LUNA

When I put all my leftovers in the bag, I put them on my shoulder.

"Where are you going?"

I stopped when I heard that cold voice. I slowly turned around. "I'm leaving, Dylan."

He leaned on the door jamb. "You're staying at Hotel Vega, right?"

My eyes widened. "How..."

"How many times do I have to tell you?" He approached me and stood in front of me. "That if I'm going to hell, I'll take you with me."

"I don't want to, Dylan."

"It doesn't matter how you feel, Luna. I don't care. You will live here in this house, with me." This promise is weak but strong.

"I'm scared of things you can still do to me. You treat me like trash, your friends almost raped me— I don't know, Dylan. I'm tired." I couldn’t stop sobbing.

His gaze went to my arm again. I winced as he gently touched it. I just watched his expression change.

But before long his face went blank again and let go of my hand. "I've already called the hotel. They'll deliver your stuff here tomorrow."

"Dylan, this isn't right anymore."

"The pain you feel cannot compare to what I felt when she broke up with me." After he said that he left my room.

Two days later I was surprised when he invited me to a business party and bought me a dress. That was the first time I received something from him.

"Come on, Luna. Don't let Papa embarrass us." Dylan said emphatically to me as we entered the hotel where the business party was being held.

All investors, business partners and directors were there at the party so we shouldn’t get lost. They said they wanted to meet the wife of Reyes' only heir because some of them did not attend the wedding. After all, Dylan had recovered from his fever two days ago, the doctor allowed him to go to the party.

I just nodded here and put my left hand on his arm. I took a deep breath to calm my aching heart. I only touch Dylan once but it gets worse when my heart speeds up.

As soon as we entered, many people approached Dylan. They greet and say hello. Dylan slowly removed my hand from his arm unnoticed by his interlocutors. I put my hands on my side and smiled hard at those who were talking to me so that I seemed to be listening even though I could not understand what they were talking about.

The gaze of an elderly man fell on me. One side of its lip rose and engulfed my whole being. "You must be..."

"I'm Luna, Sir." I reached out one of my hands here to shake hands, but he took it and put it on his lips. Ew. This is disgusting.

"You have a very stunning wife, Mr Reyes." He says that it doesn't take his eyes off me.

Dylan just smiled at him and the attention returned to the interlocutors. I looked at the man again and he was still looking at me. The feathers rose because of what I could see in his eyes. I looked up at Dylan but he didn't care even though I was already staring into the man's eyes. I hid a little behind Dylan to hide half of my body.

I relaxed as Dylan said goodbye to them to go to the two adults sitting near us. I followed Dylan as he walked towards it. We sat down and the three started talking. They are married. And they have been married for thirty years. The sweetness of the two of them is still obvious.

What will my future be with Dylan if Camille doesn't come back? I took a deep breath and looked at Dylan while smiling at his interlocutor. He doesn't look at me, he doesn't talk to me, but I know he feels for me.

"Mrs Reyes? Luna?"

Dylan nudged me weakly and looked sharply. I slumped in my seat. "H-Huh?"

"Pay attention, Luna. Damn it." Dylan whispered. Just enough for me to hear.

"S-Sorry." I cleared my throat and looked at the couple. "Ah, I'm sorry?"

"Business talk bores you, hija?" Said the lady.

"Ah, No. Not really." I answered quickly.

"She finished Business Administration, Mr Martinez." Dylan groaned.

I bowed. Camille graduated with a B.A. I am a designer, like Mama. Cam didn't like B.A., Papa just forced her because he would inherit all his property. I also have an heir but, can I still expect big? Dad thinks I'm stupid because I just finished designing.

"That's wonderful!" Said the gentleman. Suddenly a gentle song rang out. "Oh, wait... Nice song. Excuse us."

"Invite your wife to dance too, Dylan." The lady said as she stood up to dance with her husband.

Dylan just nodded and smiled. They stood up and Dylan left us. Then Dylan stood up and left me without saying a word. It went to a pile of businessmen.

I took a deep breath. What else can I expect? Will she be sweet to me here at the party? It's not bad to assume, is it?

I also got up and started walking inside the hotel. I have talked to other women I think is approachable. Since designing is what I finished, I gave them advice on what matters to them or what 'they don't wear. The others are offended but the others are just fine with them.

I said goodbye to my interlocutor and went out of the hotel. There is a gazebo and there are small falls in the middle, so it looks cold in the place. I stood at the falls and watched the waterfall there. It’s relaxing to look at that. I looked up at the sky. Nice! Full moon.

"Nice. It's a full moon." Someone with a baritone voice spoke behind me.

I looked at it. My eyes widened as I recognized the man who owned the voice. "Y-You— When— Since... What?!"

He smiled at my reaction. "Good evening to the most stunning lady right in front of me."

"I'm the only woman in front of you right now, Skyler." Yes, he's here. Finally. Skyler. It's been a long time.

He inserted one hand into the pocket of his slacks. "I know ten years's been a long time but I figured you'd wait for me."

I averted my eyes from it. "Let us not talk about the past, Skyler."

"You've never changed, my love. You're still the warm-hearted girl I loved and still love. I can feel it." I was alarmed as he slowly approached where I was.

I cannot understand myself. I can’t move my feet away from it. "Sky."

I sighed when he hugged me tightly. "I missed you so much."

"Don't, Sky." I tried to push him. "I'm married—"

"You're married to Dylan Reyes. I know." He moved a little away from me. He used his index finger to lift my face and line our eyes. "You love him?"

Although I was shocked by what he said, I recovered immediately. "Yes. But he— it's a long story, Skyler. I-I need to go back."

I was about to pass him, but he suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me in front of him again.

I saw the sadness in his eyes. "You forgot about me? Didn't I say I'll get back to you? Why can't you wait, Luna?"

I bowed. "I-I saw you forgot about me too."

I heard it had a girlfriend there. Sometimes I called him, and his Manager Shaun answered my call and told me that he has a new girl named.

At first, I didn’t believe it. But one day I just watched it on television with a woman, it had a lot of pictures with the woman. One of them shocked me, the photo of them kissing. At the same time, we lost communication.

"How can I forget the only girl I fell in love with?"

I averted my eyes from him. "I-I fell out of love, Sky."

"Yeah. I can see that." He says sarcastically.

"Sky—"

"You looked lonely. You seem to cry anytime. Let me guess, your father?" He touched both my cheeks and looked me straight in the eyes.

Comfort. This is what I have been looking for for a long time and now I just felt it again. In Skyler's arms. I felt a familiar warmth. Only now did I notice how much I missed Sky.

I suddenly hugged him. My tears flowed automatically. Ever since it disappeared, I have had nothing to pour out of resentment, nothing to comfort me. I miss my best friend.

"I'm sorry. I ruined your suit." I laughed said while holding the polo part of it.

I walked away from here and turned around to fix myself. When I faced the doorway, he was looking at me intently. Even if it doesn't speak, I can see its astonishment. It was looking at my arm that was still a little red from the rupture. It turns out that the makeup I put there is gone. It's not so painful anymore! I hid it behind me. He opened his mouth, but I preceded him in speaking.

I sneezed. "Sky, I need to go back. M-Maybe Dylan is looking for me."

"When can I see you again?" He said seriously and held my hand.

"I don't know, Sky. Please, let me go."

"I have my ways, Luna. I'll have you again," he said determinedly and let go of my hand.

I turned away from it. "I waited for you, Sky. But I can't wait that long. I'm sorry." I said before going inside again. Admit it, we will never be the same.

When I entered, I went straight to the comfort room to retouch. My make-up was messed up because I cried earlier. I let my guards down. Damnit! But it's just Skyler, isn't it? He understands.

No one inside. They are likely busy talking or dealing with others. It's only a once in a lifetime opportunity to be invited to parties like this. There are many recognizable tycoons all over the world.

I heard the woman growled. Am I haunted? When I looked at the far cubicle it was obvious there were two people there.

What the heck! Go to the comfort room. No manners! Didn’t they know it was a public toilet? Grabe! How can they say—

"Oh, Dylan..." I stiffened because I heard the woman's name moan.

I quickly locked the comfort room door before anyone else could enter. Is it up to here? Does he no longer choose a place?

Finally, the door of such a cubicle also opened. First came out the woman with messy hair and make-up. I stood up straight as the man followed. I was no longer surprised. He was even more surprised to see me, but his expression immediately returned to the cold.

"Oh. It's your wife." She said as its eyes hovered all over me. It went in with the mirror and fixed itself. "See you, Dylan." Dylan did not speak. It just nodded. Take it out.

I sneezed and took a deep breath. "I-I'll just wait for you outside."

"Wait."

I stopped and faced it. "Why?"

"Fix my necktie." He commanded.

I looked at its necktie removed from the tie. I came over here and started fixing that. I kept our distance. As much as possible, don't let it stick to me. Every human patience has a limit.

"Why do you seem to hate me? Come closer, Luna." He grabbed my arm, but I immediately removed his hand from there.

His eyebrows met. I hastened to fix its necktie and then turned away. Even before I could get out it pulled my arms and pressed me against the wall.

"Let me go, Dylan!" I'm sick of it.

"You're fighting now, huh?" he says angrily. I could smell the wine on his breath.

"Get your filthy hands off me! You disgust me!" Sometimes we must fight because the pain is too much.

He smirked. "Filthy, huh?!"

"Let me go, Dylan! It hurts"

"You just saw your man and became brave."

Eyes widened. "How—"

"You thought I didn't see it?" He laughed sarcastically.

I was scared to see the anger in his eyes. "Sto—"

He touched my hair. I almost closed my eyes when I felt my scalp tingle. "When someone else sees you, you will ruin my reputation and I will drag you deeper in hell. Do you understand?! What is your answer?"

"Yes. Please, let me go." I beg you.

"Good." He left me and went back to the party.

I adjusted myself. My tears still flow when I remember what Dylan did. I felt my chest tighten so I immediately took my inhaler inside the purse.

When I came out, I immediately looked for Papa. He was talking to Dylan. My whole body went cold when the eyes of the two landed on me. Dylan smiled and approached me.

I shuddered when he touched me. "Scared? That's good."

Though trembling with fear I let it touch me. I smiled hard as we got closer to where Dad was. "H-Hi, 'Pa."

I can see in his actions that he is just forced to hug me. "If you meet your man, make sure no one sees you. You're embarrassing me." He whispered loudly in front of my ear.

My eyes widened. I stayed away from him. "N-No, Pa. I can explain—"

"Did anyone else see them, Dylan?"

"No more. Just the Sandoval couple." Dylan replied and gave me a sharp look.

"You see that?! It's better not to be taken to events like this. Even Dylan's last name, you're taking it down!" He said in an angry voice. Fortunately, there aren't too many people around us because they're starting to turn around.

"That's enough, 'Pa. I'll take care of him." Dylan stopped.

Dad took a deep breath and swallowed his senses. "That's good. That woman will kill me."

LUNA

My body ached when I woke up. And I’m still wearing my gown I wore last night. I got up and changed my clothes then sat down on my bed again. When we arrived last night, my mind and body were very tired.

Why do I have to love Dylan like this? He doesn't worth my love, my tears, even my soul! But why him? Please. Answer me, Heart. Why do you still love him? Why can't we hate him? Why is he still the one you're beating even though he's hurting us?!

I was startled when there was a sudden knock on my door. I stood up and slowly opened it. Dylan's blank face flashed at me. Isn't he in today?

My damned heart is here again. It throbbed fast again. I averted my gaze.

He cleared his throat. "You have a visitor. It's downstairs."

I nodded. "Okay."

He nodded as well and turned away. I went out and closed my bedroom door. I followed it. I want to hold it and hug it, but I have no right. He is not mine. I'm just up to paper.

I collided on his back when he suddenly stopped. I immediately took a step back when he turned around.

"I-I'm sorry."

I would have been ready to catch his wrath.

"It's okay." I almost gasped because this was the first time, he said it was okay.

He didn't hit me or give me a sharp look. Even though its face was blank, I was still surprised by what it said. His forehead furrowed as I stared at him intently. I averted my gaze and bit my lower lip. I was just amazed because he knew the word 'okay'.

He cleared his throat and looked to the front. I followed what it was looking at. Draw a smile on my lips when I see who it is. The woman is now sitting on the sofa in the middle of our living room. Even though she has dark glasses I was still able to identify her. It stood up. I automatically ran to her and hugged her.

"Aunt Vivian! What a pleasant surprise!" I said happily.

She reciprocated with a hug. "I missed you, honey."

Aunt Vivian is Dad’s only sister, I’m close to her. She was Camille and I's mother because she was so smart. Because this is my escape when my dad scolds me when I was a child, she also takes care of me.

"Y-You came back." My voice almost trembled when I said that. I missed her so much.

"Of course! I found out about your sister. Your father told me. Why did she leave without letting me know? Oh my! That sister of yours is very active. She can't stay at one place."

Auntie doesn’t know why Camille left and about the wedding. Didn't Dad tell him? Probably, because they might get angry again. I would rather keep quiet than be the cause of their anger again.

Aunt Vivian thinks everyone is fair, that's why I love her so much. She treats you even if you are a farmer. Because for her, the existence of every single creature is important.

I took a deep breath and smiled sadly at her. "I missed you, Auntie. You don't know how much I missed you."

"Oh. Me too, my dearest." She hugged me but also immediately moved away a bit. "Anyway, you looked terrible. Why?"

"Oh. Ahm." I don't know what to answer here. I bit my lower lip and averted my eyes from it. I saw Dylan watching my Aunt and me. His stare is cold. I was devastated when our eyes met. My gaze returned to Aunt Vivian. "Auntie, I'm cleaning my room— our room."

"Oh, is that so? You should just get an assistant." She turned to Dylan and smiled. "What do you think, Dylan?"

"N-No, Auntie. I can—"

"I agree." He simply says and came to us. My heart started beating faster. I was surprised when he hugged me. Thank goodness that Aunt Vivian didn't miss that. "I also don't want my wife to have a hard time, Tita."

I looked up at him. "No, Dylan. I-I can do it."

I know it's just acting and not everything he says is true.

He squeezed my shoulder softly. "I insist. I'm your husband. I should just give you everything you need."

I was speechless at what he said. Why even though it's acting my heart is still beating fast and I seem to want to hope that's true. Tsk! Goodbye!

"How sweet!" I looked at Auntie. Her hands clasped and Dylan and I smiled. "Oh! Before I forgot. I invite you to come to my Resort Blessing in Batangas."

"Resort?"

"Yes! Isn't that cool! Villa Narcissu already opened!" She giggled. "Besides, your two cousins also will come home from Japan, Luna. They want to see you."

"Kristian and Trey? They're here! Oh, goodie!" I beamed. When Auntie left, my two cousins were with me. I used to play with them, and we were close to each other.

"When will they arrive, Auntie?"

"Tomorrow. So, come to the resort." Tita replied.

Suddenly my smile also dissolved. Maybe Dylan has a meeting tomorrow or something is scheduled. "U-Uhm, Auntie, my husband might—"

"We will go." Dylan's immediate response surprised me.

"R-Really?"

"Yes." He says coldly.

To my great excitement, I couldn’t even restrain myself from embracing it. "Thank you. Thank you."

When my excitement subsided, I only realized that my hug with Dylan had lasted. I was about to go away when he wrapped his hand around my waist so I couldn't get away. My heart was beating Spartan again.

"It's okay." He whispered in my ear. I swallowed because his hot breath hit my ear. My hair stood on end as well.

What's going on? Why even though I knew it was just acting, I couldn’t help but think that it would have been true. Dylan's gentle hug with me. The touch of his warm palm on my shoulder earlier. This is how it feels to be embraced by Dylan Caden Reyes. The sweetness of the feeling.

I have been dreaming of this for a long time. To hold and hug Dylan.

Shit! Why when I want to forget him then he made me feel it.

My system keeps going crazy. I want more. I just want us to be like this. When will that happen? Can I stop the time first so that I can feel it even more? How many years have I wished this had happened?

I like to think that is true. Please, just for now, let me think that everything he shows is true.

"It's okay. Your auntie's watching." Even before my illusion began, Dylan ended it immediately.

He just wanted to hug me because my aunt was watching. Is he okay or am I just assuming?

"You're heartless, Dylan," I whispered. I cast spells several times to hold back the tears. It's embarrassing if I cry in front of Tita Vivian.

"I know. You don't have to tell me."

LUNA

Dylan and I left the house early in his private helicopter. He said he didn't want to drive for a long time. Or maybe he just doesn't want to be with me for long. The helicopter landed at the resort helipad. Dylan went down first and I followed.

When I came down, I was immediately greeted by Aunt Vivian's hug. He kissed me on the cheek. "Hello, Dear! I'm so glad you two made it!"

"Of course! I don't want to disappoint my beautiful Aunt." I said while hugging her back.

"Let's go inside. It's hot. Shocks! My armpit is already crying." He released me and then dragged me inside his hotel.

Dylan quietly followed us. Tita took us to the Chapel, in a few minutes the mass would begin. We just sent the things to Bell Boy to take to our room.

Aunt Vivian first left us in a chair because her friends called her. Next to me was the quiet priest and Dylan.

"Lulay?!"

I looked back because that's where the voice came from. My face lit up as I recognized who the two men were waving at me.

"Christian! Trey!" I shouted. I got up and quickly went to where the two were. I hugged the two at the same time because I could no longer reach their necks. "I missed you both!"

I heard them laugh and hugged me back too.

"We missed you, too, Lulay," Trey whispered to me. "We found out about Cammy's departure. We miss her, too. Why did she leave without saying goodbye? What was she thinking?"

I shook my head to find out that I also didn't know what was on Camille's mind. I buried my face in Trey's chest. I can’t tell them the situation. Dad might even ruin that.

Especially Dylan, I know he doesn’t want to spread what happened when he got married.

We both miss her.

He took a deep breath and hugged me even tighter.

We parted and then lightly pinched my cheek. It smiled. "She'll be fine, okay? It's Mama's party, we shouldn't be sad."

I nodded.

Kristian and Trey are twins. I was two years older than them. We have racial twins. But they are not identical unlike Camille and me. The only difference between Camille and me is the mole, I have a small mole on my forehead and Camille doesn't. They grew up with me. So of all my cousins Trey and Kristian are the closest to me. The two were seven years old when they left the country.

I slowly walked away with a sneeze. I confronted Dylan. His forehead was furrowed, and one hand was rubbed.

I went to the centre and started to introduce it to each other. "Uhm, cousins, this is Dylan Caden Reyes. M-My husband."

"We haven't heard of you getting married. Or you just didn't invite us." Trey's voice was tinged with sullenness. Kristian, on the other hand, just watched Dylan as if examining it.

"Uh... No. What—" A warm hand touched my shoulder.

"I'm sorry if we didn't invite you. We were in a hurry. You know that." Dylan's hand dropped to my waist and pulled me closer to him. I rested both my hands on its hard chest. He looked me straight in the eye as he continued speaking. "Because we want to get married right away."

I could hear my heart beating fast. I was the first to look away. I pressed my lower lip and when I looked at my cousins, I smiled but it was out of sight.

No! Enough! I should never fall into his trap. I should no longer feel hopeless that our organization would work out. I know, he's just acting because my cousins are in front of us. But why can't I stop my abnormal heartbeat?

Trey smiled and then held out his hand to Dylan. "Trey."

Dylan released me and then accepted Trey's hand. He nodded and then resigned.

"Kristian." No emotion says, Kristian. Dylan accepted her hand. I noticed Kristian squeezing Dylan's hand. While one was also watching Kristian intently. "You break her heart; I break your face. And I'll make sure surgeons can't even fix it."

One side of Dylan's lip rose. Oh, no.

"Are you still playing soccer, Trey?" I said to relieve the tension with them.

Trey's smile widened. It has also lost its attention on the two. Dylan and Kristian's hands had also parted but they were still not done giving sharp looks. I bit my lower lip and looked back at Trey.

"Yep! I'm with my co-player. Where is that fool?" He was looking for something behind me so I turned around as well. "Skyler!"

My body stiffened when he mentioned the name of his companion. It can't be. My chest throbbed, even more, when a man turned to our habit and started walking.

Skyler.

I looked at Trey again with my hands clasped.

From my peripheral vision, Trey shouldered Skyler. "Come here, brother. Make me brag to my cousin!"

I bit my lower lip and thought about how I would deal with it.

"Hi, Luna." My hair stood on end when he mentioned my name.

I took a deep breath. I closed my eyes tightly to relieve my nervousness. Then he stared and faced them. I winced when our eyes met. "L-Long time no see, Skyler."

Trey was shocked. "You knew each other? How—"

"She's here, Trey." Sky said calmly while not taking his eyes off me.

I frowned at what he said. What does he mean? Is he telling me about my cousin?

"What?! He's your ex that you still love so much, and you just left to fulfil your dream?! Lulay is the one you said you would come back and take back?! The ex that you said you would marry?"

Silence reigned after Trey spoke. No one wants to speak. I bowed. I didn’t want to meet Sky’s warm gaze. His hand was bent as if restraining himself.

I can't look at Dylan either. Now that Skyler is here, what hurtful words will he say to me later?

"Awkward." I heard Kristian say. We probably grabbed the attention of the two to interrupt they are giving sharp looks.

I was startled when a hand wrapped around my waist. I looked up to see who owned that hand. I saw Dylan's tough look. It looked sharply at Skyler. Its jaw also moves.

I was devastated when his gaze landed on me. "Uhm..."

I couldn't continue what I was going to say because Aunt Vivian had already appeared. "Children, let's go to our place. The mass is about to begin."

Dylan pulled me in when Aunt Vivian turned around. I gasped as it slammed into Skyler's shoulder. It was breathing heavily so I just chose to keep quiet rather than fight because of what it did to Skyler.

We sat in the front row. Aunt Vivian was in the first seat, her two children next to her, and then Skyler was seated next to Trey. I was about to sit next to Sky when Dylan pulled me. It sat in the empty seat next to Sky and I was on its side. I just kept quiet until the mass started.

"Give peace to each other. Peace be with you." The priest said cheerfully.

"Peace. Peace be with you." I smiled greeting the people sitting in the back row. They also reciprocated the greeting. I turned around again and looked at Dylan's behaviour. I sneezed to get its attention and I didn't fail there. I looked away from him or her. "P-Peace be with you, Dylan."

"Yeah." His head dipped down before I could move. My eyes widened, my lips parted, and he caught the gasp that escaped my throat. Bombs exploded in my head. Fire rushed along with my nervous system. "'Peace be with you, too."

He has returned the gaze to the front. My hands rose to my lips. I can't believe this. He kissed me. I don't know how many minutes I was stunned because of what he did. My cheeks warmed because I knew many saw what Dylan did. After all, we were ahead. Before I could face him, I noticed a man peeking at my behaviour. Skyler. The sadness can be read on its face. I felt guilty because I knew I was the one who did it. I swallowed before he smiled but it didn't reach my eyes then I faced the Altar again.

The mass ended. I kissed Aunt Vivian. We follow the priest to every place he blesses. Mama led the other guests to the buffet table. I felt someone hold my hand. I turned to see who it was. I stopped walking. I looked at the hands we were holding and then turned around. Dylan probably didn’t notice that because he was talking to businessmen.

"Luna." I looked up at him.

I swallowed before answering. "Sky—"

I couldn't even continue answering because my hands were holding my waist. Dylan pulled me away from Skyler, but Skyler's grip tightened on my hand. It glared at Skyler's hand that was still holding my hand. I resigned myself. I cringed when I saw the sadness in Skyler's eyes again.

"Let's go, Luna," Dylan said sternly. We were about to turn around, but Dylan faced Skyler again. One side of his lip lifted. "Don't be pathetic. She's mine, don't force yourself on her."

"Why did you tell Skyler that, Dylan?!" I said as he pulled me into the uncrowded place.

"Shut the fuck up, Luna. I've been annoyed with you before." Each time he pressed his word, he pressed his hand on my arm. I just wince.

He pressed me against the wall and then placed his hand on either side of me. I was ready to shout it but that I swallowed it too because I noticed how close its face was to me. It's like I'm small because of what it did. I swallowed as his gaze dropped to my lips. I immediately read my lower lip. What will I do when he kisses me again?

Our eyes met. I saw the hardening of his form. "He's the one you talked to at the party, right? Tsk! Don’t flirt around, will you?"

My eyebrows met at what he said. "Skyler isn't doing us any harm."

"You're attracting him!" His jaw moved a sign that he was angry.

I close my eyes tightly and stare. Annoying!

"You're delusional, Dylan. If I were you, I'd go to church every day." I narrowed my eyes at him. I pushed him hard and adjusted my clothes to get out of him. I swallowed a few times to keep my tears from flowing. "It's not like you're thinking about obscenity!"

I almost gasped when his palm touched my cheek. "You're becoming combative, Luna. I'm going to miss your weakness."

"Because I'm fed up with your oppression of me. I have my brain, you don't have to control me!" When I said that, I turned around. My hands are bent as I walk away from it.

Why can't I hate him?

I chased Aunt Vivian to the gazebo, just a few minutes later Dylan followed. We ignored each other until after the blessing. I didn't even see Skyler until after that. We were invited to go to the Buffet Table for lunch. I was surprised when Dylan pulled the chair for me. I smiled at him, but it didn't reach my eyes.

"All right kids, let's eat a lot. Dylan and Luna, you still have a long way to go." Said Aunt Vivian. She chose to join us at the table because she said, 'Family first' and later she would gossip with her friends at another table.

"We're okay, Auntie," Dylan replied as he sliced the meat that was on his plate.

"Oh, Skyler, why aren't you stirring your food? Didn't you like cooking?"

I looked at Skyler's behaviour. He was seated in front of me. He pierces the broccoli.

"I'm okay too, Auntie." He looked at me. I can see the longing in his eyes. I bit my lower lip. "I'm just thinking."

"Oh, whoever you're thinking right now, she's so lucky," Auntie said then poured the food into this spoon.

I stared at Kristian as he cleared his throat and then smiled foolishly. I felt Dylan's warm palm on my hand on the table. Even though I love the heat of it, I still need to be steady, I don't want her to know that with every touch she makes me weak. I secretly lowered my hand and placed it on my lap.

"Uhm, Auntie, did you not invite Dad?"

I just want to change our topic. Then I also noticed Dad wasn’t there, while Aunt Vivian said she would call it quits.

"Oh, he can't go and he's going to Australia. Business. He's just doing a job. Since Avery died..."

She cleared her throat and then smiled again. I know she doesn’t want to talk about my Mom because of Camille and me. She no longer wants us to be sad and orphaned by the love of a mother.

"Let's just eat."

After lunch, Aunt Vivian and I talked about how she thought of building a resort. And as well as the beautiful places it has seen in the countries it has visited. I can see again the sparkle in its eyes that the man who left him took.

Dylan and I said goodbye that we would just get dressed and relax a bit. We left early and were still tired from the trip. We went to our room. None of us spoke. I don’t walk with Dylan, I’m always ahead of it. But I can still feel its warm gaze behind me.

When I entered our room, I immediately went straight to his bedroom carrying the suitcases that Bell Boy had placed on the side of our door. I laid it on the bed and then removed the clothes from it. I was no longer surprised when Tita told me that there was only one room, I already knew where I would sleep. On the Sofa, where else? We have no mercy on me, Dylan, he doesn't want me to be around.

I heard the door open.

"Get dressed first," I said coldly while not looking at him. I got up then went to where the door was. I was about to leave but Dylan blocked the door. I looked at it curiously.

"Okay." It closed the door behind it. And then one by one the polo button was removed. I was surprised when he took it off in front of me.