His Crush, His Brother's wife

Chapter Four

That night, Luna couldn't sleep. Her mind raced with the implications of Lin's offer. She knew she had to stay true to herself, no matter how tempting the proposition was. So the next day, she called Lin’s office to speak to her assistant.

“Hello, this is Luna. I want to thank Mrs. Xu for her offer, but I must respectfully decline,” she said, her voice steady and straight to the point.

“I understand, Luna. I will relay your message to Mrs. Xu.” The assistant sounded surprised but professional.

Luna felt a sense of relief wash over her. She made the right decision, she thought, and continued with her day, focusing on her work at Crystal Lake.

A few days later, while Luna was serving customers at the restaurant, she noticed a familiar face. It was Shaun Xu, looking healthier and sober than the last time she saw him. She approached his table with a warm smile.

“Luna?” he casually asked before she could say a word.

“How did you know my name?” she replied, surprised that he remembered her.

“The Agency, and please, call me Shaun,” he replied sweetly. Luna nodded and waited for him to continue. “I want to thank you for driving me home that night. I was in a bad place, and you helped me more than you know,” he added sincerely.

“It was my job. I'm glad you're feeling better,” Luna said, smiling.

“I heard about my mother's offer,” Shaun continued, his expression serious. “She shouldn't have done that. I apologize on her behalf.

Luna nodded and waited for him to speak again. “I also respect your decision to decline. It shows you have integrity and strength. I just hope she didn’t give you a hard time. She has a knack for it.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself,” Luna said, feeling an unexpected connection forming between them. No one, apart from James, ever cared about her well-being. “Would you care for anything, Mr. Xu?”

Shaun was surprised she addressed him as “Mister” again. He thought they were past formalities. His heart and mind were already drawn to this woman with a warm heart. He stared, taking in her form: long, wavy black hair tied up in a ponytail, and those almond-shaped eyes of deep brown, almost hypnotized him.

She looked tired, perhaps from the fatigue of long working hours, Shaun thought. But since the moment he arrived, she had carried a gentle smile that lit up her face. Her simple, neat outfit of comfortable jeans and a blouse made her look versatile, ready for anything, likely switching between jobs, Shaun assumed.

“Mr. Xu?” Luna called, awakening him from his reverie. He was lost in his thoughts for a moment, not hearing a word she said. “You must be feeling tired. Would you like some pure chamomile tea? It will help you relax.”

“Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow evening? As a thank you,” Shaun asked, his eyes brimming with hope. Luna was taken aback by his offer but quickly regained her composure.

“I don’t dine with strangers,” she replied curtly.

“I won’t be a stranger once you get to know me,” Shaun countered with a charming smile.

“Until then,” Luna said, pushing the menu towards him. Shaun chuckled, clearly amused by her resolve.

“Alright,” he said, leaning in slightly. “Let me rephrase… would you be so kind as to spare this sad man some of your time? I really need someone to talk to, or I might end up drowning my sorrows.”

Luna hesitated, her refusal wavering as their eyes met. Shaun’s gaze held a flicker of melancholy, revealing a life burdened by expectations. How could a wealthy heir like him show such vulnerability? She took in his tall, lean frame and commanding presence, thinking men like him should have no worries.

“Please,” he whispered, his voice softening, chipping away at her resolve.

“I’m sorry,” Luna began, but paused as he nervously ran a hand through his jet-black hair. This confident man was afraid of rejection. His dark eyes, a mix of confidence and vulnerability, held her gaze. She noticed his tie, complementing his tailored suit, and chuckled as he tugged at it nervously. Shaun Xu, known for his business acumen, had a softer side, longing for genuine connections.

Luna sighed, biting her lip at what she was about to do, then nodded. “Alright, Mr. Xu.”

Shaun’s eyes lit up with excitement as they exchanged numbers. Luna couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anticipation herself. Her ears tingled with anticipation as she wondered what Shaun wanted to discuss. Wasn’t he worried she was an opportunist? Most wealthy men were, she mused.

Shaun finally agreed to order something—a takeaway chamomile tea, hoping it would help him relax. Then, with a curt nod, he left the restaurant.

Then Melanie, accompanied by Mia and Joshua, two of Luna’s colleagues, quickly approached her, their eyes alight with curiosity.

“What’s going on between you and the Xus?” Melanie asked, her voice dripping with intrigue. Luna felt a surge of irritation but held her tongue. Melanie wasn’t alone. Mia and Joshua had been supportive since she started at Crystal Lake, often covering for her when Mr. Lee was in one of his foul moods. They had become more than just colleagues.

“Yes, tell us,” Mia urged, moving closer and gently touching Luna’s elbow.

“I just gave one of them a ride home,” Luna replied.

“You drove a Xu? Wow, Luna,” Melanie exclaimed. “That’s a great opportunity.”

“A troublesome one, if you ask me,” Luna countered.

“What did you do?” Melanie pressed, her tone suggesting Luna was in trouble. “Did you steal something?”

“As if I’d still be here if I had,” Luna laughed. “Your imagination runs wild, Melanie. You’re itching to see me in trouble, aren’t you? It’s juicy gossip for the bosses, right?”

“Why do you always assume I’m out to get you?” Melanie looked genuinely hurt.

“You always are, Melanie. Not confronting you about it doesn’t mean I don’t know you badmouth me to the bosses,” Luna said, walking away.

Mia and Joshua glared at Melanie with disdain before leaving her seething with anger and jealousy. That’s right, she thought bitterly. Luna was always the first choice for everything. It made her mad with envy. She wished it were her receiving client compliments, bonuses, and visits from wealthy people. After all, she wasn’t that bad. She was talented and beautiful too. Melanie could have continued to count for all the reasons why she was better than Luna if Mr. Lee’s sudden call for a brief meeting didn't interrupt her.

The following evening, Luna felt a flutter of excitement as she prepared for dinner with Shaun. She chose a simple yet elegant dress that hugged her figure perfectly, and her long black hair cascaded in loose waves. Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself to stay true to who she was.

Usually favoring casual attire, Luna now looked graceful and sophisticated. When she stepped out, heads turned. Her neighbors and acquaintances were stunned by her transformation, admiring her natural beauty and sparkling eyes.

“Is that really Luna?” someone murmured.

“She looks absolutely breathtaking,” another added.

Luna's heart swelled with a mix of pride and humility as she walked towards Shaun, who stood waiting with a look of awe on his face. He arrived to pick her up promptly, his demeanor warm and inviting. She'd messaged him her address when he texted, asking for it the previous day.

They decided to dine at a cozy restaurant, its ambiance enhanced by the gentle murmur of the Huangpu River flowing nearby. The soft glow of lanterns reflected off the water, creating a magical atmosphere. The restaurant was renowned for its exquisite blend of traditional and modern Shanghai cuisine, offering a culinary journey that delighted the senses.

“Thank you for agreeing to dinner,” Shaun said as they settled into their seats. “I wanted to get to know the person who helped me during a difficult time.”

“It’s my pleasure, Mr. Xu. I’m glad to see you’re doing better,” Luna replied, her smile genuine.

“Am I allowed to say you look more beautiful tonight?”

“Is a lady supposed to grant you permission to say it?” Luna asked, her eyes sparkling with a mix of shyness and curiosity.

“Not quite. But you’re different. I almost didn’t get this exclusive dinner with you, remember?” Shaun leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. They both laughed, the tension easing as they ordered their food and began to talk more openly.

As they talked, Luna learned more about Shaun’s struggles as a wealthy heir and his passion for architecture. He spoke about his family’s business, Revolution Designs, and his desire to create buildings that were not only beautiful but also sustainable.

“I’ve always admired architecture,” Luna said. “There’s something magical about creating spaces where people can live and thrive.”

Shaun’s eyes lit up. “Exactly! That’s what drives me. I want to leave a positive impact on the world.”

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and Luna found herself opening up about her own dreams and challenges. She spoke about working two jobs, and her passion for storytelling. She shared her journey as an environmental influencer, advocating for tree planting and afforestation through short videos and films.

“You’re incredible, Luna,” Shaun said, admiration in his eyes. “You’re making a real difference.”

“Thank you, Mr. Xu. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it,” Luna replied, feeling the deep connection forming between them.

As the evening progressed, they shared stories, laughter, and hopes for the future. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and Luna felt a sense of warmth and comfort she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

After dinner, they took a stroll along the riverbank, the city lights twinkling in the distance. Shaun reached for Luna’s hand, and she felt a spark as their fingers intertwined. She quickly withdrew her hand and looked away, her mind racing with unexpected thoughts.

“Luna, I know we’ve just met, but it feels like I’ve known you forever,” Shaun murmured, his voice soft and earnest. "Would you be open to seeing where this goes?"

“Are you suggesting friendship?” Luna asked, her surprise evident as she looked at him.

“That’s not a bad start,” Shaun responded, his tone genuinely curious. Luna gazed into his eyes, catching the glimmer of sincerity and hope. She found it impossible to refuse.

“So?” he pressed gently.

“There are so many people you could be friends with. People in your circle. Why waste time with me?”

“You’re special,” Shaun replied firmly. “That’s all I can say.”

“Alright, Shaun. Let’s take it one step at a time. I wouldn’t want to seem like an opportunist to your family,” Luna said candidly, making Shaun chuckle. “I’m serious. You wealthy people often twist sincerity into opportunism. It’s always about money; the ‘she’s just a gold digger’ kind of thing.”

Shaun laughed and quickly agreed to her terms. As they resumed walking, Shaun unexpectedly took her hand again. He startled her, but she didn't pull away this time. As they walked on, Luna wondered if she was ready to embrace whatever the future held with an open heart.