Underwater: The Silent Luna novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

The dining room buzzed with family, Joseph already at the table in his travel attire, crisp shirt tucked neatly. Ashley sat beside him. her hand resting on his arm, the diamond ring on her finger catching the light like a beacon.

Meadow’s gaze snagged on it, a quiet envy stirring as Joseph cleared his throat, announcing their engagement with a proud grin. Cheers erupted, Amber clapping enthusiastically, Levi toasting with his coffee, while Victoria offered a stiff nod. Meadow hesitated,

unsure of her place, her congratulations dying unspoken on her lips.

The warmth at the table for Ashley highlighted Meadow’s own isolation, the way glances slid past her, treating her as peripheral

It stung, a dull ache in her chest, but she pushed it down.

Ethan treated her with respect, with care that bordered on affection; that was enough. Still, under the table, her left hand drifted to her thigh, fingers tracing the bare skin where a ring should sit, a symbol of bond, of claim. She told herself it didn’t matter, but the lie tasted bitter. Deep down, she yearned for Ethan’s full commitment, for him to see her as truly his wife, body and soul.

Departure loomed too soon. Meadow walked Ethan to the waiting van, her arm linked lightly with his as he wheeled alongside. The air hummed with engine idling, the family’s farewells a murmur behind them. Joseph pulled Ashley into a deep kiss, hands framing her face possessively, but Ethan’kept it subtle, a squeeze of her hand, his eyes locking on hers with quiet promise. No grand display needed; their connection built in layers, baby steps that felt monumental. She forced a smile through the overwhelm, waving as the van doors closed, her heart twisting with fear and longing as it pulled away toward Ceenas.

The house fell silent in their wake, leaving Meadow to wander the empty halls, the ghost of Ethan’s touch lingering on her skin. She retreated to their room, curling onto the bed that still smelled of him, her hand slipping unconsciously between her thighs. The heat there surprised her, a slow throb building as she replayed the morning’s intimacy, the way he’d admired her, kissed her belly. Fingers circled her clit tentatively, dipping into the wetness that gathered at the thought of his return, when he’d finally claim her

fully. But for now, it was just her, chasing echoes of pleasure alone, waiting for the day he’d make good on his promise.

Joseph was already there, dressed sharply, ready for the journey. Meadow’s eyes drifted to Ashley’s hand, and the diamond ring

glinting on her finger.

Barely a minute later, Joseph announced it, calm, smug, expected:

He and Ashley were engaged.

The table erupted with congratulations.

Everyone except Meadow and Victoria.

Not because they disapproved, but because they didn’t know their place. Would congratulations from them even be welcome? Or

seen as an overstep?

Meadow’s attention drifted to the harsh contrast at the table.

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Chapter 48

Amber and Levi spoke to Ashley… differently.

Barely civil.

Barely interested.

Barely respectful.

And it hit Meadow like a cold splash,

Ashley wasn’t really accepted.

Not fully.

Not truly.

Not as family.

A familiar ache pressed through Meadow’s chest. Maybe she wasn’t truly part of the family either. Not in their eyes. Not really.

She didn’t show it, but under the table, her left hand slid onto her thigh, fingers curling softly.

Her ring finger was bare.

No sign of love.

No claim.

No intention.

No bond.

She told herself it was okay.

That Ethan respected her.

That he was kind to her.

That was enough.

But deep down… it wasn’t okay.

Deep down, she wanted more.

A commitment

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Chapter 48

A real place beside him.

She prayed that someday Ethan would give her that place.

Departure time arrived sooner than she hoped. Her stomach twisted as she followed Ethan outside, keeping a brave smile on her

face despite the storm inside her.

Joseph kissed Ashley deeply before entering the van, making a show of affection.

Ethan didn’t touch Meadow like that, not yet, but she didn’t mind. They were taking slow, tender steps. Baby steps. She could live

with that.

She stood beside the van, fingers clasped together tightly, watching as Ethan prepared to leave.

And though fear coiled through her, she remained steady.

For him.

For both of them.

Their journey, whatever it would become, was only just beginning.

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Underwater: The Silent Luna