Bonds at War: The Untouched is Mine novel Chapter 406

Attachment 406 Summary

The chapter begins with Luna and Abel sharing their first dance as newlyweds at their wedding reception. Despite Abel’s earlier reluctance to dance, he confidently takes Luna’s hand and leads her to the center of the hall, surrounded by their friends and family. The moment is warm and intimate, filled with tender exchanges between the couple. Luna notices Jaxon standing apart from the crowd, which surprises her because Abel hadn’t invited him. Abel confirms he didn’t, but allows Jaxon to stay, joking about Jaxon possibly finding someone at the event. Jaxon briefly acknowledges Luna with a wave before quietly disappearing, leaving Luna feeling unexpectedly lighthearted about the farewell.

The mood shifts as the MC announces the bouquet toss, prompting a playful scene among the single guests. Marcel and Elias are both reluctantly pushed into position, showing a mix of resistance and hidden hope. Luna tosses the bouquet, which initially lands in Elias’s hands, surprising everyone, but then dramatically slips and ends up with Marcel. The room bursts into laughter, and Elias expresses his frustration, claiming he didn’t even want to participate. Luna and Abel share a lighthearted moment about the incident, acknowledging the universe’s sense of humor.

Later, the group gathers at a table where they enjoy dessert. Calla, a young child, playfully teases Elias about dying alone, which causes a mix of amusement and mild irritation among the adults. Despite the teasing, there’s an underlying tenderness in the interactions, especially between Luna and Elias. Luna senses that Elias might be struggling with loneliness, a concern that touches her deeply since she cares for him like a younger brother. When Luna asks Elias if Calla’s words are true, he admits they might be, though he tries to dismiss it lightly. The chapter ends with Elias looking contemplative, hinting at his inner conflict beneath the lively celebration.

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Chapter 406: Unlucky Toss

LUNA

The glow of the lights softened just a bit, casting a gentle ambiance over the reception hall. Someone turned down the volume of the music, shifting it to a slower, more intimate tune. A hush spread through the crowd as the MC’s voice rang out clearly.

“And now, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the newlyweds’ first dance!”

Almost immediately, Abel’s hand found mine, his grip firm and eager. He had insisted earlier that he didn’t want to dance, but Rowan and Cade had convinced him otherwise. Judging by how quickly and confidently he pulled me toward the center of the clearing, it was clear that hesitation had vanished.

He guided me beneath the soft glow of the overhead lights, right beside the sparkling edge of the lake. A wide circle of guests formed around us, their faces bright with smiles. Tony held Snow up like a proud uncle, and the little girl reached eagerly toward the twinkling lights, as if she wanted to catch one.

Abel’s hand settled gently on my waist, and I placed mine on his shoulder. We began to sway slowly.

“Wow,” I whispered, feeling the warmth of his body close to mine as he pulled me just a little tighter. “We’re really married now.”

His lips brushed softly against my temple. “You’re stuck with me forever.”

I smiled, my voice barely audible. “Good.”

As we turned slightly, I caught glimpses of our friends standing around the circle. Their faces shone with pride and happiness for us. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed someone standing apart, half-hidden behind one of the tall pillar lights.

Jaxon.

My body froze for a moment, heart skipping. He was dressed simply, hands tucked into his pockets, his posture relaxed but unmistakably there.

I blinked hard, wondering if I was imagining things.

No—he was really there.

“You invited him?” I whispered to Abel, raising my eyebrows in surprise.

“Hm?” Abel tilted his head, following my gaze. When he spotted Jaxon, he let out a sound that was somewhere between a sigh and a scoff. “That’s unexpected.”

“So you didn’t?”

“Absolutely not. I haven’t forgiven him.”

“I know,” I said softly. “But you’re letting him stay.”

Abel rolled his eyes with a subtle smirk. “I guess he might find someone here.” His hand tightened on my waist. “Maybe. If he’s lucky.”

I chuckled quietly. “I doubt it.”

“What?” he challenged. “You think Elias will find someone before him?”

“Probably not,” I teased back.

Suddenly, from behind us, a loud, dramatic sneeze broke the moment.

It was Elias.

I couldn’t help but laugh quietly to myself.

When I glanced back toward the side, Jaxon caught my eye once more. He lifted a hand in a small wave, a faint smile touching his lips.

I raised my hand slightly in return, waving back.

Almost immediately, Abel’s fingers slid up to gently turn my chin toward him with a firm but tender touch.

“That’s enough now,” he murmured.

I burst out laughing. “I got it, I got it,” I said, patting his chest lightly. “I only have eyes for you.”

Curiosity pulled me to glance again, but Jaxon was gone—as if he had only come for a brief moment, just to witness this night, to say goodbye properly this time.

Strangely, my heart felt lighter instead of heavy.

Goodbyes could be gentle, too.

Before I could dwell too long on the thought, the MC’s voice boomed through the speakers again.

“ALRIGHT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!”

“It’s time to toss the bouquet!”

The music faded into excited chatter as the announcement sparked a flurry of movement. Chairs scraped, laughter bubbled up, and the entire crowd gathered near the center of the floor. Everyone who was single was expected to be part of the bouquet toss.

Marcel was being pushed forward reluctantly by Tony, who was laughing way too hard at her expense. “Go on!” Tony urged, giving her a gentle shove.

On the other side, Elias was practically dragged into position by Rowan.

Tessa giggled softly. “Calla, sweetheart, you can’t just say people are going to die alone. Your uncle’s sensitive.”

“But he is,” Calla said simply, then turned back to her cake.

Rowan reached over and patted Calla’s head affectionately. “What my Calla says is always right.”

Elias dropped his spoon dramatically. “This is why I stopped visiting.”

Tessa rolled her eyes. “You visit every week.”

“That’s not the point,” Elias muttered.

I pulled out a chair and sat down, a small smile tugging at my lips as I watched them all.

Still, Calla’s words lingered in my mind. Maybe because I cared about Elias more than he admitted caring about himself. He was like a little brother to me, even though I was younger.

Leaning in a little closer, I spoke softly. “Elias, is that true? What she said?”

He looked at me, and the playful bitterness in his eyes softened just a touch. “Probably not.” He tried to shrug casually, though the movement was a bit stiff. “But what Calla says is unnervingly accurate.”

I swallowed, feeling the weight of her rare but honest insight.

“There’s only one way to find out,” Elias muttered, pushing his dessert aside and leaning back in his chair, his gaze drifting far beyond the lively reception hall.

Conclusion

The dance beneath the soft lights, with Abel’s steady presence and the subtle yet poignant appearance of Jaxon, encapsulated the delicate balance between past and present, forgiveness and letting go. Luna’s heart, once heavy with unresolved emotions, found a gentle easing as she embraced the warmth of her new beginning, even as echoes of the past lingered quietly at the edges. The tender moments shared between her and Abel, infused with quiet humor and unspoken promises, highlighted the strength of their bond and the comforting certainty of their future together.

The bouquet toss, with its unexpected twists and the playful interplay among friends, underscored the unpredictable nature of love and connection. Elias’s reluctant participation and the candid observations from Calla added a bittersweet layer of hope and vulnerability, reminding us that beneath the laughter and lightheartedness, there are deeper yearnings and truths waiting to be faced. As the evening unfolded, the characters moved forward, each carrying their own mix of hope, doubt, and the possibility of new beginnings, woven together by the shared warmth of friendship and the promise of love.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions and unspoken tensions that linger beneath the surface of this joyous occasion. Luna’s unexpected encounter with Jaxon hints at unresolved feelings and a past that refuses to stay buried, while Elias’s awkward bouquet moment and Calla’s blunt words open a window into his inner struggles. As the celebration continues, the characters’ facades may begin to crack, revealing vulnerabilities and desires they’ve kept hidden.

Expect a closer look at the relationships that bind this group together, as well as the conflicts that threaten to unravel their carefully constructed happiness. With Abel’s protective presence and Luna’s compassionate heart, the dynamics between old friends and new beginnings will be tested. The next chapter may not only explore the lighthearted moments of the reception but also the quiet, poignant conversations that have the power to change everything.