The morning sun filtered through gauzy curtains as Luna sat at her desk, her focus razor-sharp. Her final semester exam loomed, and the weight of it hung heavy on her shoulders. She scribbled notes furiously, reviewing formulas and theories one last time before glancing at the clock with a gasp.
Rushing through her morning routine, Luna barely acknowledged the breakfast spread Mother Mary had lovingly laid out on the table. The aroma of freshly made parathas and tea lingered in the air, but her nerves overruled her appetite.
"I'll eat after the exam," she called over her shoulder, already halfway out the door.
She made it to college just in time, slipping into her seat as the invigilator began distributing papers. The exam stretched on, each question drawing from weeks of preparation. By the time Luna stepped out of the hall, a wave of relief washed over her.
In the hallway, she spotted her friend Tiara bouncing toward her with an exuberant grin.
"Hey, how'd it go?" Luna asked, smiling despite her fatigue.
Tiara practically sang her response. "I'm so done with exams! Let's hit the canteen."
Luna laughed, nodding. "I need something sweet. For my nerves."
At the canteen, they claimed their usual corner. Luna picked at her food, her appetite still missing. Her spoon twirled absentmindedly in a bowl of soup.
"I'm telling you, Tiara, Xander is not a good person," she muttered, eyes darkening. "He's always frowning, always glaring like he owns the world. And he talks to me like I'm a clueless child."
Tiara raised an eyebrow. "And how do you plan to survive a lifetime with him if you hate him this much?"
"That's exactly what I want my parents to understand. And his parents. And Xander himself. They all treat this marriage like a signed deal, not a relationship."
Tiara tilted her head, playful curiosity in her gaze. "What if Xander… kind of likes you?"
Luna snorted, finally biting into a dumpling. "Don't make me laugh."
"But come on, Luna," Tiara teased. "Do you know how many girls would kill to be the BD Group's daughter-in-law?"
"I'm not like those girls," Luna snapped, but the fire in her tone softened at Tiara's chuckle.
Tiara leaned forward, eyes twinkling. "What if you gave him a chance? Tried to win him over? You might actually discover a heart behind that stone façade."
Luna was about to reply with another retort when Tiara changed the subject.
"By the way, your university application results come out tomorrow, right?"
Luna's eyes brightened. "Yes! I've been counting down the days."
"If you get in," Tiara grinned mischievously, "we have to throw a party. It'll double as your birthday bash."
Luna grinned. "Deal."
They stepped out of the building together, laughter still on their lips, when a sleek black car pulled up. Its glossy surface gleamed under the sun. The driver stepped out—a familiar face from Luna's unwanted new reality.
Xander's driver.
Tiara cast Luna a questioning glance, but the man approached with a polite smile.
"Miss Luna, Grandma would like to see you. Will you please come with me?"
Luna hesitated, her body stiffening with unease. Tiara nudged her gently, and Luna exhaled slowly. "Okay," she said quietly.
Turning to Tiara, she offered a weak smile. "I'll see you later."
The iron gate swung open as the car approached the estate. As they rolled through, Luna caught glimpses of sculpted hedges, a pristine stone path, and the soothing sound of a waterfall nestled in a corner of the garden.
The mansion loomed ahead like a monument—timeless, grand, and suffocating.
The driver opened her door with haste and deference. Luna stepped out, smoothing her skirt, willing herself to stay calm.
Inside, the mansion's cool interior greeted her with a polished chill. But the tension eased as she reached the backyard.
There, seated amidst blooming flowers and gentle breezes, was Grandma—Xander's grandmother—elegant in a silk shawl, a delicate porcelain teacup in hand.
As soon as their eyes met, Grandma's face brightened. "Luna, dear! It's so lovely to see you."
Luna smiled despite herself. "Grandma," she greeted, settling beside her.
A maid appeared with fresh tea, and soon the clink of cups blended with warm conversation. Luna's reservations faded as the older woman spoke, her words free of pressure, her affection sincere.
"You haven't visited me in a while," Grandma said softly. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too," Luna replied, and she meant it.
They spoke of flowers, college, books—anything but marriage. For a while, it was easy to forget the chains tying her to this family.
But peace is always fleeting.
As Luna turned a corner on her way out, she collided with a solid chest. Her heart jumped, her breath caught. She looked up—and met Xander's piercing gaze.
His expression was unreadable. His voice, however, held no such ambiguity.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, cold and sharp.
Luna stepped back, spine straightening. "I'm not answerable to you."
Xander moved to block her path. "You are. This is my house. Everything in it—"
"I'm not a thing," Luna cut in, eyes blazing. "I'm not in your house. I visited your grandmother."
His jaw tensed. "Don't push me, Luna. I warned you."
A bitter smile curled on her lips. "Oh, I'm terrified. Go ahead—grab my hand and drag me out if that makes you feel powerful."
Xander's eyes darkened, voice venomous. "I don't even want to keep you here."
"Perfect. Because I don't want to stay in a house where the man barks orders and expects the woman to fetch, roll over, and obey."
She walked past him, head held high. Behind her, Xander stood motionless, his fists clenched, fury pulsing just beneath the surface.
Only one thing stopped him from exploding—his grandfather's dying wish: Take care of Luna. Be responsible for her.
But even that promise was beginning to feel like a prison.