Luna’s POV

Adrian’s grip on my arm was firm but careful. He didn’t stop walking until we were far enough from Vincent’s smug face and the suffocating perfume of his entourage. The laughter from behind us was faint now, but it still crawled down my spine like icy fingers.

“You alright?” Adrian asked, his voice low but edged with steel.

I wanted to say yes, to pretend I wasn’t shaken, but my throat felt tight.

“No.” I admitted. My voice cracked, and I hated it.

Adrian’s jaw tightened. “That asshole. I heard everything. Was it true?”

I sighed and nodded.

“Luna…” Adrian’s voice softened, but his eyes stayed dangerous. “You’re not going to let him do this to you again, are you?”

I shook my head slowly. “No. I’m done being the quiet, obedient wife who stays in the shadows. If he wants a war, I’ll give him one.”

For a moment, neither of us spoke. The gala music floated faintly from the ballroom, but it felt like a different world entirely. I straightened my posture, gripping my clutch so tightly my knuckles whitened.

“Adrian, I need you to do something for me.”

His brows furrowed. “Name it.”

I looked him dead in the eyes. “Make sure my father and brother don’t find out about this from anyone else. I want to handle everything on my own.”

He looked taken aback, clearly against the idea. But I don't want them to get worried.

“What?! Of course not! What if he tries something again?”

I knew he was just worried. And suddenly, I missed this about him. Adrian and I had been close once, close enough that he’d tried to pursue me before. But I was so in love with Vincent back then, I dumped him without looking back. And now, here he was, still the same Adrian Cole I remembered. For everyone who knew us, he wasn’t just Vincent’s rival for my heart, but he was also his fiercest competitor in business. That was why you couldn't remove hatred from Vincent's heart toward Adrian even today.

“Adrian, I can handle myself.” I smiled.

He searched my eyes for a few seconds before sighing, a silent sign that he was letting it go.

“Fine.” he mumbled.

Before he could say more, Damien and Lucas spotted us. They were thrilled to see him again. I left him for a moment to mingle, but my steps faltered when I spotted Vincent across the room with his sister and mother, all of them staring at me with barely veiled hostility.

“I told you inviting them was a mistake.” my dad said suddenly, appearing at my side.

I just smiled. “Dad, no. It was actually… fun.”

He chuckled and brushed a hand against my cheek, his eyes full of warmth.

“I’m just so happy you’re here now. I guess your mom is very happy as well.” he said with a smile.

I nodded and hugged him.

It was already late when I decided to head home first. I just wanted to rest, and because everyone was so concerned about me, they insisted Adrian to accompany me. I didn’t have much choice.

Now we were in his sports car, the city lights slipping past the windows.

“Adrian, are you still single?” I asked with a chuckle.

That made him laugh. I’d never heard anything in the news linking him to women, so curiosity got the better of me.

“Why?” he smirked.

“Nothing. I’m just wondering why. I mean, we’re not getting any younger.” I shrugged.

I was surprised when he glanced at me, his gaze holding for a beat too long. My heart skipped. I didn’t know. Maybe I just missed being around him.

“Do you really want to know why?” he asked, looking back at the road.

I nodded.

“Because I’m waiting for someone.” Then he looked at me again.

That stare, those words… I felt them like a spark. Was it for me? Or was I imagining things? Before I could figure it out, the car stopped, telling me we’d arrived.

“Don’t think about it.” he chuckled.

I blinked and smiled nervously, realizing I’d been spacing out. What's gotten into me?

“Thank you.” I said as I stepped out.

“It’s my pleasure.” he replied with a smile.

Something about the air between us felt awkward now.

“You can go. I’ll watch you leave.” I said.

Adrian nodded, though I could feel he had something on his mind. He stood there, still, until I broke the silence.

“Do you want to tell me something?”

He stopped, slowly meeting my eyes. The connection made me look away too quickly.

“I mean…” I mumbled.

“I’m sorry. I… I was just so happy to be back. And seeing you again, it feels like a gift. After being gone for years, you were the first person I bumped into at the party.” He laughed softly, looking away.

I just nodded. Adrian had always had this charm that could disarm anyone. I was used to it.

“About what I said earlier in the car…” his tone grew serious.

“What about it?” I asked.

Adrian cleared his throat and took a deep breath before meeting my gaze.

“I know you might still love Vincent after everything he’s done to you, but… I just want you to know that I’m still here if you need someone to take care of you, Luna. I’m still willing to be your—” He stopped abruptly, as if the words were caught in his throat.

My eyes widened. Did I hear it right? It was crystal clear what he wanted to tell me.

“Adrian…” I said softly.

He gave me a shy smile.

I looked away and closed my eyes. Was he really asking me… again? Suddenly, I felt his hands on my shoulders. My heart raced. I couldn't move or even say anything.

“Luna…” He was standing right in front of me now, his eyes locked on mine.

I swallowed hard. I want to run, but it seemed like my body froze.

“Will you give me another chance to love you again?”