The Trip Grant's breathing grew tight. "Luna, you're such a fool." "I'm not. I'm willing. I love you, Grant. I love you so much. But I know Oriana loves you, too, and you love her. I can't betray Oriana. Even so, as long as I can do something for you, make you happy, as long as you give me just a little bit of your kindness once in a while, I'll be content," Luna whispered. "You call that contentment? Doesn't that make you a fool?" Grant asked. "I know, Grant. You'd feel sorry for me and give me a little more-" Luna's words cut off abruptly. Oriana had imagined intimate scenes between them countless times. But watching it with her own eyes now, she realized her fantasies had been far too innocent. Reality was wilder, far more unrestrained than she ever could have pictured. The Grant who couldn't wait to devour Luna's radiant smile was nothing like the cold, reserved boy Oriana remembered the one who had blushed, heart racing and hands trembling, just from a first kiss at the corner of her lips. Yet their faces overlapped perfectly. Oriana thought she would collapse, thought she would break down in hysteria. Instead, she was calmer than she ever imagined. It had only been a few days, but she was already completely done with him. She drew in a deep breath, lifted her phone, and recorded a short clip. When things became too explicit, she turned away and left. Back upstairs, she went to wash her face, as if to cleanse the filth away. Her phone buzzed-it was Micah. Oriana exhaled. Funny how Micah always appeared when she was at her lowest. Could that be called fate? For their third video call, Oriana answered openly. "Good evening, Mr. Caldwell." "Good evening." In the dim frame, Micah's deep, magnetic voice carried a quiet allure. Oriana's eyes flickered. "Mr. Caldwell, did you hear another piece of gossip about me?" Micah paused, clearly surprised. She was far livelier than she had been on their previous calls. "You seem in good spirits. Something worth celebrating?" Micah asked. Oriana thought for a moment. "I suppose so Yes." 1/3 Chapter 16 The Trip Finished Micah was rarely curious. "Care to share?" "This might be something you'd rather not hear. Best if I keep it to myself," Oriana admitted with an awkward scratch to her check. "Fair enough," Micah said. "Actually, I wanted to tell you I'll be in Meradin for a few days. When you arrive in Jindiwood, I might not make it back in time. But I'll do my best." Oriana blinked, surprised he'd volunteered his schedule. Given their arrangement, there was no need for that kind of detail. "It's fine. Just send me the address. I can make my own way there," Oriana replied politely. "Kieran will meet you at the airport. Don't worry. I just didn't want you overthinking if I wasn't there to greet you," Micah explained evenly. Overthinking? True-since their agreement was to register their marriage upon her arrival in Jindiwood, if she landed and didn't see him, she really might think he'd backed out. Grateful for his thoughtfulness, Oriana smiled faintly, "All right. I won't overthink it. Safe travels, Mr. Caldwell." Micah nodded, as if about to add more-when a clear little boy's voice called out in the background, "Daddy!" Oriana's smile froze. Micah had a child? She blurted, "You should go. See you in Jindiwood." Micah hesitated briefly. "All right. See you in five days." Oriana ended the call with a smile, though a ripple of disappointment lingered inside her. She quickly pushed it away. After all, theirs was a quick marriage, likely to end just as quickly. Whether Micah had a child or not, he owed her no explanation. Maybe he was rushing into marriage simply to give his son a home. She didn't dwell on it. After a quick wash, she fell into a steady sleep. **** The next morning, she woke naturally. On the table sat pie and milk, with a sticky note, "Sorry, Oriana. An urgent trip came up. I'll be back in two days and take you to Fortine Mount then. Whatever punishment you want, I'll accept it." Oriana sneered, crumpled the note into a ball, tossed it in the trash, and leisurely ate her breakfast. She 2/3 Finished picked up the phone and called Zara. "Oriana? So early?" Zara yawned, her eyes barely open. Oriana chuckled, "Zara, I'm heading to Fortine Mount. Want to come?" "Of course! I've been begging you to travel, but you kept saying you had to stay with Grant." Zara perked up instantly. "When do we leave?" "This afternoon," Oriana answered with a bright smile. "Huh?" Zar She absolutely loved it. she heard the sound of running water in the bathroom. Rs flushed as memories of last night came rushing back. Grant's phone was charging on the nightstand, notifications popping up one after another. Glancing at his silhouette behind the frosted glass, Luna quietly picked up the phone and unlocked it. 20 3/3