Luna Lucky

6

For months, I’ve tried to feel happy, but no matter what I did, I simply couldn’t feel like myself. Will had become my constant, my favorite person to be with, and now, doing anything alone felt almost…wrong.

Nothing in my job interested me anymore. My concentration slipped constantly, leaving me frustrated and adrift. Every time the door at work made a sound, my head would snap up, hoping—expecting—it to be Will.

But it never was. Just another client.

By the time Allen arrived for his shift, I realized Will hadn’t come to see me at all today. Not once. It was unlike him, and the nagging emptiness in my chest grew heavier with every passing second.

Clicking out of work, I walked the short distance to my apartment, my feet dragging as my thoughts churned. Why didn’t he come today? Did something happen? Had I done something wrong?

Reaching my door, I fumbled for my key, only to feel something soft beneath my slipper. Looking down, I froze.

Rose petals.

The trail led up to my door, and when I unlocked it, my breath caught. Candles illuminated the space in a warm, golden glow, casting flickering shadows over my modest apartment. Rose petals scattered the floor, leading toward the living room. Balloons floated above the sofa, each one stamped with the words: “My First Time.”

My first time.

Fear gripped me, tight and unrelenting. My heart pounded in my chest as my eyes darted around the room. Over by the tiny kitchen, I spotted takeout neatly arranged on plates—steak, my favorite.

I followed the trail into the living room, my steps cautious, my breath shaky. There, standing behind the small wall that divided the kitchen and living room, was Will.

He wore a button-down shirt, his signature grin lighting up his face. A single rose was clenched between his teeth, and in his hands were three neatly wrapped boxes.

“What is all of this?” I asked, my voice trembling. Fear laced every word.

For anyone else, this might have been the perfect romantic moment. But for me, it felt like the beginning of the end.

Memories surged forward, unbidden and cruel. I’d been groomed to be a commodity, an emotional support puppet, untouched and unspoiled until I could be married off to someone who would use me for children—to sell me forward like a possession. Losing my virginity wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was a death sentence.

For twenty-five years, I had survived by staying untouchable. To lose that now, even to Will, terrified me.

Will stepped forward, his grin fading as he saw the panic in my eyes. “Lucky,” he said softly, his voice tinged with concern. “Is everything alright? I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted to make this special for you.”

He placed the gifts and the rose on the sofa, then closed the distance between us. His arms wrapped around me, warm and secure, and I broke.

A sob tore from my chest, followed by another and another, until I was crying so hard I couldn’t breathe. The fear, the memories, the constant weight of being disposable—it all poured out of me in a torrent I couldn’t control.

“I’m scared,” I choked out, clinging to him. “I’m so scared, Will.”

He didn’t let go. Instead, he held me tighter. “Lucky,” he whispered, his voice steady and full of quiet determination. “I’ve never done this for anyone before. But for you…” He pulled back slightly, just enough to meet my eyes. “For you, I’ll do anything.”

I couldn’t speak. My throat felt raw, and my mind was too clouded by fear and doubt. But then, he began to sing.

Softly at first, his voice trembling with vulnerability, but then stronger—confident, unwavering.

“Hey, Lucky, stop running, slow down.

Life’s a little stormy, but there’s no need to frown.

When you’re spinning, I’m grinning, I’ll hold you still,

You’ve got all the luck you need, and it’s right here, Will…”

His words were a lifeline, pulling me back from the brink.

“Will you believe me, Lucky, when I say,

You’re my anchor, my light, the break in the gray?

Through the ups and the downs, the skies rough or clear,

I’ll be your Will, if you’ll be my dear…”

With each verse, the fear eased, replaced by something warm and unfamiliar. He wasn’t just singing to calm me. He was singing to love me.

“You’re the luck in my name, the beat in my heart,

No matter the odds, we’ll never be apart…”

By the time he finished, tears were streaming down my face—but they weren’t tears of fear anymore. They were tears of something much deeper, much stronger.

I reached up, cupping his face in my hands, and before I could second-guess myself, I kissed him.

Will’s arms tightened around me, and he deepened the kiss without hesitation, pouring every ounce of his love and devotion into it. When we finally broke apart, gasping for air, I realized something profound.

The fear was gone.

In its place was love—pure, overwhelming, and undeniable. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t afraid to feel it. To embrace it.

“Will,” I whispered, my voice steady and sure. “I’m ready.”

His eyes widened slightly, searching mine for confirmation, and when he saw the truth there, his smile returned—brighter than ever.

And I knew, in that moment, that I was safe.

Will’s smile softened as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. His touch was so gentle, it sent a shiver down my spine. “Lucky,” he said, his voice warm and steady, “there’s something else I’d like you to do for me.”

I tilted my head, curious. “What is it?”

He gestured toward the three boxes he’d set on the sofa. “Open these,” he said with a playful grin, “but do it in your room. I need to… finish something out here.”

The way he said it, a mixture of mischief and tenderness, made my cheeks flush instantly. I couldn’t help but smile back, though I felt a little self-conscious under his gaze. “Will, you’re being so mysterious.”

He chuckled, leaning in to press a soft kiss to my forehead. “Just trust me, okay? I promise it’ll be worth it.”

I hesitated for a moment, my nerves flaring up again, but his steady gaze reassured me. With a small nod, I picked up the boxes and made my way to my room.

Once inside, I set the boxes on my bed and sat beside them, my fingers tracing the neat wrapping. My heart raced as I opened the first box, unsure of what to expect. When I peeled back the paper, I gasped.

Inside was the most beautiful red dress I’d ever seen. The fabric shimmered faintly in the light, soft and luxurious to the touch. It wasn’t overly fancy, but it had an elegance that made my heart flutter.

I held it up to my chest, standing in front of the mirror. The rich red color complimented my olive-toned skin perfectly, and the delicate cut seemed designed to highlight my black hair and bright eyes. For a moment, I felt… beautiful.

But then I caught sight of my reflection and my insecurities crept in. My figure was slim, but I’d developed more of a curve recently—particularly around my hips and behind. The dress would undoubtedly emphasize it. And my chest… it still felt too small, too unremarkable.

I bit my lip, feeling a twinge of unease. Was I enough for him? Could I really be the woman Will saw me as?

Taking a deep breath, I shook my head and stepped into the bathroom to change. The dress slid over my body effortlessly, hugging my figure in a way that felt both daring and strangely comforting. I glanced at myself in the mirror again, turning slightly to see how it fit.

It fit like a dream.

The fabric skimmed my curves without being too revealing, and the color made my skin glow in a way I’d never noticed before. I touched the material lightly, my heart thudding as I imagined Will seeing me in it.

My cheeks flushed at the thought. Would he like it?

I pushed the thought aside and opened the second box, my curiosity getting the better of me. Inside was a pair of black heels, simple yet elegant. They were just the right height to make me feel a little taller without being intimidating.

The third box revealed a necklace with a small, heart-shaped pendant. The metal gleamed in the light, and I traced its smooth surface with my fingertips, feeling the warmth of his thoughtfulness.

Carefully, I slipped the necklace around my neck and adjusted it in the mirror. It rested perfectly against my collarbone, completing the look. For the first time in a long time, I felt… beautiful. Truly beautiful.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, I hesitated, unsure if I should walk back out to Will or wait for him to call me. Before I could decide, I heard his voice through the door.

“Lucky?” His tone was soft, almost reverent. “Are you ready?”

I took one last glance in the mirror, straightened my shoulders, and opened the door.

Will was standing by the sofa, but the room had changed. The candles had been rearranged, their glow creating an even more intimate atmosphere. He turned toward me, his mismatched eyes widening slightly as he took me in.

For a moment, he said nothing, his gaze sweeping over me in a way that made my cheeks burn. Then he smiled—the kind of smile that reached his eyes and made my heart melt.

“You’re stunning,” he said simply, his voice thick with emotion.

I ducked my head, trying to hide my blush. “Will, you’re exaggerating.”

“I’m not,” he insisted, stepping closer. His hand reached out, gently tilting my chin so I’d look at him. “You take my breath away, Lucky.”

His words made my heart race, and I couldn’t help but smile. He leaned in, his lips brushing my cheek softly before he pulled back.

“Now,” he said with a playful grin, “there’s one more thing I need to show you. But you’ll have to trust me.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. “What are you up to, Will?”

He laughed, taking my hand in his. “No spoilers. Come on.”

With that, he led me toward the door, and my heart raced with anticipation. Wherever he was taking me, I knew it would be unforgettable.