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.

"W-What— Let me out." Confused I said. I gazed up at him in admiration as he threw his shirt onto the floor. His chest was well-built, with a small spattering of hair, and his six-pack looked like something from a fitness magazine.

"Why?" What?!

"I'm going out. Y-You're blocking the door." I averted my gaze because of the intensity I could see in his eyes. What is he doing? And most of all, what is his intention?! I can't read him, damn it! "Fine! I'll just turn around."

I shuddered to turn away from it. If that's what he's up to, I can't give it up. I don't want him to think he's my weakness. I need to fight my feelings for him. But why is my body screaming differently? He wants me to face Dylan and whatever it wants to happen. I shook my head to clear my mind of its imperfect body.

I stiffened when something warm and soft stuck to my shoulder. I sighed when I felt his breath in my ear. "You're so cold to me."

I dealt with him quickly. "W-What—"

His lips sealed over mine. His mouth covered mine, stopping any more words from getting out. I don’t know who pushed me to turn a blind eye and put both my hands on its shoulders. I had to push him, but I couldn’t. I melt in his arms. His arms wrapped around my waist and pressed even harder on me.

Why is he doing this to me? Is he punishing me?

He pressed me against the wall the closer our bodies were. It lowered the strap of my dress.

Why am I responding to his touch?! God, I'm dying for his touch! I don’t know how many times I thought about when I would handle Dylan like this?

His kiss felt on my neck, I moaned at the bite he made there. I tugged at his hair and it tightened even more as he came down to my collarbone.

He stopped kissing me and then stared me in the eyes. My cheeks get hot. We both gasped. Is this a dream come true? Am I starting to have a space in her heart?

A corner of his lips lifted and looked down at my chest. "That's okay. So, Skyler knows where he's going."

I was confused by what he said. He walked away but he was still staring at me seriously. I looked at myself in the mirror just near the door. My eyes widened when I saw the red hickeys on my neck and chest. I blushed in anger.

"You son of a b*tch!" I would come over here and be slapped if Dylan hadn’t just caught my hand.

"No, Luna. You're the bitch." He said. Even though I was hurt by what he said, I didn't notice. "That's just a sign, even if I don't like you. You're still mine."

"Get your hands off me, Dylan!" I forcefully withdraw my hands.

Dylan let go of my hands but immediately grabbed my arm. "You love me 'don't you? If you love me, you'll follow everything I want!"

How did he find out about how I felt about him?

"You think, I don't know about that? I read the letter Camille left for you." I was shocked at what it said.

"Did you come into my room?"

"That room is part of my house. I'll do everything I want to do with my property."

I was so bitten on my lower lip. "I know you'll never love me back."

"You're right." This promise is weak.

"I'm not forcing myself on you. I've given up on you, Dylan. I'm just waiting for the day when you release the annulment papers so you can leave and find Camille. She's the one you love, I'm just her substitute. " I bent down and said, tears quickly dripping from my eyes. This is the first time Dylan and I have talked in such a long time.

Its grip on my arm gradually loosened. "You're not her substitute. I've never looked at you that way."

I looked up. "Huh?"

"You cry a lot. You're clumsy. You don't know how to stand for yourself. You know how to cook, it was delicious." He ate the food I made for him. "You're a total opposite of her. Which is why I won't fall in love with you."

VERONICA LUNA GARCIA-REYES

I sat on top of the king-sized bed while waiting for Dylan to come out of the bathroom. I took a deep breath and looked at the bathroom door it entered. It looks like he has no intention of going out yet, so I got dressed first. After I got dressed, I sat on the bed again.

I looked up as the bathroom door opened. I was swallowed. The only thing he was wearing was black boxer short. He wipes his wet hair with a towel. My eyes dropped to his bare chest, a few drops of water dripping there. I averted my eyes as he walked closer to me.

"Uhm, Dylan." What can I say? Shit!

He took the clothes I had prepared for him. I prepared that while he is taking a bath. "Rest now, Luna."

I hugged a pillow and got up from the bed. He raised an eyebrow. "Where are you going?"

"In the living room. That's where I'll sleep." I say weakly.

He pulled me closer to him until we were just a ruler away from each other. As my heartbeat quickened as I met his gaze. "Why? You'll sleep here."

He released me and passed. I looked at him.

"Where are you sleeping?" It stopped when I spoke.

"I can handle myself." He said as he remained behind me.

Is he acting? My Aunt and cousins are not here, there’s no point to act kind and caring.

I lowered the pillow and blanket I was holding on the bed and then stood up properly again.

"Dylan," This time, he turned to face me. His serious face remains. I stabilized my voice. "They're not here. Stop acting like you're flirting with me."

A corner of his lips lifted. He showed me his demonic smile again. "Luna, I cared for you because I need you and not the other way around. You remember my father's will, right?"

"Dylan, you're not like this when we first met."

"When can I wreck the walls, you build around you?" I couldn't stop my voice from shaking.

"You can't. I won't let you." He says coldly and I lowered my head.

All I could do was watch him walk out the door. I was horrified when he closed that loudly. I lay down on the bed and then covered my eyes. Maybe out of exhaustion, drowsiness visited me immediately.

-

When I opened my eyes, the darkness of the horizon opened up to me. But I could see a little because there was light outside. I stretched before standing up. I went to the bedroom mirror; I was amazed at the beauty of the surroundings. The moon went round, and round and the stars shone in the sky. The ocean glows under the moon. I felt relieved to see the beauty of it. My eyes went down on the shore of the sea there were people rejoicing.

Maybe that was one of Tita's parties. Suddenly I remembered that Tita had invited us there. I immediately closed the curtain and then started getting dressed. I just put on shorts and a white sleeveless shirt and left the room. I slowly closed the door so Dylan wouldn't wake up. He was lying on the sofa bed. I entered the room again and picked up the blanket. I slowly closed the door and went to where Dylan was. I covered it, fortunately, he didn't wake up.

I sat in front of it then silently stared at its peaceful face. Now I just stare at Dylan like this. Only now did I find out that his eyelashes are long. His red lips touched my lip earlier.

I hope the day comes when you love me too. I was probably the happiest person when that happened.

I smiled bitterly. It's not bad if I ask, is it? I got up. I will never wake him again. I'll just show Tita, I'll just say Dylan is asleep. He will understand me.

Then I also want to forget now. It's like I want to drink, get drunk. It's like I want to experience how those who don't care about the problem. I huddled with people to find them, Trey. I saw him with... Skyler. I took a deep breath before approaching them. Trey smiled when he saw me approaching.

"Cousin! Why doesn't your hubby seem to be gone?" He put his arm around me. "Lover’s quarrel?"

I shook my head then smiled. "He's asleep. I let him go first. Maybe later, he'll be here."

"Okay! It's a party!"

He released me and then took a woman walking in front of us on his shoulders. He dropped the beer on the table then took the woman to the dance floor. The woman didn't even complain about what Trey had done. I was shaken by what Trey did. Boys are boys. I immediately saw Kristian; this woman was also dancing. He looked up while shouting. They seem to be enjoying it.

I took a deep breath. Skyler didn’t leave my side.

"Do you want someone to talk to?" I heard Skyler say.

I looked at him. I was greeted by his chocolate eyes that when looked at you were piercing. It is as if by the time you look into his eyes you have no choice but to obey his commands.

"You know me, don't you?" I said smiling. But I know he noticed it was fake. Skyler and I also spent a few years together. I know he knows me very well when I have a problem. "But, there's only one I want to talk to. Wine."

One of his eyebrows rose. "You don't drink, Luna."

I laughed heartily. "How did you know? It’s been years, Skyler Madrigal."

"Luna—"

I raised one hand to stop it from saying. I bent down and then grabbed a beer from the cooler on its side. There are coolers scattered around. There is no booth set up here because it is an open area. My variety of wine inside. But I only chose the mild one.

When I got there, I walked to a place where there weren't many people. I have already found it. That's not that far from where the party is taking place. When I found the right place, I sat on the sand. I felt the cold and fine sand on my thighs. I opened the beer and peacefully watched the waves.

I want to forget. Even just for a moment. Just a moment.

I felt someone beside me. I didn’t look back at that because Skyler knew that.

"If I can't stop you, I'll just sympathize with you." He said while also looking at the sea.

All that could be heard was the less loud noise from the Party. I sipped the wine I took, drawing the intense chisel down my throat. I almost coughed when I sucked on it. Eventually, I got used to that taste. When I thought, I was going to run out of that, I already felt dizzy. But I still can't get Dylan out of my mind. Why? It is just my brain and the one that wants to forget. Not my heart.

Skyler understands me. I feel guilty that I hurt him.

"Skyler, I— Can you—" I took a deep breath and looked at it. "Forgive me."

He also turned to me. His beauty was further enhanced by the impact of the moonlight on his face. "Why? Did you do something wrong to me?"

I averted my gaze. How do I get started? It’s now or never. "That I broke our promise? I couldn't wait for you."

"It's okay. I think that's my karma because I flirted with other women in the States. I was young and stupid. I want to apologize to you, but you've blocked me on almost every website that exists." He took a deep breath. "Your existence is precious to me, Luna. I still love you. Luna, if I could just turn back time and not do those things, maybe we could still be together."

He moved closer to me then his hands covered my face. I saw his eyes full of sadness again.

"Me too, Sky. I wish I could love you back." I hugged him tightly. My tears flowed as he hugged me back.

I wish I could.

--------

SKYLER MADRIGAL

I caressed Luna's cheek. She lay on the sand while her head rested on my thigh so I could freely observe her angelic face. I know her twin, Camille. They are not the same two even though they are twins. You can read in their aura who Camille and Luna are. Camille loves to wear vulgar clothes, her face is also bold as if people have always been small. Luna, on the other hand, wore sensible clothes, and there was no trace of courage on her face. If you look at Luna, she looks like a lost puppy in the jungle. It's like when you touch her, she's going to cry. She's fragile.

You can also see how much she loved his father even though he treated him that way. I don't even know why Mr Garcia had Camille its kindest child. During the time I was with Luna, I could only see the joy in her eyes when her Aunt, Aunt Vivian praised her or when she touched Camille's toy given to her by her Dad.

I bent down then kissed it on the forehead.

"Me too, babe. I wish you could love me back." I closed my eyes.

Even though we were still in high school, I made up my mind that she was the woman I would marry. And when I get back here, I'll claim her again.

I took a deep breath then stared. I lowered my gaze to Luna as she moved and tilted. I arranged the hair that covers her face. I turned pale when I noticed the reddish mark on her neck. Shit! Am I too late?!

"Get your hands off my wife, Madrigal!"

I turned to the person who possessed that authoritative voice. I saw Dylan approaching our place. He walks fast and glared at me. I slowly raised Luna's head and then lowered it to the scarf I rolled up to be a pillow. When I got up, Dylan pulled over the collar of my dress. His face is grim.

"What do you think you're doing to my wife?!"

Wife? The nerve! He wasn't even wearing their wedding ring. While Luna was always wearing hers.

I smiled foolishly. "I hope Luna heard how you say she's your wife. She'll be happy to hear that."

"What do you want to convey? That she's not happy with me?"

I rubbed both my hands on my khaki shorts. "Do I still have to respond to that, Reyes? I don't think so. You already know the answer."

If Luna was happy with him, she wouldn't be drinking alcohol today just to forget. If Luna is happy, she will show her real smile and not the fake one.

"You don't know, Madrigal. You don't know if—"

"I don't need to know anymore, Reyes. I met Luna first." I cut him off. I looked at Luna as she slept peacefully. "I can see the agony on her face. I just have to wait for the time that she gets tired of you."

He has no right to hurt the woman I love.

We exchanged sharp glances with each other. We both clenched our fists. I will never let Luna be sad again. I love the woman he treats like nothing. Luna is kind, she deserves someone who will never hurt her.

I saw Trey and Kristian approached us and the guest are watching. We have already attracted a lot of attention. Trey stood between Dylan and me. "Get away from each other. Let's not ruin Mama's party."

Dylan ignored what Trey said. He just walked past me and picked Luna.

I must be the one doing that to Luna. I should be Luna's husband now. I kept myself from attacking Dylan because I knew that if I did that and she found out that I did it, she would hate me. I have sacrificed a lot for her.

All I could do now was look at them while Dylan was scooping her and walked towards the hotel. I felt Trey's hand grip my shoulder.

-----

DYLAN CADEN REYES

I immediately entered the elevator when it opened. I looked at the woman I was carrying today. I took a deep breath. I no longer knew what I would do to her. I looked up and observed the number change at the top of the elevator. I don't know but, I want her in my arms.

"Dylan..." She growled. It was as if some warm hand had caressed my heart. "I... wuv... you..."

I shouldn’t feel it. I hate this woman. What else should I do just to get rid of how she feels about me? All I want is for her to hate me too, I want her to lose her love for me. I love Camille. She’s the only one I take seriously like this so I can’t accept that she left me. It would have been okay even if she just left me when we got married or ran away, but damn, why does she have to tie me to her twin.

What I don’t understand is that I feel annoyed when Luna is with someone else. It's like I want to kill the man who approaches her.

I kissed her on the forehead.

"My walls already have a crack because of you, Luna.”