CHAPTER SIX

Luna stood up, smoothing her jacket as she extended a hand across the polished mahogany table. “Thank you, gentlemen, for placing your trust in our company. We won't disappoint you.”

The clients, impressed by her confidence and presentation, shook her hand, exchanging pleasantries. As they left, Luna felt a sense of relief and satisfaction wash over her. Another successful deal closed.

Sophia, who'd been quietly observing from a corner of the room, approached her. “Your skills never cease to amaze me, Luna.”

Luna gave her a warm smile, tucking a stray strand of dark brown hair behind her ear. “Thanks, Sophia.”

“So, uhh…I was thinking….you know with everything we've been juggling lately, I think we deserve a quick break.” She said nervously, fidgeting with her red silk dress. Luna raised a brow, wondering what she was hinting at.

“A quick break?” Sophia nodded.

“Yeah, a quick break and I was thinking we should go shopping…like today…right now.”

Luna scoffed, shaking her head.” You can't be serious”

Rolling her eyes, Sophia crossed her arms over her chest. “Listen Luna, you deserve a break. You need it. I'm not hearing any of your excuses this time.” She brought out a package from her bag and handed it to Luna.

“Here, I bought this dress for you. We can't go shopping with you looking all serious and stuff.” She pointed out, eyeing her outfit.

“Sophia, it's only been two days since the award ceremony and I just struck our first deal today. We can't be slacking off when there's work to do.”

“I can't hear youuu!! Put on the dress and meet me in the car.” Sophia yelled over her shoulder as she walked out of the conference room, leaving Luna laughing and shaking her head. She chuckled to herself, wondering what prompted Sophia's sudden urge to shop.

Shrugging, Luna made her way to the restroom in her office to change into the dress Sophia had left for her.

—-----

Sophia parked in front of a restaurant located in the middle of town. The restaurant had a warm and inviting exterior with its walls painted a soft, creamy yellow. Large windows adorned the walls of the exterior, allowing sunlight to pour in.

“Sophia? This isn't a shopping mall,” she said, her voice laced with suspicion.

“I know.” She stated plainly, stepping out of the car. Luna got out of the car too and followed her into the restaurant. Inside, the restaurant exuded a cosy atmosphere. The soft lighting made the restaurant feel more warm. The booths and tables seemed comfortable as they were arranged to create a sense of privacy. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering stew wafted the air, filling her nostrils as she scanned the place.

Her gaze shifted to a guy who walked up to them, flashing the best smile he could muster up.

“Luna, this is Jayden. He's been dying to meet you in person for so long and I decided to…help him.” Sophia giggled nervously.

Luna's eyes narrowed, her fists clenched as she realised what was going on. She closed her eyes and inhaled sharply. “Sophia? Can I talk to you for a minute outside?”

“Ah, sorry Luna. I've got to go, y'know it's business as usual. I'll see you later, enjoy your date, erm, I mean chat.” She scurried away, leaving a furious Luna with a stranger.

“Why don't we find a cosy spot and grab a seat?”

She simply nodded and followed him to a booth by the window. A waiter approached their table and asked for their order. Absent-mindedly, she asked for the same thing Jayden was having.

“I heard about your recent achievement. Please accept my congratulations even though it's coming late.” She chuckled, feeling more proud of herself.

“It's alright, thank you.”

She played with the lasagna in front of her, feeling a bit uncomfortable as Jayden tried to make small talk with her. Luna was furious at Sophia for tricking her into another one of her silly dates.

This wasn't the first time she was doing this but Luna was going to make sure it was the last.

When she couldn't take it anymore, she got up. “Jayden, I'm really sorry but I have to go, I've got work to do. I didn't know Sophia had this all set up and I didn't plan for this. I'm sure you can understand, maybe we can catch up some other time?”

He nodded, a mix of disappointment and sadness flashed in his eyes. “Sure, let me drop you off.” Signalling for the waiter, Jayden paid for their meal and left the restaurant with her.

It didn't take long for them to reach Luna's company. After exchanging contacts, she got out of his car and waved goodbye. When he was out of sight, she heaved a sigh of relief.

She turned and marched into the building, heading straight to Sophia's office.

“Sophia?!” She yelled, raising her voice a bit. Sophia jumped out of her seat, shock evident in her eyes.

“Luna? You're back early.”

Luna flared up in anger. “Sophia, this has to stop. You can't keep setting up dates for me with random guys. First, there was Jacob, then there was Michael, David, Nathan, and I could go on. Now Jayden?”

Her face fell, her eyes widening in surprise at Luna's outburst. She held up her hands, palms facing Luna in a calming gesture. “Whoa Luna, I…I just wanted to help.”

She took a step closer, her voice softening. “I’m sorry I sprung this up on you, but Jayden's really great, I promise! I actually thought he'd be the one” Luna raised her brows in astonishment, her head cocked in disbelief.

“I’m just trying to help you move on Lu. You've lacked the presence of a man in your life ever since….well, you know. The point is, I just want to see you happy again.” She placed her hands on her shoulders.

Luna sighed, her gaze softening. “I am happy and I'll be even more happy when you quit tricking me into dates. Getting into a relationship is not on my priority list for now, and until then promise me that you'll stop this.” Luna's gaze held Sophia's, her expression firm but gentle. She shifted uncomfortably, looking away for a moment before meeting Luna's eyes again.

She sighed, her shoulders sinking in defeat. “Okay, fine. I promise I'll stop setting you up on dates.” Luna's gaze softened, her eyes filled with appreciation as she enveloped her in a warm hug.

As they hugged, Luna whispered. “Thanks, Soph. I know you mean well.”

Sophia pulled back, a small smile on her face. “I'll leave you to your work now. Sorry again for the ambush.”

Luna chuckled, shaking her head. “Just make it up to me by not planning any more surprise dates, deal?”

Sophia grinned, giving her a thumbs up. “ Deal!”

With that, Sophia turned and left the room. Luna dropped on her chair, burying her face in her palms as she let out a small groan.

She loved Sophia but she could be pretty annoying sometimes. Now her mind was trying to bring back old memories which she struggled not to think about; the night that had haunted her for four years.

The stranger’s voice, his touch, his hot breath that tickled her ear. Her heart still ached with regret that she couldn't remember his name or what he looked like.

She looked up and her eyes caught hold of the bouquet and the mysterious card from the other night. She forgot to place them in a flower pot. Luna picked it up and studied the note, trying to figure out what it meant and who could have sent it.

“I see you got my little gift,” a voice said, startling Luna. She whipped her head up, her heart skipping a beat as she met the gaze of the person standing before her, having not heard them enter.