Novels by MAY LUNA

AIDEN Three months later… “Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you, Aiden!" I wish I could block my ears so I wouldn't have to hear them singing this birthday song. I think it's really cringe. I don't even know what to do, how to act while they sing. I just stand there, my eyes locked on my girl. She's the only one whose singing doesn't make me cringe. Olivia has a big smile on her face, like she is more excited than I am and I'm the one clocking a new age. She even organized this whole thing, insisting I should celebrate with friends. And somehow, she got me to agree. So, here we are, having a mini party at my place with Bryan, Sarah, and Ashley. I turn 21 today. I'm in a better place; I feel loved. That's a good reason to celebrate. Olivia walks over to me and hands me a knife. "You can cut the cake now," She says. I nod and smile at her. Just as I position the knife and about to cut the cake, a voice interrupts me. "Don't cut the cake like it's your opp," Bryan jokes

OLIVIA Why the hell am I freaking out? It's just a date—a date with my boyfriend. This isn't the first, second, or third time I am going out with him. So, why am I feeling flutters all over my stomach? What's wrong with me? It's funny, even though he told me we are just going to see a movie, I can't help the butterflies in my stomach. It's always been like this. Whenever I see him, a part of me feels like a little girl getting her favorite treat. Is it normal that I still feel this way about him, even though our relationship is more than a month old? I can't get enough of him. I don't think I ever will. I know what I need now—a damn grip on myself. I haven't even picked out what to wear yet. If Aiden shows up and I am not ready, he'll tease me about how I always make us late. I really don’t want that. I walk to my closet. It’s just a movie date, right? Something simple will do. I consider jeans but then think better of it. I want to wear something cute. A mini dress it is. I grab

OLIVIAI blink my eyes open, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains.The first thing I feel is the warmth beneath me, the gentle rise and fall of Aiden's chest. His breathing is the only sound I want to hear. I raise my head, letting my gaze linger on his face. He's still asleep, calm as ever. There's something about seeing him like this that makes my heart flutter. His messy hair falls across his forehead, and I reach up to brush it aside, my fingers lightly tracing his skin. He stirs a little but doesn't wake, only tightening his grip around me.A smile tugs at the corners of my lips. I think about us. What I love most is that, no matter what happens, we always find our way back to each other. We choose each other, again and again. If that is not love, I don’t know what is.I press a kiss to his chest, then shift just enough to reach his lips, kissing him there too. Is this what forever feels like? With him, wrapped in his arms, it certainly feels that way.Enough of

AIDENI slide into my car, the loud bass from the party music fading as the door closes behind me. I slam my fist on the steering wheel, regret boiling inside me. I’ve never regretted anything in my life, but this might be the first. I wish I’d never come to this party, let alone convinced her to join me.Where the hell is Olivia? Who did she follow? Why did I leave her alone like that? My mind spins, and the more I think about it, the more I blame myself. This is all my fault. If I hadn’t been so stupid, she wouldn’t have left.I don’t want to be here at this party anymore. But, I can’t just drive home, not knowing where my girlfriend is or who she is with. I pull out my phone—this is my only hope. If I can reach her and know she’s safe, at least half my worries will be eased.I dial her number. I heave a sigh of relief as the ringing echoes through the car. At least the call is going through this time, but she doesn’t answer.A line forms between my brows. Why isn’t she picking up?

AIDENI lean against the wall, watching Marcel pace back and forth in front of me. We're in a dimly lit room, the smell of smoke thick in the air. I take a long drag from my cigarette, feeling the familiar burn in my lungs. "When did you get back from Italy?" I ask."Two days ago," He answers.I had been with my friends at the main venue of the party when I spotted Marcel. I remember thinking it was the right time to tell him about my decision to leave the drug scene. Marcel has been quiet since I broke the news, I wonder what's on his mind."Aiden," He calls out, pulling me from my train of thoughts. "Are you really sure about this? You're just going to walk away from everything?"I exhale slowly, watching the smoke curl up toward the ceiling. "Yes, I'm sure," I say.I know this news shocked him. I never imagined I'd reach the point where I'd decide to quit drug dealing, the life I've known for so long. But, it's time. I've chosen to leave the darkness behind, and there's no turning

OLIVIASarah squeezes her eyes shut, then slowly opens them again."I know I haven't been a good sister to you. I've never treated you the way an older sister should," She admits.My eyes widen. Where is this coming from? Is she just messing with me again?"Why are you saying all this?" I ask. "This isn't like you. You never care how you treat me, whether I like it or not."Sarah takes a deep breath. "You're making me feel worse than I already do. I know I've been awful. Deep down, I knew it was wrong, but I just couldn't stop myself."She continues. "When our parents divorced, I completely lost myself. I didn't know how to handle the pain, let alone be there for you. So I started hanging out with my friends, and I abandoned you. I know that too.""I was lost too," I say, my lips trembling. "We could have supported each other, but even before the divorce, you were never there for me. It was always you and your friends. You never cared about me."Sarah rakes her fingers through her hai

THREE WEEKS LATER ~ IVY ~I ran my fingers through my tangled hair and sighed as I looked around at my chaotic room. Clothes were scattered across the floor, along with several books that had tumbled from the shelves. The bed was unmade, and various items were scattered across the duvet. In short, my room looked like a hurricane had blown through it. If there was an award for the most disastrous room, I would have won it hands down.My boyfriend would have to take the blame for this mess. Even though I was the one who had left everything scattered around, I couldn't help but feel like it was his fault somehow. What on earth was he thinking, setting up a last – minute date like that, without giving me time to prepare? Don't get me wrong. I was thrilled about the date. I was just feeling a bit stressed out because I didn't have much time to prepare. And, on top of that, I was having the worst time trying to find the perfect outfit. Nothing in my closet seemed right. I was panickin

~ ROMEO ~I pulled into the parking lot and I saw that my dad's car was not there. I heaved a sigh of relief. The monster was not around, and I would not have to see his horrible face and get angry all over again. I turned off the car engine. I reached for my phone and dialed my girlfriend's number. The only person who had been making me smile lately and giving me the will to keep going.Ivy answered on the second ring. "Hey, baby!" She muttered, her voice echoing in my ears. Her voice was soft and soothing, and it calmed my nerves.The corners of my mouth curved, giving a wide smile. "Good girl," I uttered."Bad boy," She said with a chuckle in her voice. "I am at my mom's house now," I told her. I almost said "my parents' house," but that didn't feel right when it was really my mother's house."That is good," She said, her voice reassuring. "Take a deep breath and go inside. Just talk to her. She is your mother, and she deserves to know everything that is going on with you.

"Are you and Samantha in a relationship?" I blurted, unable to stop the question from tumbling out of my mouth.I had not meant to ask it so bluntly, but the question had always been on my mind. I could not get it out of my head. We were in my bedroom now, sitting across from each other. Romeo was leaning against the headboard of my bed, while I was on a chair by the bedside table. His brows drew together, his gaze averting from mine. "I told you I am not dating her. If I was, I would not be here with you, and I would not have told you that I wanted you back," He replied.I chewed on my bottom lip, remembering the way I had felt when I saw them kissing in the cafeteria. I could still picture the way his eyes had met mine. "Why did she kiss you in the cafeteria?"I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "And, you also kissed back.""I'm sorry," He uttered. "It was wrong, I know. I could not just push her away when she kissed me, not with all those people watching. I know that is n

~ IVY ~I drummed my fingers against the surface of my dresser, glancing over my shoulder at my phone. I had tossed it onto the bed after sending a text to Romeo. I was relieved that it had not landed on the floor.The message itself was not risky, but it was an emotional risk for me to send it. I was anxious for his response, and my heart was beating rapidly. I could not stop my mind from racing. What if everything he had written in the letter had been a prank? Why did I always feel so anxious when it came to Romeo? I hated that he had such control over my emotions. At the same time, part of me liked how he could make me feel things I had never felt before. He made me do things I never would have otherwise, like inviting him over at night. I was grateful my mother was out of town in an emergency, and would not be back until the next day. I didn't want to have to explain Romeo's presence to her.I was shaking my leg, still filled with nervous energy. Why hadn't he responded? Was he

My lips moved to my teeth as I bit my bottom lip. My eyes darted down to the letter, taking in the neat, bold handwriting. The letter was not that long. What was I even saying? Romeo had never been the type to write letters. He was never one for expressing his feelings through writing, or telling stories. It was strange that he had chosen to write a letter now, instead of asking to meet in person. I guess he must have thought I would not have agreed to see him. I cleared my throat, preparing to read the letter aloud. I had no idea why my heart was racing. It was just a letter, nothing more. Or was it?I began to read:° My Good Girl ° I miss you, and I can't stop thinking about you. I know it is crazy to say this, but I think I'm falling more in love with you now that we are apart. The more I try to escape these feelings, the deeper I fall. Now, I regret breaking us up. We were almost perfect. We had something special, but I ruined it. I know I didn't do it on purpose, but t

I heard the question, but I pretended not to. The silence that followed was deafening. It felt like the world had stopped turning, and the only sound was my own heartbeat, pounding in my ears. I felt like I was in a different world. I was facing the question I had been avoiding asking myself. The question James had asked had my brain working overtime, even as I tried to avoid it. I could feel my brain trying to work out an answer."Ivy," James said, breaking the silence and pulling me out of my thoughts.I turned to look at him, avoiding his gaze. "What did you say?" I asked. I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, my hand shaking slightly."I asked you if you are still in love with your ex," James repeated, his tone serious.My throat felt dry, and I swallowed hard. I knew that he was not going to let this go until I answered him. But I was not sure if I knew the answer, or if I even wanted to know the answer. Perhaps, a part of me knew the answer to his question, but I didn't want t

"Jane Cullen,"I am checking out some clothes in the boutique when I hear a deep voice behind me. I instantly turn to the back.My brows snap together. It is Jeremy, one of biggest business icons in the city and Christian's biggest enemy. I can't help but wonder what he is doing in the boutique. I hope he is not here to cause mischief.Jeremy flashes a flirtatious smile at me, rubbing his temple. "You are always looking beautiful. Christian is indeed lucky to have you as a secretary. Well, and his girlfriend," He utters.I swallow a gulp down my throat. I hate the way he paused before adding "his girlfriend ". How did he know that I'm dating Christian? Even though it is a fake relationship, I want it to be private."How did you know about my relationship with Christian?" I question him. Jeremy smirks."I know everything. Why do you love being trapped with Christian? Is it not obvious that the son of a bitch is using you?" He bombards me with questions. "H.. He is not u.. using me."

JANEI lift my shoulder in a half shrug."I don't know. What do you think?" I asked back. Christian's blue eyes pierce into my honey brown eyes. He glances away from me and closes his laptop."Sit down," He orders. I nod my head and sit down."So, what is your decision?" He questions me."I don't have a choice. I think I like the second offer," I say, avoiding his intense eye contact. A corner of his mouth curls upwards, turning into a lopsided smile."Of course. Why won't you like the second offer? I am every woman's dream," He rambles."Here we go again," I mutter under my breath. Why can't he stop be narcissistic? It is annoying and stupid.I don't even agree to be his girlfriend because I have an undying crush on him. I agreed because I am helpless, all thanks to him and my family. "It is nice that you chose to be my girlfriend. You are now the reasonable Jane I know. Now, go back to your work," He states, his eyes darting to the laptop on his desk. My mouth falls open."What?"

JANEMy jaw drops. I blink my eyelashes rapidly, trying to confirm whether I am in the dream land or this is the reality. Damn! This is the reality. Christian Tate forced me into his car, then made these stupid offers. How can someone be so selfish? When did I tell him that I want to lose my virginity?I have tolerated a lot by working as his secretary, in the first place. Now, he made those offers. The two offers will even benefit him, it's not like I'm going to gain from the two stupid offers. Christian Tate is really tricky and dangerous. He has a gorgeous face with a mind filled with evil desires and manipulative motives. "Hope you heard what I just said? Or, are you deaf?" His husky voice jolts me out of my thoughts. "I'm not deaf." I snap at him, already pushed to the highest peak of my anger level. "Don't ever shout at me, Jane. This is gonna be the last time I will warn you about this." He warns me, with his brows snapped together. "What if I do?" I snap at him once agai

JANEMy mouth falls open. I instantly wish that he wasn't here for me. I know Christian Tate. He can't visit a small company like this one. Even if he has a business deal with his company, he will rather send the manager or his personal assistant.Then, why the hell is he here? I quickly pick the handbag on the ground.I bow my head, pretending like I am busy with my phone so that he won't catch a glimpse of me. He is already walking towards the reception area. I don't know why my heart keeps beating so fast. Why should I be scared? I'm here for a job application not to spread fake rumors about Hagar Industries.But, I know what Christian is capable of doing. I should just pretend like I am not present in this company. Even if he buys this company, that doesn't mean that I will refuse the job if they hire me. It's not like I am going to work directly with him. "Are you the lady who wants to apply for a job?"I hear a voice coming from someone in front of me. I am sure that Christ

JANENow, this is getting intense.My brows snap together. I stare at Christian Tate intensely, this time around. He doesn't look really serious nor does he look like he is joking. He has a blank look on his face. I think something is really wrong with this man."Kindly stop this expensive joke of yours, Mr Tate," I warn him.His eyebrows furrow."I am not joking, Jane Cullen. I also don't like this but I just have to make that offer," He utters."I will be your boyfriend and you will keep working in my company. Anyway, fix a meeting with the CEO of the microfinance bank. We have to get this done," He adds, finally sitting down.I take a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure."Are you serious about what you just said, sir?" I ask calmly. "I am damn serious, Jane." He snaps at me, his eyes are fixed on the laptop on his desk."Then, I'm not interested in being your girlfriend."I snap back.Apart from his stupid offer, what really annoys me is that he is not paying attention to me.

JANE I hear a soft sound of laughter, followed by soft moans coming from the CEO's office. I feel a pang of jealousy as my hands squeeze into tight fists. I shouldn't be jealous, after all I'm so used to it. But, I just can't help it. I shouldn't be thinking about whether I should be jealous right now or not. I should know how to deal with the current issue. By the way, this will be the last time I am going to deal with hearing soft moans coming from his office. It is today or never. I will submit my resignation letter today. At least, I will have the peace of mind I desired.I won't be able to serve him and his numerous girlfriends anymore. I won't cry behind closed doors anymore, just because he fails to treat me well. I won't cry because he doesn't show affection to me, like he used to do with his girlfriends.Anyway, I think I will have to interrupt his sex or make out with his model girlfriend. I'm not sure if he will be upset if I do that. I know that having sex is important