Ch - 5
It was the same day.
In a grand art building that entirely belonged to Maria Luna Catingbig, the atmosphere inside her studio was filled with colors, canvases, and the faint smell of paint. Huge artworks rested against the walls, brushes lay scattered on tables, and assistants moved around carefully, making final touches for an upcoming event.
At the center of the studio, Luna sat quietly on a chair, her eyes closed. She wasn't asleep — just resting for a brief moment, letting the silence calm her mind after long hours of work.
A soft knock was heard before her secretary entered.
"Ma'am, you're ready for the event after three days, right?" she asked politely.
Luna slowly opened her eyes and nodded lightly.
"Yeah… yeah, we are. Let me check once."
She stood up and looked around the studio. "Everyone, gather here for a minute," she called out.
Within moments, her entire team came forward. Their clothes were stained with paint, their hands messy, their faces tired yet determined. They had clearly been working non-stop for the preparation.
In perfect sync, they all said together,
"We are ready, ma'am!"
For a second, Luna just looked at them — at their messy hands, tired eyes, and proud smiles. A warm smile spread across her face.
She walked closer to them, her expression soft and grateful.
"You all worked so hard," she said gently. "I know these days were hectic… but you still gave your best."
Her words alone made their exhaustion seem lighter.
She turned slightly and spoke to her manager, "Please arrange a treat for everyone right now. They deserve it after all this hard work."
The team members instantly looked at each other in surprise, and then their faces lit up with happiness. Laughter filled the studio, the tension of deadlines melting away into cheerful excitement.
"Thank you, ma'am!" they said, almost joyfully.
Luna smiled at them — not like a strict boss, but like a friend who truly cared. That was why everyone respected her so deeply. She never created distance with authority; instead, she built warmth with kindness.
As the team began chatting and laughing, the studio felt alive with energy again.
Luna quietly stepped back, watching them with a satisfied smile. To the world, she was a successful and famous artist, the owner of this entire art empire. But to the people who worked with her every day, she was simply Luna — someone who understood effort, appreciated loyalty, and celebrated small victories with them.
Somewhere in another part of the world, preparations for the same event were also being made, though neither side knew how closely their paths were moving toward each other.
Sometimes, destiny doesn't rush.
It patiently prepares both hearts… before bringing them face to face. 🎨✨