Chapter 5: The Deal is Off

“Mrs. Jane, did you say I… I...” Luna who didn’t expect the call so soon, stammered in confusion.

“Are you deaf or what? Come here right now.” Jane screamed at the top of her lungs and hung up the phone.

“Yes… yes… it worked.” overjoyed Luna jumped around the hospital room, it was a dream come true.

“Ms. Luna, please keep your voice down, you’re disturbing other patients.” a nurse who passed by beckoned on Luna.

“Ohh, I’m so, so sorry, I forgot it’s a hospital.” Luna placed her palm over her mouth as she apologized for her behavior. She immediately turned to her unconscious, “Mum it worked, it worked,” she whispered and raised her hands in excitement. “I’ll go now mum, I have to get to Mrs. Jane before she changes her mind. See you soon.” She pecked her mum's forehead and dashed out of the hospital, she waved down a taxi, take me to Wall Street.”

The journey from the hospital to Mrs. Jane's house was like forever, it was Halloween which caused a lot of traffic. What was meant to be a 15-minute drive stretched to 50 minutes. “Mrs. Jane will be so pissed” Luna murmured as she stared at her wristwatch for the 99th time. Finally, what seemed like a forever journey ended as the car halted in front of Mrs. Jane’s house.

Standing in front of Mrs. Jane’s house, Luna sucked in a deep breath and exhaled loudly. “You got this Luna, you got this,” she said, rubbing her palm on her chest. She quickly adjusted her dress, handbag, and hair and made sure they were in place. She stood in an upright posture, gave a broad smile, then knocked on the door.

“Who’s there?” Jane asked when she heard the knock on the door. “I think she’s here Sophia. Let me get the door”. She walked to the door and yanked it open.

“What took you so long Luna? You’re 35 minutes late.” Jane questioned, pointing a finger to her wristwatch.

“I’m sorry Mrs. Jane, I didn’t mean to be late, traffic was so bad.”

“Enough with your excuses Luna, you always have something to say. Now come in quickly, Sophia has been waiting for you.”

Luna walked behind her, and they both walked to the sitting room where Sophia sat waiting for Luna. Sophia fixed her gaze on Luna, looking at her body features, her eyes traced Luna’s body from head to toe. Her piercing gaze made Luna feel a bit uneasy as Sophia looked unimpressed with her appearance.

“Oh my… oh my… I hope I’m Ok for her, I hope she doesn’t change her mind.” Luna thought, her heart raced and her eyes filled with expectations.

“What do you think?” Jane broke the silence.

“Well, she’ll do. I don't seem to have a choice right now.” Sophia scuffed.

“Alright then, fill her in on the details.”

“As you already know, my son needs a bride and it is very urgent, that’s why we’re settling for you, else, we would have found someone better, so you have to give your full cooperation.”

“I understand Ma.”

“Call me Mrs. Sophia.”

“Alright Mrs. Sophia”

“You’ll sign a marriage contract tomorrow with my son and it will last for a year. One more thing, No feelings attached. This is a contract and not a love affair, I’ll throw you out the moment I notice any awkward feelings. I can’t have you marry him after the contract. Have I made myself clear, Luna?”

“Yes, Ma… Mrs. Sophia” Luna answered in a confusing tone.

“Good. that’s all for now. I’ll send you the address where you’ll meet my son tomorrow. You have to be there by 8 am, you better not be late or you can kiss the contract goodbye.” Sophia warned, tightly pursing her lips.

“I won’t fail Mrs. Sophia.” Luna’s calm voice echoed in the room.

“That’s it, I’ll take my leave now Jane,” she said as she stood up to leave.

“Let me see you off then.” 

“Sure, thanks.”

The two women walked to the BMW parked outside. After exchanging pleasantries, Sophia hopped in her car and zoomed off while Jane went back inside.

“Thank you so much, Mrs. Jane. I appreciate your kindness." Tears of joy rolled down Luna’s cheeks. “I am at a loss for words. You have given me a chance—a genuine one. I never imagined that you would open doors for me. I'm forever grateful for your kindness and generosity. I promise to work hard and make you proud."

"Hmmm… It's good to know I could help. I'm glad you're grateful, but remember, with great opportunity comes great responsibility. Work hard and be honest, don’t mess this up. And don't border finding a replacement; I'll handle that, and I’ll also pay for the work you’ve done so far." Jane responded calmly. “Wow, she hasn’t been this calm in ages.” Luna smiled as she thought.

“Thank you, Mrs. Jane. If you need any help you can always call upon me.”

“Thank you, but I won’t be needing your help, Luna. Now go along, you have a contract to sign, and don’t forget our deal.”

“I won’t forget the deal, Mrs. Jane,” Luna replied as she turned and left the house.

At 7:30 am the next morning, Luna was already standing in front of the courtroom. Today was not a day to be late. “I'd better wait than be late." She had told herself that morning. Her long black silk dress sat perfectly well on her slim body. She didn't have all the large shapes in the world, but her little curves gave her body the perfect shape. Her deep brown eyes held a mixture of determination and nerves, the kind of warmth and quiet strength that drew people in without them realizing it. She nervously pressed her small lips which were softly painted in a red color as she glanced at her wristwatch.

“It's 7:55 am he should be here soon" she mumbled under her breath. And just as she was about to raise her head, a white Lamborghini Temerario pulled in front of her. For a moment, her heart sank. “Am I ready for this? Yes, I am." She reassured herself.

At that moment, his assistant opened the door and a figure stepped out of the car. The man was a towering, commanding figure who radiated money and authority. His slender body and strong shoulders were emphasized by his well-tailored, costly suit. His eyes were a piercing blue that appeared to look right through others, and his face, despite the years, had a certain sharpness to it. Luna couldn't help but blush at his sight and when he walked towards her, she felt butterflies in her belly and she smiled broadly and shook her head to the rhythm of the lovesong that played in her mind. She closed her eyes and imagined his embrace, it was the best. 

“Excuse me, Ma’am, please step aside."

“Yes…?" She opened her eyes to the voice that brought her back from the imaginary world.

Then she realized she was blocking the passage and also, her groom was not in sight anymore.

“Oh my… where has he gone? He didn't know I was the one? Damn!” Luna turned and rushed into the courtroom. There she met him seated.

“Excuse me, Sir, are you, Mr. Jasper Mas….?”

"You're late, and I don't deal with late comers” Jasper cut her off as his eyes flashed at her in anger.

"The deal is off,” Jasper said coldly.

"What?”