Chapter 14

As Luna made her way through the bustling hallways, the afternoon sunlight filtering through the large windows, she spotted Luca leaning casually against a locker. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp as they tracked her approach.

"Luna," he called out, pushing himself off the locker and stepping into her path.

Luna paused, her expression calm and composed. "Luca," she acknowledged with a slight nod.

Luca glanced around to ensure they had a semblance of privacy before speaking. "You need to call off this engagement," he said bluntly, his tone low but urgent.

Luna's brow furrowed slightly, genuine confusion crossing her features. "Why would I do that?" she asked, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity.

Luca's frustration was evident as he ran a hand through his hair. "You know why. This whole arrangement is ridiculous. We both know you don't actually want to marry Leonardo."

Luna's confusion deepened. "I don't understand, Luca. Why are you so opposed to this? You never seemed to care before."

Luca's eyes hardened. "Because it's wrong. This isn't about us or what we had. It's about you being trapped in something you didn't choose."

Luna took a step back, her gaze unwavering. "What we had, Luca, was never meant to last. We both knew that. And as for the engagement, it's not up to you to decide what's best for me."

Luca's expression darkened. "So you're just going to go along with it? Marry Leonardo because your parents told you to?"

Luna shook her head slowly, her eyes filled with a mix of pity and determination that was hard to notice till you stared deeply into her beautiful eyes. "You don't understand, Luca. This isn't about obedience or rebellion. It's about doing what's necessary for my family. And if marrying Leonardo is part of that, then so be it."

With that, she turned and continued down the hallway, leaving Luca standing there, watching her retreating form with a mixture of anger and helplessness.

As Luna walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. She knew Luca's concerns were not entirely unfounded, but she also knew that her path was set, and there was no turning back.

The weight of her decisions pressed heavily on her shoulders, but she squared them resolutely, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.