Reluctantly yours

Episode 5

Luna’s POV

I froze when Agatha asked about our love story. The anticipation in her eyes made me feel guilty for deceiving her. Before I could fabricate a response, Hudson began speaking.

"Well, Mom, it all started with a blind date," he said, his expression almost convincing.

"Hmm... a blind date, huh?" she mused. At that moment, the maids began serving the food.​

"Thank you," she said once they had finished, and they left. Turning back to us with a smile, she continued, "Now, where were we? And please, Hudson, be a gentleman and let the lady go first," she added with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"But why?" Hudson whined, sounding like a petulant child.

"It will sound so much sweeter coming from her than from you," she replied, and Hudson huffed in response.

"Well, Agatha, it was a sweet surprise life offered. Just as he said, it all started with a blind date. He was insufferable and poorly mannered at first, but over time, he became so sweet," I said, adding a cheesy smile for effect.

"Aww," she cooed, her eyes glinting with delight.

"So, after the first date, we decided to continue seeing each other. We went on a few more dates, and I've never felt more connected to someone. Coincidentally, we were assigned to a case together—I'm a detective, and he's a lawyer. He can be insufferable, but we got past that, and one thing led to another, bringing us to where we are now," I said, smiling like a lovesick puppy. I surprised myself with the elaborate lie I concocted, thanks to those romance novels I devoured as a teen.

"That's so sweet. I'm so happy Hudson opened up to you after Ella," she said, the name resounding in my head. Ella? What connection did he have with her that made him closed off to love? Before I could ask, Agatha continued.

"So, when are you getting married?" she inquired, causing Hudson to choke on his meal.

"Hudson, darling, are you okay?" she asked, concerned.

"Yes, I..." he coughed some more. She handed him a glass of water.

"Drink, dear." After he drank the water, he calmed down.

"Sorry, dear," I muttered, patting his back. He nodded, trying to wriggle away from my touch.

"I'm okay, princess," he said, and I withdrew my hand.

"So, Mum, I haven't seen Mr. Carter," I said, looking around.

"Oh, sweet heavens, she called me Mum," she said, blushing. "Well, my husband is on a business trip, so he couldn't be here. I wish he could have joined us, but he couldn't make it," she answered.

"Oh," I said, momentarily at a loss for words. I glanced at my phone and saw that it was five minutes to eleven. Tiana must be so worried.

"Mum, I must say I enjoyed the dinner; it was the best I've ever had. But I'm sorry, I have to go home now; my friend must be worried sick," I said.

"Oh, I wish you could stay longer, but I see it's already late. Don't worry; we'll meet again, sweetie," she said, then turned to Hudson.

"Hudson, dear, can you please take her home safely?" Hudson nodded. He stood up and gave me a slight bow, then took my hand and helped me up.

"Till we meet again," I said to Agatha.

"Till we meet again, dear," she replied. I walked out with Hudson still holding my hand. As soon as we reached the car park, he yanked his hand away as if mine had suddenly grown thorns, and I scowled.

"Get yourself a taxi; I'm heading back inside," he said, and I smirked.

"What excuse will you give your mom?" I asked, and he groaned. He opened the car door.

"Get in," he said. I got in, and we rode back in silence. The name flashed through my mind once again—Ella. I wanted to ask him who she was, but I refrained, telling myself to wait for a more convenient time. We arrived at my house, and I stepped out without acknowledging him. As I reached the front porch, I knocked, and within seconds, Tiana opened the door. I realized she had been watching from the window. I braced myself to spill all the details.