From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 26

Julia's POV

Winning the scholarship had been a moment of pure triumph, but the knowledge that I would be having dinner with Matthew Collins afterward filled me with a strange mix of anxiety and anticipation.

The last time I'd encountered him at Edward's retirement ceremony, he'd been cold and dismissive. Then I'd glimpsed him when the scholarship results were posted, his expression unreadable.

I picked up the formal invitation from my desk, scanning it again. The ceremony would be held in the university's small auditorium, followed by dinner at Le Jardin, an upscale restaurant frequently patronized by the Spring Valley pack. My stomach tightened at the thought.

*"You could bring Daniel,"* Kaia suggested, sensing my unease. *"The invitation says you can bring a guest."*

I bit my lip, considering the idea. Part of me wanted to face this evening alone, to prove I could handle it. But another part—the honest part—knew having Daniel beside me would make everything easier.

"You're right," I said. It wasn't just about making things easier. Daniel had supported me through countless study sessions. This achievement was partly his, too.

I closed my eyes, focusing on our mindlink connection. *"Daniel? Are you busy?"*

His response came immediately, warm and familiar. *"Never too busy for you. What's up?"*

*"The scholarship ceremony is tonight, and... I was wondering if you'd come with me? There's dinner after with the committee members and..."* I hesitated. *"And I'd really like you there."*

*"I'd be honored,"* he replied without hesitation. *"What time should I pick you up?"*

Relief washed over me. *"The ceremony starts at seven. Maybe six-thirty?"*

*"I'll be there. And Julia? I'm really proud of you."*

His words made me smile. *"Thanks. Do you need to let the committee know you're coming? I don't want to cause any issues."*

*"Nah, as last year's recipient, I'm practically expected to show up to these things. It's fine."*

After ending our mindlink conversation, I felt lighter. Daniel's presence would make the evening bearable, maybe even enjoyable. I checked my watch—I had just over an hour to finish getting ready.

---

The university auditorium buzzed with conversation as Daniel and I found seats near the front. He looked handsome in a charcoal suit, his green eyes bright with pride as he squeezed my hand.

"That's Professor Andrews," Daniel whispered, nodding toward an older man in a tweed jacket. "Head of the scholarship committee. And there's Dean Morgan."

I followed his gaze, but my attention was caught by a tall figure standing in the corner. Matthew was speaking with James and Olivia, the Beta couple from Spring Valley. He wore a tailored navy suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, his dark hair neatly styled.

Though he appeared to be engaged in conversation, his eyes scanned the room regularly—a habit I'd noticed before, as though he were constantly assessing his surroundings.

As the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the ceremony, I forced myself to look away. Dean Morgan approached the podium, welcoming everyone and explaining the significance of the scholarship program. I half-listened, my mind racing ahead to the dinner that would follow.

"And now, I'm pleased to announce our nursing program scholarship recipient," the Dean said, pulling me back to the present. "Julia White!"

The sound of applause filled the auditorium as Daniel gave me an encouraging smile. I rose from my seat, my legs feeling surprisingly steady as I walked to the stage. As I climbed the steps, I caught Matthew's gaze. There was something different in his expression now—a focused attention that made my heart beat faster.

Taking the certificate and shaking the Dean's hand, I stepped to the microphone for the brief speech I'd prepared. My eyes found Daniel in the audience, his encouraging smile giving me strength.

"Thank you for this honor," I began. "I'd like to thank the committee for recognizing my work, my professors for challenging me," I paused, glancing at the notes I'd prepared. "and especially my boyfriend Daniel Wright, whose support and encouragement made this achievement possible."

As I spoke Daniel's name, I saw his eyes widen in surprise, then crinkle with pleasure. Something shifted in me at that moment—a new confidence born from publicly acknowledging what he meant to me.

Returning to my seat amid applause, I felt Matthew's eyes on me again. When I glanced in his direction, I caught a slight nod—a gesture of approval so different from our last encounter that it left me momentarily confused.

Le Jardin was even more elegant than I'd imagined, with soft lighting and linen-covered tables arranged around a central stone fireplace. Daniel and I were shown to a table where Matthew, James, and Olivia were already seated.

"Congratulations again, Julia," Olivia said warmly, her pregnancy now more visible than when I'd last seen her at Edward's retirement ceremony. "Your research topic fascinated us all."

"Thank you," I replied, settling into the chair Daniel had pulled out for me. I noticed the restaurant's atmosphere was more relaxed than Salvatore's, where Daniel and I had celebrated previously. Here, conversations flowed easily between tables, and laughter punctuated the soft background music.

Throughout the meal, Matthew continued to engage me in professional conversation, asking insightful questions about my research and nursing practices. His knowledge surprised me—he clearly had read my work thoroughly. The validation from someone of his position sent a thrill of professional pride through me.

As Daniel excused himself briefly from the table, Matthew leaned slightly closer. "I owe you an apology," he said quietly. "At Edward's retirement ceremony, I was... less than welcoming when you asked about the scholarship."

The unexpectedness of his apology left me momentarily speechless. "It's alright," I finally said. "We all have off days."

He nodded, something like relief passing over his features before he straightened, resuming his previous demeanor as Daniel returned.

The dinner progressed pleasantly, with Daniel engaging James in a discussion about public health initiatives.

"Daniel was great," Olivia said during a lull in conversation. "How long have you been together?"

"Not very long," I admitted. "But it's been... wonderful." I said the last word with a certainty that surprised me. After months of shame about being rejected by Nathan, I found I could speak about my relationship with Daniel without hesitation or embarrassment.

Daniel smiled, reaching for my hand under the table. "Julia's changed my perspective on a lot of things," he said, his thumb stroking my palm gently. "I'm lucky she said yes when I asked her out."

I watched Matthew's expression carefully as Daniel referred to our relationship. He gave a small nod, his eyes briefly meeting mine with what seemed like understanding, perhaps even approval.

"You two seem well-matched," Matthew commented, surprising me again. "It's good to see genuine connections."

As the dessert plates were cleared away, Olivia handed me her business card. "I'd love to continue our conversation about the community health center," she said warmly. "We're always looking for nurses with your perspective."

I thanked her, tucking the card carefully into my purse.

As Daniel and I left the restaurant, the cool night air felt refreshing after the warmth inside. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close.

"You were amazing tonight," he said, kissing my temple. "I think you impressed them all."

"I couldn't have done it without you there," I admitted. "Thank you for coming."

"I wouldn't have missed it for anything." His smile was tender in the soft glow of the streetlights.

As we reached Daniel's car, my phone vibrated with a text message. I checked it quickly, recognizing my father's number.

*Just a reminder that winter break starts next week. Your mother is planning a big Christmas dinner. Let us know when to expect you home.*