Luna by choice Mate by fate

They say dreams are wishes your heart makes when you’re asleep. Zhora Carrington had been dreaming for years and while one of her wishes had come true, the second was just about to be fulfilled. Zhora’s hands trembled as she buckled her seatbelt, staring out the small airplane window as they rose higher above ground. She hated flying but it was the fastest way to get home after years of medical school. “Miss, is there anything I can get you to make you feel more comfortable?” A flight attendant’s voice jerked her back to reality. ‘If there was a way we could teleport and be at our destination this instant’ she thought to herself but instead she forced a smile up my face and shook her head “No, I…I’ll be fine, thank you” Giving her an understanding nod, the attendant left and suddenly, the turbulence hit out of nowhere, jolting Zhora in her seat. Clenching the armrest tighter, she squeezed her eyes shut, her knuckles white. Soon after, she felt something warm and wet between her fingers. Her eyes cracked open and horror quickly replaced the fear she’d felt when she realized she hadn’t been holding onto the armrest, her hand had been wrapped around that of the man sitting next to her, which was now bleeding from the marks her fingernails left. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry!” She gasped, pulling her hand away quickly like she’d just touched hot metal. “It’s okay” he glanced at his hand, flexing his fingers “flying isn’t for everyone” Slowly her gaze shifted from his bleeding hand to his face to see his reaction but she was met with a causal smile, a casual smile and a charming face. Holy moly, the temperature suddenly dropped and she felt her cheeks burn. “Hold on, I have an ointment and bandages in my purse, let me clean that up” “There’s no need for that, I’m fine” his baritone voice stopped her from reaching her bag. She turned to look at the stunning young man who seemed unfazed and it was then she had a proper look at him, his dark hair slightly tousled and his suit coat off leaving him in his white shirt with its top buttons undone. His sleeves were rolled up revealing his veiny forearms that looked like they could punch holes through walls. A flutter rose in my chest. Who was this— “So, business trip?” His voice interrupted her thoughts. He pushed his hair out of his face, revealing his cloudy grey eyes. She nodded absentmindedly then shook her head immediately realizing how silly she was reacting to his intense gaze “No, no. I’m heading home…to start a life” For a valedictorian who’d just graduated med school Zhora felt oddly tongue tied but soon they were so engrossed in their banters, the rest of the flight passed quickly. *** “Thank you for making this flight bearable, hopefully we meet again” she thanked him when they alighted, almost sorry to say goodbye , but his expression was replaced with a sudden chill. “To be clear, a few hours on a plane doesn’t make us friends and I have no interest in relationships whatsoever” and with that he walked away without another glance, leaving her dumbstruck and slightly hurt What an arrogant jerk. What’s his deal? She could already feel her skin heating up with anger but shrugged it off and flagged a taxi. Her father had mentioned the family driver being busy which was a bit weird since he always had a backup chauffeur on standby but whatever. She was just happy to be back. New York hadn’t changed so much since the last time she was home. Excitement filled her up at the thought of being reunited with her father and of course, her sweet fiance, Nathan. Now that she was done with school they could finally get married and begin their dream life together. “Daddyyy” Mr Carrington wrapped his baby girl in a bear hug. Shortly they were joined by Zhora’s stepmother, Vanessa and stepsister, Lucia. Her gaze landed on Lucia’s bump as she waddled over. “It was meant to be a surprise” Vanessa said before she could make any comments. “Well congratulations Luce” Zhora squealed trying to hug her stepsister who stopped her half way. Lucia faked a smile and patted her belly proudly “Thanks Zhora, the baby’s father will be coming over for dinner tonight. It’s going to be a big family reunion” she squeezed Zhora’s hand painfully before waddling away. Later, they all converged at the dinner table, the air seemed oddly heavy as they ate quietly. Mr Carrington cleared his throat breaking the silence and no one needed to tell Zhora her father had some important news to break. It was a habit of his. “Sorry to break it to you this way but, our family business has gone bankrupt my little bear” his eyes dropped, his face weary” we’re in financial trouble” Zhora’s fork clattered on her plate “What? But how did this…” “It’ll all be okay sweetie, we found a solution” he interrupted reaching for her hand before casting a glance at Lucia. “There’s a marriage contract that can secure stability for us. But there’s an issue. The man your sister is supposed to marry doesn’t know she’s pregnant. If he finds out he may back out and we’ll be ruined” Everyone’s gaze was pleading, except Lucia who didn’t even look remorseful. “I’m begging that you stand in for her, just for the signing of the contract, once it’s official, he’ll have no choice but to marry her” Zhora blinked in disbelief “So you’re deceiving him? And you’re asking me to be a part of it?” “It’s just paperwork Zhora. You’re the only one who can help us, we’ll tell him the truth, later, when he wouldn’t have much of a choice” her stepmother sniffled, dabbing away nonexistent tears “we’re just worried our family legacy will crumble into oblivion” Zhora’s heart sank, her father hadn’t changed a bit. He had always taken their side no matter how unfair it felt but she still loved him. The thought of seeing him ruined made her heart twist. Letting her shoulders fall after what felt like a long pause she nodded “Fine, I’ll do it” “This means a lot” Mr Carrington sighed in relief. At that point Zhora had already lost her appetite, it felt like her taste buds were gone and her stomach churned with unease. This plan was insane. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. Everyone’s attention shifted as it opened and my heart lept, relief flooding me as Nathan walked in. He was exactly who she needed at that moment. Her eyes lit up but her smile was stopped short by Lucia’s reaction. “Baby!” Lucia threw her arms around Nathan, planting a big possessive kiss on his lips. She froze, paralyzed by disbelief. There was no way that just happened. Her heart pounded as her brain tried to process what she had just seen. Turning to her father she hoped he’d caution Lucia for the disrespect she’d just displayed but Mr Carrington only looked away. Zhora wasn’t surprised at all, he always turned a blind eye to Lucia’s atrocities while she was the one who got scolded. “I didn’t know you were coming home today” Nathan said, his voice laced with guilt but she remained quiet. With a smug smile, Lucia turned to her “Oh, I’m sorry Zho, didn’t you know? Nathan’s the father of my child” she broke the news “Since you two talked often, I assumed he’d have told you” she added sarcastically causing Nathan to push her away. Zhora’s world tilted, she could feel her heart sinking even further to her toes. Lucia’s words echoed in her mind and she squeezed the hem of the table cloth trying to stable myself. Looking around, her dad and step mom all avoided her gaze. They knew. They all knew yet they had the audacity to ask of her such a favor. An intense anger simmered through her. “I take it back, there’s no way I’m going to be a part of your dirty scheme, not after this” “Zhora, baby let me explain” Nathan pleaded reaching for me but she moved out of his reach. The betrayal had cut really deep and words could not describe the turmoil welling within. Not only did they betray her, the man she’d thought was her soulmate, the love of her life, had shattered her heart into a million pieces. “Zhora, I still…” Without hesitation she stormed off to her room ignoring their pleas until their voices faded behind her shut door. It was a mistake coming back here. Torn between rage and heartbreak, her vision blurred with tears. Stuffing her belongings into her travel cases, the revving sounds of vehicles driving in caught her attention. Peering out the window watching in surprise a convoy of five flashy, black cars pulled up into the driveway but she didn’t have time to mope neither did she want to be caught up in any more drama. Downstairs Mr Carrington tried to placate his agitated guest. “Look Mr Vu Kasin, our daughter…” “Our daughter was only helping her sister out” Vanessa interrupted “you see, Zhora begged Lucy to be a surrogate for her and Nathan while she was away, now that she’s back she has refused to accept the child, we were all against it but Lucia loves her sister so much she refused to listen to us” Vanessa lied breaking into a fake sob. Before he could retort his phone cut him off and he spoke to the caller briefly. “This conversation is over Mr Carrington and so is the deal” his voice rising as he stood. “Mr Kasin wait, Zhora has agreed to stand in place as your bride” Vanessa pleaded between short breaths. Barely turning to look at them he looked at his watch, his expression unyielding “you have two minutes to bring her out, I haven’t got all day” Vanessa lips curled into a triumphant smile “I told you to let me handle this my way” she whispered to her husband. With her box clutched tightly, Zhora descended the stairs and was met by two heavily built men dressed in black suits. “Get her, she’s trying to run away” Vanessa ordered. The men swiftly closed in before Zhora could retreat, capturing her in a vice-like grip and immobilizing her thrashing efforts. Tossed into the backseat of one of the sleek cars, her dazed expression mirroring her disoriented state, her bewildered gaze was met by that of the stranger from the plane. He looked just as shocked, his eyes narrowing in recognition before he barked an order “Drive now”