Chapter 10: Don't Embarrass Me.

"I think you have a point,” Luna said 

What Ariel just said sounded a bit odd, but there was a sense in her suggestion. Since Luna can't leave the house without permission, she needs someone to keep an eye on her mother. 

“I'll let you think about it; you can tell me what you've decided later." 

“There's no need to think about it; it's a good suggestion, and it seems to be the only way out. Do you by any chance know someone who would be willing to help?”

“Well, I think I know someone. I'll talk to her, and then get back to you as soon as possible. I just hope she's still available."

"Ariel, please help me talk to her. Please plead with her to make time for my mother. Also, don't forget to get her details; I'd like to know her background too if you don't mind.” 

"Alright, Mrs. Luna, I'll do as you've instructed.” 

"Thank you, Ariel, you're such a lifesaver.” Luna hugged her, smiles written all over her face. Then she suddenly heard a noise coming from her stomach, it was a growling sound. Her stomach twitched a bit. “Damn! I'm starving; is there something I can eat around here?" She said as she disengaged from the hug, holding her stomach with her right hand.

"You've not had breakfast?" 

“No, I haven't." 

“I'm so sorry about that. You go ahead and freshen up while I make breakfast.” Ariel said as she dashed out of the room.

Luna undressed and went into the tub, there she soaked herself in hot water and stayed put for an awfully long time. She didn't want to think about her marriage, but whenever she tried to ignore the thought, it still clouded her mind. She knew so many ladies wouldn't mind getting married to the all-rich CEO Jasper, but she did. Her father was doing quite well, and her mother knew he didn't have all the money in the world, but she still chose to spend the rest of her life with him. 

Growing up under them, they were the clear definition of love, and she was sure they would have still been in love if death hadn't taken her father away. She had always believed in a marriage rooted in true love, but here she was settling for the opposite. Well, she just had to, the money was more important right now, or else she might lose her mother to death too.

After a while, the steam in the bathroom became suffocating, she got out of the tub, and wrapped her body with one towel, and her dripping hair with another. “I have to be strong no matter what. Be strong for Mom Luna; this is just a phase, and it will all come to pass." She mumbled as she stared at herself in the mirror.

Her soul almost leaped out of her body when she opened the bathroom door, and her eyes met with Jasper's. He was sitting on the cushion in the room. His eyes darkened as he stared at her, but he was undisturbed by her half-naked appearance.

“Finally." He scoffed.

“How long does it take to bathe?! He commented, “I've been sitting here for over 40 minutes now.”

Luna didn't realize she had been in the bathroom for over an hour. Well, she can't be faulted for that, she was drowning in thoughts and she wasn't even expecting anyone. But here he was asking silly questions. Luna felt she needed to put things straight by answering rudely, but when she recalled what happened that morning, she decided to stay calm. “It's for the best.” She thought.

“Don't you think it's a bit odd entering my room without knocking?" Luna said calmly, trying so hard not to sound rude.

"Technically, you are in my house, and that makes this room mine. You should learn to spend less time in the bathroom; your looks won't change no matter how long you stay there,” He smirked as he raised an eyebrow.

“He's got a lot of nerves. Would he have had access to the room if it was locked? What's so hard in knocking?" Luna thought, still standing in the same spot. She didn't say a word to Jasper, if he decides to keep being this rude and uncaring towards her, then he should be ready to get the silent attitude from her. She was too calm to exchange words and wouldn't even dare do such to the CEO of one of the biggest tech companies in the city; she might be skinned alive.

Jasper stood up and walked towards the table at the corner of the room. "Here," he said as he dropped a black card on the table. “Have this." 

“What is that?” Luna, who hasn’t held a black card in her entire life, asked in confusion, her eyes squinting to the side.

Jasper was surprised at her question and reaction. “It's an Amex." 

"An Amex?”

"Yes, no limit, and it's yours.” Jasper felt irritated as Luna kept staring at the black card. He had thought she would jump in excitement, but here she was, totally confused and amazed at its sight. “She's here for the money; why all the pretense?" He thought.

"Don't you have anything to say?” Jasper hated the silence, he had expected a simple gratitude at least.

"Thank you," Luna replied shyly, still hiding her expression. Of course, she had once heard about a black card, but all she knew back then was that it was rare and only the richest people in the city, owned one, but one belonged to her now, and it was unlimited. “Wow, there's really a good side to this contract.”

“But what am I to use it for?" 

"I just said it's for you, Luna; is that so difficult to understand? Go ahead and get whatever you want.” He almost got pissed, his tone a bit high.

“Get ready. Luke will take you to the store to get some clothes.” He turned to leave but turned and walked towards Luna. “Don't embarrass me; get nice clothes. It wouldn't be nice for the CEO to be seen walking with a wife in rags, would it? His stern gaze pierced Luna's eyes.

“No. No, it wouldn't." Luna gulped hard as she tried to maintain composure; she quickly flipped her gaze away, avoiding his tempting eyes. It was a bit difficult holding back the feelings that rushed in; he'd never been this close to her. Jasper smiled when he noticed how uncomfortable she felt when he drew close to her. Not wanting to go further, he pulled away and walked out of the room.

“How dare you rouse my feelings and walk out on me, Jasper?"