“How’re you doing, Lyric?” The frostiness in her tone didn’t make it seem like she actually cared.
The woman was naturally cold and intimidating–something that proved she was the mother of Jaris.
“I’m doing just great, Luna. And you?” I added the last words hesitantly.
As expected, she didn’t answer that.
“It seems…you and Jaris are getting along well.”
My forehead creased as I met her gaze.
“I notice the cheerfulness between you two these days. Yesterday, you even visited him at his office.” She scoffed. “How cute.”
Okay. What was she driving at?
“Is…there a problem, Luna?”
“Of course, not.” She shrugged. “I just hope you still remember what your deal is with Jaris. This whole thing–it’s fake. It’s a contract. And in less than eleven months from now, it’s all going to end.”
Her words pushed my beating organ deep into my lower belly, tying my tongue as well.
I didn’t understand. She came all the way to say that to me?
What was it with everyone and wanting to get me upset today?
“I know,” I mumbled, keeping my head low.
While I could talk back at Marta and anyone else, it’d be a grave mistake talking back at someone like Luna Isolde. She’d been a lioness in her time. And while she might be older, I feared she still had some of that fierceness in her.
I felt her gaze linger on my form.
“Good,” she muttered, and the sound of her heels announced her departure.
An unpleasant bitterness curled on my tongue, reaching down to my gut.
After trying not to let anyone ruin my mood, Luna Isolde succeeded.
‘It’s fake.‘ ‘It’s a contract.‘
The words were haunting. They were what people would call the bitter truth.
Jaris and I weren’t meant to be. The dreams I had with him were fake. The butterflies that always filled my heart each time I saw him were fake. The warmth that consistently welled up in my lower belly every time I watched him laugh couldn’t happen anymore, because this was a contract. And Jaris Dreadmoor was never meant to be mine.
I walked into the field filled with distinguished guests. There were a lot of kids around as they’d asked all the guests to come with their kids. Even the people from the twins‘ school were invited.
The party itself dazzled with unparalleled grandeur. Everything looked just like it was supposed to.
I tried to keep a smile on my face as I walked in. I struggled to silence the torturous rhythm of my heart, but it thudded on with a lot of words getting to me.
I was a Siphon who had an Executioner on her tail. I also had an insane woman always rubbing it on my face that I was someone who liked kids but didn’t have any.
And now, a Luna who just reminded me that I was nothing but a contracted Luna.
My steps faltered when I caught sight of Jaris.
My heart….it did that thing again. That thing that always made me melt completely at the sight of him.
It’s fake, Lyric. It’s a contract.
However, it was hard to focus on that when he stood there, looking like a god on earth. Everything about him was perfect- his black suit, the silver earring on one ear, the designer watch he had around his wrist, and down to the glass of champagne he had in one hand.
Everything might be fake, but I’d never seen a more
Successfully unlocked!
Was Dreadmoor.
I forced myself to keep walking. I needed to check in on the caterer’s spot.
But when I got to where he was, he noticed me, and I didn’t miss the way his eyes lit up.
“Hey,” he gave me a small smile.
1/3
133
His gaze traveled from my head to my toe before he shook his head. “Wow. You’re… stunning.”
Please, stop talking. Please, stop talking. It was harder to focus when he talked like that.
“Thanks,” I gave a nod.
He kept his eyes on me as he drank slowly from his glass. And somehow, that was hot in a kind of way.
“I know you’ve been greatly involved with the kids. Thank you, Lyric.” He tipped his glass toward me.
My heart fluttered. At least someone was happy I was helping with the kids.
My phone vibrated in my purse. I took it out and found Maddy’s name on it.
“Lyric, where are you?” She sounded slightly frantic.
“I’m at the field. Why?”
“I need you to come over. I’m in my room. Now.”
I went as fast as I could.
I thought I’d find her in a distraught phase or something, but she was just there–looking like a princess in a castle.
“Oh, my goodness! Maddy, you look-”
“How do I look?” She cut me off in a high voice, her eyes bright with excitement.
“Well, I just was about to say that. You look dazzling.”
“A–Are you sure?”
“Of course! Take a look at yourself.”
Her dress was a red one with off–shoulders and a slit by the side. She looked way better than when she was dressed like a teen. At least, her heels even gave her some height.
“I need to be perfect, Lyric. You know I’ll be meeting a lot of people I haven’t seen in a while. Plus, I need to make a good impression as an aunt. It’s the first of their parties I’m attending.”
She looked so nervous.
I went closer, taking her hand in mine. “Don’t sweat it, Maddy. You’re a damsel right now. You should see what I see.” She gave me a small anxious smile. “Are you sure?”
“The moon forbid I’d be lying to you.” I tilted my head at the door. “Come on.”
We walked out to the field together. Maddy kept holding my hand so tight like it was her lifeline. I wasn’t used to seeing her this nervous. I thought she should be used to public gatherings or something?
We greeted some guests and took some drinks.
“See? Everyone adores you,” I whispered in her ear, earning me a giggle.
Her smile dropped when she spotted someone. I saw it too. Nerion.
He was walking with a lady, coming our way.
I noticed Maddy go tense beside me.
Right now, Nerion looked nothing like the head of security. He looked like one of the distinguished guests who we were all honored to have in our midst.
And who was the lady beside him?
Maddy kept her eyes on the floor as they walked past us. But I kept looking and noticed Nerion’s gaze linger on her.
“He’s gone,” I felt the need to whisper to her so she could straighten her neck at least.
She balled her hands into fists. “He’s an asshole.”
I chuckled.
“A backstabber.”
Wow.
“The kind of human everyone should avoid.”
“Maddy.”
“He’s such a snake. You’ll think he’s gentle and cares about you, but he’ll strangle you when you least expect.” “Hey,” I placed my hands on her shoulders. “Today’s a special day for us, Maddy. Don’t let Nerion or anyone else ruin it for you, okay?”
I watched her bite the inside of her cheeks. But eventually, she nodded and seemed calmer.
133
We got to the most important part–the arrival of the celebrants.
Everyone stood quietly with smiles on as we watched the twins come up at the entrance, looking like a little prince and princess.
Their outfits had been made to match, and I don’t think I’d ever seen more adorable kids.
A cool sound was put on as they walked down the aisle.
“They look adorable!” Maddy chirped, clapping her hands.
“More than adorable.”
My eyes glistened with tears I fought to hold back.
Xylon was wearing a customized suit that had the same designs as his sister’s long red dress. She even had a small crown on her head.
The guests cooed and made lovely sounds as they walked through. They waved at Maddy and I when they reached our line. “They waved at me!” Maddy squealed happily, like a kid. “Look, Lyric! We’re even wearing matching outfits!” She pointed at her own red dress.”
“Right!” I laughed.
Reaching the end of the aisle, Jaris and Marta joined them, taking their hands and leading them to their seats.
Something tugged in my heart at the sight.
Everyone gave a rousing applause for them.
My eyes darted through the crowd and something gripped my attention.
Not something; someone.
I narrowed my eyes, trying to get a better look.
But then, Maddy tapped me to ask something, and when I looked again, the person was gone.
I shook my head, not able to make sense of it. I thought I saw someone familiar among the guests, but I must’ve been mistaken.
Everyone took their seats as a welcome speech was given by Marta, and afterward, the main event kicked off.
Activities were introduced by the MC, including some games for the kids around.
For hours, we laughed, clapped and commented on the numerous activities.
My eyes were majorly on Xylon and Xyla the whole time. I couldn’t get enough of how red their faces were as they had fun with the things taking place.
Jaris and Marta sat closeby, their faces beaming with pride. I smiled wistfully. The joy of parenthood. I hope I get to experience it someday.
A while later, the kids were called to dance on stage. I was surprised at how good of a dancer Xylon was. His moves were a little too smooth for someone his age.
Xyla was simply having fun and kept giggling at her clumsy steps. Compared to Xylon, she wasn’t that good. But I wasn’t even sure she noticed or cared.
When they finished with the dance, it was time for them to play a game.
“Listen up, kids,” the MC addressed them. “This game needs to be played with you and two adults. Xylon, I’ll need you to pick a man of your choice to be your partner, and Xyla, you pick a woman. You can choose mummy and daddy if you want. Do you understand?”
They nodded ecstatically and went their separate ways.
I was eager for the game. I was sure it was going to be between Jaris and Marta. However, I was surprised when I noticed” Xyla wasn’t going toward her mother.
Everyone watched in anticipation, thinking maybe she was coming to pick them. It came as a big shock when she stopped in front of me, holding out her hand.
“I want you to be my partner, aunty Lyric!”
