7. The last goodbye

Luna’s POV

“Sit down.”

My father's tone was serene, yet the gravity of his words felt overwhelming.

I hesitated and stepped back slowly, my body rigid with resistance, but as soon as my heel made contact with something firm, I realized I was cornered. A solid barrier of muscle, one of the bodyguards standing behind me. I breathed in quickly, my heart pounding against my chest.

I looked at my father, hoping for an explanation, for something that would clarify the situation. However, he lowered his head, his face clouded with embarrassment.

I tightened my hands into fists and moved ahead, every step feeling as though I was parading toward my own demise. I reclined on the sofa, my back straight, my breaths light.

After that, I sensed it.

The look.

Gradually, I turned my gaze and locked eyes with Dante.

He observed me with such intensity that it sent a cold shiver down my back. A deliberate, knowing grin spread across his face as if he had already triumphed in a game I wasn’t even aware I was involved in.

"You look even more stunning up close," he said smoothly, reclining in his chair. "Photos fail to capture your true beauty."

I didn’t respond. I didn’t even blink.

His smile deepened as if my silence amused him. “I must say, your father didn’t exaggerate when he spoke of you. You’re exquisite, Luna.”

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to hold my ground. “What do you want from me?”

Dante’s eyes gleamed with something unreadable. “We’ll get to that in time. For now, let’s just talk.”

“I have nothing to say to you.”

He chuckled, the sound rich and dark. “That’s alright. I can talk enough for the both of us.”

My father shifted uncomfortably beside him, but he said nothing. He wouldn’t. He couldn’t.

Dante continued, undeterred. “I find it fascinating how someone like you ended up here. Tell me, Luna, do you believe in fate?”

I bit the inside of my cheek, my silence my only answer.

He turned his head a bit. “I do.” His fingers drummed on the armrest of his seat. “And it appears that fate has united us.”

I averted my gaze, fixing my eyes on the wall, the door, anywhere except on him.

Dante breathed out as if he possessed endless patience. He then faced my father. “I will bring her along with me today.”

My heart stopped.

My father stiffened, his eyes wide. “Today?”

“Yes. There’s no reason to wait.”

A lump formed in my throat. No. No, this couldn’t be happening.

Before either of us could protest, a sharp ringtone cut through the tense air. Dante sighed, pulling his phone from his pocket.

“Excuse me,” he muttered, standing and turning away as he answered.

His voice was low, but his expression turned sharp. Everything being discussed on the other side had his complete focus.

I took a deep breath, hoping for a miracle.

Time ticked by before he ultimately concluded the call. He put his phone away, adjusted his suit, and faced my father again.

“It appears I must postpone our departure,” he stated, his tone steady yet resolute. “I'll return tomorrow. Make sure she is prepared.”

My father let out a slow breath, nodding. “Of course.”

I clenched my jaw, my hands balling into fists in my lap.

Dante moved closer to me, his gaze fixed on my eyes. “Say your goodbyes, Luna. Tonight is the last night you’ll spend here.”

I forced myself to glare at him, even as fear knotted my stomach.

He smirked. Then, with a nod to his men, he turned and walked out the door, his bodyguards following.

The moment the door closed behind them, the silence in the room was deafening.

I stared at the floor, my chest rising and falling in shallow breaths.

“Luna…” My dad’s tone was soft.

However, I was unable to reply.

Tears clouded my sight, rolling down my face. My body shook, my heart a chaotic mix of fear and vulnerability.

I sensed my father get nearer. He paused, then embraced me with his arm, drawing me close to his chest.

“I'm very sorry,” he murmured.

I didn’t shove him aside.

I just cried.

That evening, my room was filled with the quiet rustling of clothes and memories.

I carefully folded each piece with cold fingers, packing them into the suitcase next to my bed. My actions felt robotic, and my mind was disconnected from the reality of my actions.

Packing. Preparing.

Leaving.

I reclined on my bed, gazing at the ceiling, my chest empty.

Next, there was a knock.

Gentle yet sturdy.

I rose slowly, my heart fluttering in my chest.

I made my way to the door, each step feeling more heavy than the one before.

As I opened it, I became paralyzed.

Adrian.

His brown eyes held a mixture of raw emotion and a sense of desperation.

Before I had a chance to respond, he embraced me, pressing me closely to him.

And suddenly, the tears started to flow once more.

I clutched the material of his shirt, pressing my face into his shoulder while tears shook my body.

He supported me during it, his hands gliding gently along my back.

He held me through it, his hands running soothingly over my back. “Shh… it’s okay,” he murmured. “I’m here.”

I wanted to believe that. But I knew better.

After a moment, he pulled back just enough to see my face. “Tell me everything.”

We sat on the bed, my hand still clutching his.

I told him everything.

About Dante. About my father. About how, tomorrow, I was leaving.

His expression darkened with every word. His jaw clenched, his grip around my hands tightening. “No,” he replied, shaking his head in disapproval. "This isn't correct. You aren't meant to be with him."

I sniffed, clearing my tears away. "I have no option.”

“Yes, you do.” His voice was fierce, determined. “I’ll find you, Luna. I swear it.”

My breath hitched. “Adrian…”

“I mean it.” His hands cupped my face, his eyes burning with conviction. “I’ll leave this town if I have to. I’ll search for you. I won’t stop until I find you.”

A fresh wave of tears welled in my eyes.

I placed my hands over him, nodding slowly.

“I'll be waiting for you,” I murmured.

He breathed out forcefully as if the words struck him more intensely than he anticipated. After a brief pause, he leaned forward.

Our lips met.

Soft. Warm.

A promise.

A goodbye.

As he drew back, his forehead was pressed against mine. "I love you, Luna," he softly said.

Tears quietly flowed down my face. "I love you as well."

With a final lingering caress, he rose to his feet.

I observed him as he approached the door, my heart pained with each step he moved away from me.

He stopped at the doorway, glancing back.

"I will find you," he repeated.

After that, he had vanished.

And for the very first time in my life…

I was not certain if I would ever encounter him again.