His last wish

Chapter three

💄 LUNA'S POV 👠

As I stepped into the restaurant, I felt a sense of trepidation wash over me. The luxurious decor and soft lighting did little to ease my nerves, knowing that I was about to meet Riccardo, my powerful and intimidating Boss .The hostess led me to the VIP section, and I spotted him sitting there, his eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression.

My heart raced as I approached the table, feeling a sense of unease under his gaze.

As i sat down, the silence between us was palpable,

"You are...Five seconds late Luna..." He said as he darted his eyes back to his phone screen,

"I..I'm sorry...sir.." I apologized as I swallowed down nothing...He stared at me for a while and I swear that did wonders to my insides..No doubt He is a very charming man..but it's just his intimidating presence,

"Resign from Bella Vita's Parisian Atelier..." He said like he never said anything,my heart stopped beating...I knew this was it...

"Sir..." My voice barely above a whisper,

"You heard me..You can't be working for me when we are married.."

"Married?" I Chuckles but my expression changed when I saw how dead serious he was..

"You think this is a joke..?" He said as he relaxed on the chair,

"I mean...it has to be a joke..I'm your secretary sir..you don't even know me..I..."

"You are Luna Mason,grew up in New York with your foster father Maurice,Moved to Paris when you were Ten years... Love fashion and Tatiana Williams happens to be your Fashion..role model...your hobbies are Baking and decorating sweet treats,Reading romance novels and fashion magazines, Watching rom-coms and fashion shows,you like Pink and pastel colors, Glittery and sparkly things, Cute animals, Romantic gestures and surprises,Sweet treats especially cupcakes and macarons, Traveling to new places,You allergic to Nut, Shellfis, Dust mites, Your favorite food..is Sushi.., Cupcakes..."

"Okay...just Stop! Stop it please... That doesn't count..."

"Really...?"he arched his brow with keen interest,

" I don't know you...,we haven't even come to understand each other how do we ..."

"You are my secretary Luna..what ever you know about me..is all you need to know..the others are..not necessary..." He said as his searched mine for some reason I felt his searing gaze..

"This is not going to work between us..Sir..with all due respect let me leave..."

"Why..?" His tone laced with amusement,

"I don't find you attractive and I don't even know if you find me attractive either..."I said in a one go..,and that make him chuckles darkly as he bit his lower lips unconsciously..

"I want to get married to someone who loves and respect me.."

"Nobody gets married for love..Luna.., People get married because of what they'd benefits from the marriage..."As he brought out a box and opened it before me,it was a f*****g ring.. very simple yet expensive.. because any item from Vee luxury brand is not funny,

At this point I knew something was not right...and I knew I have no where to run to,no one to rescue me from my boss.

Immediately my phone rang it was Charlotte,I didn't even think twice before taking the call,

"Charlotte..."

"You didn't tell me your were getting married Luna.." she immediately said as my eyes widen in Riccardo's direction who seem rather unfaded,

"Charlotte,,I'm not getting married what are you saying..?"

"Oh..you still wanna deny it...uh? He's so cute..you really have a good taste huh.. he's so nice Luna..he made payment for my surgery and even gave me a scholarship to study in NYU when I am okay...."

"Charlotte..."

"Listen..Luna..I want you to be happy okay...? And Trust me Marrying Riccardo would make you extremely happy...bye..." She hanged up,

"Charlotte... Charlotte..." I stared at Riccardo, my brain was messed up right now...I felt dizzy and my vision became blur..

"Luna..Luna.." Riccardo called and it seem to be clear again," what do you want from me?"

"Are you okay...?" He asked,

"What do you want Riccardo.?" I asked again feeling so frustrated,

"Marry me!"

💼 RICCARDO'S POV 👔

The doors swung open, and my doctor emerged, a serious expression on his face. " Riccardo," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "Luna needs a lot of rest. The burn is not severe, but she's experiencing a lot of stress, and her body needs time to recover."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, followed by a surge of concern. " What do you mean" I asked, my mind racing with questions.

The doctor hesitated, then spoke in a measured tone. "It seems Luna has been under a lot of pressure lately. Her body is showing signs of extreme fatigue, and she needs to take it easy for the next few weeks."

I felt a pang of guilt and regret. Had I been too hard on her? Had I pushed her too far?

"Thank you, doctor," I said, my voice firm with determination.

Tomas nodded, a small smile on his face. " Riccardo. She's in good hands with you."

We left the hospital and headed downtown where she lived,the ride was a quite one as either of us didn't wanted to push things further,as I pulled over in front of her house...she turned to me with a weak smile..

"Thank you Sir..."

"I'd be waiting for your letter Luna.." I said,she nodded,came down and walked into her apartment.

As I entered the office, Miguel followed immediately..

"The lady has been waiting for you...for an Interview..." He said as I took my sit..

"She's hired.."

"Huh?" His eyes widen in disbelief,

"Miguel, she's hired. Tell her to resume work tomorrow.."

"Riccardo... what are you up to? Are you indirectly going to fire Luna...Luna is a very dedicated work..even if Sophia is good .. I believe..."

"Miguel...I want to be left alone!"

"Are you sure..?"

"Now!" He ran out immediately,I searched my drawer impatiently in sear h of my pills and they were no where to be found..my hands shook terribly and my eyes were closing already... the pain I felt was worst..the pain gets worst Everytime it comes..I stood up and walked to the nearby drawer and luckily for Me,it was there .

👠 LUNA'S POV 💄

As we lounged in the living room, surrounded by the soft glow of candles and the comfortable silence of a warm summer night, our conversation flowed effortlessly. We talked about everything and nothing, our laughter and jokes filling the air.

But then,my heart racing with anticipation. "I'm getting married." I said ,

The room fell silent. My friends' faces froze, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"What? Luna, what are you talking about?" Nala asked, her voice laced with concern.

I took a deep breath, bracing myself for their reactions. "I know it's sudden, but I've thought it through. Riccardo and I are getting married."

Their expressions turned from shock to disbelief, and then to outright dismay.

"Luna, no!" Kaylee exclaimed. "You can't be serious. You're not even in love with him and I'm very such the guy doesn't love you either.."

I sighed, knowing this wouldn't be easy. "It's a marriage of convenience, guys. It's the best decision for both of us."

But my friends weren't having it. "Luna, you deserve so much better than a loveless marriage,"Nala said, her eyes pleading with me to reconsider.

"I know...I know Nala...I just..."

"What does he want?"

"He wants me to have ...a child for him.."

"What??"They exclaimed in unison,

"Luna!" Nala called as I fought the tears that threaten to fall from my eyes,

"Don't tell me you are willing get into a loveless marriage and then have a child..." Kaylee said in disbelief,

"Why did you agree to do it...Luna? You deserve the best..." Nala said as she held my hands,

"He payed Charlotte hospital bill for the surgery and gave her scholarship to NYU..."

" All these for your unhappiness Luna..? It's not worth it... why does he even want a child? He's wealthy he can get thousands of baby mamas..."Kaylee said in dismay,

"He doesn't want a child outside wedlock...,and I don't want that either...His grandma is sick and... her last wish is..for him to give her a grandchild.."

"Luna...this is too much for you...We all can work together and raise the money for Charlotte's surgery..." Nala suggested,

"We can't..." Tears rolled out of my eyes.." if Charlotte doesn't get the surgery in five days she could die..."

"Come here .. don't cry..."Nala pulled me into her arm,

"This is not right!" Kaylee said disappointed,

"All is good to be fine...""

I knew they were right, but I had made up my mind. I was willing to take this risk for the sake of Charlotte, even if it meant going this far,

"Don't think you are alone in this..., You've got us.. together okay? We'll be with you..every step of the way.." Nala promised me as she held my hands as fought the tears that threaten to fall from her eyes as well, I nodded in tears because I was already too weak to reply her.

I loved my friends so much..,They were everything and more,Nala is a Smarter and very welcoming,she is from South Africa,who grew up in Paris....

The next morning, I woke up to find my friends gathered around me, their faces filled with concern. They were trying to feed me breakfast, but I was struggling to even sit up.

"Luna, Are you okay?" Nala asked with concern,

I groggily opened my eyes, my head pounding and my body feeling heavy. "I...I don't know," I stammered. "I just feel so...so tired."

"You cried yourself to sleep last night...Gosh..you look horrible!" Kaylee said,

Nala frowned, her eyes scanning my face. "This isn't just about the marriage, is it? Something else is going on."

I tried to shake my head, but it felt like it was going to fall off. "I...I don't know," I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

My friends exchanged worried glances, and then Kaylee gently took my hand.

"We are your friends...Luna..."

"I think I'm totally fine..I need to rest.."

"Hmm...here...the chef made you breakfast..." Nala passes the plate to me,

"Should I feed you?" Kaylee teased,. " No,thank you!" I rebuked, making her laugh.

"Aren't you girls going to work today...?"

"We are...we...." My phone beeps interrupted Nala,Kaylee immediately picked it up and from her look I know it was definitely him.

"Hey Luna,let's talk over dinner tonight if you feel better.."

"Is that suppose to be a date?" Kaylee frowned after Reading it out,

Nala raised an eyebrow. "You're really considering going on a date with him, aren't you?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

"I DON'T KNOW!!" I was confused,so confused at how everything was going so fast.

🦋 Author's pov 🦋

Miguel hastened his pace, his eyes fixed on Nala as she approached Riccardo's office. He knew he had to act fast, but his legs felt like lead, and his movements were slow and labored.

But it was too late. Nala had already pushed open the door and slipped inside, leaving Miguel to halt awkwardly in the doorway, his eyes fixed on the closed door.

Nala stood in front of Riccardo's desk, her eyes blazing with determination, while Riccardo himself looked up at her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

" You must be Nala De Nkosi..., Luna's friend from South Africa. I'm Riccardo Daiz Davis..." He introduced as he relaxed on his chair, dropping his pen.

"What do you want from Luna?"

"Wow...I was coming to find you,but here you are... please sit!"

"I asked question Riccardo..."

"Have you seen Luna? What can't I want from her...?"

"Why would you demand so much from her?" Nala almost yelled,

"No,I'm not. I told her ,she is free to walk out of the Marriage anytime she feels suffocated...but after giving me a child..."

"Who's gets married with a plan of divorcing...Luna is a very sweet girl and you try to blackmail her because you help out with Charlotte's bills is not funny...."

" And that's why I want to give her everything she wants...Nala... exactly the kind of life she wanted..."

"None of what you'd give to her is compared what happens when she marries who loves her..."

"F*ck love,Nala!! No one gets married because of Love!!"