Gossip Girl Reborn



Chapter 20 The Deception

"If that's the case, this would be Bianca's first time taking something that belonged to Luna."

Christopher's face subtly shifted as he covertly glanced at Luna.

Christopher and Luna were classmates back in their home country. Fate would have it that the country they visited for that ill-fated summer camp was where Bianca was receiving her treatment.

Even though Christopher was merely ten years old at the time, an arrangement between their grandmothers had already designated him as Luna's fiancé. Naturally, he was expected to meet the Cowell family.

That was Christopher's first encounter with Bianca in the hospital ward, where she exuded a charming and delicate aura, akin to a princess.

*Bianca was mesmerized by Christopher's charm the very first time she laid eyes on him. Upon learning that he was Luna's fiancé, exclusively belonging to her sister, Bianca made a fuss and insisted on spending time with him. Jealousy can truly distort one's character! Despite receiving unconditional love and full attention from her parents, Blanca still desired to claim what belonged to Luna. She felt that without Luna, everything would have naturally been hers."

Christopher's heart skipped a beat upon hearing those words.

No, Blanca Isn't a person like that. She lent...

Back then, Bianca was indeed causing a cormation in the ward. All Christopher felt was pity for the ailing little girl, wishing someone would keep her company. Moreover, whenever he glanced at her face, which bore a striking resemblance to Luna's, Christopher could not help but feel sympathy.

But Isabella mentioned that Bianca received her parents' unconditional love and full attention. What about Luna? What does she have back then? She had me, her fiancé.

At that thought, it felt as though Christopher had been metaphorically struck in the head, leaving his mind buzzing.

"Originally, Christopher and Luna were supposed to attend the event together. However, Bianca, who was in the hospital, kicked up a fuss, insisting on going with Christopher herself and not allowing her sister to attend. As the event wasn't something one could join on a whim, their parents ultimately asked Luna to forfelt her participation. Instead, they requested Blanca, he identical twin, to take her place, and asked Christopher to look after her."

Christopher's expression darkened. Back then, he had not thought much of it and had agreed to Hayden and Marjorie's request to look after Bianca without considering Luna's feelings.

He naturally assured that Luna would give in to her younger sister. To him, it felt like she ought to do so too.

He could not recall Luna's expression back then.

The Quirk family heard that Luna willingly gave her sick sister the chance to go out and have fun. They even admired the deep bond between the sisters.

Unbeknownst to them, it was actually Henry and Marjorie's forceful demands playing out, with the younger sister sabotaging the older

one.

Given that, Bianca should have been the one by my side when i was in trouble. So, how did it end up being Luna who saved the day? Christopher could not figure out what happened.

He still remembered their campsite nestled within a dense forest. The staff led them through the woods, teaching them to identify plants and educating them about essential survival skills in the wilderness.

However, he was quite mischievous back then, often sneaking off with Blanca to do their own thing.

In the end, he accidentally fell off a steep slope, suffering serious injuries. All he could recall was a horror-stricken Bianca, crying on the slope.

In his hazy state, teetering on the brink of death from blood loss, he saw Bianca once again.

The crying Bianca found him in the end. With sheer determination, she carried him out of the valley. It was only then that they met with the rescuer.

Clearly, it was Biance who saved his life.

"I guess Henry and Marjorie were also at a loss for words. Christopher had no idea how to take care of athers. It wouldn't have been such a problem if he were traveling with someone as healthy as Luna, who could hop, jump, and run around. However, things were entirely different with Blanca. After Christopher's fall, Blanca cried all the way back. Alas, her frall body couldn't take it, and she fainted. Thankfully, Henry and Marjorie, pacing anxiously at the campsite, spotted her and quickly rushed her to the hospital. They were unaware of what had befallen Christopher:"

Christopher's pupils constricted.

"Henry and Marjorie had Luna with them while waiting outside the campsite. However, upon seeing Bianca, they completely forgot about Luna, who hadn't boarded the vehicle yet, and left immediately. As a result, Luna was left behind at the campsite.

"Christopher was so lucky. Apart from his own family, Luna was likely the only person who truly cared about him. Since Bianca had emerged from the forest, Luna knew it was impossible for Christopher to stay in the woods. So, she went back to look for him. At that

time, the event hadn't ended, and no one was aware of Christopher's predicament. If Luna hadn't returned, by the time everyone realized something was wrong, Christopher might have already suffered severe blood loss."

Christopher felt as if an arrow had pierced through his heart.

Even the members of the Quirk family, who had been eavesdropping, felt a lingering fear in their hearts. Their gazes, filled with gratitude, covertly turned toward Luna, who was not far away.

The guests who had been exchanging pleasantries with them began speculating whether any changes would befall Christopher's engagement.

Isabella enjoyed gossiping so much that she continued observing everyone's reaction with great interest.

"Upon learning of Christopher's disappearance, the rescuers sprang into action. Luna, who wasn't initially part of the mission, clandestinely followed along. It was her keen eye that spotted Christopher's personal belongings, ultimately leading to the discovery of the unconscious Christopher deep within the valley. She then carried him out on her back. Overwhelmed by shock, fear, and exhaustion from the effort, Luna fell Ill with a high fever there and then. In the end, she was promptly taken to the hospital along with Christopher"

Right then, all the Quirks were utterly confused.

So then... How did Bianca get into the picture?

"Once her fever subsided, little Luna appeared to forget her ordeals entirely. In contrast, Christopher was convinced he had encountered Bianca and asked about her as soon as he woke up. The Cowell family seized the opportunity and began spinning a web of lies. Eventually, Luna concluded that her sister was the one who rescued Christopher and fallen ill from exhaustion. She even attributed her fever to sheer fright. As for the camp staff, they simply assumed the girl who returned to the campsite was too worried about her friend and fainted. Everything fell into place seamlessly, leaving no room for doubt. It was a remarkably melodramatic affair."

Christopher's body stiffened. Isabella's words felt so real that his memories began to falter.

Yet, he was reluctant to accept that all those years of events were untrue. Why did Henry and Marjorie persist in this? Their relationship

back then wasn't as strained as it is now.

The Quirk family was puzzled. They could never comprehend the actions of Henry and Marjorie, for their family values were just too different.

After cursing in her heart for a long while, Isabella finally spoke out.

"It seems they had been contemplating swapping their betrothed all along. It wasn't solely because of Bianca's childish and selfish behavior, but also because they saw Luna as strong and capable of managing any marital alliance. Meanwhile, Bianca's delicate health made it necessary for her to marry into a supportive family that could provide the resources she needed for recovery, without ever belittling her."

The Quirk family finally understood it all. After all, it was rare to find another prestigious and wealthy family like theirs that did not seek alliances through their children's marriages.

The Cowell family had only two daughters, and it was inevitable that they would prioritize marriage alliance.

In the past, it took Sophia several years of persistent persuasion before she finally secured a marriage agreement with Esmee. Originally, their family did not have a tradition of arranging engagements in advance.

"Upon first learning that Old Mrs. Cowell had arranged Luna's engagement to Christopher, they were deeply displeased. They believed Old Mrs. Cowell was showing favoritism, focusing solely on her eldest granddaughter while overlooking the younger one. Old Mrs. Cowell promptly fired back, saying. You only show concern for Blanca while neglecting Luna. Shouldn't I ensure Luna's well-being while I'm still alive? Must I wait an eternity for you to acknowledge her?"

"Wow, Old Mrs. Cowell sure had a way with words!"

The Quirk family sighed. Esmee had passed away a long time ago. The Cowell family had often toyed with the notion of altering their alliance, but Sophia always quashed the idea. As for the Quirks, they were determined to honor their commitment. It was not until Sophia's recent passing that the Cowells' true intentions became evident. But Christopher...

The Quirks covertly glanced at Christopher, observing his significantly darkened expression. They could not discern whether he had believed their words.

After all, Christopher was as stubborn as a mule.

Indeed, he was still reluctant to belleve.

What on earth is Isabella saying? Does she have any evidence to back it up? How can her words suddenly became the truth? She's just imagining things. It's more logical to belleve that Blanca was the one who saved me.

Christopher shot Isabella a fierce glare, his anger bubbling up inside him, threatening to spill out in a torrent of curses.noveldrama

Suddenly, Alexander obstructed his view.

Christopher fixed Alexander with a stare filled with indignation, grievances, and frustration.

Alexander furrowed his brows. He really did not want to deal with his foolish younger brother. However, upon hearing Isabella's earlier sharing, he did stumble upon a piece of information that might pass as evidence.

After pondering for a moment, Alexander seized the opportunity amidst the surrounding commotion and muttered, "You were taller than what Callahan is now when you were ten, weren't you?"

Christopher's train of thought was abruptly interrupted as he found himself inexplicably staring at Alexander.

The intensity in Alex's gaze deepened. "There probably aren't many girls who can carry you."

Between a healthy Luna and a weak Bianca, who could possibly carry him all the way out of the valley?

Christopher's face gradually turned pale.

Perhaps it was the untapped potential within a person, the miracles of life, or maybe it was something else entirely....

Images of Luna and Blanca continually flashed through Christopher's mind.

When Luna's hand was crushed by the cabinet, and cold sweat poured down her face, she did not utter a single sound.

Conversely, Bianca wept until her eyes were swollen when she accidentally twisted her ankle.

On another occasion, Luna declined a male classmate's offer to move the heavy lab equipment for her, demonstrating surprising strength with her slender figure.

During a shoot, Bianca was tasked with carrying a child, but she could only manage it for three seconds. Thereafter, she complained to Christopher about how tiring it was and asked him to intervene by pulling some strings and changing the storyline for her.

Soon, the banquet came to an end amid whispers and gossip.

Someone proposed to the Cowells to leave together and discuss some matters. Henry responded to the suggestion with a smile, stating, "We have an appointment with the Quirk family today, so we're a bit pressed for time."

Upon hearing this, everyone wished they could stay and join in the excitement, eager to witness how this engagement would

ultimately unfold.

However, it would not be right for them to insist on staying if the family members involved wanted to speak in private.

Those who were preparing to leave were all reluctant to part ways.

Just then, someone barged into the ballroom.

"Luna, Luna! I heard you're calling off your engagement! In that case, I'll propose to your family today, I'll marry you. After all, you are already mine! I'm responsible for you!"

Luna and Christopher both locked up at the same time, only to see the man who had previously disturbed Luna in the restroom reappear, evidently drunk.