Dimple recoiled as if struck, her eyes widening in disbelief. Her lips trembled, and for a heartbeat, she looked like she might collapse under the weight of his words.
Still, she held her ground, her voice trembling but fierce. "In love, everything is allowed—even sacrifice. Even being shameless if it means giving your all."
Xander's gaze hardened, but there was something unreadable behind his eyes. "I've never seen you like this."
Tears welled in Dimple's eyes as she whispered, "When have you ever really looked at me?"
Her voice cracked. A single tear escaped, sliding down her cheek, followed by another, and another—silent witnesses to the pain she had carried for so long.
Xander's patience snapped.
"Get out of my room!" he roared.
Dimple flinched, her face crumpling as she turned and fled, sobs breaking free as the door slammed shut behind her.
Left in silence, Xander stood frozen. His jaw clenched, eyes squeezed shut, as if trying to lock away the storm raging inside him.
As the day wore on, Luna remained locked in her room, unwilling to come down. Concerned, Mother Mary brought up a tray of Luna's favorite dishes.
"Have some, dear," she coaxed gently, setting the tray beside her daughter. "If you don't eat, it'll affect your health."
Luna looked up, her eyes swollen and red from crying. "Mom," she croaked, her voice raw.
Mother Mary sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "What is it, Luna?"
Luna's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Can't you talk to Father? You know how much I want to study."
Mary sighed, her expression soft with sympathy. "Your father said the Blackwood family will let you continue your education."
"That's not the point!" Luna snapped, her voice rising. "You know how controlling they are. I won't be able to make a single decision for myself—not even about my studies."
Mary faltered, unsure of how to respond. As Luna grabbed her bag, a fresh wave of panic crossed her mother's face.
"Where are you going?" Mary asked, grasping her daughter's arm.
"I need to talk to Xander," Luna said firmly, her eyes shining with determination.
Mary tightened her hold. "Wait, Luna. You can't just go and say no to him."
Just then, Albert appeared in the doorway, his face stern. "Still defying me?" he said sharply. He handed a credit card to Mary. "Go buy whatever she wants."
Luna scoffed in disgust, while Mary took the card with a conflicted expression.
"Eat your food," Mary murmured as she left the room, trailing behind Albert.
Left alone, Luna stared at the untouched tray, her frustration boiling over. She slumped onto the bed, tears spilling freely as her thoughts spiraled. After a long moment, she stood by the window and watched as her father's car drove off. Now was her chance.
She quickly pulled out her phone and dialed her friend. "Tiara, can you pick me up?"
Tiara didn't hesitate. "Where?"
When Tiara pulled up, Luna slid into the passenger seat, trying to remain composed.
Tiara raised an eyebrow but didn't press. As they drove, Luna finally spoke. "I'm getting married next month."
Tiara's eyes widened. "What? Luna—how is that even possible?"
Luna sighed and explained everything. Tira listened silently, nodding, a storm of emotions flickering across her face. When they pulled up outside the BD Group building, she gave Luna's hand a reassuring squeeze.
"I'm here. Whatever you need."
Luna smiled faintly, grateful, and stepped out of the car.
She looked up at the towering glass structure, took a steadying breath, and walked inside.
At the reception desk, a woman with bold red lipstick greeted her.
"I'm sorry, but you can't meet with the President without an appointment."
Luna offered a polite smile. "Then may I speak with Mr. Danny?"
"Do you have an appointment with Mr. Danny?" the receptionist asked, her tone professional.
"No."
The receptionist tilted her head slightly. "Have you contacted him to arrange a meeting?"
Luna's patience wore thin. She leaned forward, her voice cool. "Tell Mr. Danny that Xander Blackwood's fiancée is here to see him."
The woman blanched, her mouth parting in surprise.
"Is there a problem?" Luna asked, her voice even.
"N-no... Please give me your name."
"Luna."
The receptionist quickly dialed a number, her eyes never leaving Luna's face. Moments later, a tall, well-dressed man appeared from a nearby hallway.
"Luna, it's a pleasure to meet you," Danny greeted warmly.
She nodded, her expression unreadable.
"Please, follow me."
As they walked down the corridor, the receptionist sat frozen, still processing what had just happened.
The elevator doors slid open. Danny pressed the button for the 7th floor—the presidential suite. Luna had never been up there before, despite being engaged to Xander for three years.
Their engagement had always felt like a formality—no romance, no meaningful conversations. They had never gone on a date. Luna never claimed her title, and Xander never offered it. Their meetings were limited to stiff family dinners, always under watchful eyes. And when they did speak, their words clashed more than they connected.
Xander wasn't just indifferent to her. He seemed indifferent to all women. He had no public scandals, no flings, not even rumors that stuck. Even those who tried to fabricate stories with paparazzi failed to faze him.
But Luna's father had noticed the rising attention around Xander—articles declaring him the most eligible bachelor, whispers of rivals trying to lure him away. Driven by fear and pride, he pushed for the marriage, determined to secure the alliance.
The elevator dinged softly, pulling Luna from her thoughts.
Danny gestured. "This way."
She stepped into the luxurious presidential suite, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Light streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the gleaming surfaces.
Then came a familiar voice from within the office.
"Danny, send her in."