Few days before...
Luna Ross stood in front of the towering glass windows of her penthouse; the glittering city skyline could reflect the storm of emotions brewing inside her. Tonight, she is going to meet him, the man her family had carefully chosen for her, a billionaire whose name alone commanded respect in every boardroom. Despite her polished personality and polished life, her heart pounded with an uncertain feeling, and she couldn't quite shake it away.
For years, she had gone through the high-stakes world of luxury and power with ease, but this time it was different. This was personal. 'Would he be as cold and calculating? Would he be gentle to her? What if he is just Like my father?' She thought. As the clock ticked closer to their first meeting, Luna took a deep breath, ready to face the man who, whether she liked it or not, was about to become her future.
...
Luna Ross was an effortless elegance as she stepped out of the limousine; her presence demanded attention, no matter where she stands. She was dressed in a sleek, tailored pantsuit that hugged her slender figure, the deep navy fabric complementing her fair complexion and bringing out the subtle warmth in her brown eyes. The jacket was perfectly fitted, with sharp lapels and a single button fastening at the waist, while the trousers were flawlessly tailored, tapering just enough to highlight her long legs and ending in a slight flare that gracefully covered her stilettos.
Her hair, a rich chestnut brown, was styled in soft waves that cascaded over her shoulders, framing her face with a natural, understated glamour. She wore minimal jewelry just a pair of delicate diamond studs that caught the light and a simple, elegant watch on her wrist. Her makeup was polished yet subtle, with a hint of soft pink on her lips and a light touch of eyeliner on her expressive eyes. As she moved, the light scent of her perfume, a delicate blend of white jasmine and vanilla, lingered in the air, leaving a trail of sophistication and grace. Luna's entire look was a perfect balance of modern chic and elegance.
Luna Ross stepped out of the sleek, black limousine and gazed up at the towering 22-story skyscraper before her, its glass façade shimmering under the late afternoon sun. It was a monument to modern power; every inch of it exuded wealth and influence , The same she had been surrounded by it all her life.
But today, as she stood at the entrance, feeling unease, which settled in her stomach. She adjusted her tailored blazer, took a deep breath, and walked through the revolving doors into the grand lobby. The air inside was cool and crisp, scented faintly with the smell of polished marble and leather a familiar scent, but one that offered little comfort as she made her way to the elevators.
The secretary, a woman named Elaine, had been the one to arrange this meeting. "Welcome, Miss Ross. I am Elaine, Secretary of Sir CEO." Luna nodded and smiled at her. "I am here to bring you to Sir CEO," Luna did reply, and thus their conversation was brief. Elaine's voice was professional; when she spoke, it looked like she chose those words carefully, as if to keep Luna at a distance. But Luna had brushed it off; she was used to such interactions, especially in circles where alliances were formed through power rather than personal connection. Elaine took Luna through doors and towards the elevator, and Elaine took the elevator to the highest floor.
When the doors slid open, Luna stepped into a hallway that led to the top executive offices. The space was sleek and minimalist, all clean lines and muted tones, with large windows offering a breathtaking view of the city below. Her heels clicked softly on the polished floor as she walked toward the reception area, where a small crowd of employees had gathered. They were waiting in line, no doubt for their own meetings or approvals, and they turned to look as she approached, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and awe.
Luna was well aware of the whispers that followed her wherever she went. As the heiress to the Ross empire, she was used to being the center of attention, though it was not a position she relished. Unlike many in her world, she had never let her status turn her into someone cold or arrogant. Instead, she had cultivated a reputation for kindness and humility, traits that were as rare in her social circle as they were valued by those who knew her well.
As Luna sat in the plush leather chair, flipping through the pages of the magazine, she couldn't help but overhear the whispers from the group of employees waiting in line. The voices were low, but in the quiet of the reception area, they carried easily to her ears.
"Is that her?" One of the women murmured, her tone a mix of curiosity and awe. "Luna Ross? She looks even more stunning in person."
A man beside her leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "I heard she's here to meet Mr. Rylan. Can you imagine? She's practically royalty, and he's, well... him."
"Right? The Ross empire and the Rylan fortune—talk about a power couple," another voice chimed in, this one tinged with envy. "But I wonder if she's like all the other heiresses. You know, spoiled and out of touch."
Luna's fingers stilled on the magazine as she heard this. She had grown used to assumptions about her character, but it still stung to be judged by people who didn't know her, who only saw the surface—the designer clothes, the carefully curated life. Her eyes flicked up, catching a few of the employees quickly looking away, pretending to focus on anything but her.
But before she could retreat into her thoughts, she heard a softer, kinder voice—one of the younger women standing closer to her. "She doesn't seem like that, though. Look at how she's sitting here with us, not demanding special treatment or anything. That's pretty... humble, considering who she is."
The woman beside her nodded, glancing back at Luna with a mixture of respect and admiration. "Yeah, she's different. I mean, she smiled at us when she came in. Most people in her position wouldn't even acknowledge we exist."
Luna felt a warmth spread through her at these words, a quiet reassurance that maybe, just maybe, not everyone saw her as just another heiress. She looked up from her magazine, meeting the eyes of the younger woman who had spoken. For a brief moment, they exchanged a look of mutual understanding—an unspoken connection that crossed the invisible barriers of wealth and status.
Before Luna could say anything, Elaine, the secretary, approached with that hesitant smile, breaking the tension that had settled in the room. "Miss Ross, Mr. Rylan is ready to see you now," she said, her voice soft but clear.
"Thank you," Luna replied, her tone gracious, though she couldn't ignore the slight unease that had settled in her chest. Elaine's demeanor was a sharp contrast to the confidence she had exuded during their phone conversation, and it only added to Luna's growing sense of uncertainty. Still, standing up with a grace that came naturally to her, despite the whirlwind of emotions inside, she followed the secretary down the hallway, her footsteps quiet on the thick carpet. She turned to the group of employees, offering them a genuine smile before following Elaine down the hall. As she walked away, she could still feel the eyes of the employees on her, but this time, the whispers seemed different—less about judgment and more about curiosity, perhaps even admiration.
Still, the weight of those stares was something she could never fully ignore. She could feel the pressure of dozens of eyes on her, watching her every move, analyzing her as though she were on display.
But at the moment, Her mind was on something else...
Who was Kiad Rylan, really? She had heard his name whispered in the same circles she moved in—spoken of with respect, admiration, and sometimes fear. He was known for his sharp business acumen, his ability to turn failing companies into gold mines, and his ruthless approach to competition. But beyond the headlines and the business accolades, Luna knew very little about the man who was about to become her husband. Her family had arranged this match, seeing it as a perfect alliance between two powerful dynasties, but Luna had been given little say in the matter. She had only agreed because it was expected of her, because it was her duty to the Ross name. But as the moment of truth approached, she couldn't help but wonder if she had made the right choice.
They reached a large set of double doors at the end of the corridor, crafted from dark, rich wood and adorned with sleek, modern handles. Elaine opened one of the doors and stepped aside, allowing Luna to enter first. As she crossed the threshold, Luna couldn't help but be struck by the sheer grandeur of the office.
The room was expansive, dominated by floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city skyline. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes and framed photographs that gave the space a personal touch amidst the otherwise austere décor. A large, imposing desk made of polished mahogany sat near the center of the room, flanked by a pair of plush armchairs and a low, glass-topped coffee table. The color scheme was a mix of deep browns, blacks, and silvers, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance and power. It was the kind of office where deals worth billions were made and where only the most important visitors were received.
And there, behind the desk, sat Kiad Rylan.
Luna's breath caught in her throat as she took him in. She had expected someone imposing, perhaps even cold, given what she knew of his reputation, but the man before her was more than she had anticipated. Kiad was tall, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence that filled the room. His dark Black hair were perfectly styled, framing a face that was both handsome and strikingly intense. His sharp jawline, high cheekbones, and piercing blue eyes gave him an air of authority, but there was something else there, too—a hint of something softer, more human, that intrigued her. He was dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his powerful build, the fabric catching the light just enough to suggest luxury without ostentation.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Luna could feel the weight of his gaze as he assessed her, his expression inscrutable. She was used to being the one who set the tone in these kinds of meetings, but here, in this room, it was clear that Kiad was in control. And yet, despite the tension in the air, there was something about the way he looked at her that made her feel as though they were the only two people in the world.
"Miss Ross," Kiad finally said, his voice deep and smooth, with just a hint of something that sent a shiver down her spine. "I've been expecting you."