Luna sat in her office, her eyes scanning the report her secretary had just handed her. The numbers and details were a blur as she tried to focus, but her mind kept drifting back to the morning's tense breakfast and the mounting pressure she felt to prove herself. Being the Ross heir wasn't just a title; it was a burden she had to bear with perfection, especially if she wanted to soften her father's stern attitude towards her.
Her secretary, a diligent woman named Grace, continued to walk her through the week's report, highlighting the key areas that needed Luna's attention. There were several projects in the pipeline, a few new contracts that needed reviewing, and a mountain of correspondence waiting for her approval. Luna nodded along, trying to absorb the information, but the weight of the responsibility was beginning to feel overwhelming.
As she was about to dive into the next set of documents, her phone rang, the sound cutting through the silence like a lifeline. Luna glanced at the caller ID and immediately felt a smile tug at the corners of her lips. It was her best friend, Mia, someone she had been eagerly waiting to hear from.
"Grace, could you give me a moment?" Luna asked, her tone polite but firm.
"Of course, Ms. Ross," Grace replied, gathering the papers and stepping out of the office, closing the door behind her.
Luna answered the call, her voice light and filled with genuine happiness. "Mia! Finally, I was wondering when you'd call."
"Well, I wanted to give the new fiancée some time to adjust," Mia teased, her voice bubbling with excitement. "But seriously, Luna, I'm so happy for you! Kiad Rylan? He's like the dream guy everyone fantasizes about. I need all the details, right now!"
Luna chuckled, feeling the tension of the day start to melt away just by talking to Mia. "There's not much to tell, honestly. It's all so… formal. But enough about that. How have you been? How's the fashion center?"
"The center's doing great! I've been swamped with orders, especially with the upcoming fashion week. But, you know, it's nothing I can't handle," Mia said with a hint of pride. "But let's not get sidetracked. We need to celebrate this new chapter in your life. How about we meet up today? I'm dying to catch up and do something fun. Maybe some shopping? Or just a nice lunch, my treat."
Luna hesitated for a moment, her eyes flicking back to the stack of work on her desk. But the thought of spending time with Mia, away from the pressures of the office and her family, was too tempting to resist. She hadn't had a real break in weeks, and Mia always knew how to lift her spirits.
"You know what? That sounds perfect," Luna said, her decision made. "I could use a break. How about I meet you in an hour?"
"Yes! Finally, we get to have some fun," Mia exclaimed, her excitement palpable through the phone. "I'll see you at our usual spot. Can't wait!"
Luna ended the call, feeling lighter than she had all day. She quickly organized her desk, making sure everything was in order before she left. There was still so much to do, but she knew she couldn't let work consume her completely. Taking care of herself and enjoying life was just as important, especially with everything that was happening.
Mia wasn't just a friend; she was someone Luna could be herself with, without the expectations that came with being a Ross. Mia had built her own successful career in fashion, and despite not coming from the same social status, she had a confidence and independence that Luna admired. Their friendship had always been a refuge for Luna, a place where she could escape the pressures of her family name.
As she headed out of the office, Luna felt a sense of excitement she hadn't felt in a long time. The thought of spending the afternoon with Mia, doing something as simple as shopping or grabbing lunch, was exactly what she needed.
Her black limousine was waiting for her outside, as always, and Luna gave the driver their destination as she settled into the back seat. As the car made its way through the city, she thought about how different her life was from Mia's. While Luna was born into wealth and status, Mia had built everything she had from the ground up. It was one of the many reasons Luna admired her so much.
When they finally met up, Mia was already waiting at their favorite café, looking effortlessly chic in a tailored dress from her latest collection. Luna couldn't help but smile as she saw her friend, who had managed to turn her passion for fashion into a thriving business. Mia's boutique had gained a reputation for its unique designs, and it was well-known that Luna was her most expensive model—showcasing Mia's work simply by wearing it, even though she never walked a runway.
"Luna!" Mia called out, waving her over with a wide grin. "I've already ordered us something to drink. You look amazing, as always!"
"So do you, Mia," Luna replied, pulling her friend into a hug. "I've missed you."
"Not as much as I've missed you. So, tell me everything. How are you holding up with all the engagement craziness?"
Luna sighed as they sat down, a mix of emotions crossing her face. "It's… a lot. Kiad seems perfect on paper, but there's something about him that feels… off. I can't explain it. He's polite, charming, says all the right things, but… I don't know."
Mia's eyes softened with understanding. "You're not just marrying a man, Luna. You're marrying into an entire life that your family has planned for you. It's okay to have doubts, to feel unsure. But just remember, you're more than just a Ross. You're Luna, my best friend, and you have every right to be happy."
Luna smiled gratefully at Mia's words. It was moments like these that reminded her why she valued their friendship so much. "Thank you, Mia. I needed to hear that."
"Anytime, love. Now, let's put all that aside for today and just enjoy ourselves. I have a few new designs I've been dying to show you, and I could use your opinion."
Luna's mood lifted as they spent the next few hours chatting, trying on clothes, and enjoying each other's company. For the first time in weeks, she felt like she could breathe, like she was just Luna, not the heiress or the fiancée, but simply a young woman spending time with her best friend.
As the day went on, the weight of her responsibilities seemed to fade, replaced by the warmth of friendship and the simple joys of life.