Chapter 4. Attempting to Escape

Luna couldn’t sleep soundly. Every night was filled with a gnawing sense of fear that never left her. She never imagined that the man who had bought her at the auction would take her away from the city. As far as she knew, their agreement had only been for one night. So why had he brought her to another city entirely?

When morning came, Luna still remained in her room. Her stomach growled with hunger, but she was too afraid to leave. She decided to stay inside, even though she was starving.

“Miss?” A maid approached Luna, who sat on the bed hugging her knees.

Luna’s shoulders trembled in fear at the sight of the maid. “G-go away. Please leave me alone.”

The maid looked at her with concern and worry. “Miss, don’t you want to eat?”

Luna shook her head. “I don’t want to eat. Please, just go.”

“Miss, but—”

“Please, just leave,” Luna pleaded, her gaze desperate.

The maid sighed deeply. She couldn’t force Luna. In the end, she decided to leave the girl alone. The only thing left to do was to report to her boss.

“Sir.” The maid crossed paths with Draco.

Draco looked at her with a cold, firm gaze. “Where is Luna?”

The maid lowered her head, not daring to look at Draco. “Miss Luna refuses to leave her room, Sir. I offered her food, but she didn’t want any. I didn’t dare force her, Sir. She looks absolutely terrified.”

Draco exhaled sharply, his face twisted in annoyance. Without another word, he strode into Luna’s room. Anger and frustration were etched on his handsome face.

Inside the room, Draco found Luna sitting on the bed, hugging her knees. His eyes glinted with restrained emotion. His aura of anger was unmistakable.

“Are you trying to starve yourself to death?!” Draco’s voice rose with emotion as he addressed Luna, who refused to eat.

Luna swallowed hard and shifted her gaze to Draco, who now stood before her. “I… I want to go home.” Her voice trembled as she spoke to Draco.

Draco was undeniably handsome—many women would have been enchanted by him. But Luna wasn’t enchanted. She was always afraid when she looked at him. His sharp blue-green eyes made her shrink back every time.

Draco’s anger only intensified when he heard her request to go home. His breath quickened. His jaw clenched, and his hands balled into tight fists.

Draco roughly grabbed Luna’s chin, forcing her to look at him. “You want to go home, huh?” he whispered, his lips close to hers.

Luna swallowed hard again. Her lips trembled as Draco’s strong fingers brushed over them. The words she wanted to say stuck in her throat, unable to come out.

Luna was powerless. The man who had bought her now kissed her cheek and trailed down to her neck. His breath sent chills down her spine. All Luna could think about was how he had touched her before.

Draco kissed her cheek and neck, then bit her earlobe just hard enough to make her wince in pain. He didn’t care. He ignored her whimpers entirely.

“Don’t even think about leaving here!” Draco squeezed her jaw firmly. “If I still want you here, you’ll stay here! So, forget about your wish to go home!”

Luna’s eyes welled up as she looked at Draco. “W-why, Sir?” Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Draco stroked her cheek roughly. “Because I still want you here. When I get tired of you, then I’ll throw you away.”

Luna sobbed uncontrollably at Draco’s words. Her heart shattered into pieces. Her life now felt like she was living in hell. She never wanted to be a prostitute.

“Take a shower. I’ll wait for you outside. We’ll have breakfast together. If you disobey me, don’t blame me if I punish you! Remember, Luna… I’ve told you before—I hate people who don’t obey me.” Draco released his grip on her jaw, turned away, and left the room.

Luna’s tears kept falling after Draco left. She clutched the blanket wrapped around her. She truly didn’t want to live like this. She longed to be free again, just like before. But was that even possible? Now, her life was like a bird trapped in a gilded cage.

***

Luna had no choice but to obey Draco. She finished cleaning herself and changed into the dress that had been prepared for her. Yes, Luna lived in a lavish room filled with beautiful clothes, bags, and jewelry.

Luna never asked Draco for any of these luxuries. All she wanted was to go home. But unfortunately, her wish was buried deep inside her. She would never be able to escape Draco—she could only be free if he decided to let her go.

“Are you just going to stare at your food like that?” Draco glared coldly at Luna, who sat beside him.

Luna was now in the dining room with Draco. Though breakfast was served, she just sat there, staring at her plate. Even though she was hungry, she didn’t want to touch her food.

“I-I’m n-not hungry,” Luna said softly, her voice barely audible. Her head was bowed, not daring to look at Draco.

Draco clicked his tongue and glared at her. “Don’t give me that excuse! You haven’t eaten anything! Eat now!” His sharp command startled Luna.

Luna’s hands trembled as she picked up her fork and spoon. She was reluctant to eat, but Draco’s harsh gaze made her too afraid to refuse. In the end, she began to eat slowly—just as Draco wanted.

“I have a meeting today. I might come home late. Don’t even think about leaving,” Draco said firmly.

Luna chewed her food slowly and nodded obediently in response. She didn’t say anything. All she could do was obey—never argue.

Draco finished his breakfast and stood up. “I’m leaving now. Remember what I told you, Luna. Do you understand?” He cupped her cheeks with one hand.

Luna nodded slowly and obediently. “Y-yes.”

Draco kissed her lips a little roughly. Luna was a bit startled, but she knew there was no point in trying to pull away.

Draco started to leave. Luna remained seated, her eyes following him until he disappeared from view. Her face was filled with sadness and gloom. She didn’t know what to do.

***

The clock showed 11:00 PM. Luna still couldn’t sleep. She sat on the sofa in her room, staring blankly ahead, her eyes weak with sorrow.

“Miss Luna?” The maid entered the room.

Luna turned her gaze to the maid. “Yes?”

“Miss, it’s late. You should get some sleep,” the maid reminded her.

Luna bit her lower lip. “H-has Sir Draco come home yet?” The maid shook her head. “No, Miss. He hasn’t returned yet. Usually, when he’s busy, he comes home around one or two in the morning.”

Luna fell silent as an idea crept into her mind.

“Miss, I need to rest. I hope you’ll get some sleep too. Don’t stay up too late.” The maid bowed her head and left Luna alone.

Luna remained quiet. Her mind was racing with thoughts. But as the idea settled in, her heart grew restless and afraid. She couldn’t deny that her courage was faltering.

Luna took a deep breath, trying to calm herself and push aside the fear that surrounded her. “I have to go now,” she whispered to herself, gathering her courage. The thought in Luna’s mind was to try to escape.

She grabbed a thick jacket and put it on. Then, she tiptoed out of the house. Her eyes darted around, making sure no one was nearby. She was certain the servants had already gone to their rooms. The maid had said Draco would probably return between one and two in the morning—which meant she had time to escape.

Without another thought, Luna hurried toward the door, but…

“Where do you think you’re going, Luna?”