Chapter 15 Chapter 15
And exactly the same time the next day, Luna Hart was in her room, packing the few things she had decided to take with her. There wasn’t much—just a small collection of items that reminded her of her family and the fleeting moments of happiness she had managed to salvage over the years. A locket from Aunt Maggie Brooks, a photo of Evan Hart and herself smiling before life had grown so complicated, a few books she had cherished—all carefully placed in a small suitcase
At that moment, Brianna Hart, Luna’s cousin and Evan Hart’s younger sister, silently walked to her room. She stood leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, a deriding smile playing on her lips.
“I don’t get it,” Brianna said coldly.
Luna looked up to find her standing there.
“What’s up, Bree?” Luna asked, confused.
“You’re going to be the woman of such a powerful man. You could literally have anything you want if you pleased him,” Brianna said, her eyes void of the warmth that Aunt Maggie Brooks and Evan always showed. “But you still act so unhappy and pitiful about it.”
Luna froze. She had noticed that since the news of her arrangement with Damian Blackwell became known, Bree had grown distant, but she hadn’t realised it was because of this jealousy and bitterness.
“Bree…” Luna began, incredulous. “What kind of woman do you think I am? Do you think I would trade my freedom for wealth and status?”
“You tell me, cousin. What kind of woman are you, really?” Bree stepped closer. “You want wealth, but you also want to look innocent in everyone’s eyes. That pitiful act of yours won’t fool me.”
“I’m not acting pitiful,” Luna said slowly, at a loss for words.
“Oh, really?” Brianna sneered. “Then why do I see Mom and Evan worried sick all the time? Why is the family atmosphere ruined?”
“I’m not happy about this arrangement,” Luna admitted. “They know it, and that’s why they’re worried. That’s all. I’m sorry if I’ve caused discomfort.” After all, this was her fault—the family’s situation had forced this path.
“You’re not happy?” Brianna’s voice rose. “Then why did you let this happen?”
“Who said I started it?” Luna shot back.
Brianna laughed sharply. “Don’t act innocent with me, Luna. I can see right through you. If what you’re saying is true, then why did he only ask for you from the Hart family? Wasn’t he familiar with you already? Do you think I’m an idiot?”
Luna said nothing, lowering her head. Revealing the club incident would only hurt her family further.
“I expected this,” Brianna spat, disgust in her eyes. “You have no excuse. That only proves one thing.”
“Bree, it’s not like that—” Luna tried.
“You lying whore! Shut up! Why are you lying to all of us? You clearly wanted this all along! And now you act pitiful to make yourself look innocent while covering your shameless actions? You can’t be satisfied with him alone?!” With that, Brianna stomped out, slamming the door.
Luna remained speechless.
.
.
.
Once in her own room, Brianna kicked the scattered items across the floor. Her fists clenched.
“I can’t believe this!” she muttered.
Damian Blackwell—handsome, wealthy, and powerful—was the dream of countless young women. Brianna had fantasised about being the one chosen. She had overheard Evan and Mom discussing the arrangement and the conditions for his help. The Hart family would have to give a daughter to him.
And she had assumed it would be her.
She had spent the year imagining the luxury, the status, the admiration. But one month ago, she discovered it was her cousin, Luna, who had been chosen.
Brianna was crushed. She had cried herself to sleep that night.
“Why her? Why does Mom and Evan treat her better? Doesn’t this prove she’s fake?” she hissed. Luna wasn’t as conventionally pretty, but she had the accomplishments and the aura.
And the thought that Luna acted pitiful and innocent, while Mom and Evan worried over her, drove Brianna mad with jealousy.
“Slut!” Brianna muttered under her breath. “Luna Hart is a slut!”
The room fell silent around her. She knew, deep down, that her jealousy was irrational, that Luna hadn’t asked for this fate. But for Brianna, the pain of not being chosen, the bitterness of feeling overshadowed, and the envy of seeing her cousin rewarded for circumstances beyond her control—those emotions consumed her entirely. Her jealousy dominated her reasons.
And even as tears pricked the corners of her eyes, she refused to relent. She could not forgive the cruel twist of fate that had placed Luna in the position she herself had long desired.
For Brianna Hart, it was a perfect storm of envy, anger, and heartbreak—and the storm showed no signs of abating.