Love Me Once More

Amanda laughed excitedly and was suddenly shoved to the side by Emily. “Calla dear, you spent close to a year at the hospital but your skin is still glowing. But unfortunately, you have lost so much weight. Do you want your aunt to call the family designer so we could get you new clothes?”

On the other side, Aiden was amused by the scene. He had known Luna for years but never seen her pull such a trick. She was always composed and kind, but now she was playing with these people’s minds.

Guess some stages in life really change people.

“Boss,” one guard called when he realized he had zoned out of their conversation. Aiden glanced at the group of ten men standing before him.

“If you encounter any problems or notice anything suspicious, call the headquarters immediately,” he explained and glanced at his watch. His flight would take off in thirty minutes.

His gaze shifted back to Luna, who was surrounded by the Rose family, who were trying to garner favor from her. And coincidentally, she was looking in his direction and, without words, he understood the silent question she was asking.

Is this it? Are you really leaving… without me?

“Must you leave, boss? Didn’t you promise to always guide us?” one of them pouted, and Aiden patted his head.

“Ashwood is just a four-hour drive from here and even shorter with a flight, so what are you sulking about?”

Everyone at the headquarters was sad about their boss relocating to Ashwood, and although the excuse was that he was going to take care of the branch at Ashwood, no one believed him. They all knew he was going to reunite with his family.

And now their boss’s partner and friend, Fred, was going to be the new boss here at Lukewood. Well… he was less strict compared to Aiden.

“We wish you well, boss,” they all bowed their heads, and Aiden felt a little urge to stay back and continue guiding the people who relied on him. Every member of his team had a strong connection to him.

After all, Aiden was the light that saved them from their darkness. He took them under his wing and treated them like family. They trained day and night to be the best, to be able to protect their clients and also make Aiden proud.

It was thanks to Aiden’s way of handling his team that his company became the top security institute in the nation.

Beeep

The car honked, and Aiden sighed before he approached the car and got in. Alphonse glanced at Luna, who was staring at the car like something she didn’t want to lose sight of. “Boss, are you really leaving her in the lion’s den?”

Aiden supported his hand on the window while staring at Luna. “She is safer here, she will survive.”

“Do you mean she is safer without you?” Alphonse chuckled, and Aiden snorted. It might sound sarcastic, but Luna was indeed safe without him because he didn’t know what to do with this craving he had for her.

He had no idea how to control it, and distance was her only security. If she came any closer, then he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from claiming her.

So the decision to be claimed by him relies on her.

“Drive,” he ordered, and Alphonse nodded, ignited the engine, and took off.

Luna took two steps, about to run towards the car which drove out, but Cecile was quick to grab her hand. There were a lot of people here, and it would look suspicious if Luna suddenly ran to Aiden.

“He is leaving,” Luna muttered only for Cecile’s hearing, and Cecile nodded, pulled her closer, and hugged her.

“Just let him leave, you have us.”

Luna snuggled her face into the nook of Cecile’s shoulder. “I think he hates me.”

“Shh.” Cecile rubbed her back and turned to her sisters-in-law. “Calla is tired now, let her rest first, then you could catch up later.” Without waiting for their response, she directed Luna to their building at the left.

They arrived at the building and Luna finally regained herself, taking in her surroundings. The place was lovely; the first thing that grabbed her attention was the huge portrait of Raymond, Cecile, and Calla.

They were such a beautiful family, and the sitting space was elegantly decorated with white and grey furniture.

There was a circular step leading upstairs, and the stairs lit up at every movement they took until they arrived at the second door upstairs. There was a ‘Don’t Disturb’ sign pasted at the door.

“Calla always hated when her father barged into her bedroom, so she placed this sign.” Cecile laughed softly and pushed the door. The bedroom was dark and the only light was from the glossy carving in the wall.

It displayed ‘Calla Rose’ in blue and red lights.

Cecile switched the bedroom light on, and it lit up the entire bedroom and also the little corridor to the left which led to another room.

Luna walked to the bed, which was dressed with pink and white sheets, filled with so many dolls, and there were photos of Calla everywhere.

“She decorated her bedroom herself. You can tell she was a lover of pink.” Cecile tried hard to hold in her tears. Ever since the accident, she didn’t miss a week without cleaning her daughter’s bedroom, hoping that she would return one day.

She finally accepted the reality that her daughter would never return, but the heavens blessed her with Luna. She was her daughter, and she was going to love Luna with all her heart.

Then Luna walked to the French windows, which displayed the view of a basketball field. This residence seemed to have everything.

But despite all this view, Luna was still feeling down and empty that Aiden had to leave her behind.

He didn’t even look back. She flinched when she felt a hand on her shoulder. “Calla dear.”

Luna turned to face Cecile, who led her to the couch. “I don’t mean to pry, but what is your relationship with Aiden? When you were unconscious, he was protective and caring towards you, but as soon as you woke up, he became cold and distant.”

Cecile had been observing their interactions for a while, and the very first time she watched Aiden carry Luna carefully into the ward and placed her on the bed, she knew they were far from being siblings.

Brother and sisters? Of course not.

“I don’t know what relationship he thinks we share,” Luna looked up at Cecile, “but to me, he will always be my stepbrother.”

Cecile sighed and rubbed Luna’s hands. “Listen to me, dear…”

Knock

They both turned to the door and found Raymond. He walked in with a maid behind him who held a cup of milk. “Miss Rose,” the young maid bowed slightly and placed the milk before Luna. “Do you need anything else?”

“That will be all for now, Yana,” Cecile said, and the maid quickly left before Raymond closed the door.

“The legal team of Mama will be here tomorrow to talk to you. They suggested you have a good rest today.”

Luna nodded and stared at the glass of milk. She has never been a fan of milk, but Cecile always insisted she took a glass a day, so she picked it up and quickly drank the entire content.

“Thanks for loving and—”

“Shush.” Cecile placed a finger on Luna’s lips, preventing her from completing her statement. “A daughter should never thank her parents for loving her.”

Luna nodded with a smile and hugged Cecile tightly. “Then I won’t say thanks anymore.”

Raymond rubbed Luna’s hair. “You should rest for a while. The doctor said you need to rest for at least a month.”

“Also, AIDEX (Aiden’s security institute) will send your personal assistant in a few days. He knows your real identity and will always be at your beck and call. He is an all-around person, so you could always count on him.”

Luna smiled appreciatively, and once she was left alone, she picked her phone and went through it.

There were a lot of messages from Calla’s friends wishing her well and also new messages from Calla’s friends re-introducing themselves because they heard she lost her memories.

Laeticia—Hey Cal, I suggest you check our old chats and also pictures together. We have been friends since we were ten, and I am willing to fill you in about everything in your life.

Mira—Oh, sweety, I don’t care if you remember me or not. What’s more important is that you are fine and well. At least you won’t remember the lipstick I borrowed (laughing emoji). But bref, we are best friends and share every little secret. You, me, and Laeticia have been inseparable.

Luna’s brow furrowed when she saw messages from a contact ‘Schatz.’

Schatz—Hello honey cup, I am so glad you have finally recovered and I will be at your doorstep the minute I complete the season. It’s okay if you don’t remember me. I made you love me once and I don’t mind doing it again. Miss you so much, baby.

Oh God, Luna palmed her face… Calla had a fucking boyfriend.