The Moon That Remembered My Face by Elias Rowan Montclair 130

In this chapter, Matthew asks a question that causes William to pause and look to Helena for an answer. Helena, noticing William’s rare display of emotion, decides to tease him by pretending to hesitate about Owen and Lina seeking her help. William senses she hasn’t moved on from Owen, which unsettles him deeply. His tension is so intense that his wine glass suddenly shatters in his hand, causing a small injury. Helena tries to help, but William coldly refuses and leaves for the restroom, radiating a dangerous aura.

At the sink, Helena tends to William’s wound despite his reluctance. Their interaction turns playful and teasing as William accuses Helena of toying with his feelings. Helena admits she was trying to make him jealous, and William responds with a mixture of frustration and affection. Their banter leads to a passionate kiss, showing the depth of William’s feelings. The moment is abruptly interrupted by two female employees who awkwardly stumble upon them, causing Helena embarrassment and playful blame on William.

Despite the interruption, Helena checks William’s injury again, expressing concern and scolding him for recklessness. William responds with warm teasing, and their lighthearted exchange continues as they prepare to leave together. Returning to the bonfire area, they find only Matthew and a few others remaining. Helena inquires about Owen and Lina, who have been gone for a while, prompting Matthew to joke about their possible scheming.

As they head toward the parking lot, Helena thanks Matthew for his support, and the three share playful banter about future weddings and matchmaking. Their camaraderie lightens the mood after the earlier tension. The chapter ends with Helena noticing alarmed cries coming from Owen’s open RV, prompting her to hurry inside, hinting at a new development.

When Matthew asked his question, William paused mid-sip, shooting Helena a sidelong glance, clearly waiting for her

answer.

Helena hadn’t seen William show any real emotion in ages. She couldn’t help but want to mess with him a little.

She pretended to hesitate. “Owen’s a good guy, and Lina’s an old friend. It’s rare they come to me for help-maybe I should

think it over.

So it was true-she really hadn’t gotten over Owen, William thought, a weight settling in his chest.

His breath grew heavy, and his lips pressed into a thin, tense line. His sharp eyes locked onto Helena as he asked, “Is that really how you feel?”

William’s gaze was a little intimidating, but Helena kept her cool, took a sip of her juice, and just hummed in response.

With a sudden crack, William’s wine glass exploded right in his grip.

Drops of wine mixed with thin lines of blood trickled down to the floor, and Helena nearly jumped out of her seat in shock.

Helena froze for a moment, panicked, and grabbed some tissues to clean his hand, but William coldly dodged her help.

“I’m going to the restroom,” he said, his tone like ice.

His face was stone-cold, and as his tall figure stalked off, his back radiated an icy, dangerous aura.

“What happened?” Oliver asked as he came back from the restroom.

Matthew shot a teasing glance at the dumbfounded Helena. “Looks like his girl really got under his skin.”

Helena felt torn between concern and annoyance. “What an airhead-can’t even tell I’m joking?”

Matthew raised his eyebrows. “Wait, so you were just messing around with him? I totally thought you actually wanted to marry Owen.”

“Yeah, right! I’ve told you, Owen’s just like a brother to me, Helena said.

“So why tease him? C’mon, you know he doesn’t give a damn about anyone or anything except you, right? Even some throwaway comment from you-he’ll brood over it for days, Matthew joked.

Matthew was definitely exaggerating, but Helena just laughed, shaking her head. “I’ll go see how he’s doing.”

“Yeah, go on,” Matthew urged.

As Helena stood up to leave, Oliver adjusted his glasses, a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes.

“You go ahead and enjoy your drink, Mr. Sinclair. I’ll check what’s keeping Lina,” Oliver said.

“Alright,” Matthew replied.

At the sink outside the restroom, William stood there washing the wound on his hand, his face icy and emotionless.

A long, narrow gash from the shattered glass ran across his palm; the cold water made it throb with sharp pain.

But not a flicker of pain showed on his face-not even a crease in his brow.

Behind him, the soft sound of footsteps echoed quietly. Then, just as that familiar feminine scent surrounded him, Helena pulled his hand toward her.

Helena checked his hand carefully, her brows furrowing with worry. “Come on, let me take care of that for you.” But William refused to move-instead, he pulled his hand away from her. “It’s just a scratch. No need to bother you.” ‘Pfft, seriously? Now he’s just acting all proud and sulky.’ Helena thought, fighting the urge to laugh.

Looking at his tense, handsome face, Helena purposely teased, “Really-you’re good? Fine, I’ll just go then.”

She turned to leave, but before she could take a step. William yanked her back into his arms. “You just toss out a line and walk away? Can’t you at least sweet-talk me a bit? Helena, honestly-do you even care about me?”

William was furious, but there was a sulky, almost wounded edge to it that made Helena chuckle despite herself.

Helena tapped his solid chest, making fun of him. “Yeah, I’m totally heartless. So what’s your excuse for still chasing after

me?”

William met her mischievous glare and let out a dry laugh. “Guess I’m just hopelessly hung up on you, huh?”

Helena mock-scolded him, pinching his cheek. “You’re such a brat-can’t you tell I was teasing you? I’ve said a million times, Owen’s just a brother to me. Didn’t you say yourself-if I married him, it’d be totally weird?”

Her dark eyes shimmered under the night, looking even brighter and more liquid.

William’s frustration started to fade away. He pulled her a little closer, his voice low and rough. “So you really were just trying to get a rise out of me?

“Wanted to see me jealous, huh? Seriously, Lena, when did you get so mischievous?”

Helena tipped her head to the side, grinning. “Yep, I’m totally wicked and utterly heartless. Still want me?”

“You tell me,” William murmured, his voice thick with teasing heat. His long fingers gently cupped her chin, and he leaned down, kissing her deeply.

His long fingers gently cupped her chin, and he leaned down, kissing her deeply.

William made it clear how he felt-actions spoke louder than words.

His warm lips brushed softly against hers, lingering with tenderness, wrapping her up in his embrace.

Helena kissed him back with gentle sweetness, her heart turning to absolute mush.

As the thought of William’s injured hand flashed through her mind, Helena instinctively tried to pull back, about to say something.

But William pulled her even closer, keeping her captive in his embrace and refusing to let her go.

Their kiss grew deeper, hungry and possessive, lips and teeth tangled as he hungrily claimed every bit of her sweetness.

They didn’t stop until two female employees abruptly burst into their secluded nook by the restroom, breaking the spell.

“Oops, sorry, sorry!” one of them stammered in embarrassment.

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“Oops-didn’t mean to see anything! Promise, we’re not here to interrupt-just imagine we’re invisible! Go on, act like we’re not even here!” they teased, trying way too hard to play it cool.

Both of them covered their eyes and strutted past, acting all innocent.

But of course, their fingers were spread wide, peeking through the gaps the whole time.

Helena was so mortified she wished the floor would just open up and swallow her whole.

She punched William’s chest with her tiny fist, her face flaming. “This is all your fault.”

William caught her hand and let out a low, rumbling laugh. “We’re all grownups, Lena. If you’re chill, then the awkwardness is on them-not us.”

Helena was left speechless.

She picked up William’s hand to check his wound. When she saw the blood still trickling from his wound, Helena’s smile slipped away.

“William, seriously-can you quit doing dumb stuff? You know your body’s all you’ve got. Don’t mess it up over nonsense,” Helena scolded, her voice sharp.

Helena looked dead serious, but William just curled his lips into a playful smirk.

“Alright, alright, everything of mine’s yours. I get hurt, you feel it too, don’t you?” William joked, his eyes warm.

Helena snorted. “Geez, what did you eat tonight? You’re laying it on so thick-so smooth, it’s almost greasy.”

William smirked, “Hey, you’re the one piling on all that cheesy talk-don’t pretend you don’t know how ‘greasy’ I’ve gotten!”

Helena shot back, “Oh, so it’s all my fault now, huh?”

William put his hands up in mock surrender, “Wouldn’t dare.”

Helena laughed, “Come on, let’s go,” grabbing his hand.

She laced her fingers with his, already planning to hunt down some first aid supplies to clean up his wound.

When they got back to the bonfire, they saw that only Matthew and a couple of veteran actors were still hanging around, having a drink.

Helena asked, “Owen and Lina still not back yet?”

“Yeah, those three have been gone for ages. Who knows what they’re scheming over there?” Matthew joked.

Helena chuckled, grabbed William’s hand, and headed off.

“Hey, where are you two sneaking off to?” Matthew called after them.

“Let’s go see what they’re plotting over there,” Helena quipped, playing along with Matthew’s joke.

“Well, I’m full and I’ve had enough to drink. May as well go catch some juicy gossip, too,” Matthew grinned as he stood up.

Matthew got to his feet and followed after them.

Helena shot him a warm smile. “Thanks for everything today, Matt.”

If he hadn’t lightened the mood and changed the subject for her, she’d probably still be stressing over that awkward moment right now.

Matthew got what she was hinting at and stretched out his words with a teasing grin. “That’s it? Just a lame ‘thank you’ and I’m supposed to be content?”

“Oh, come on-how do you want me to thank you, then?” Helena fired back, laughing.

Matthew raised his eyebrow, playing along. “Well, for starters, when you two finally tie the knot, I want a prime seat at the main table. And besides that, you’d better get creative with your gratitude.”

Helena batted her eyes and teased, “You got it, Matt. You know, you’re not getting any younger-maybe I should start scouting for the perfect socialite or heiress to pair you up with?”

Matthew’s playful smile turned into mock horror. “Whoa, hold on! That’s your way of repaying me? Sounds more like payback than a thank you!”

Helena burst out laughing.

William shot Matthew a withering look and said coolly, “Don’t pin this on her. You seriously think finding you the right woman doesn’t take any effort?”

Matthew was left speechless.

The three of them kept bantering as they headed for the grassy lot where the cars were parked.

Owen had driven a luxury RV today. The door was wide open, and from inside came faint cries of alarm.

Helena paused in surprise for an instant, then hurried straight into the RV.

This chapter delicately explores the intricate dance of emotions between Helena and William, revealing the depth of their connection beneath the playful teasing and sharp banter. William’s sudden injury and his icy demeanor mask a vulnerability that Helena instinctively senses, prompting a tender moment that breaks through his stoic exterior. Their exchange, filled with both frustration and affection, highlights the unspoken bond that ties them together—a blend of desire, protectiveness, and a shared history that neither can easily forget.

Amidst the lighthearted teasing from friends and the warmth of their intimate embrace, the chapter captures the bittersweet tension of love that is both complicated and enduring. Helena and William’s interaction serves as a reminder that beneath the bravado and sarcasm lies a profound care for one another, a connection that withstands wounds both physical and emotional. As they move forward, hand in hand, there is a quiet promise of understanding and support, even as uncertainties linger in the background.

Next chapter promises to deepen the emotional currents swirling between Helena and William, as their playful teasing masks a complex blend of affection and unresolved tension. William’s injury and his icy demeanor hint at vulnerabilities beneath his usual stoicism, suggesting that his feelings for Helena might be reaching a critical point. Helena’s mixture of concern and exasperation reveals the delicate balance in their relationship, where love and frustration intertwine, leaving readers eager to see how they navigate these shifting dynamics.

Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding Owen and Lina’s prolonged absence introduces an undercurrent of suspense that could ripple through the group’s interactions. Helena’s decision to investigate the cries from the RV signals that hidden conflicts or secrets may soon surface, potentially testing loyalties and stirring unexpected emotions. As the characters move closer to confronting these unresolved issues, the next chapter promises a blend of heartfelt moments and subtle intrigue that will keep readers hooked.

Lucia Morh

Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.