Can You Be My Luna

Chapter 8 A PERFECT LIE

A few days passed after the morning I discovered my eyes had changed. The days were filled with silence, work, and the careful pretending that had become my survival. No one mentioned my collapse again. No one asked if I was well. And I learned quickly that in this house, silence was safer than questions.

That morning, Lucas sent for me. The message came through one of the servants. It was short and straightforward. “The master wants to see you. Now.”

My stomach twisted as I made my way toward his study. Every step felt heavier than the last, dread curling tightly in my chest. I knocked softly before entering, my hands clasped together to stop them from shaking.

Lucas stood by the window, his back to me, arms folded as he stared out at the gardens below. He didn’t turn immediately. He never did. He liked the power of making people wait.

“My parents are coming,” he said at last, his voice calm and cold.

I stiffened. “Your… parents?”

He turned then, his dark eyes sharp as knives. “Yes. They want to see my wife.”

The word "wife" landed like a blow. I swallowed hard and lowered my gaze. “What… what do you want me to do, sir?”

Lucas walked toward me slowly, deliberately. “You will behave,” he said. “You will smile. You will speak when spoken to. And you will act like a grateful, obedient, loving wife.”

The word made my chest tighten painfully.

“They believe in appearances,” he continued. “They expect a happy marriage. And you will not embarrass me.”

“I won’t,” I whispered. “I promise.”

He studied me for a long moment, as if weighing my worth. Then, without warning, he turned and reached for something on his desk. A moment later, a bundle of fabric flew toward me, hitting my chest before falling into my arms.

“Clothes,” he said flatly. “I bought them for you. Wear them while they’re here. You need to look… presentable.”

I stared down at the fabric. It was soft, new, and beautiful. I had never owned anything like it. The dresses were elegant, modest and they looked expensive, and nothing like the rags I wore every day.

My throat burned. “Thank you,” I said quietly.

“There’s more,” he added. I looked up.

“You’ll be sleeping in my bedroom while they’re here.”

My breath caught. My heart began to race. “S-sir—”

“Relax,” he snapped. “This is for show. They expect us to share a bed. They’ll notice if we don’t. Don’t read more into it than necessary.”

I nodded slowly, my fingers tightening around the clothes. “I understand.”

“Good,” he said. “You’re dismissed.”

I turned and left quickly, my legs trembling beneath me. As soon as I stepped into the hallway, I heard voices raised behind me.

Vanessa’s.

“You expect me to just disappear?” she snapped. I froze.

“You will,” Lucas replied sharply. “My parents don’t like you. If they even suspect I’m still seeing you, they’ll lose their minds.”

“So that’s it?” Vanessa laughed bitterly. “You play husband with that thing, and I’m supposed to hide?”

“It’s temporary,” he said impatiently. “Just leave for a few days.”

“When are you going to stand up for me?” she demanded. “When are you going to marry me, Lucas?”

There was a pause. I didn’t hear his answer. I didn’t wait to.

My heart pounded as I hurried away, the sound of their argument echoing in my mind like thunder. Each word cut deeper than the last. I wasn’t his wife. I was a lie. A mask. A tool he would use to protect his reputation.

Back in the servants’ quarters, I sat heavily on the edge of my narrow bed, clutching the dresses to my chest. My hands shook as the truth sank in. I would be paraded like a doll. Dressed up, smiling and pretending like everything is ok.

I felt sick. A soft knock sounded at the door.

“Silver?” Aunt Locia’s gentle voice followed. “Are you in there?”

I opened the door immediately, the moment I saw her face my composure crumbling. “Aunt Locia…” My voice broke.

She stepped inside and closed the door behind her, concern etched into her features. “What’s wrong, child?”

I held out the clothes with trembling hands. “Lucas’s parents are coming. He says I have to pretend we’re happy. He bought these, so I’ll look like a proper wife. He says I’ll sleep in his room while they’re here.”

Her face darkened. “And I heard him,” I continued, tears streaming down my face now. “I heard him arguing with Vanessa. He……"

Aunt Locia pulled me into her arms without a word. I clung to her, sobbing quietly, all the fear and confusion spilling out at once.

“I don’t understand,” I whispered. “Why does he want his parents to think we are happily married when he treats like am nothing?”

She held me tightly, rocking me gently. “I don’t know, Silver,” she said softly. “But one thing I know Master’s parents don’t like Vanessa.”

“Why?” I asked. “I’m scared,” I admitted. “What if I make a mistake? What if his parents see through me?”

“I don’t know, and they won’t,” she said firmly. “You are kind. That alone makes you more of a wife than either of them deserve.”

I pulled back slightly, wiping my tears. “What if this makes things worse after they leave?”

Her eyes softened with worry, but she forced a small smile. “Then we’ll face it together. You are not alone in this house, no matter how much they want you to believe otherwise.”

I nodded slowly, clutching the dresses again. They felt heavy now, no longer a gift but a burden.

As Aunt Locia left, I sat back down on my bed, staring at the wall. Lucas’s parents were coming.

And with them, a lie I was expected to live.