Chapter 4

[LUNA MILLER POV]

His voice was deep, magnetic, and filled with absolute certainty, sending strange shivers running down my spine and straight into my heart. For the first time since the terrible fight and painful confession with Cedric earlier tonight, I didn't feel cold, scared, or helpless anymore. Somehow, just hearing Arthur speak and knowing he was standing firmly on my side, supporting me and ready to help me with everything, gave me immense strength and courage I never knew I had inside me all this time.

"Okay then," I answered him firmly, wiping the remaining traces of tears from my face and straightening my back slowly. "Tell me exactly what I need to do and where do we start from now onwards, Arthur. I am ready to do everything just like we agreed upon."

"Good girl," Arthur praised softly, his voice sounding gentle, warm, and incredibly pleased. "First of all, right now… go upstairs, take a warm shower, wash away all those tears and sadness, change into comfortable clothes and get some proper sleep. You have had a very long, tiring, and painful night, Luna. Don't torture yourself anymore by staying awake or thinking too much about everything that happened tonight. Nothing will change or get better just by crying or hurting yourself more, understood?"

"Yes… I understand Arthur," I replied obediently, nodding my head slowly even though he couldn't actually see me right now.

"Good," He repeated softly. "Tomorrow morning, I will come personally to pick you up and bring you out. We have many things to arrange, prepare, and plan properly together. Also…"

He paused briefly for exactly a few seconds before continuing speaking again, his voice becoming deeper, serious, and carrying a very clear warning underneath his calm tone.

"From tomorrow onwards Luna… don't you ever lower your head, don't you ever cry, and definitely never let anyone see you looking sad, weak, or miserable ever again — especially NOT Cedric! Do you hear me clearly? No matter what he says, what he does, or how he acts towards you… you must always remain calm, proud, confident, and completely unbothered by everything happening around you. We want him to regret and realize his mistakes right? Well… there is no better way to hurt him deeply and make him feel guilty, confused, and regretful… than showing him clearly and directly that without him… you are actually doing much better, happier, and living a much more wonderful life than when you were still foolishly devoted and attached to him!"

His words struck me deep inside my heart and mind, instantly opening my eyes wide and understanding exactly what he meant and wanted me to do. He was absolutely right! All this time, every time Cedric treated me badly, ignored me, or spoke harshly to me… I always cried, begged, or showed him clearly exactly how hurtful and painful his actions and words were to me. And every time I did exactly that… he became even colder, more annoyed, and obviously hated seeing me like that even more. He always said I was boring, weak, dramatic, and suffocating him… so from now onwards, I would show him the exact opposite of everything he complained and disliked about me!

"I understand clearly Arthur," I answered him slowly, my voice becoming stronger, determined, and sharper than before. "You are absolutely right. I will never show him my tears or pain ever again. I will act exactly like I don't care about him, his words, or his actions anymore. I will show him clearly that I am perfectly fine, happy, and living much better life without him and his love."

"Exactly!" Arthur laughed softly and happily hearing my determined answer, sounding very satisfied and pleased with my response. "Trust me Luna… when he sees you changing completely, shining brightly, and acting completely unbothered and indifferent towards him… it will definitely drive him absolutely crazy! It will eat him alive day and night wondering exactly why you don't love him, chase him, or care about him like you used to do for all these years! That is exactly the moment when regret, jealousy, and realization will finally hit him hard and deep inside his stupid thick head!"

"Thank you Arthur… thank you so much for everything," I whispered softly, my voice filled with deep gratitude and genuine appreciation towards him. "Honestly speaking… I really don't know what I would do or where I would be right now if you didn't call me and talk to me tonight… you really saved me and pulled me back from the darkest deepest pit of hell tonight."

"You don't need to thank me Luna," Arthur replied gently and softly, his voice sounding incredibly tender and warm. "I told you already… I have been waiting and preparing myself for this exact moment for years. I promised myself silently a long time ago… that no matter what happens or what situation you are facing… whenever you need me, whenever you are hurt, sad, or in trouble… I will always come immediately running straight to you and protect you no matter what happens or who I have to go against. You belong under my protection from this moment onwards Luna Miller, and I swear to you solemnly… no one… absolutely NO ONE is allowed to hurt you, disrespect you, or make you cry ever again — NOT EVEN MY OWN NEPHEW!"

Hearing his sincere promise and powerful words, tears once again gathered inside my eyes, but this time they were completely different from the painful tears I shed earlier because of Cedric. These tears were warm, touched, and filled with safety and warmth I hadn't felt or experienced for such a very long time already.

"Okay… I will go and rest now Arthur," I said softly, wiping the happy tears from my eyes and smiling genuinely for the first time this whole long painful night. "I will be waiting for you tomorrow morning. Drive carefully and safely okay?"

"Don't worry about me, my dear," Arthur answered me gently and lovingly. "Just go rest and sleep peacefully now. I will see you tomorrow morning very soon… goodnight Luna… and sweet dreams."

"Goodnight Arthur…"

After ending the call, I slowly lowered my phone and sat silently on the cold marble floor for a few minutes longer, staring blankly into the dark empty space surrounding me. Everything happened so fast and completely changed within just one single night. Just moments ago, I honestly felt like my whole world had completely crumbled down and destroyed completely, leaving absolutely nothing left inside my life and heart. I thought I had lost everything I ever loved, cherished, and owned… but right now, after talking and agreeing with Arthur… everything suddenly looked completely different, brighter, and filled with new hope and determination I never thought I would ever have again.

Slowly and steadily, I stood up from the floor, dusted my dress, and raised my head high proudly. I glanced shortly at the closed heavy door leading to Cedric’s study room, feeling absolutely nothing inside my heart anymore — no sadness, no pain, no anger, and definitely no love or affection left inside me towards him. Everything was completely empty and numb now.

'You don't love me anymore? You want to divorce me and marry her instead? Fine! I will let you go and get exactly everything you wished and wanted for yourself, Cedric Hale… but mark my words carefully… you will regret this decision and choice for the rest of your entire life! You threw away the most precious treasure and gift God ever gave you… and now… you will watch silently while another man who actually appreciates, values, and truly loves me will cherish, treat, and worship me like a Queen exactly how I deserved and supposed to be treated all this time!

'And that man… is none other than the person you respect, admire, envy, and fear the most in your entire life… your own Uncle Arthur! How would you feel and react when you realize clearly… that everything you threw away and didn't want… is exactly everything he wanted, treasured, and desired more than anything else in this whole world?!'

With those thoughts burning strongly and clearly inside my mind and heart, I turned around calmly and walked slowly upstairs heading straight towards my bedroom. I didn't even spare another single glance or thought towards Cedric’s door or him anymore.

I entered my big beautiful bedroom, walked straight into the bathroom, and took my time having a long warm shower. I let the warm water wash away all the tears, sadness, pain, and bad memories of tonight completely from my body and soul. I stood underneath the shower head with my eyes closed tightly, recalling every cruel, painful word Cedric had spoken to me tonight one by one clearly inside my mind, engraving them deep inside my heart and memory so I would NEVER forget, NEVER forgive, and NEVER lower myself or go back to him ever again no matter what happens in the future!

'You said I was boring? You said I was obedient and perfect like lifeless doll? You said I didn't understand you or make you feel happy and excited? Fine! I will become exactly everything you hate, fear, and never expect me to become! From tomorrow onwards, Luna Miller is dead and gone forever… and the new Luna — the one who is confident, proud, sharp, and completely out of your reach and league — is finally born and rising strongly!'

After finishing showering, I put on my comfortable silk nightgown, dried my hair neatly, and walked towards my big king sized bed. I lied down comfortably, covered myself with soft warm blanket, and closed my eyes slowly. Surprisingly, even after everything terrible and heartbreaking happening tonight… I didn't feel restless, anxious, or scared like I thought I would feel. On the contrary… I felt calm, peaceful, and strangely safe and protected knowing Arthur was on my side and everything was finally changing completely from tomorrow onwards.

 

[CEDRIC HALE POV]

Inside the quiet dimly lit study room, Cedric stood silently in front of the large glass window, looking blankly at the heavy rain pouring heavily outside. He held a glass of expensive whiskey tightly inside his hand, drinking it down roughly one sip after another, yet he couldn't seem to stop the rising feeling of restlessness, guilt, and unexplainable irritation burning strongly inside his chest and heart.

He said everything he wanted to say clearly and honestly to Luna tonight. He told her exactly how he felt, exactly what he wanted, and exactly his decision regarding their marriage and relationship. He expected her to finally understand, accept reality, and stop holding onto him uselessly just like he told her to do so many times before. But seeing her crying heartbreakingly, looking completely broken, hurt, and devastated because of his cruel words… somehow strangely didn't give him the feeling of relief and freedom he always dreamed of and imagined having for such a long time already.

Instead… seeing her tears, hearing her painful voice, and watching her looking so weak and destroyed because of him… only brought him heavy uncomfortable feeling of guilt and uneasiness deep inside his heart.

"Damn it!" He cursed loudly and angrily, smashing the glass heavily onto the table making loud crashing sound and spilling whiskey everywhere around him. "Why am I feeling like this?! Why do I feel so heavy, suffocated, and guilty?! I did nothing wrong! I just told her the truth and exactly how I feel! Isn't it better telling her the truth now rather than pretending and hurting each other slowly everyday?! I love Iris, I want to be with her, and Luna is nothing but past and obligation to me… why do I feel so bad seeing her cry and hurt like that huh?!"

He walked impatiently back and forth inside his private room, his mind filled with confusing thoughts and emotions he couldn't understand or control. He always told himself Luna was just his childhood friend, just wife arranged and expected by everyone, and definitely not the woman who held his heart or soul. He convinced himself for such a long time already that he didn't love her, didn't need her, and was completely bored and tired living with her. But tonight… seeing her standing bravely facing him, shouting back at him, defending herself and their marriage… for the very first time after three years of marriage… Cedric suddenly realized clearly that Luna was actually beautiful, charming, and definitely attractive and stunning exactly like when they were younger. Her eyes burning bright with tears and anger, her face flushed red, and her voice loud and firm… she looked completely different from the quiet, obedient, boring wife he was familiar with everyday inside his house.

'Why didn't she act like this before?! Why didn't she shout, argue, or fight with me before?! Why did she always just accept everything silently and obediently?! If only she showed me this side of her earlier… maybe things between us wouldn't have become like this now…'

Just as he was busy drowning inside his own confusing thoughts and feelings, suddenly his ears caught the faint low sound of voices coming from outside his room door. He immediately walked quietly closer to the door, pressed his ear against the wooden surface carefully, and listened attentively.

He clearly heard Luna’s soft voice coming from the living room outside, sounding much quieter and calmer compared to earlier when they were fighting and shouting at each other. She was talking on the phone, and her voice sounded soft, gentle, warm, and full of different emotions he never heard or received from her for such a long time already.

'Who is she talking to this late at night? And why does she sound so soft, gentle, and completely different?'

Driven by curiosity and strange uncomfortable feeling rising sharply inside his chest, Cedric slowly unlocked his door and opened it slightly just enough so he could clearly hear and listen to exactly what Luna was talking about and who she was speaking to at this late hour.

And exactly what he heard and listened to next… completely froze him on his spot, his eyes widened greatly in absolute shock, disbelief, and sudden burning jealousy rising sharply from the deepest part of his heart and soul!

He clearly heard Luna mentioning about divorce, about him loving another woman, about him hurting her and treating her badly… and then he heard a familiar deep male voice speaking from the other side of the phone — calm, cold, authoritative, and full of anger and protectiveness towards Luna!

UNCLE ARTHUR?!

Cedric stood there completely stunned and frozen, his heart beating wildly fast and loudly inside his chest. Why was his Uncle Arthur calling Luna at this time? How did he know about everything happening tonight? And why… why was Arthur speaking like that?! He clearly heard Arthur saying he had been watching her silently for years, saying he loved her, saying he wanted to protect her, saying he was willing to be the man she needed and deserved… and finally… he clearly heard Arthur proposing that ridiculous, crazy plan and agreement to Luna — pretending to be lovers, acting like they were together, and making Cedric jealous and regret his own actions and decisions!

Hearing every single word clearly… Cedric felt as if lightning bolt had directly struck him hard right on his head and heart! His blood instantly boiled hot, his heart burned painfully, and his mind went completely blank and chaotic all at once!

Arthur… HIS OWN UNCLE ARTHUR?! The man he admired, respected, feared, and looked up to his entire life… the man who was perfect, powerful, successful, and had everything anyone could ever wish and dream of… the man he always tried his hardest to compete against and surpass since he was young… was secretly in love with HIS OWN WIFE?! He was watching her, waiting for her, and willing to go against him just to have and protect Luna?!

And worst of all… he clearly heard Luna agreeing to Arthur’s plan! She accepted his offer, accepted his help, and agreed completely to act and pretend as lovers in front of everyone including HIMSELF!

SLAM!

Cedric closed his door roughly and violently, leaning heavily against the wooden surface, breathing heavily and unevenly. His face was flushed dark red, eyes burning bright with uncontrollable rage, jealousy, and absolute shock and disbelief!

'HOW DARE THEY?! HOW COULD THEY DO THIS TO ME?! Arthur is my own family! My own Uncle! How could he secretly desire and want my wife behind my back?! And Luna… you stupid woman! You swore you loved me, you swore you were faithful and loyal to me… yet immediately after our fight and argument tonight… you go running straight into my uncle’s arm and accepted his help and feelings?!'

Jealousy, anger, and strange burning feeling of possession and ownership completely overwhelmed his mind and heart! Even though he clearly admitted he didn't love Luna, even though he planned to divorce her and marry Iris… hearing his own uncle — the greatest man he ever knew and admired all his life — claiming his wife, wanting his wife, and willing to do absolutely everything just to get her… instantly made Cedric feel like someone was directly snatching away his most precious valuable belonging right from underneath his nose!

'She is MY WIFE! She belongs to ME! Even if I don't want her, even if I don't love her… she is STILL MINE! How dare Arthur try to take her away from me?! And how dare Luna so easily agree and accept everything he offered?!'

He gripped his hair roughly with both hands, pacing back and forth restlessly inside his room, his mind filled with chaotic thoughts and uncontrollable emotions he couldn't understand or control anymore.

'Fine! You want to play game with me huh Luna? You and Arthur think you are smart and clever enough to scheme and plan against me? You think you can easily make me jealous, regretful, and watch happily while you two become happy together?! WELL… YOU ARE WRONG! Completely WRONG! I am Cedric Hale! And nothing… absolutely NOTHING happens according to other people's wish or plan when I am around! Especially NOT when it involves MY OWN WIFE and MY OWN FAMILY!'

His eyes turned dark, cold, and sharp as dangerous blades, a twisted smirk appeared slowly on his face.

'You want war Luna? You want to play game and make me regret and jealous? Fine! I will play along with your stupid little game! I will show you exactly who you are messing and dealing with! And mark my words clearly… you two will definitely regret ever daring to challenge and provoke me!'

TO BE CONTINUED