Morning came too quietly.
Luna wasn't used to silence like this.
No traffic noise. No neighbors arguing. No alarm from reality.
Just… stillness.
For a moment, she forgot where she was.
Then she saw the room.
The large bed. The polished floors. The untouched perfection.
And it all came rushing back.
The contract.
The marriage.
The cage.
A knock came at the door.
"Ma'am, Mr. Carter has asked you to get ready."
Luna frowned. "For what?"
"An event."
Of course.
She let out a breath. "Give me ten minutes."
"Your dress has already been prepared."
That made her pause.
Prepared?
Thirty minutes later, Luna stood in front of the mirror.
She almost didn't recognize herself.
The black dress fit perfectly. Elegant. Expensive. Dangerous.
Her hair styled. Light makeup. Simple… but powerful.
She looked like someone who belonged in Ethan's world.
But she knew better.
This was just part of the act.
When she stepped downstairs, Ethan was already waiting.
Dressed in a sharp black suit, he looked exactly like what he was—
Untouchable.
His eyes lifted to her.
And for a second…
He went silent.
Luna noticed.
"Something wrong?" she asked.
Ethan looked away first.
"No," he said calmly. "You'll do."
She smirked slightly. "How comforting."
The car ride was quiet.
Too quiet.
Until—
"Tonight," Ethan said, breaking the silence, "you'll stay close to me."
"Why?"
"Because people will be watching."
Luna turned toward him. "People or someone specific?"
Ethan didn't answer immediately.
"That's not your concern."
Which meant—
It was.
The venue was breathtaking.
Lights, music, rich people laughing like life was always easy.
Luna stepped out of the car beside Ethan.
Instantly, cameras turned.
Whispers followed.
"Is that—?"
"Ethan Carter's wife?"
"She's new…"
Ethan's hand moved to her waist suddenly.
Firm. Controlled.
Luna stiffened slightly.
"Relax," he murmured near her ear. "Smile."
Right.
The act.
She placed her hand lightly on his arm, forcing a soft smile.
"Like this?" she whispered.
"Better."
They walked inside together.
Perfect.
Convincing.
A lie no one questioned.
"Ethan."
A woman's voice.
Sharp. Familiar.
Dangerous.
Luna felt it before she even saw her.
The air shifted.
Ethan stopped walking.
Slowly… he turned.
And Luna followed his gaze.
The woman standing there was stunning.
Elegant. Confident. The kind of beauty that knew its power.
Her eyes moved from Ethan…
To Luna.
And in that moment—
Everything changed.
"Well," the woman said, her lips curving slightly, "this is unexpected."
Luna stayed quiet.
But she understood immediately.
This was her.
The past.
"Luna," Ethan said calmly, "this is Victoria Hale."
Of course.
Victoria stepped closer, her gaze never leaving Luna.
"So this is your wife?"
There was no warmth in her voice.
Only curiosity…
And something sharper.
Luna smiled politely. "Nice to meet you."
Victoria's eyes flickered slightly.
Then she smiled too.
But it didn't reach her eyes.
"Is it?"
Ethan's hand tightened slightly at Luna's waist.
A warning.
Or control.
Maybe both.
Victoria noticed.
And that's when the real tension began.
"You got married fast," Victoria said, looking at Ethan.
"Last time we spoke, you said you didn't believe in love."
"I still don't," Ethan replied calmly.
Luna felt that.
But she didn't react.
Not here.
Not now.
Victoria tilted her head slightly.
"Then this marriage…" she said slowly, "must be something else."
Silence.
Luna could feel it.
The suspicion.
The tension.
The danger of being exposed.
So she did the only thing she could.
She stepped closer to Ethan.
Closer than before.
And said softly—
"Does it matter?"
Ethan looked down at her.
Something flickered in his eyes again.
Unexpected.
Luna turned back to Victoria with a calm smile.
"We're married," she said simply.
"That's enough, isn't it?"
For the first time—
Victoria's expression changed.
Just slightly.
But enough.
The game had started.
And Luna had just made her first move.
But what she didn't realize was—
Victoria wasn't just an ex.
She was a problem.
A dangerous one.
And Ethan…
Wasn't stopping her.