Chapter 11

Later, Luna found herself back in the car with her parents. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken expectations and the weight of tradition. The city lights flickered through the window as they drove in silence.

Mrs. Laurier broke the silence, her tone firm and direct. "Luna, you mustn't mess this up. This marriage is important for both families."

Luna looked out the window, her expression stoic. "I understand, Mother."

Mr. Laurier glanced at Luna, his face a mask of concern. "Will you be staying home tonight?"

Luna shook her head. "No, I'm going back to my dorm. I have some assignments to finish."

Just then, Julia and Julian, who had been unusually quiet, chimed in from their seats. "Luna, please stay," Julia pleaded, her eyes wide with hope.

"Yeah, stay with us," Julian added, his voice soft and persuasive.

Luna turned to her siblings, her heart aching at their earnestness. She reached out and gently squeezed their hands. "I wish I could, but I have a lot of work to do. I'll come visit soon, I promise."

The twins sighed in disappointment but nodded, accepting her decision. Mrs. Laurier gave a curt nod as if approving her daughter's sense of responsibility.

As the car pulled up to Luna's dorm, their driver, James, opened the door for her. She stepped out and gave her parents a brief, polite goodbye. She leaned down to give Julia and Julian a quick hug along with their sister Riley. "Take care, you three. I'll see you soon."

She watched as the car drove away, feeling a mix of relief and sadness. The evening's events weighed heavily on her mind, but she knew she had to keep moving forward. With a deep breath, she turned and walked into her dorm, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Luna walked into her bedroom, the familiar luxury of her dorm enveloping her. She went through her nightly routine meticulously, taking care of her skin with expensive creams and oils. 

Standing in front of the mirror, she stared at her reflection, the dim light casting shadows across her features. Her eyes, usually filled with determination, now held a glimmer of vulnerability.

Luna took a deep breath, repeating softly to herself, "I am strong," each repetition was a mantra against the uncertainties that plagued her mind.

After what felt like an eternity, she crawled into bed, exhaustion weighing heavily on her. The day's events replayed in her mind, each detail scrutinized and analyzed. Despite her efforts to stay composed, doubts lingered like shadows in the corners of her consciousness.

As Luna closed her eyes, she focused on the rhythm of her breathing, willing herself to find peace in the quiet of the night. Sleep gradually overtook her, offering temporary respite from the complexities of her world.