Chapter 159: Three Silent Words

Chapter 159: Three Silent Words
Luna's POV

I circled back to the set and stopped dead in my tracks. Massive black curtains now surrounded our filming area like some weird funeral setup. What the hell?

"Tina!" I called out to my assistant, who was glued to her phone, typing away. "What's with these black drapes everywhere?"

Tina rolled her eyes and pocketed her phone. "Jack's team has been circling like vultures. Their interns keep sneaking cameras over here, trying to rip off our shot setups and dialogue. The director got sick of it and figured blocking their view was easier than picking fights."

"Those parasites," I muttered, shaking my head. "Make sure we're documenting everything. I'll get legal to fire off a friendly cease-and-desist."

"Way ahead of you," Tina said, nodding as she fell into step beside me toward the main set. "Oh, and those flowers you ordered for the cast just showed up. Wanna check 'em out?"

I nodded and followed her to a side table piled high with vibrant bouquets. Each one had a little card attached with my personalized notes for the actors who'd breathed life into my characters. I did a quick count to make sure nobody got left out.

"Looks good," I said, flipping through the cards one last time. "All set."

Tina shot me a sideways glance. "You didn't get one for yourself? Everyone else on the creative team did."

I laughed it off. "Nah, I don't need flowers. I'm just happy seeing the team get theirs."

Truth was, after years grinding behind the scenes, I was used to hyping up everyone else without expecting the spotlight myself.

"AND... CUT! That's a wrap, folks!"

Dean's voice boomed across the set, sparking a wave of cheers and applause. Crew members hugged it out, actors slapped high-fives, and somebody popped a champagne bottle that sprayed foam everywhere. The vibe was electric—that one-of-a-kind rush when a team pulls off something epic together.

I hung back, soaking it all in. We actually did it. Despite Jack's constant sabotage, and that insane schedule—we'd made something real, something beautiful.

"Luna!" Sophia's voice cut through the chaos as she weaved toward me, clutching a bouquet of sunflowers and lilies. "You're a genius. That last scene was killer."

"All you," I shot back. "Your monologue had half the crew tearing up."

Sophia eyed me for a second, then shoved her flowers into my arms. "Here, take these."

"What? No, these are yours—"

"You forgot to get yourself any," she said with a sly grin, waving her phone. "Plus, I've got a delivery incoming any minute. For the group photo, you gotta have something to hold."

"Fine, if you insist," I relented, hugging the bouquet. "Your hubby finally stepping up his game?"

"Luke's getting there," she winked. Then her gaze flicked past me, and her smile turned downright devious. "But your guy's no slouch either."

"My guy? What are you—"

"Congrats, Luna Gray." That deep, familiar voice sent a spark straight down my spine.

I spun around to see Gabriel standing there in a sharp navy suit, holding a massive bouquet of purple violets. My heart did this stupid flip I tried to ignore.

"You..." I took an instinctive step back, dropping my voice. "What are you doing here?"

A few crew members were already whispering and pointing. Gabriel Ashford crashing our wrap party? Not exactly low-key.

He arched an eyebrow. "We talked about me being here for wrap day."

"I figured you'd be crashing out."

Gabriel stepped closer, swapping Sophia's flowers for his violets like it was the most natural thing. "Would you really not have been bummed if I bailed?"

"I don't know," I mumbled, clutching the bouquet and backing away down the hallway, hunting for a quieter spot.

"Ms. Gray!" Gabriel called out, his voice booming down the corridor.

A couple of PAs turned, looking curious. That jerk. He was totally doing this on purpose.

I grabbed his arm and yanked him around the corner. "You trying to make a scene?"

"I'm trying to celebrate your big win with you," he said, eyes twinkling with mischief. "That a crime?"

"You know exactly what you're up to."

Gabriel's fingers grazed my wrist, sending warmth flooding through me. "And what's that?"

Before I could fire back, a sharp cramp twisted in my lower belly. I winced, pressing my free hand to my stomach. "Here, hold these," I said, shoving the violets back at him. "I didn't even bring my purse—left it on set."

"You okay?" Gabriel's playful vibe vanished, replaced by instant worry.

"I'm fine, just—" Another cramp hit harder. "Gimme a sec."

I bolted for the nearest women's restroom, slamming the door behind me. Inside the stall, I checked and—yep—my period had shown up early, leaving a noticeable stain on my light pants.

"Damn it," I muttered, rummaging through my empty pockets. No supplies. Not today, of all days.

Stuck with zero options, I cracked the door open. "Gabriel? You still out there? Can you hear me?"

"Right here," he replied immediately.

Relief hit me. "I... uh, got my period. Could you grab me a pad or tampon? Please?"

"No problem," he said, totally unfazed. "Gimme a few minutes. I'll be back."

Leaning against the cool tile wall, I couldn't help smirking at the ridiculousness. Here I was, capping off a career high, stuck in a stall while the CEO of Legacy Media played errand boy for period supplies.

He knocked softly soon after. "Luna, got what you need."

His hand slipped through the cracked door with a small pouch. "One of the makeup artists hooked me up from her kit."

I took it, biting back a laugh as the image hit me—a powerhouse CEO like Gabriel Ashford asking some crew girl for pads. It was hilarious and kinda helpless-making, like the universe's way of keeping things real. "Thanks," I said, chuckling despite myself. "Just... wait for me, okay? This is so absurd."

"Take your time," he said, sounding amused too. "I'm not going anywhere."

When I stepped out, Gabriel was leaning against the wall, scrolling his phone. He looked up, concern still lingering. "Better?"

"Yeah. Sorry for the drama."

"For what? It's normal," he said with a shrug.

I glanced down at my pants, checking for spots. "Is it obvious?"

Without missing a beat, Gabriel shrugged off his suit jacket and tied it around my waist. "Not anymore."

My chest warmed at the gesture. "Thanks."

"You've been pushing too hard," he said, shifting gears smoothly. "Probably why it came early."

I stopped and stared. "Wait—do you track my cycle?"

Gabriel shrugged, smirking a little. "Yeah."

I burst out laughing. "What, so you know when to skip sex?"

"Is that what you think?" His face got serious. "Luna, I track it so I know when you might need extra TLC."

Oh.

"Gabriel Ashford," I said, my expression softening, "you're actually the best."

"I know," he grinned, making my knees wobble.

Back on set, Dean was rounding everyone up for the group photo.

"Alright, team! One last shot to capture this wild ride! Squeeze in!"

The cast and crew piled in front of the main set piece. Dean spotted Gabriel lurking and waved him over.

"Mr. Ashford! Join the fun?"

Gabriel shook his head politely. "This is their spotlight. I'm just here to watch."

I squeezed in with the group, violets in hand. As the photographer counted down—"Three, two, one!"—I glanced back, locking eyes with Gabriel.

Without overthinking it, I mouthed three words: I love you.

Gabriel froze, then broke into the most dazzling smile I'd ever seen.