Luna

Saturday night, I was getting ready for Sebastian and Sweet's anniversary party. It was a small gathering just for family and close friends. I didn't need my glam squad to get ready.

I couldn't wait for the party, but the idea of seeing Colton again made me cringe.

Well. I'll just do my best to stay away from him.

After I took a shower and put on a little makeup, I chose a dress from my huge closet. It took forever to pick a dress. They were all too flashy for my taste. I gave up and followed my heart, no regrets. I went in a plain black dress and flat ballet shoes

Barry showed up at seven to get me. He looked super fancy and stylish in white and purple suit.

He gave me a weird look when he saw what I was wearing.

"Are you going to a funeral or what? We're heading to a party, sweetheart." He sighed, looking disappointed. "Our outfits are totally clashing. You should change."

"It's just a small gathering with family and close friends. We don't need to glam up."

"Yeah, but there's going to be tons of photos and videos. We still have to look sharp for our company. You're aware of how our business is doing. We can't risk anything that could harm us."

Well, he was right. We couldn't argue, otherwise we'd be late for the party. Plus, I already let him down when I told him on the phone this morning that I couldn't hire a consultant to fix our business. I didn't want him to feel worse just because of a dress.

I managed to switch into a purple dress and matching stilettos in no time. He was really pleased that it matched his suit.

"Perfect," he beamed and gave me a kiss.

Afterwards, he drove us to the party in his cool red Audi sports car. He was driving like a turtle compared to other drivers. I stopped telling him about that, cause he'd always say it was for our safety.

We got to talk about his meeting with Mr. Oishi.

"It went really well. He's super confident our product will do well in his stores." He said with a big smile, still talking and driving. "We just got to send him some samples of our clothes before he'll give us his first job order. He wants to see which cloth materials and styles would work for the Asian market."

"That's awesome!"

"Totally. That's why we need to fix this hot mess in our company. We don't want Mr. Oishi to know what's going on. This guy is our golden opportunity to tap into the Asian market. Therefore, we need to find a business consultant. ASAP."

"Yeah, we should." I nodded.

Anyone, but not Colton.

***

The party was at the Stavrakos Hotel, in the fancy grand ballroom. The venue was all dolled up with flowers, candles, and pretty lights, creating a really romantic vibe. A female singer was onstage, singing love songs, while everyone was talking, laughing and drinking wine, while waiting for the other guests to arrive.

Barry and I went to Sebastian and Sweet's table. We greeted them with a happy anniversary. We also got them a gift - a matching sweater I know they'd love.

We also got some presents for their kids. Some pocket toys for them to bring anywhere.

"Hi, Aunt Luna," Samuel, aged six, and the twins, Joshua and Zoe, both four, got off from their table and gave me a hug. They were always aloof with Barry, they just waved hi to him.

Then we left and wandered around. We said hi to everyone we know. Afterwards, we found our table, which was the same as my parents and grandparents. We greeted them with hugs and kisses.

"You're late." My mom, Elena Stavrakos. "You were supposed to introduce Sebastian and Sweet in their entrance march."

"Yeah, I know. I already apologized to Sweet."

"Erin did it, don't worry." My grandma Pia said, then whispered to me when Barry was out of hearing range. "Is he driving like a turtle again?"

I chuckled, then said. "He's just being cautious, grandma."

"Hi there, Gary! How's the weather in Dansville today?" My grandpa Gareth asked Barry.

"It's Barry, sir. Not Gary. I'm from Maryland, not Dansville. But I've been living here in the city since college." Barry explained again. He kept doing that every time he met grandpa Gareth.

"Don't mind my husband," Grandma Celine waved her hand. "He's got Alzheimer's, you know?"

"I heard your company's in deep trouble. Want to tell me about it?" My dad, Adonis Stavrakos, asked me and Barry.

"Um...yeah. It's no big deal. We can handle it, no problem." The last thing I wanted was for my parents to save our company.

They were totally against me choosing Barry as my partner at first. They thought I was too gullible, especially with all that money involved. So, I had to prove that Barry was a decent guy. I'd trust him with my life. Plus, I really wanted to show them I can be independent. I'd prove I can succeed in my way.

"We're actually in need of a business consultant." Barry butted in. "We need some assistance in revamping our business. Our sales department was the root of the problem."

I was totally caught off guard when Barry spilled the beans to my family. I was feeling down. But then, I had no choice but to go along with it.

"I agree. You really should consider getting a business consultant. If you don't do something about it, your problem will only get worse." Grandpa Kristov advised.

"The problem is, no one agrees to work for us." Barry shrugged. "We've already reached out to seven firms. Luna went to Global Excellence Consultants yesterday, but they rejected her."

"Really? But that's Colton's company." Dad's forehead furrowed.

When he said Colton's name, my eyes popped out. I was thrilled when I didn't see him or hear his name. Until now.

"You should talk to Colton," Grandpa suggested.

I bit my lip, then said. "Um, I already spoke to their Senior Consultant. They're totally booked and can't make room for us."

"Luna, Colton would love to help you out. He's Sweet's brother. We're family," Dad insisted.

Much as I would like to argue that Colton is not my family. Never. Ever. Period. I have to keep my composure and act so calm.

"Where's Colton? I thought he was coming. Sebastian said he's here in the city." Grandpa Kristov's head turned 360 degrees, looking around for him.

"Pretty sure he'll be here. Don't worry, I'll talk to him about it." Dad said.

"That's great! You see? Problem solved." Barry grinned widely and looked at me.

"No, no. We got this, Dad. We'll speak to him. It's our business. We can give him the full rundown of what's going on."

"Sure, if that's what you want," Dad shrugged. I was thankful that the discussion was over.

Later on, dinner was served.

It's kind of strange, but I was looking for Colton. I was wondering where he was at? His family was there. He's the only one missing. Seriously, what's more important than going to his sister's wedding this evening?

Could it be an emergency? Well, hope not.

Stop it, Luna. I said to myself. What the heck? I don't know why his absence suddenly bugged me.

The dessert buffet table was presented, and still no sign of Colton. I should be throwing a party since he's not showing up. That's what I've been hoping for.

I let out a sigh and turned my focus to Sebastian and Sweet onstage. They were singing their favorite love song, Angela Bofill's "Tonight I Give In." It made my heart feel warm seeing them so in love.

After their song, everyone went wild and clinked their glasses with spoons, and the couple kissed. Just like how it was at their wedding reception.

I couldn't believe it when the couple went back to their seats, Barry took their place onstage.

Wait. What was happening? Was he going to sing or something?

Everybody kept quiet, waiting for him to talk.

He coughed and then began talking.

"Sorry for interrupting the program. I couldn't think of a better place to say this to the most beautiful woman I know," he said, and everyone cheered.

He came and got me from my seat, then brought me up on stage with him.

"Luna, you're special and I knew it from the start. I can't imagine not having you around. You bring so much joy. You complete me, and I want to spend my life loving you."

Then he got down on one knee and everyone was like, "Whoa!"

I was totally shocked. I didn't see it coming. I just realized it's the surprise he mentioned yesterday.

He grabbed a red velvet box from his jacket. He popped open the box and flashed me a gorgeous diamond ring. I gasped.

"I'm down on one knee, asking you to be my partner forever. Will you marry me, Luna?"

The room was so quiet. You could hear a pin drop. They were all waiting for me to answer.

Boom!

The fancy ballroom's main door burst open and slammed shut, freaking everyone out.

Everyone turned to see who had arrived late.

It was Colton.

I couldn't look away from Colton, our eyes locked on each other. Then I remembered Barry, who was still on one knee, waiting for my answer.

Suddenly, I wasn't sure of my answer anymore.

Should I say yes or no?