CHAPTER FIVE

FOUR YEARS LATER

“And the CEO of the Year award goes to…!” With a mischievous glint in his eyes, the presenter savoured the moment, building the tension as he scanned the crowd’s expectant faces.

He relished the fact that he held the power to make someone's night unforgettable. As the spotlight danced across the sea of faces, he lifted his arms and her name soared through the air, shattering the silence.

“Luna Chavez!!” Her eyes widened as her name hung in the air, her mind struggling to process what she'd heard. The room fell silent, heads turning in her direction as the spotlight stayed fixed on her.

“Luna, he called your name.” She turned to face her, still frozen in disbelief. Sophia slightly jabbed her ribs, making Luna slowly stand to her feet, her legs trembling beneath her dress. She took a step forward, her eyes fixed on the stage.

“Miss. Luna, we don't have all day please.” The presenter beckoned to her and she quickened her steps with a nervous smile appearing on her face. As she ascended the stairs to the stage, the silence shattered. The room erupted into applause, a wave of cheers and congratulations that swept her onto the stage.

Her smile faltered as she stepped onto the stage, giving way to bubbles of nervous laughs that sprang from her throat. Her hands trembled as she accepted the award, the presenter grasping her hand in a firm handshake.

Luna moved into place at the podium, her hands grasping the edges of the lectern as her eyes scanned the crowd. She cleared her throat. “I am truly humbled to receive such an incredible honour. I want to say a big thank you to my team, without whom I wouldn't be standing here today. This award is a recognition of our collective efforts and a testament to our hard work. Thank you so much.” The crowd burst into another fit of cheers as she concluded.

Luna stepped off the stage, award in hand, and made her way back to her seat. She was enveloped in a sea of warm smiles and outstretched congratulatory hands which she shook. The exchanged hugs, acceptance of hushed congratulations and soft thank-you’s wove together joyfully.

With the celebration swirling around her, Luna's mind got drawn back to the memory of her mother. She would have been so proud, watching her daughter win such a coveted award.

Her mind wandered back to her childhood, growing up as a single child in a middle-class home with her mother, a dedicated teacher who taught at the local school. It wasn't a life of luxury, but it was comfortable despite the challenges of her mom being a single parent. Her mother's unwavering love and dedication made everyday worth waking up to.

Luna, on the other hand, excelled in school, earning top grades and eventually paying off to secure her a scholarship to a prestigious university. But just as she thought fortune had smiled on her, tragedy struck when her mother was severely injured in an accident.

The medical bills and loans that followed were crippling, forcing Luna to put her dreams on hold to work as a maid at Mr. Garrett's home. Luna's thoughts were interrupted by Sophia's congratulatory hug. “I’m so proud of you, Luna. You've worked so hard for this.” She squealed, hugging her tighter.

She smiled, a sense of gratitude enveloping her. “None of this would have happened if it weren't for you, Sophia. Thank you so much, I'm forever in your debt.”

A warm smile appeared on her face. “You can repay me by winning more awards. We've got loads of work to do now that you've won this.” Luna's gaze swept across the room, taking in the familiar faces of business rivals and associates. Sophia was right, the award would only intensify the competition, but she was ready.

“Anyway, let's go back to our seats, you never know if there are more awards to be won.” She winked, letting out a soft giggle and Luna joined in.

“I'm still trying to process everything that's happened tonight,” Luna said, her eyes locked on the crowd. “I mean, did you see the look on Regina's face when I won? Priceless.”

“Oh, she was seething,” Sophia agreed. “She was already fuming when she didn't win the award for Best Business Strategy but when YOU won the award for CEO of the year, she completely lost it.” She whispered, stifling down a laugh.

Luna tried to compose herself, holding back the laugh that threatened to erupt. “Serves her right for trying to poach my clients. And have you seen her latest campaigns?”

“Ugh, don't get me started. But hey, at least we know our hard work paid off tonight. Who knows, maybe this award will give us the edge we need to take down Regina and her team once and for all.” Sophia said, mischief laced in her voice.

Luna chuckled, feeling a sense of safety with Sophia. Ever since her divorce, Sophia and her dad had been like family to her. Just when she thought it was over for her, they came into her life with an outstretched hand of love and support.

She and Sophia became more than co-workers, they became best friends. Luna couldn't help but feel grateful that Sophia had her back all the way, anyone in her position could have been plotting against her but Sophia wasn't like that. She was a good person…a true friend.

As they sat down, Luna's phone buzzed with congratulatory texts from colleagues and friends. She smiled, feeling thankful for the support. Just then, a waiter approached their table, carrying a stunning bouquet of flowers.

“Congratulations, Ms. Luna,” he said with a smile, handing her the flowers. The sweet fragrance hit her nose as she inhaled it slightly, her eyes scanning them. Tucked among the petals was a small card with a message.

“The ghosts of our promises still haunt me, hope to see you soon. Congratulations on your newfound success.” A shiver ran down her spine as she wondered who could have sent such a message.

What promises had she made? And to whom?