chap 2

LUNA POV

"Luna, meet Cade Callaghan—the owner of Callaghan Empire." Gracie’s voice pulled me out of my daze, and my jaw dropped.

"Luna!" she called again, snapping me back to reality.

"Oh, yes—Mr. Callaghan. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you," I said, forcing myself back into professional mode.

I stepped forward and extended my hand for a handshake. He stared at it for a moment before a slight smile crossed his lips and he took it.

I was about to pull away when he held on, bringing my hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to my knuckles. The gesture sent a jolt through me—part irritation, part unease, as if his touch carried an unspoken warning.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Reyes," he said smoothly. I yanked my hand back as if burned.

"Oh, Mr. Callaghan!" Our boss rushed in and pulled him into a warm hug.

"Look at her—Operation Get a Husband is officially underway," Gracie whispered beside me.

I couldn’t respond—I was too busy replaying our earlier encounter in my head. Would what happened hurt our chances? Will he sabotage the presentation because I was rude to him? I’d yelled at him, even kicked him. It wouldn’t be surprising if he turned us down flat. The thought made my stomach twist with fear.

"Let’s get started," our boss said, shooting me a pointed look. I hurried to my laptop to launch the presentation, silently praying he wouldn’t hold my earlier outburst against the whole team.

After what felt like hours, I wrapped up the presentation, making sure to meet everyone’s eyes—especially Cade’s.

I’d skipped the dance segment entirely. I couldn’t bring myself to perform in front of him—not when we’d already clashed so badly. The last thing I wanted was to look foolish in front of this man who already had every reason to dislike me. I did my best to hide how nervous I was.

"What do you think, Mr. Callaghan?" our boss asked eagerly.

He glanced at me, then back at Rose.

"It didn’t impress me much," he stated flatly.

"But we put everything we had into this!" Gracie protested.

"Your best simply isn’t enough. I’m sorry, but I’ll be choosing another agency," he said, rising to his feet.

"But Mr. Callaghan—can’t you give us another chance?" our boss begged.

"Once I make a decision about a partner, I don’t go back on it," he said, his gaze locking directly on mine.

"Have a good day, all," he added, then turned and walked out with his secretary.

"That was our shot at making a name for ourselves," our boss murmured, her voice heavy with disappointment.

"We really did give it our all this time," Gracie repeated quietly.

"I guess we’ll just have to move on from this project," Michael said sadly.

I stood there listening, a wave of guilt washing over me. This is all my fault. The presentation was solid, but he rejected us because of me.

I couldn’t let this happen—not when my colleagues had worked so hard, not when my sister’s future was on the line too.

"We’re not losing this contract," I announced firmly, then took off running after him.

I took the elevator down as fast as it would go, bursting out of the building just as he was about to climb into his car.

I sprinted over and grabbed his arm.

"What is it?" he asked, turning to face me with an unreadable expression.

"I need to talk to you," I said breathlessly.

His eyes fixed on mine with an icy intensity as he gently pulled his arm free.

"Please, Mr. Callaghan—just give me a minute," I pleaded. He paused and looked at me, waiting.

"What do you want to say?"

"The presentation was good enough. My team and I spent countless hours preparing it—don’t throw us away just because of me," I said, my voice shaking slightly.

"And why would I do that?" he asked, his tone sharp.

"Because of what I did earlier," I said.

"And what exactly did you do earlier?" he asked, his tone cool.

"Look—I’m sorry. I’m sorry for kicking you, and for being rude. I’m only saying this because Rose and the rest of the team are heartbroken, and I can’t let my mistake cost them this opportunity."

"I’m not rejecting your agency because of what happened earlier," he said. "I simply don’t think your work is good enough for me."

"Then give us another chance—let us prepare a new presentation. I promise we’ll do better," I begged.

"I hate wasting time," he said sharply.

"I promise you won’t regret it, sir—"

"A no is a no. You’re off my list."

"Please, Mr. Callaghan—"

"I’ve made my decision." He climbed into his car, and the vehicle pulled away, leaving me standing alone on the sidewalk.

I watched it disappear, my chest tight with regret. I really blew it. All because of my temper.

CADE POV

As soon as I got into the car, Jessica threw her arms around me.

"My love, you’re back," she said.

"Why are you here?" I asked, pushing her away.

"I came to see you," she replied.

"Didn’t you get the flowers and letter I sent yesterday?" I asked, walking to my seat.

"I did—and I’m telling you right now, I won’t accept them."

"You know those flowers are how I end things with my mistresses. I’m not keeping you around," I said.

"I’m not letting you go, Cade. We can keep seeing each other secretly while you take care of that island girl—she doesn’t have to know about me," she pleaded.

"Would you be happy if someone did that to you?" I asked, my temper flaring.

"This isn’t about me! Just keep me as your mistress," she begged.

"Get out. We’re done."

That was the last straw. She exploded.

"They were right about you—I should never have gotten involved with a womanizer like you!" she shouted.

"Whatever. You loved my money more than me, didn’t you?" I shot back.

"You bastard—I hope you rot in hell!" she yelled, then stormed out of the office.

I sighed and sat down, a sense of satisfaction washing over me. One less mistress to deal with.

I always make it clear from the start: I have a fiancée waiting for me on the island, and I’m only looking for a casual partner, not a life partner. They all agree to it—until it’s time to leave, and then they get clingy, afraid to lose the luxury I give them.

Jessica and I had been seeing each other for months, and she’d been fine at first. But lately, she’d started wanting more—and I’m not interested. I’ve watched my parents’ marriage fall apart, and I know love and commitment don’t last. I won’t let myself get trapped in that, and neither will my fiancée, or any of the women I see.

Just then, my phone rang. It was my secretary.

"Sir, Miss Reyes is here to see you," she said.

"Reyes?" I repeated, surprised. I’d only met one Reyes today—the fiery girl from the agency. I’d made it clear I didn’t want anything to do with her, so why was she here? If she thought she could change my mind, she was wrong.

"Tell her to—" I started, then paused, a new idea forming. A small smile tugged at my lips.

"Tell her to come in," I said, and hung up.