrong. I'm afraid of you." Luna glared at him.

"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Afraid of me?"

She nodded earnestly.

"Afraid of what about me?" he asked, smiling.

"Afraid you'll get frisky." Luna looked at him, her expression serious.

He pulled her into his arms and led her toward the bed.

"Well then, from now on, I'm going to be an even bigger rascal with you," he smirked, leaning in to kiss her.

"Stop it," she mumbled, pushing him away with a blush. "We have to meet people in a little while."

"It's okay," he said nonchalantly.

She pushed him away, tidied up quickly, and the two of them headed out.