chapter ~5( The truth )

After College…

Luna: "Oh Elira, I really enjoyed today. All because of you."

She beamed with a wide, pure, and innocent smile.

"Thank you for making my day so beautiful."

Then she stepped closer, wrapping Elira in a tight hug.

"From now on, we're best friends," she whispered softly.

Elira (inner thought):

Best friend, my foot.

You really think we became besties? Slowly you crawled into my life, won my trust, and then snatched away my happiness like a thief in the night.

But no, baby—not this time.

She smiled back—but it wasn't the sweet kind.

It was the smile of a snake ready to strike.

Luna didn't notice.

She was too caught up in her fake, fairytale happiness.

Luna (grinning):

"Okay then, see you tomorrow!"

She loosened the hug and stepped back, her heart light and carefree.

She walked toward the other side of the road, dancing a little in joy.

Then suddenly turned, raised her hand high toward the sky, and shouted cheerfully,

"Bye-bye bestie! See you next day!"

Elira (trying to control her anger):

With a fake smile stitched to her lips, she replied,

"Bye-bye bestie."

But as soon as Luna turned her back, Elira's eyes darkened.

She clenched her fists behind her.

And whispered through gritted teeth:

"Live your life to the fullest, Luna. Laugh as much as you want. Because you have no idea what's coming next."

This time, I'll play your game… but I'll write the rules.

She walked back to her dorm. Each step felt heavier than the last.

Her smile was gone—replaced by thoughts sharper than knives.

She threw her bag on the floor, dropped onto the bed, and stared at the ceiling.

The silence around her felt like a storm waiting to break.

And slowly… her mind drifted back.

Back to the past.

Back to that life.

The one she thought she had escaped from.

"Why did everything repeat again?" she whispered to herself.

"What exactly happened... in my previous life?"

Her eyes burned—not with tears, but with the fire of revenge.

Flashback…

"Elira, who is this hot and handsome professor?" Luna asked with a wide, dreamy smile. Love sparkled in her eyes like a teenage crush in full bloom.

Elira sighed. "He's Professor Lucian Vale. Our guest lecturer... and the only heir of The Vale Group."

Luna's jaw dropped dramatically. "Look how handsome he is! I swear, I'm possessed by his charm and cuteness. He's so tall… and so masculine."

"Don't be crazy," Elira muttered, trying to stay composed. "He's our professor, not some K-drama crush."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "What..! Love doesn't see boundaries, my girl. He is damn hot. If you don't like men like him, then tell me—what's your type? Hm? Someone like Zyan, maybe?" She nudged Elira playfully with her elbow, grinning wide.

"Stop it! Let me concentrate in class," Elira replied, blushing furiously.

"Ooooh! My girl is blushing!" Luna giggled, teasing her even more. "Your whole face is red like a ripe tomato! Don't tell me—you really love Zyan with all your heart, huh?"

"Don't tease me!" Elira tried to hide her face, her hands covering her cheeks as she playfully shielded herself from Luna's constant elbow pokes.

They giggled softly, sitting at the back row, but suddenly—

Lucian's cold voice sliced through the air.

"Elira… and you, transfer student."

Both girls froze like statues, their smiles fading instantly.

Lucian's gaze was sharp, his tone laced with something—anger… or was it jealousy? But… why jealousy?

"If you two came here just to gossip," he said icily, "then don't bother showing up from tomorrow. This is a classroom, not a vegetable market."

The whole class turned to stare.

"Now. Get out."

No questions. No arguments.

The girls stood up in silence and walked out, heads low, hearts pounding.

Outside the classroom…

Luna let out a dreamy sigh. "Ooof! He looked like a male god while scolding us."

Elira placed a hand on her head in frustration. "What even happened today?! Because of you, I got kicked out too!"

Luna clasped her hands together like she was praying. "He threw us out… but he noticed us. What a lucky girl I am!"

Elira groaned. "God, please save this girl. She's infected… like fully infected with loveria."

"Help me pursue him!" Luna begged, eyes sparkling with hope.

"No, no, no! He already threw us out. If I help you, I don't even want to imagine what'll happen next—maybe he'll throw us off the college roof!"

Luna grabbed her hand and started swinging it with an adorable pout. "My cutieee… please?"

Elira's eyes widened, realizing what was coming next. "No! No way—I'm not falling for this again!"

She turned and ran.

"Stop, Eli…!" Luna shouted, running after her.

"My bestie… my cuuutie bestieee!"

Their laughter and chaos echoed in the corridor as the drama continued beyond the classroom.

Present Time…

Elira (sobbing):

I can't believe that woman… the one I trusted with all my heart, the one I called my most faithful best friend…

She betrayed me.

With him.

With that perv*rt Zyan.

Why, Luna?

Why would you do this to me?

We once promised to always be each other's biggest supporters…

To stand by each other, to never break trust.

But you… you shattered every ounce of hope and faith I had in you.

It was all just an act, wasn't it?

First you won my trust, became my best friend… and then stabbed me in the back.

Even in my worst nightmares, I never imagined you and Zyan would do this to me.

Elira wipes the tears off her cheeks, her expression slowly turning cold and determined.

No… no.

I won't be weak again.

In this life, I won't repeat the same mistakes I made in the last one.

I will be strong.

I won't be trapped again like I was before.

This time… I am a changed person.

Zyan and Elira—both will get what they deserve.

She clenches her fists, fire burning in her eyes.

Old Elira is dead.

Now… I rise from my ashes.

Scene change:

A grand white mansion stood proudly like a royal palace. Limited edition luxury cars shimmered under the golden sun. The garden was filled with rare flowers and exotic plants. Armed guards patrolled the entire estate. In front of the mansion, a majestic fountain sparkled—made of pure white and golden precious stones. Everything looked pristine, premium, and utterly breathtaking.

Luna enters the mansion.

Her face, once calm, now carries the weight of sadness.

From behind, a lady appears—dressed in a tight red puff-sleeved mid-length bodycon dress. Her voice sweet, sugar-coated like venom in honey.

Lady (smiling):

Oooh, you're finally here.

So, how was your day, sweetie?

Luna turns, her voice cold and forbidden.

Luna (with burning eyes):

Don't call me sweetie.

Lady (with fake concern):

Why, darling? I care for you. I'm your mother.

Luna (clenching her jaw, voice cracking with rage):

You're not my mother.

You're the woman who snatched my father away…

From me and my real mom.

Suddenly, a girl enters wearing a bold, flattering white dress, cutting into the moment.

Girl:

Sis… why are you saying all this?

She's our mother…

Luna (shouting, her eyes burning with fury):

No, Bella. She's your mother, not mine.

She seduced my father and spent nights with him like a low-class mistress.

She is nothing to me.

And don't try to play innocent in front of me.

I know why you and your precious mom came here—

For my father's money.

So stay away from me.

Bella reaches out, trying to grab her hand, but Luna harshly pulls away.

Bella (pleading):

Sis…

Luna:

Don't call me that!

I am not your sister!

Jesse (Luna's stepmother, pretending to look innocent):

Luna… please.

We don't want the money.

We just want your father and your love.

This is all a misunderstanding, believe me…

Luna (voice shaking, but sharp):

Because of you, my mom died.

After learning the truth about you and your daughter, she fell into depression.

She couldn't bear the betrayal.

She took the hardest decision of her life…

She ended it.

So I'm warning you.

Never try to replace my mom.

For your own good—just don't.

Without another word, Luna storms off to her room, her heart raging.

Downstairs…

Bella's expression changes instantly, her innocence melting into devilish fury.

Bella (through clenched teeth):

Mom… she's gone too far.

We need to do something.

Jesse (with a wicked smirk):

Just wait a few days…

We'll show her her true place.

Very soon, we'll take everything from her.

That b!tch doesn't know who I am.

Only my daughter Bella can be the rightful heir to this entire property.

No one else.

Bella (worried):

But mom, if she's alive, Dad will never give us even a penny.

Jesse (coldly):

If she lives…

Then what if she meets with an accident?

Nowadays, accidents happen so easily…

All it takes is one little slip.

Bella (smiling devilishly):

That's why I love you, mom.

She hugs Jesse tightly, both wearing dark smiles of wicked intent.

Scene: Luna's Room

A breathtaking room painted in shades of teal and aquamarine. Everything screamed elegance and wealth. A luxurious bed, shelves full of limited-edition perfumes, high-end skincare, exclusive jewelry. The wardrobe overflowed with designer dresses from the world's top fashion brands.

The balcony gave a majestic view of the rare flower garden. The walls were adorned with famous artists' paintings. On one side, a private screen theater. On the other, a vintage collection room filled with antique wonders. Beside it, a lavishly attached bathroom.

Luna sat on her bed, her fingers running through a necklace that once belonged to her mom.

Tears welled up again in her eyes as she stared at the ceiling.

Her mind drifted to her past…

To the woman who once held her close, sang lullabies, and made her feel safe.

Her mother.

Her real mother.

The pain hit like waves—endless and cruel.

Luna (whispering to herself):

I won't let your death be meaningless, Mom.

I will protect everything you left for me…

Even if it means standing alone against them all.

Flashback…

The sound of a child's giggle echoes through a sunlit garden.

Little Luna (laughing joyfully):

No, Mom! Catch me if you can!

Mom (running behind her with a smile):

Luna, stop! Don't run like that—you'll hurt yourself!

Little Luna (giggling with a pure heart):

Nooo, you can't catch me!

Suddenly, a sharp sound of stumbling—

Luna:

Ahhh! Mom!

Mom (rushing forward):

I told you not to run like that! See? Now you're hurt.

Luna (holding back tears):

M-Mom… it hurts…

Mom (kneeling beside her gently):

Show me, sweetheart. Where does it hurt?

Luna points at her scraped leg. Her mother carefully lifts it and sees a small cut.

Mom (concerned):

Oh no… it's a cut. Don't worry, baby. Mommy will fix it.

She lifts Luna into her arms with care and carries her inside the house. Gently, she sets her down on a soft couch.

Mom (calling out):

Someone! Bring the medicine kit—quickly!

A maid soon arrives with the kit. Luna's mom softly cleans the wound, careful not to hurt her.

Mom (with a comforting smile):

It won't hurt much, baby. Be brave. Mommy's here.

Little Luna (sniffling, eyes teary):

O-Okay…

She nods her head with her innocent, teary face. Her mom smiles warmly.

Mom:

Now stop crying, my strong little girl.

Little Luna:

Love you, Mom…

Mom (with a wide, heartfelt smile):

Love you too, my Luna.

Present Time…

Luna sits in silence, a soft and peaceful smile playing on her lips. A single tear rolls down her cheek as memories flood her heart—sweet, warm, and irreplaceable. But that was then…

Now, everything has changed.

Flashback…

Little Luna (screaming and sobbing):

No, Mom!! You can't leave me!

Please don't go!

She cries harder, screaming into the emptiness, her small hands clinging to the bed her mother once lay on.

Present Time…

And from that day…

My life turned into a living nightmare.

After Mom passed away, they came into our home—like shadows creeping in to consume what was left of my happiness.

Flashback…

Dad (coldly):

Luna, meet your new mom and your sister.

From now on… they'll be living with us.

Little Luna (angry, crying):

No! She will never be my mom!

I have only one mom—only her.

No one can take her place!

No one!

In rage and heartbreak, Luna starts throwing things. Her small hands grab whatever she can reach and hurl it toward Jesse and Bella.

Dad (yelling):

Luna! Stop! Stop it right now!

A flower vase flies across the room and hits Bella, shattering on impact. Blood begins to trickle from her forehead.

Dad (rushing forward):

Bella!

Bella begins crying loudly. Jesse gasps and starts to panic.

Both of them kneel beside her, hugging her tightly as if she were made of glass.

Dad (frantically):

Someone! Bring the medicine kit—now!

My fairy's hurt!

A servant quickly runs to get it.

Dad (while tending Bella's wound):

Don't worry, my fairy. Daddy's here. It'll be okay.

Nothing will happen to you…

On the other side, Little Luna stands frozen—shocked, numb. Her heart feels like it's been shattered into a thousand shards.

Her father…

He never cared for her like that.

Not even once.

Not even for her real mother.

The servant brings the kit. Her father gently tends to Bella's injury as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

Dad (in a soft tone to Bella):

Daddy's always with you, princess. You're safe.

Luna's small heart broke completely that day.

Her father's affection… his warmth… it was never for her.

After a while, Bella stops crying.

Dad (turning with fury):

Luna! How could you do this?! She's your sister!

Little Luna (sobbing):

But… Da–Dad, I…

Dad (interrupting, cold):

Shut up.

From now on, you're not allowed to step out of your room without my permission.

That's an order.

A servant quietly approaches and gently takes Luna by the arm.

Jesse (pretending concern):

Don't punish her too harshly… she's just a child. She didn't mean it…

Dad (firm, icy tone):

If I don't teach her discipline now, she'll never learn.

This is my final decision.

Jesse (lowering her eyes, acting sad):

Okay… if that's what you think is best.

As the servant guides Luna back to her room, she glances over her shoulder.

And there—she sees it.

A victorious, devilish smile on Bella's face.

The smugness of a girl who had won.

The happiness of someone who just conquered something they never deserved.

From that day forward, everything changed.

That woman…

That b!tch…

And her daughter slowly took control of everything—especially him.

And my bond with Dad?

It faded…

Day by day…

Until there was nothing left.

Present Time…

Luna's face burned with visible anger.

Every inch of her heart screamed in silence.

Inside, she was on fire—burning with the weight of betrayal, loss, and the scars left behind by the ones she once called family.

But no matter how much she wanted to scream, fight, or change her fate…

She was helpless.

Completely and utterly helpless.

Nothing…

Nothing was in her control.

Her relationship with her father would never be the same again.

Her mother… would never return.

The warmth, the laughter, the feeling of being someone's everything—it was all gone.

Now, all she could do was hope.

Hope that happiness might find her someday.

From that heartbreaking day, she had learned how to live alone.

She trained herself to survive in silence.

To find pieces of joy in the smallest things—like a breeze on her face, or the smell of old books.

But even then…

There were nights she'd question herself.

"Will I ever be truly happy?"

And in that fleeting moment of pain, a face flashed in her mind.

Her lips parted softly, and a name escaped like a whispered secret.

"Professor Lucian Vale."

A smile bloomed on her lips without permission.

And before she realized it—she was blushing like a schoolgirl.

Her cheeks turned pink, and she quickly slapped her own head lightly with a giggle.

Luna (to herself, half-smiling):

"What are you even thinking, girl?"

She shook her head in disbelief.

Luna (muttering):

Elira told you, didn't she?

You're falling for him. You're actually falling in love and going crazy!

She let out a long breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

Luna (whispering, biting her lip):

Oh, come on, don't think about him.

You're not in love! You were just joking with Elira, that's all…

This is ridiculous… aahh… gosh!

Yet… the smile remained.

No matter how much she tried to deny it,

Something had already begun blooming in her heart.

And it had his name written all over it.

But…

A fear still lingered in the corners of her heart.

No matter how much she smiled, no matter how fast her heart raced at the thought of Lucian…

There was always that one shadow behind her smile.

A shadow called betrayal.

A whisper in her mind reminded her of the past—

What if someone betrayed her the way her father betrayed her mother?

What if… like her mom…

She ended up being left alone in this cruel, unforgiving world?

No…

That's why she always feared falling in love.

Luna (to herself):

"I won't fall in love.

Love only brings pain…

It gives nothing—just illusions, just heartbreak."

She clenched her fists, trying to push the thought away.

But her heart…

It wasn't listening.

Because the day she first saw him, something inside her shifted.

A strange, unfamiliar feeling bloomed—something she couldn't name.

Something too complicated, too new.

She couldn't understand it.

She had never felt this before.

It wasn't logical.

It wasn't planned.

It was… emotional.

Luna (whispering, almost afraid):

"When I remember him…

All my pain disappears.

My heart tells me to just look at him forever.

His eyes…

There's something in them I've never seen before."

Whenever she saw him,

Her heart raced wildly—

As if she'd just run a marathon without moving a step.

Was this love?

No. No!

Luna (panicking):

From where I come… from what I've seen…

I can't fall in love.

Love is just a time-wasting emotion.

Even science says—it's just hormone imbalance.

A chemical illusion.

Luna (closing her eyes, taking a sharp breath):

Just take it out of your mind.

Erase it.

Take a deep breath…

All will be okay.

Deep breath, Luna.

Focus.

Concentrate.

You've survived worse.

Don't lose yourself now.

Just breathe…