Chapter 03

A sharp chill ran through Luna’s body as soon as she reached the front door and saw it slightly ajar. The muffled sound of a dripping leak inside the house—tick… tick…—seemed to mock her ominous premonition. A small trail of blood, dry and darkened around the edges, led straight to the entrance. Fear slid down her spine, nearly paralyzing her, as she pushed the door open with her fingertips. The creak of the wood was like a muffled scream.

And then she saw it.

Bárbara was lying in a pool of blood, her eyes glazed over, staring at nothing, her mouth slightly open as if she had tried to call for help. It was the most horrifying scene Luna had ever witnessed. Her only friend… dead.

Desperate tears choked her throat as she ran through the house, looking for the triplets.

But she didn’t find them.

A growl escaped her throat as she threw herself beside Bárbara’s lifeless body. After a few minutes of grief, Luna managed to call the police. She told them what had happened. However, when they arrived, the officers considered her the main suspect. She was taken to the station and interrogated for over an hour, while her children, somewhere out there, were in danger.

That was when she realized counting on the police had been a mistake.

Released hours later, she was advised not to leave the city, as she was the prime suspect. But she didn’t obey. Luna would never sit around waiting for a miracle.

She took the first train from the station, knowing exactly where she needed to go. There was only one person who could help her find the children: Ethan.

It was time to face the past… and tell him about the future.

The sun was already rising on the horizon when Luna spotted the old city where she was born and had lived most of her life. Nothing had changed. The twilight painted the sky in shades of orange and gold, creating a magical atmosphere, while the first rays of sunlight filtered through the treetops. The bustle of the streets, the people… everything reminded her of the miserable and sad life she had once had in that place.

She felt like an outsider sneaking in through the back. She was certain she would be treated like a leper by the townspeople—at least by those who still remembered her. For a moment, she was nearly paralyzed by the fear of rejection. Then she remembered Bryan and his courage, Aydan’s calm, and Dante’s beauty. It was for them she was there. She had to find her children, and she didn’t care if she was despised, not even by Ethan.

Already in the city, her heart racing, she saw a familiar figure in the distance. Her feet froze when Nataniel’s eyes met hers after six long years.

It was unbearable to face him again, knowing how much he had always hated her. Before she could blink, he was already standing before her, as if ready to grab her by the throat and strangle her to death.

But he didn’t. He merely brought his face close to hers and stared, trying to decipher her.

“What are you doing here, Luna?” he growled, making her take a step back.

She swallowed hard. The memory of the night she left nearly drowned her. But this wasn’t the time to fear. Luna would not allow Nataniel to humiliate her again.

“I want to speak to Ethan,” she said, her voice firm and relentless.

Nataniel laughed, mocking her.

“You stopped being part of this family the moment you ran away like a coward, signing that divorce. I thought you’d be tougher,” he said, with the same sour tone as always. “You can’t ask for anything.”

“That’s fine,” she replied, with a calm smile that confused him. “If you won’t take me to him, I’ll find him at the company. And I will find him.”

Nataniel observed her—and didn’t like what he saw. She was no longer the scared girl he had kicked out six years ago. She didn’t show fear. Not only that, but she was ready for anything.

“What’s the urgency?” he asked mockingly.

“It’s none of your business.”

Her answer infuriated him.

“I’m his brother-in-law. And his best friend, too. Shall I remind you that my sister married your ex-husband?” he said with pride that made her sick, showing his yellowed teeth. “I can’t allow some outsider to disturb the most powerful billionaire in this city.”

Ethan had, after all, achieved everything. But Luna still didn’t know whether that should make her feel proud or terrified.

“In that case, I know where to find him.”

Luna cast him one last look before starting to walk away. However, after just two steps, she felt Nataniel’s hand grabbing her tightly, stopping her from moving forward. He had always been her greatest enemy. Power-obsessed—especially when it came to Ethan and his family. Since she had begun her relationship with Ethan, Nataniel had hated her. And the worst part: she never really knew why.

Being on his blacklist was dangerous. But Luna didn’t have an opportunity to deal with Nataniel’s delusions.

“I’ll take you to Ethan,” he said, letting her go. “I want a front-row seat to watch him throw you out like a dog—for the second time.”

The smug grin on his face showed he believed he’d already won. Luna thought about replying but decided against it. As he led the way, she remained silent.

A wave of panic nearly overtook her as they arrived at the city’s main building, where the family company was headquartered. Upon reaching the top floor, she heard a familiar laugh. It was Ethan.

At least he was in a good mood—maybe that would make the conversation easier.

Inside, Ethan was listening to stories from Garrick, the most successful man he had ever met. He chuckled at the exaggerated way Garrick narrated everything, as if telling tales from a movie. I'm still smiling; he saw Nataniel appear at the door.

“What are you doing here so early, Nataniel?” The smile vanished, replaced by a dark expression.

“Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Ethan,” he cleared his throat. “You have visitors.”

Nataniel lowered his gaze. He couldn’t continue the conversation while looking his best friend in the eye.

“Visitors at this hour, Nataniel?” Ethan’s deep, displeased voice made Nataniel shiver. “Who would that be?”

“I think it’s best if you see for yourself.”

Nataniel disappeared through the door. Ethan, irritated, remained silent, listening to the approaching footsteps. A feminine shadow appeared on the wall. And then Ethan’s eyes met Luna’s once again.

A growl rumbled from his chest. Luna’s heart pounded. Every muscle in her body tensed with each step toward him. Ethan stood up. He was even stronger and more handsome than he had been six years ago—but also more ruthless and more impulsive.

“We need to talk, Ethan,” she said, swallowing her fear and trying to hide the wounds of the past that still bled in her chest.

Then Ethan stepped forward, surprised.

“Hello, Luna,” he said, a knot in his throat. “I thought you were dead.”