Chapter Six: Cracks in the Calm
It was a very busy day in the city of Melbourne. The streets were alive with movement — people heading to work, students rushing to school, and cars filling the roads.
But inside the Carter mansion, the atmosphere was quiet, calm… and heavy.
Everyone was worried because Richard Jr. was traveling to the university for the first time. Margaret tried her best to hide her fear as she encouraged him.
"Study well," she said gently. "You're going to take over the company one day. I know you'll be a great CEO. You'll bring billion-dollar contracts and make us proud."
After a while, Richard Sr. joined them.
"You are the first," he said firmly. "You will lead your brothers one day. Learn everything you can."
Richard Jr. nodded confidently. "I'll study hard. I won't disappoint you."
His brothers gathered around him.
"When you get there, update us!" one of them said.
"Tell us about the campus, your hostel, the food, everything!"
"We'll visit you often!"
After emotional goodbyes, Richard Jr. finally left.
At the Thompson Mansion, there was another big announcement.
Andrew had earned a scholarship to the same university as Richard Jr. Even though his parents were wealthy, he got in through his outstanding football performance.
He was supposed to travel the same day as Richard Carter Jr., but he postponed his trip until the next day. He wanted to see his girlfriend, Moon, before leaving.
Rachel was happy for her brother… but also heartbroken.
"I'll miss you, annoying monkey," she teased.
"I'll miss you too, my little rabbit," Andrew replied, laughing.
Their parents walked in.
"My son, be good," his father said. "Be kind to people. Always show love. It matters."
Andrew nodded.
His mother pulled him into a hug. "It feels like just yesterday I brought you into this world. Now you're leaving to become your own man. I'm already a proud mother."
Andrew smiled. "I might travel this evening or tomorrow. There's something I need to take care of first."
"Alright," his father said.
At school, Moon and Jacob had already arrived.
Moon's mind was racing. She kept thinking about the presentation.
What if it fails?
What if she embarrasses herself?
She had always been praised in school. But she knew something about people — the same mouths that celebrate you will criticize you the moment you fall.
She paused in the hallway and took a deep breath.
I'm not the old Moon Carter anymore, she reminded herself.
I'm Moon Jones now. I have a family that supports me no matter what.
A small smile appeared on her face as she walked into the classroom.
Her group members were already waiting.
"How's the presentation going?" they asked.
She confidently explained how they would present their project. They were impressed.
"We're lucky to be in your group," one of them said. "You did most of the work yourself!"
Moon smiled. "It's all thanks to my dad, Mr. Jones. He got me a MacBook. It made everything easier. I didn't want to stress anyone."
Soon, the teacher called each group to present.
One by one, they went forward — including Jenna and Joseph's group.
Finally, it was Moon's turn.
As the group leader, she introduced their topic smoothly. The second member explained the details. Their coordination was flawless.
When they finished, the classroom burst into applause.
"Top notch performance," the teacher said proudly.
But not everyone was happy.
Jenna and Joseph exchanged irritated looks.
"We spent so much time on ours," Jenna muttered. "And she stole the spotlight again."
They began questioning the teacher's judgment.
Then Jenna leaned toward some girls and started whispering…
Jenna was furious.
Even though she knew her group had done well, but not compared to what Moon and her colleagues delivered. Still, all she wanted was to start a fight between the girls and Moon. Since she had already been given a final warning not to fight with Moon or anyone else in school, she decided to let others do her dirty work.
She whispered to some girls, trying to stir trouble.
But the girls refused.
Instead, they boldly told the teacher that although their presentation was good, Moon's group truly deserved the higher grade.
The Head Teacher stood firm.
"I have already made my decision," he said. "Moon's presentation is better. And that decision is final."
Moon smiled softly as her group members cheered her on, praising her leadership. They had earned an A+.
For a moment, everything felt perfect.
After the presentation, Rachel came looking for Moon.
"Andrew wants to see you before he leaves for campus," she said.
Moon's face brightened. "Where is he?"
Rachel told her, and she quickly went to meet him.
"Hi, baby," Moon said shyly.
Andrew's face lit up immediately. He pulled her into a tight hug.
"I'm going to miss you so much," he whispered.
"Me too," Moon replied. "All those university girls will be all over you."
Andrew laughed softly. "Baby, don't think like that. I'm yours, my love. I promise to keep it that way. No one can take me from you."
He leaned closer. "Anyone who tries to talk to me, I'll tell them I have a girlfriend. Or should I print it on my clothes? 'I HAVE A GIRLFRIEND' so everyone can see?"
Moon burst out laughing. "No! That's too childish."
He held her hand and led her to the cafeteria, where they sat and talked for a while.
"I won't even look at other girls," Andrew promised. "I'll call and text you every single day. I'll be a good boy, my Moon."
They smiled at each other.
"When are you traveling?" she asked quietly.
"Tomorrow. Very early in the morning," he replied. "Will you come see me off?"
"Maybe… if I don't have morning classes. I'll try my best."
He hugged her tightly again. "I'll take you home when you're done," he whispered before gently kissing her.
As Moon walked away, Jenna approached Andrew.
"Why are you so interested in that low-class girl?" she snapped. "Even her family doesn't care about her. I've loved you since preschool, and you pretend not to see it. What's so special about her?"
Andrew's expression darkened.
"I don't care how you feel," he said firmly. "There will never be anything between us. Not even in your dreams. Wake up and stop thinking nonsense."
Jenna stood there, furious, as Andrew walked away toward the football court to wait for Moon and greet his coaches.
Later, Moon met Rachel again.
"Hey, Rachel."
"What's up, Moon?"
"I just finished talking to your brother. He promised me a lot of things… but I'm still scared."
"Scared? Of what?" Rachel asked gently.
"I'm scared I might lose him. You know how university is. So many girls will be around him."
Rachel smiled reassuringly.
"I know my brother. When he loves someone, he doesn't let go — no matter what. Andrew is really into you. He won't ruin this. Don't overthink it. He's a good guy."
Moon looked at her, comforted by her words.
For the first time that day, her heart felt a little lighter.
They all returned to class for their remaining lessons.
"Jacob is nowhere to be found," Moon said, looking around.
"I saw him earlier with David and some of his friends," Rachel replied.
"Hmmm… he told me about David, though I haven't approved of him yet," Moon said with a playful smirk.
"David is actually a nice guy… even if he's a bit of a weirdo," Rachel laughed. "You never know, Jacob might even change him."
Moon laughed. "Let's see how it goes. But I still don't want anyone hurting my brother. If he does, I'll destroy him."
Rachel shook her head, smiling. "They'll make a good couple. They both have different personalities — that's why they'll blend well. Just watch."
"Alright, alright… I've heard you, miss," Moon teased.
Just then Jacob walked in.
"There you are!" Moon called out. "How are you doing, brother?"
"I'm good. I was just hanging out with David," Jacob replied casually.
"You mean David, your crush?" Moon teased.
"Whatever," Jacob muttered.
"Oh, you're blushing!" Rachel added, laughing.
"You can laugh all you want. It's none of my business," he said, trying to act cool — but he smiled.
Moon took the chance to speak seriously. "David seems like a nice guy… but I've got my eyes on him."
Jacob nodded. "Thanks."
By evening, Andrew was already waiting outside for Moon, Rachel, and Jacob.
"Hey there. Hope you're all done?" Andrew asked.
"Yes, baby," Moon replied sweetly.
"Let's go then."
Andrew opened the front passenger door for Moon. "Seat next to me."
"Rachel, go sit with Jacob," Moon said.
Jacob and Rachel exchanged a look and whispered, "Love birds."
"I can hear you two!" Moon said.
They all burst into laughter.
"You guys should get yours too," Andrew said jokingly.
For a moment, the car was quiet. Then Andrew played music and rolled down the windows. They all sang along happily.
"Where are you taking us?" Jacob asked.
"It's a surprise," Andrew smiled. "I want to make tonight memorable… I'm traveling tomorrow."
"We'll miss you," Jacob said softly.
Andrew nodded. "We won't always be together forever… so we should start learning to treasure moments now."
They all agreed.
Andrew first took them to a PlayStation arcade.
"Wow, I've never been to a place like this before!" Moon said excitedly.
"You'll love it," Andrew assured her.
They played different games, laughing and competing.
After a while, Andrew said, "We've got one more place to go."
"Where?" Rachel asked.
"You'll see."
He drove them to a water park.
"We didn't even bring swimming clothes!" Jacob complained.
Andrew grinned and brought out swimming outfits. "I've got you all covered."
"You planned this?" Moon asked, impressed.
"Of course."
Moon moved closer to him. "You're such a darling," she whispered and kissed him lightly.
Andrew tried pulling her closer, holding her waist, but she ran off laughing.
"Your plan won't work!" she teased.
They changed and went swimming. It was joyful, free, and unforgettable — just like Andrew had promised.
Later, they went out for dinner at a beautiful restaurant, ending the night perfectly.
Meanwhile…
At the Carter's Mansion.
Grandpapa finally came to visit after a long time.
"Good evening, Dad," Margaret and Richard greeted.
"Good evening," he replied sternly.
"Has Richard Jr. traveled back to university?"
"Yes," Margaret answered.
"And the others?"
"In their rooms."
Grandpapa looked at them with deep disappointment.
"I am ashamed of you both. How could you do that to your own daughter? The only granddaughter of this family."
"That girl is nothing but bad luck. Even before she was born—" Margaret began.
"How dare you?" Grandpapa interrupted. "How can you blame your mistakes and misfortune on an innocent child?"
Richard scoffed. "I made a mistake not giving her up for adoption."
Before he could finish, Grandpapa slapped him.
"You are a disgrace for saying that about your own daughter! If anything happens to Moon, I will never forgive you."
Suddenly, Grandpapa held his chest.
His breathing became heavy.
"Dad…?"
He collapsed to the floor.
"Dad! Dad!" Margaret screamed.
"Call an ambulance!" Richard shouted in panic.
As the ambulance arrived, they rushed Grandpapa inside immediately.
The Carter family was in panic. Catherine quickly called Moon.
Moon picked up her phone.
"Moon… Grandpapa has been taken to the hospital," Catherine said urgently.
Moon's face changed instantly.
"What happened?" Andrew asked, noticing her expression.
"Grandpapa… he's in the hospital. Catherine just called."
"I'll drive you there," Andrew said immediately.
Rachel and Jacob insisted on coming along.
They left the night unfinished as Andrew drove them straight to the hospital.
When they arrived, Moon rushed to the receptionist.
"Please, which ward was Mr. Carter taken to?"
The nurse directed her.
Moon ran down the hallway with her friends following behind.
She pushed the door open.
Grandpapa was out of danger but still unconscious.
Before she could move closer—
"What are you doing here?" Margaret snapped.
"Haven't you caused us enough trouble?"
Moon froze.
"You brought bad luck even before you were born!" Margaret continued, blaming her as if she were responsible.
Andrew held Moon's hand gently, but Moon tried to move closer to her grandfather's bed.
Suddenly—
Slap!
Margaret hit her.
Richard stood there silently.
Before Moon could react—
Another slap.
Joseph Jr. stepped forward.
"You deserve everything," he said coldly, pushing her out of the room.
The door was locked.
Moon fell to the floor, tears streaming down her face.
Jacob immediately held her.
Rachel and Andrew comforted her.
It was already very late.
Andrew sighed. "I have to leave early tomorrow. Let's go home. You can come back in the morning."
Moon shook her head firmly. "No. I'm not leaving. I want to be here when he wakes up."
Andrew looked at her with concern but nodded.
"I'll see you before I leave."
Rachel left with Andrew.
Jacob stayed behind.
"Everything will be alright," Jacob whispered, hugging his sister.
They waited until the Carters finally left the hospital for the night.
As soon as they were gone, Moon rushed into the ward and sat close to Grandpapa's bed.
Jacob sat beside her.
They both stayed there all night… eventually falling asleep beside him.
During the early hours of the morning, Grandpapa slowly opened his eyes.
He saw Moon and Jacob sleeping close to him.
A soft smile appeared on his face.
He already knew… they must have treated her badly again.
The sun slowly began to rise.
Moon stirred and opened her eyes.
"Grandpapa…" she gasped when she saw him awake.
"My little sunshine," he said weakly.
"You scared me," Moon whispered, tears forming again. "I don't know what I would do without you. I came as soon as Catherine told me… they wouldn't let me see you, so I waited."
"I know my granddaughter," he replied gently. "I'm fine now. You don't need to be scared."
Moon rested her head carefully on his chest.
They talked quietly for a while.
Jacob was still asleep.
Grandpapa asked about school and her new environment.
"Everything is good," Moon said softly.
"I'm always proud of you," he told her. "Never forget that. You are my pride."
Just then, Richard and Margaret walked in.
"What are you doing here?" Margaret snapped. "I thought we sent you out last night. Do you want to finish what you started?"
Moon immediately stood up, ready to leave.
But Grandpapa's voice stopped her.
"Moon has every right to be here. Don't you dare speak to her like that."
The raised voices woke Jacob.
"Grandpapa! How are you feeling?" he asked.
"I'm good, son."
Margaret stepped forward, trying to drag Moon again.
"Don't," Grandpapa warned firmly. "Moon is not going anywhere."
Richard cleared his throat. "Father just woke up. Let's not cause a scene."
Margaret glared at Moon.
"I'm only allowing you to stay because of Grandpapa. Otherwise, I would have thrown you out. You are nothing but bad luck."
Jacob tightened his grip on Moon's hand.
He didn't say anything — but his eyes said everything.
He wasn't going to let anyone hurt his sister again.
The doctor walked into the room.
"Mr. Carter is stable," he announced. "He only needs proper rest. If everything remains fine overnight, he will be discharged tomorrow."
Everyone sighed in relief.
The doctor handed over some prescriptions. "These medications should be taken morning, afternoon, and night," he instructed carefully before leaving the room.
Grandpapa turned to Moon.
"It's already late for school today. Go home, refresh yourself, and then come back with Jacob to keep me company."
Moon nodded obediently. "Okay, Grandpapa."
She and Jacob stepped outside.
Jacob immediately called their driver to come pick them up.
While waiting, he looked at his sister seriously.
"I'm going to call Mom and Dad. They need to know what happened — and how the Carters treated you."
Moon quickly grabbed his arm.
"Please don't."
Jacob frowned. "Moon—"
"You know one phone call from Dad…" she lowered her voice, "…one call from Mr. Jones will ruin the Carter company. They'll go bankrupt in minutes."
Jacob stared at her in disbelief.
"And after everything they've done to you, you still don't want that?"
Moon looked down.
"I don't want to destroy them like that. Not now."
"Moon… what kind of human are you?" Jacob shook his head. "You still have compassion for people who wouldn't care if you disappeared."
She made him promise.
"Please. Don't tell Mom and Dad."
After a long silence, Jacob sighed. "Fine. I promise."
Moon's eyes darkened slightly.
"But one day," she said quietly, "when I'm old enough… I will take my revenge."
Jacob looked at her carefully.
"I will make them pay for all the pain they've caused me," she continued. "But I pray they change before that day comes."
Jacob shook his head slowly. "People like that don't change. Trust me."
Just then, the driver arrived.
They went home.
At home, Moon tried to rest, but her heart wasn't at peace.
Her mind kept racing.
Is Grandpapa okay? Is he feeling pain? What if something goes wrong?
Her phone suddenly rang.
She quickly picked it up.
"Hello?"
"My granddaughter," Grandpapa's warm voice said.
Moon smiled instantly.
"I know you've been worrying about me," he continued. "So I called to tell you that I'm fine. Stop overthinking."
She laughed softly. "I was thinking about you."
"I know. I'm still waiting for you and Jacob."
"We'll come back and stay with you," Moon promised.
"Alright then," he replied gently. "I'll be waiting, my child."
She ended the call with a small smile — but deep inside, something was slowly changing.
She was no longer just the innocent granddaughter.
She was becoming someone who remembers.
And one day…
She will act.
Moon decided to call Andrew.
"Hi, baby. Have you left already?"
"Yes, my love," Andrew replied gently. "I know you've been thinking about Grandpapa's health, so I didn't want to disturb you. I'm already at the university. I'm trying to get all my papers settled."
"Alright, baby."
"How's Grandpapa doing?" Andrew asked.
"He's better now. I'll be going back to the hospital to keep him company. I don't think I can survive without him…"
Andrew's voice softened. "Hey… nothing is going to happen to him. He'll be okay. Don't think like that."
Moon nodded quietly.
"I'll call you back later," Andrew continued. "I need to finish what I'm doing."
"Alright. Talk later."
Andrew blew her kisses before hanging up, and Moon smiled faintly.
Meanwhile, Jacob had already spoken with Rachel.
"We're going back to the hospital to stay with Grandpapa," he told her.
"I'm coming over. Wait for me," Rachel replied immediately.
A short while later, Rachel walked into the Jones Mansion and went straight to Moon's room.
"Hi, baby girl."
Moon smiled warmly. "Why didn't you go to school?"
"I was worried about you," Rachel admitted. "So I told my parents I'd stay with you today and follow you to the hospital."
Moon hugged her lightly. "You're such a darling."
They finished getting ready, and the driver took them back to the hospital.
Grandpapa's face brightened the moment he saw them.
He was even happier seeing that Moon had friends who truly cared for her — despite how badly her own family treated her.
They talked, laughed, and kept him entertained all evening. The hospital room felt less like a sick room and more like home.
Eventually, exhaustion took over, and they all fell asleep.
The next morning, Grandpapa woke them up early.
"Don't you children have school?" he asked playfully.
They groaned, tired but smiling.
The doctor walked in shortly after.
"You're officially discharged today," he told Grandpapa.
Grandpapa nodded proudly.
"I'll take them home myself," he said.
He called his driver, and they all went home together.
After making sure he was comfortable, the kids quickly prepared for school.
Even though they were tired, Moon felt lighter.
Her Grandpapa was safe.
And for now, that was enough.