The True Luna's Forbidden Temptation - Chapter 27: Chapter 27

Analise.
I pace the bedroom, nerves tightening my stomach as I wait for Tyler.
‘What the hell is happening?’
Why is he suddenly taking Lorraine to meetings with SB Capitals? This isn’t just a breach of professionalism—it’s dangerous. SB Capitals could see this as a red flag: a competitor gaining access to sensitive information. They might tighten their control, halt investments, or send their own people to monitor us. Any of these scenarios could be disastrous.
‘What the hell is Tyler thinking?’
And Lorraine—why is she answering his phone? Taking his messages like she lives here? Just last week they barely knew each other. Now she’s conveniently family, living in my house, and acting like his assistant?
"Damn it," I mutter, gripping the edge of the dresser. It feels like the same torment Lorraine put me through during my teenage years is back, stronger and more insidious than ever.
It's past ten when I hear keys at the door. Low voices carry up the stairs—Tyler’s deeper cadence and Lorraine’s smooth, calculated tone. They sound relaxed. Too relaxed. Their laughter cuts into me like a shard of glass. I rise from the edge of the bed and brace myself.
At the top of the stairs, I watch them in the foyer below. Tyler helps Lorraine with her coat, his touch careful and attentive—an attentiveness I haven’t seen in months. She whispers something I can’t hear. He laughs—that laugh, the one that used to belong to me.
"Tyler," I call softly.
He looks up, startled, as if he'd forgotten I existed. Lorraine’s smile tightens into something more restrained, almost smug.
"You're still up," Tyler says—neither surprised nor apologetic.
"I was waiting for you."
They exchange a look. Without a word, Lorraine glides up the stairs toward her room—the one that used to be my office, though I doubt she sees it that way anymore.
Tyler heads to our bedroom.
No kiss. No greeting.
I follow and close the door behind us.
"We need to talk," I say.
"It's late," he replies flatly, taking off his coat. "Can it wait until morning?"
"I think you can spare a few minutes for your wife. Especially after spending the entire day with my sister."
His brow furrows. "Your what?"
"Figure of speech," I say coolly. "I meant cousin-in-law. Since we’re family now."
He loosens his tie. "The meeting with SB Capitals went well. They're still committed to financing the new factory."
"And they didn’t find it strange that you brought the CEO of our largest competitor?"
He moves to his desk and pours a drink. "Actually, they were impressed. Connections to Luxe Emerald add credibility."
"Connections? Because you're suddenly related to Lorraine?"
He meets my gaze, jaw tightening. "What are you implying, Analise?"
"I’m asking why you'd bring her to discuss my designs—our company's future."
"Because her presence was strategic," he says, sipping his whiskey.
"Strategic? Introducing our investors to a rival is strategic?"
"Yes," he says like it's obvious. "It shows SB Capitals we have other options. It puts pressure on them."
I stare at him, stunned. "You're using Lorraine to threaten SB Capitals with Luxe Emerald?"
He nods, smug. "Exactly. If they believe Luxe Emerald is interested in our operations, they’ll think twice about walking away."
"Peter McGregor doesn’t collaborate, Tyler. He acquires. He devours. If you showed him even a hint of weakness, he’s going to eat you alive.”
"I showed value, not weakness," he says firmly.
"It doesn’t matter what you think you showed. Peter McGregor won’t be interested in us.”
He crosses his arms. "And you know this how? You've never even met the man."
‘If only you knew...’
I inhale slowly. "His reputation speaks for itself. He doesn't form alliances—he consumes small companies like ours."
"TL Glam isn’t small," Tyler argues. "We're on track to hit a hundred million in sales."
"Luxe Emerald pulls in billions. Peter wouldn’t even flinch. How do you know Lorraine’s not here to scout for weaknesses?"
"You don’t know her."
"No," I say tightly. "You don’t."
He rolls his eyes. "You were on leave. I didn’t bring you to the meeting because you said you needed time."
"I’m well enough to attend a dinner. Especially one that involves my designs."
"I built this company," he says, voice rising. "Yes, your designs help, but the vision, the strategy—that’s all me. And if I think Lorraine adds value, I’ll use that."
"You're making a mistake," I whisper. "Peter McGregor doesn’t collaborate. This will backfire."
He laughs coldly. "You’ve been off, Analise. Filing for leave without notice, hiding in the hospital, questioning everything I do. And now you want me to trust your judgment?"
I blink back the sting of tears. "I gave up everything to be with you."
He sneers. "Everything? Tell me just exactly what do you mean by everything? Your shoebox apartment? Your job at that small bakeshop? Look around you. I gave you everything. And now you’re acting like you're the one who made sacrifices."
‘If only you knew the truth,’ I think. That I am Analise McGregor—the real daughter of Peter McGregor. Heiress to the Luxe Emerald empire.
"That’s not fair," I say hoarsely. "You don’t know what I—"
"What’s not fair," he interrupts, "is you undermining me when I’m trying to protect our future. You can’t even handle a deadline."
"Tyler, please—"
He storms past me. "I need air. Don’t wait up."
The door slams behind him.
I stand alone in his study, surrounded by the trappings of his success—built on my creativity, my designs, my work.
I sink into the leather chair, tears breaking free. My hands press against my stomach, fear and resolve battling in my chest.
"What happened to us?" I whisper. "When did we become like this?"
No.
This baby won’t grow up in a broken home. I have given up everything for Tyler. I’m not going to give up on him now.
I rush downstairs.
"Tyler!" I call out.
He doesn’t answer.
Then I hear the distant sound of his car starting, then fading into the night.
A snicker behind me makes my blood run cold.
Lorraine leans against the wall, arms crossed, sporting that mocking smirk that is so familiar I feel like I've only seen it yesterday.
"Poor Analise," she purrs. "It looks to me that your husband doesn’t love you at all.”