"But… I've been here for over 30 minutes now"
"Sadly, I didn't see you when I walked in a few minutes ago. I thought you were just a latecomer, are you a liar too?"
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me right young lady. And I don't have time for this." He stood up, adjusted his suit, and left the room.
"No. No. No. Please don't go, Sir, I need this deal more than you think and I'll do whatever you want me to do but please don't cut off the deal, I beg you" Luna's makeup was ruined by the tears that ran out of her eyes without her permission.
"Do you now admit you were late?"
"Yes… yes Sir, I was late and I'm sorry I told a lie." Luna apologized sincerely, not wanting to anger Jasper for the second time.
"Then it's settled, but next time, I won't take this from you. Have I made myself clear?"
Luna responded with a nod. "I didn't get you," Jasper said.
"Yes, I understand Mr. Jasper," Luna spoke calmly as wiped the tears from her face. "He just made me admit to a lie, what kind of man does that go to his bride in their wedding?" She pondered.
"Good." Jasper, satisfied at what he just did, turned and went back inside the room, Luna followed from behind.
They met the judge waiting patiently for them, and he offered them seats. It was a large ceremony, there were just three people in the room. The judge brought out the contract from an envelope and read out the terms of the contract. Luna took a glance at Jasper but he didn't look interested in staring back as he fixed his gaze on the judge.
After reading through, tension filled the room then he handed over the contract and marriage certificate to Luna. She took the pen and with a deep breath, she signed her name on both papers. Jasper did the same but her signature stood in sharp contrast to her future husband's audacious, self-assured writing. With both signatures crested on both papers, Jasper and Luna sealed their fate.
"Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mason, happy married life." the judge grinned.
This was the moment where there should have been applause or a hug at least, but none of those scenarios played. Luna wasn't sure if was happy or sad, but one thing was sure, she would now have access to her mother's hospital bill and that was enough reason.
"Let's go." Came the cold command from Jasper. Luna followed him without saying a word.
"How come he looks so loving on the outside but he seems to be cruel on the inside? Hope this act is just for today.
Probably he's having a rough day which made him act cruelly towards me, it's definitely a rough day," thoughts lingered in Luna's mind she needed to reassure herself no matter what.
"This is my assistant, Josh, he'll assist you in parking your things at the house today. I don't believe in married couples living apart"
"Today?" Luna asked in surprise.
"Of course. Do you have a problem with that?" Jasper asked and for the first time since they sat in the car, he stared at her. He hadn't noticed her striking beauty all this while.
Luna's face was a work of art, a beautiful fusion of gentle curves and sharp edges.
The gentle light appeared to shine on her glowing, perfect skin. He was drawn in by the depth of her captivating brown eyes. Her wide, red-painted lips curled flawlessly, and her eyes were framed by long, black lashes.
He couldn't help but feel amazement and wonder as he looked at her. But he kept his thoughts to himself.
"No, not at all I don't have a problem with that," Luna answered, an atom of uncertainty in her voice.
"Good," Jasper responded nonchalantly as he fixed his gaze on his phone.
"Josh, take me to the office, I've things to close out today. After that, take Luna to her house and when she's done packing her stuff, bring her to the mansion. Don't bother coming to the office, I should be home before you get back.
"Alright Sir, I'll do as you instructed," Josh replied.
The building of Jasper's office stood tall and beautiful and Maksoft technology company was boldly written at the top and its logo stood beside it. "I can only imagine how the inside will look like, it'll be stunning." Luna imagined.
Jasper alighted from the car and Josh went ahead to drop Luna off at her house so she could pack up her belongings.
Luna didn't have much so packing was very easy but in the process, the ringtone from her phone startled her, worst part, it was an unknown caller. She swiped and answered the call.
"Hello, is this Ms. Luna?" The caller asked
"Yes, am Luna. Who am I speaking with if I may ask?" She twitched trying to identify the voice.
"I'm calling from the hospital, your mother is awake and your attention is needed right away."
"Mum's awake? Wow, that's good news. I'll be there in 10 minutes. Thank you." She jumped up and down with excitement.
"Mum's finally awake, I have to rush to the hospital right away." She said smiling.
"But wait, where the hell will I tell Josh I'm going to? I can't tell him my mum is sick, no… no… I won't. Hmmm, I know exactly what to do." She smiled as she arranged her stuff.
After packing her stuff, she dragged her bag behind her, walked out of the house, and locked the door behind her. Josh who saw her from a distance, rushed towards her and helped her with her bags. He placed them neatly in the boot, closed it, and opened the door for her to go but he noticed she was hesitant in going in.
"Is there something wrong?" Josh asked looking confused.
"You what Josh just go ahead I'll come later.
You can send me the address, I'll find my way. I have something urgent to attend to right now." Luna said trying to remain calm.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, my boss hates it when people disobey his orders and believe me, you don't want to get on his bad side. I'll suggest you come with me, Ma'am." Josh advised sincerely.
"Don't worry Josh, I'll be fine and I think I can handle whatever comes up. I'm his wife Josh don't worry at all." Luna replied smiling, she stopped a taxi and zoomed off to the hospital. Josh shook his head, brought out his phone, and called Jasper.
Jasper who just came out of a meeting and was about to head home felt his phone ring in his pocket. He was surprised to see Josh as the caller ID. "Thought I asked him not to bother about me?" He mumbled.
"What is it Josh," Jasper asked impatiently.
"Ms. Luna isn't coming home with me, she rushed off to attend to an emergency Sir" Josh reported.
"What did I just hear you say?"