The soft hum of the car's engine filled the quiet between Luna and Astoria as they sat together in the backseat. Astoria had always been a source of comfort to Luna, someone who saw through the problems of her life and treated her with genuine affection. As they were heading back to Glenstone's estate, Astoria glanced at Luna, her wise eyes filled with concern.
"Luna, My Child," Astoria began, her voice soft but probing, "why do you bear all of this? Can't you see how your family feels about you? They don't treat you with the love and respect you deserve."
Luna sighed, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. She didn't respond immediately, but Astoria pressed on, as she sounded frustrated and worried.
"Do you not feel it, child? You are disliked by them. If it weren't for your grandmother, they would have abandoned you the moment you were born. You must know that." Astoria paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. "Your father... he was already having affair with that vicious woman, Vivienne, when you were born. And when your mother found out, she was so shocked, that of it caused her to give birth to you early. and thus you were premature baby and just after your birth your mother left", Astoria frowned when she talked about luna's mother but she composed herself and spoke again, "your grandma indeed loved you but not these people."
Luna felt her throat tighten at the mention of her mother. She knew the stories, had pieced them together over the years. Her father's affair with Vivienne, her mother's heartbreak it was all a cruel backdrop to her existence. But Luna never liked confronting it directly. She always felt useless as she thought out all of the people her mother anf father betrayed her the most.
Instead of addressing Astoria's painful truths, Luna deflected. She turned her head slightly, her voice steady though tinged with sadness. "Grandma Ria, How did you even know I was at Ross house, being punished today?" she asked, her eyes now meeting Astoria's.
Astoria's expression softened, her lips curling into a sad smile. "Luna, you've always had a habit. You only call me when you're truly lonely, when things are unbearable. But this time, when you called me and the phone did not rang for long. I called you back, and when you didn't pick up, I knew something was wrong."
Luna blinked, her mind racing. She had left her phone in her car before the whole ordeal with Vivienne. She had been so wrapped up in the chaos that she hadn't even noticed. "I left my phone in the car," she murmured, more to herself than to Astoria.
Astoria reached over and patted her hand gently. "I know, my dear. But don't let them break you like this. You're stronger than you think."
They rode the rest of the way in silence, the warm glow of the car's interior lights casting soft shadows on their faces. Luna leaned her head back against the seat, feeling both comforted and conflicted. Astoria's words echoed in her mind, but she couldn't quite shake the years of conditioning the need to endure, to stay silent.
When they arrived at Glenstone's old house, a place that had always felt like a safe haven to Luna, the atmosphere changed. The heavy air of the Ross estate was replaced by something lighter, more familiar. The house, with its grand yet homely charm, seemed to embrace Luna the moment she walked through the door.
Later that night, as Luna sat on the edge of the bed, Astoria stood behind her, gently combing through her long, dark hair. The rhythmic strokes of the brush were calming, and for a brief moment, Luna allowed herself to relax.
Astoria, was very attentive, a grandmother figure to luna, broke the silence with a light-hearted question. "So, Luna," she began, her tone teasing, "how is that handsome fiancé of yours? I hear Kiad is quite the catch desired by many women, I'm told."
Luna smiled for a moment, but it quickly faded as she remembered her earlier conversation with Kiad, his coldness, and his harsh words. The drama of the fake engagement, the distance between them it was all too much.
"I'm not that interested in Kiad," Luna admitted quietly.
Astoria paused, surprised by Luna's words. "Really? I thought you two would be a match, given how much your father seems to want the union."
Luna shook her head, her voice steady. "No, Grandma. Kiad... he's not what I want. Not in a husband, at least."
Astoria raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Then what kind of man do you want, my dear?"
Luna closed her eyes for a moment, thinking. "I just want someone who cares about me. Someone who sees me for who I am, not as some business deal or an accessory. I don't care if he's a billionaire or just an ordinary man. I just want someone who's mine."
Astoria hummed thoughtfully, continuing to brush Luna's hair. "A man who will love you for who you are," she mused. "It's not too much to ask, Luna. In fact, it's exactly what you deserve."
Luna smiled faintly, though there was a sadness behind it. She wasn't sure she believed it. Her life had always been about fulfilling other people's expectations, about playing the part that was written for her. Could she really ask for something different? Could she find a love that wasn't dictated by contracts and power plays?
Astoria seemed to sense Luna's hesitation. She set the brush down and placed her hands gently on Luna's shoulders. "You will find that love, Luna," she said softly. "If not with Kiad, then with someone else. Someone who will cherish you."
Luna didn't reply, but the thought warmed her, if only a little. She was grateful for Astoria's unwavering support. In a world where she often felt alone, Astoria had always been her rock.
They sat together in the soft glow of the bedroom lamp, the silence between them comfortable. For the first time that day, Luna felt a sense of peace. Astoria's presence had always been like that calming, reassuring.
As they prepared to sleep, Astoria gave Luna one last piece of advice, her voice gentle but firm. "Don't let them control your life, Luna. You have the strength to choose your own path, no matter what your father or Vivienne says. You deserve to be happy."
Luna nodded, though deep down, she knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. But for tonight, at least, she allowed herself to rest in the knowledge that someone believed in her. That someone saw her not as the Ross heir or the pawn in her father's plans, but as Luna a woman deserving of love and happiness.
As she drifted off to sleep, she held on to Astoria's words. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to live the life she truly wanted.
The Next Day........................
The morning sun filtered through the soft curtains of Glenstone's old house as Luna prepared for her day. Today, she had decided to spend time with Astoria, knowing that her grandmother's best friend was aging and often felt lonely. Astoria lived far from her own children, who, despite the Glenstone family's wealth, rarely made time for her. Luna, unlike the rest of her family, cherished Astoria not for her riches but for her wisdom, her kindness, and the bond they shared one forged by love and not by blood.
Luna helped Astoria into her chair at their favorite café, one they had visited on countless occasions for these precious moments together. The elderly woman, with her warm smile and twinkling eyes, was Luna's refuge from the storm that was her life at Ross Imperial. They chatted about everything Astoria loved flowers, candies, and the small joys of life. For a while, Luna let herself be wrapped in the peace of the moment, the warmth of Astoria's presence calming her troubled heart.
As they talked, Luna's phone buzzed with a message from Grace, reminding her about their meeting. Luna had assigned Grace a secret task, something that had been on her mind since she found that peculiar hairpin by the lake. Luna had always been fascinated by history, and this artifact felt like more than just a discarded trinket.
When Grace arrived at the restaurant, Astoria excused herself to use the washroom. As soon as Astoria left, Grace leaned in, handing over the hairpin Luna had asked her to research.
Luna took the pin carefully, her eyes studying its intricate design. "Did you find out which historical artifact this could be?" she asked in a low voice, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Grace shook her head, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "They said it might not be historical. It's strange... there's something about it, but no real records of its origin. It's likely just an old, forgotten piece of jewelry."
Before Luna could probe further, Astoria returned from the washroom, her presence pulling Luna back to the present. They wrapped up their meal, and though Luna wanted to stay longer, duty called. Grace had already mentioned work piling up at the office, and though Luna felt torn, Astoria encouraged her to go.
"You've spent enough time with me today, child. I'm old, yes, but I'm not made of glass," Astoria teased, waving her hand. "You have work to do, and you mustn't neglect it. I'll be fine. Your driver can take me home."
Luna smiled, though a part of her was reluctant. She hated leaving Astoria alone, especially knowing how much her own family neglected her. But Astoria was insistent. As the elderly woman stood up to leave, Luna handed her Grace's phone, just in case she needed to call. There was a hesitation in Grace's eyes as Luna took the phone, but Luna was impatient. She shoved the phone into Astoria's hand with a soft smile. "Just use this if you need me."
Astoria laughed softly, "I will, dear. Now go on, off to work with you."
As they stepped outside the café, Luna instructed Grace to join her in Astoria's car. They had plans to head back to the office together. With a final wave to Astoria, Luna climbed into the car, Grace settling beside her. The driver started the engine, and they were soon on the road, leaving behind the peaceful café for the looming shadow of the office.
The drive started off as uneventful, the usual hum of the city filtering through the windows as they sped along. Luna, lost in thought, kept turning the hairpin over in her hands, her mind whirling with possibilities of its origins. Grace sat quietly beside her, occasionally glancing at Luna but saying nothing.
Suddenly, Luna felt the car jerk violently. Her breath caught in her throat as the car skidded, veering sharply to the side. The driver's frantic voice cut through the panic. "The tire's blown!"
In an instant, everything seemed to slow down. Luna grabbed the door handle as the car lost control, the world outside spinning in a terrifying blur. The car rolled once, twice, each turn sending Luna's body crashing against the door and Grace's panicked scream filled the air. The metallic screech of the car echoed in Luna's ears as everything spiraled into chaos.
Then, silence.
Luna stirred from a deep slumber, her body aching and her head throbbing as if it had been caught in a vise. She blinked her eyes open, her vision hazy, and the dimly lit room she found herself in came into blurry focus. Her hands were tied, and as she tried to move, the ropes dug into her wrists. Panic began to surge through her.
A muffled voice drifted across the room. A man,tall, broad, and imposing was speaking on the phone in frustration.
"Why didn't you give me the right information?" he growled, his back still turned to Luna. The anger in his voice made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. His large figure blocked her view of anything else, but she could see his shadow looming, a menacing presence in the low light.
She strained to get a better look at her surroundings, her eyes darting around the room. That's when she noticed Grace her P.A lying unconscious on the floor. Unlike Luna, Grace wasn't tied up, which was strange given to the situation. Her heart pounded as fear took hold of her. Was Grace hurt? Why were they here?
Luna winced, biting back a cry of pain as she shifted slightly. The small sound seemed to catch the man's attention, and he chuckled a deep, chilling sound that made her blood run cold.
"My, my… look who's awake," he said, his voice dripping with dark amusement. He didn't even turn around at first, continuing his conversation on the phone. "Seems like we've got a little complication. The wrong target. But want her dead too."