Chapter 16

Two hectic weeks had passed, filled with endless meetings, phone calls, and plans for the upcoming wedding. The Laurier and Solace families were working tirelessly to ensure everything was perfect. The constant whirlwind of activity left Luna feeling overwhelmed, the pressure weighing heavily on her.

One afternoon, seeking a moment of solitude, Luna found herself in a secluded classroom. She sat by the window, staring out at the academy's garden, lost in her thoughts. The tranquility of the scene outside contrasted sharply with the chaos inside her mind.

As she sat there, contemplating her life and the rapidly approaching wedding, she heard the sound of footsteps. Startled, she turned to see Leonardo standing at the doorway. He had been looking for her and finally found her hiding place.

"Luna?" he called softly, stepping into the room.

Luna's heart skipped a beat. She quickly tried to mask her fear, but Leonardo's keen eyes didn't miss the fleeting expression. He moved closer, concern etched on his face.

"Are you alright?" he asked gently, sitting down beside her.

Luna forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm fine, just needed a break," she replied, her voice strained.

Leonardo studied her for a moment, then spoke again. "Is it about the wedding?"

At his words, the fear resurfaced in Luna's eyes. Her façade crumbled, and she felt tears begin to form. She looked down, unable to maintain the pretense any longer.

Leonardo's heart clenched at the sight of her distress. He reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Luna, you don't have to go through this alone. If there's something you're worried about, we can face it together."

Luna took a shaky breath, trying to compose herself. "It's just... everything is happening so fast. I feel like I can't keep up. And this wedding... it feels like I'm losing control of my own life."

Leonardo's grip on her shoulder tightened slightly, his voice soft and reassuring. "I understand. It's a lot to take in, and it's only natural to feel overwhelmed. But you're not alone in this. We'll figure it out together, one step at a time."

Luna looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "Thank you, Leonardo. I just... I just need to know that I'm not alone in this."

Leonardo smiled, a warm, reassuring smile. "You're not alone, Luna. I promise."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the world feeling slightly lighter as they shared this quiet, intimate moment.