The True Luna's Forbidden Temptation - Chapter 9: Chapter 9
You are reading The True Luna's Forbidden Temptation, Chapter 9: Chapter 9. Read more chapters of The True Luna's Forbidden Temptation.
Analise
Tyler changes lanes, still not meeting my eyes. "I showed your sketches to the investors. They said that the CEO fell in love with it, Analise. And then I showed them your other collection, they loved it all. We're going to produce a thousand of each of your designs in your entire portfolio. They agreed to do all of it. Except for the Moonstruck pendant. The CEO wants to keep it unique. Maybe produce less than a hundred. Make it limited edition.”
"You showed my designs to an investor without asking me?" The words come out hollow, disbelieving.
"I wanted to surprise you." Now he glances at me, his expression pleading. "They fell in love with Moonstruck. Actually, they want to patent the Moonstruck design. The rest will be under our company’s name, Analise. We can create even more beautiful things together. Something even better than Moonstruck.”
"You can't patent my design without my permission." The words come automatically, remnants of business law classes I was forced to take.
"Technically, the investor will own the patent," Tyler says, his tone careful. "But you'll be credited as the designer. And you'll be compensated more than fairly. Plus, you'll have free rein to create new pieces. It's our baby, Analise. Our future."
Our baby. The words echo strangely in my head.
Moonstruck isn't ours. It's ‘mine’.
That blue crystal center, I colored it with the exact shade of Sebastian’s eyes. In a way, Moonstruck is something I created for Sebastian. My refuse. My savior. My silent hero.
Like the crescent moon cradling the full moon in protection. So similar and yet so different. Their relationship is so complicated, so intricate. Like the crescent moon and the full moon—so different, yet one and the same.
"Moonstruck isn't just a design," I say quietly, shaking thoughts of Sebastian off my mind. "It's...personal."
Tyler reaches over to squeeze my hand. "I know it is. That's why it's so powerful. That's why the investor couldn't resist it." He pulls into a parking space outside a glittering boutique. "Look, I know this is a lot to take in. But I did this for us, Liz. This is our chance to build something extraordinary together."
I look at him—really look at him. The earnestness in his eyes. The hope. The pride. He truly believes he's done something wonderful for me. For us.
"I should have been consulted," I say firmly. "If we're going to be partners, that can't happen again."
"Absolutely," he agrees quickly. "From now on, I will ask you first. No more surprises. Well, except for good ones." He grins, touching my cheek. "You're brilliant, Analise. Who knows? Maybe someday our brand will take the crown away from Luxe Emerald.”
‘Ha! If only he knew!’ Somewhere in my mind, somebody is laughing. Maybe it’s a part of myself, I’m not sure.
Do I let Tyler do this?
Will I allow his investor to take Moonstruck away from me forever?
But if I disagree, then it would be like killing Tyler’s dream. And I will go back to decorating cakes, living paycheck to paycheck? I already know that no company will hire me, unless they want to suffer my father’s wrath. So, maybe the only choice I have is to work on Tyler’s new company. Even if it meant I will give up Moonstruck.
"I’m not sure. Can I think about it first?" I ask.
Tyler nods, but I see the disappointment on his face.
"And if I'll be your designer. I want—” I sigh. This is not easy for me. “I want a Moonstruck pendant once they send it to production. Even if it’s limited, the price I ask is just one piece.”
"Of course. That can be arranged." He beams at me, leaning in for a kiss. "Now, let's get you something gorgeous to wear. We have a new chapter to celebrate."
An hour later, we enter Aurelia’s. I’m looking more like my old self, in a designer clothes that Tyler insisted on buying for me.
The host leads us through the restaurant with its crystal chandeliers, gleaming silverware, and soft piano music floating through the air. I keep my head slightly lowered, a habit formed from months of trying to avoid being recognized. Tyler, on the other hand, walks tall, nodding at other patrons as if he's been dining here his entire life.
We are led to a table in the center of the restaurant, where the lighting is perfectly arranged to showcase the diners. My heart sinks. I would have preferred a secluded corner.
As the waiter pulls out my chair, something shifts in the air. A scent cuts through the restaurant's blend of searing meats and expensive perfumes. It's wild and intoxicating—pine needles, midnight air, and something primal that makes my skin flush hot.
My fingers freeze on the menu. My pupils dilate so quickly it's almost painful.
"*MATE!*" The voice that's been dormant for months roars to life inside my head. "*OURS!*"
"Shut up," I hiss, pressing my palm against my temple. Once in a while, there’s a voice in my head, like a thought that’s louder than the rest of my thoughts. A thought that I’m not even sure is my own. I found it weird when I first heard it, like it’s whispering in my ear—so close and yet invisible. And over time, I got used to it popping up once in a while. I have not spoken to anyone about this. Not Tyler, not Elise. I’m scared they will think I’m looney.
"Analise?" Tyler's voice sounds distant. "Are you okay?"
Tyler's concerned question barely registers. I stand from my seat, head turning around to look for the source of the scent.
'What is happening to me?’
Why do I feel this frenzy over a scent? I stare back at Tyler. “Do you smell that?”
He looks at me blankly. "Smell what? Steak? Or perfume?”
“No! It’s like… mint and morning dew…” I close my eyes, trying to describe the scent.
“What does morning dew smell like?”
“Like cool air, earth and mixed with floral whispers…” I reply.
Tyler raises a brow at me. “Wow! I didn’t actually expect you to know so much about earthy scents. Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Umm… I need to go to the bathroom.” I don’t wait for him to answer.
I weave through the tables, ignoring Tyler calling my name behind me. The scent pulls me like an invisible thread, growing stronger with each step. My heart pounds against my ribs, and my skin feels too tight, too hot. I don't understand what's happening to me, but I can't stop following.
Instead of turning toward the restrooms, my feet carry me straight to the entrance, my body moving of its own accord. I push through the heavy doors onto the restaurant's marble steps, the cool night air hitting my flushed skin.
And then there! I see him.
Walking down the steps to his limousine, with a woman's arm draped around his. Her fingers curl possessively around his elbow.
I can't move. Can't breathe. The scent that pulled me here is undeniably coming from him. It takes all my will not to run after him. I watch him from the top of the steps, glued to my place. And then he turns around and I see his face.
I gasp. My heart stops beating, and I stop breathing.
I know that man very well…
'Sebastian Blackwood.'
Tyler changes lanes, still not meeting my eyes. "I showed your sketches to the investors. They said that the CEO fell in love with it, Analise. And then I showed them your other collection, they loved it all. We're going to produce a thousand of each of your designs in your entire portfolio. They agreed to do all of it. Except for the Moonstruck pendant. The CEO wants to keep it unique. Maybe produce less than a hundred. Make it limited edition.”
"You showed my designs to an investor without asking me?" The words come out hollow, disbelieving.
"I wanted to surprise you." Now he glances at me, his expression pleading. "They fell in love with Moonstruck. Actually, they want to patent the Moonstruck design. The rest will be under our company’s name, Analise. We can create even more beautiful things together. Something even better than Moonstruck.”
"You can't patent my design without my permission." The words come automatically, remnants of business law classes I was forced to take.
"Technically, the investor will own the patent," Tyler says, his tone careful. "But you'll be credited as the designer. And you'll be compensated more than fairly. Plus, you'll have free rein to create new pieces. It's our baby, Analise. Our future."
Our baby. The words echo strangely in my head.
Moonstruck isn't ours. It's ‘mine’.
That blue crystal center, I colored it with the exact shade of Sebastian’s eyes. In a way, Moonstruck is something I created for Sebastian. My refuse. My savior. My silent hero.
Like the crescent moon cradling the full moon in protection. So similar and yet so different. Their relationship is so complicated, so intricate. Like the crescent moon and the full moon—so different, yet one and the same.
"Moonstruck isn't just a design," I say quietly, shaking thoughts of Sebastian off my mind. "It's...personal."
Tyler reaches over to squeeze my hand. "I know it is. That's why it's so powerful. That's why the investor couldn't resist it." He pulls into a parking space outside a glittering boutique. "Look, I know this is a lot to take in. But I did this for us, Liz. This is our chance to build something extraordinary together."
I look at him—really look at him. The earnestness in his eyes. The hope. The pride. He truly believes he's done something wonderful for me. For us.
"I should have been consulted," I say firmly. "If we're going to be partners, that can't happen again."
"Absolutely," he agrees quickly. "From now on, I will ask you first. No more surprises. Well, except for good ones." He grins, touching my cheek. "You're brilliant, Analise. Who knows? Maybe someday our brand will take the crown away from Luxe Emerald.”
‘Ha! If only he knew!’ Somewhere in my mind, somebody is laughing. Maybe it’s a part of myself, I’m not sure.
Do I let Tyler do this?
Will I allow his investor to take Moonstruck away from me forever?
But if I disagree, then it would be like killing Tyler’s dream. And I will go back to decorating cakes, living paycheck to paycheck? I already know that no company will hire me, unless they want to suffer my father’s wrath. So, maybe the only choice I have is to work on Tyler’s new company. Even if it meant I will give up Moonstruck.
"I’m not sure. Can I think about it first?" I ask.
Tyler nods, but I see the disappointment on his face.
"And if I'll be your designer. I want—” I sigh. This is not easy for me. “I want a Moonstruck pendant once they send it to production. Even if it’s limited, the price I ask is just one piece.”
"Of course. That can be arranged." He beams at me, leaning in for a kiss. "Now, let's get you something gorgeous to wear. We have a new chapter to celebrate."
An hour later, we enter Aurelia’s. I’m looking more like my old self, in a designer clothes that Tyler insisted on buying for me.
The host leads us through the restaurant with its crystal chandeliers, gleaming silverware, and soft piano music floating through the air. I keep my head slightly lowered, a habit formed from months of trying to avoid being recognized. Tyler, on the other hand, walks tall, nodding at other patrons as if he's been dining here his entire life.
We are led to a table in the center of the restaurant, where the lighting is perfectly arranged to showcase the diners. My heart sinks. I would have preferred a secluded corner.
As the waiter pulls out my chair, something shifts in the air. A scent cuts through the restaurant's blend of searing meats and expensive perfumes. It's wild and intoxicating—pine needles, midnight air, and something primal that makes my skin flush hot.
My fingers freeze on the menu. My pupils dilate so quickly it's almost painful.
"*MATE!*" The voice that's been dormant for months roars to life inside my head. "*OURS!*"
"Shut up," I hiss, pressing my palm against my temple. Once in a while, there’s a voice in my head, like a thought that’s louder than the rest of my thoughts. A thought that I’m not even sure is my own. I found it weird when I first heard it, like it’s whispering in my ear—so close and yet invisible. And over time, I got used to it popping up once in a while. I have not spoken to anyone about this. Not Tyler, not Elise. I’m scared they will think I’m looney.
"Analise?" Tyler's voice sounds distant. "Are you okay?"
Tyler's concerned question barely registers. I stand from my seat, head turning around to look for the source of the scent.
'What is happening to me?’
Why do I feel this frenzy over a scent? I stare back at Tyler. “Do you smell that?”
He looks at me blankly. "Smell what? Steak? Or perfume?”
“No! It’s like… mint and morning dew…” I close my eyes, trying to describe the scent.
“What does morning dew smell like?”
“Like cool air, earth and mixed with floral whispers…” I reply.
Tyler raises a brow at me. “Wow! I didn’t actually expect you to know so much about earthy scents. Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Umm… I need to go to the bathroom.” I don’t wait for him to answer.
I weave through the tables, ignoring Tyler calling my name behind me. The scent pulls me like an invisible thread, growing stronger with each step. My heart pounds against my ribs, and my skin feels too tight, too hot. I don't understand what's happening to me, but I can't stop following.
Instead of turning toward the restrooms, my feet carry me straight to the entrance, my body moving of its own accord. I push through the heavy doors onto the restaurant's marble steps, the cool night air hitting my flushed skin.
And then there! I see him.
Walking down the steps to his limousine, with a woman's arm draped around his. Her fingers curl possessively around his elbow.
I can't move. Can't breathe. The scent that pulled me here is undeniably coming from him. It takes all my will not to run after him. I watch him from the top of the steps, glued to my place. And then he turns around and I see his face.
I gasp. My heart stops beating, and I stop breathing.
I know that man very well…
'Sebastian Blackwood.'
End of The True Luna's Forbidden Temptation Chapter 9. Continue reading Chapter 10 or return to The True Luna's Forbidden Temptation book page.