Hidden Heiress Luna

Return of the Heiress

Savannah's POV

The limousine floated through the gates onto the Oaud estate, sprawling grounds as grand and imposing as I remembered. My heart was swelling in my chest as a mix of nostalgia and nervousness tumbled over each other when the car pulled in front of the manor. The great white building stood tall, its marble columns gleaming under the moonlight, while sprawling gardens looked as pristine as ever.

The door opened and the head guard bowed low as if to reverence; his voice was almost a whisper: "Welcome home, My Lady.”

I stepped out into the cool night air, the sound of my heels echoing off the stone driveway. My eyes scanned the rows of staff lined up in greeting formation. Scores were present, their faces aglow with relief and excitement. Some even had glints of tears in their eyes, reflecting the ones welling up on my own.

"She's back!" someone whispered, and the murmur went like wildfire through the yard.

As one, they all bowed deep, their voices in a respectful chorus. "Welcome back, Miss Savannah."

My throat lumped up at the sight of the loyal servants who had waited so many years for me to come back. I nodded, a small but warm smile spreading across my lips. "Thank you," I said softly, though my voice was even and steady inside.

With quiet dignity, he came forward; gray hair shining with subtle warmth emanating from the softly brightening entrance lights, sharp, observant eyes fastened on mine: "Your grandfather is waiting for you in his study, Milady. He was eager for your arrival."

Those words jolted my heart. A call from the grandfather who brought me up, sheltering me over all these years. "Take me to him," I said, squaring my shoulders.

The butler escorted me through the known halls of the mansion. The white marble floors gleamed, waxy; the ceilings had intricately designed chandeliers attached to them. Nothing had changed, yet everything seemed so new, as though my eyes were seeing it differently.

We came to a stop in front of the double doors of my grandfather's study. He knocked once, then shoved the doors open.

"Savannah," my grandfather's deep, velvety voice rumbled.

Luther Oaud rose behind his huge oak desk. Piercing blue eyes cooled as they landed on me, and silver hair almost shimmered under artificial lighting. Age had brushed over him, yet the overwhelming aura still seemed to hold as firm as ever.

"Grandfather," I curtsied, saying the words as I walked into the room.

He strode across the room and enveloped me in a tight embrace. "You're finally back," he said, his voice full of emotion. "It's been far too long."

I smiled against his shoulder, inhaling the comforting scent of cedar and leather. "I missed you," I said, shaking.

He drew back, holding me at arm's length as he studied me. "You've grown stronger. I can see it," his eyes crinkled around the corners in warmth, but then a teasing note curled his lips. "Still, you've been up to mischief, haven't you? Sneaking around and looking for love like any common girl."

I reached a blush full into my cheeks and turned away so he could not meet my eyes.

The smile left his face when he saw my expression. "Savannah," he said, the gravity of his voice palpable. "What's wrong?"

I had kept all that composure, which then utterly shattered. My cheeks flooded with tears as everything that happened to me became too heavy to carry any longer. "Grandfather, I-I have been betrayed," I said with my voice breaking.

He led me onto the couch in front of the fire and sat next to me, clasping my hands tightly. "Tell me everything," he ordered so softly yet firmly.

Sobbing, I told him about Aaron: how much I loved him, how much I put up with him only to be discarded for another woman. "He said I was weak," I whispered, shaking. "He said I wasn't good enough to be his Luna.”

His hands on mine closed tighter, and he clamped his jaw, listening. When I finished, he sprang up, slamming his fist onto the table beside him.

"How dare he?" my grandfather thundered. "How dare he insult my granddaughter, heiress of the Oaud Empire! I'll destroy them both!"

"No, Grandfather," I said as quickly as possible, jumping to my feet and putting my hand on his arm. "It's simply not worth it. Let them be."

The fire did not die down at once in his eyes, and as the nostrils went deep once and again, he finally let it out, his words slow-coming. "All right," he finally said; his tone ripe with veiled, caged rage, "I still have to warn you, though: promise me you won't let him harm you this time around either, Savannah. Promise.".

I nodded, my resolve hardening within me. “That’s why I’m here, Grandfather. I’m ready to take my rightful place and lead the Oaud Empire.”

“Good! And you need to investigate those two. I don't believe it's just like that, they might be up to something!” Grandfather said.

I hesitated, then nodded. "I'll look into it," I said. My voice was steady.

"Good," he said. "But first, rest. You've been through enough."

I went to my room, my footsteps were light despite the storm still raging inside of me. As I opened the door, I paused, catching a soft gasp in my throat.

The room was just the way I had left it: snow-white walls, modern furniture sleek and exuding warmth and comfort. The bed was draped in a white comforter, while the huge windows allowed the glow of a full moon to seep into the room.

I ran my fingers over the desk by the window as memories came rushing back. This room has always been my sanctuary, my place of refuge.

I sat on the bed, wrapped in a soft robe, my gaze straying down at the gardens below. The words of my grandfather rang in my mind.

Aaron Xavier.

I shut my eyes and immediately, his face came into view. I hated him for what he did, for the pain he caused me. But no matter how hard I tried, I could not let go of him.

I love him, I whispered, the words bitter on my tongue.

To admit such a thing to myself was to invite hurt, yet it was the truth love for Aaron ran so much deeper than ever I had thought it could.

But this time it would be different. This time, I wouldn't let my feelings blind me. I would not disappoint my grandfather and my people once again. If I had to give Aaron another chance this time, I would do it prepared; I would become the heiress of the Oaud Empire, making sure nobody underestimated me anymore.

I rose, and my eyes met my reflection in the mirror, fierce, determined.

"I am Savannah Oaud," I pronounced out loud, clear of voice, firm, sans quiver. "I'm back, and now it's time to take charge, and rule my world. I can do it!"