SHADOWED HEIRESS, SILENT VOWS

LUNA’S BIG SECRET

Point of View: Luna Hart

Papers are strewn all over my little desk as I sit at it. I have a tight stomach, which is worse than when you're hungry. I have debt. A substantial sum of money. The landlord keeps knocking on my little flat, demanding rent, and it's freezing. I work as an intern at Cole Industries, delivering files and coffee to executives. I have insufficient funds to cover any expenses.

I'm at the gleaming office building today. I can see my reflection in the glass walls—old sweater, unkempt hair. I don't seem to belong here. To go to the conference room, I tote a bulky tray of coffee cups. My hands tremble a little. I'd rather not reveal anything.

Mr. Adrian Cole, dressed like a monarch, stands towering within. Everything in this place is under his control. He constantly has a serious expression on his face. He is described as being very chilly by others. Silently, I put down the tray. I go unnoticed. It's OK. I'm skilled at remaining undetectable.

Then I hear a sound. Mr. Cole is speaking with Ms. Linda, his assistant. I'm near enough to hear his quiet voice.

He declares, "I need a wife." For display only. It will improve the company's image. steady. That appeals to investors.

My heart leaps. A spouse? Just for show? My feet freeze for no apparent reason. I listen while feigning to fix the coffee mugs.

Ms. Linda gives a headshake. Who, Mr. Cole, would consent to that? It's a lot to ask.

He says, "Someone who needs something." Perhaps money. I'll pay you generously.

I take a deep breath. Cash. I'm in need of cash. terribly. I see my landlord's face as he yells about rent in a loud voice. I consider my broken furnace and empty refrigerator. With money, I could make everything better.

This shouldn't be what I do. It's insane. But before my brain can stop it, my mouth moves.

"Mr. Cole?" I have a tiny, squeaky voice. My sneakers creak on the gleaming floor as I take a step forward.

His eyes are as keen as a hawk's as he turns. "Yes?" he asks, as if I were a bug he had seen.

I inhaled deeply. "You were heard. Regarding... needing a wife. I could pull it off.

Ms. Linda's jaw falls agape. Mr. Cole only looks. His eyes scan me up and down, but his face remains still. I feel like I'm becoming smaller.

"You?" he asks. "What makes you do that?"

I say, my cheeks heated, "I need money." "I can keep secrets well. I'm not going to stir issues.

His lips move as if he's thinking, but he doesn't laugh. He says, "What's your name?"

I say, "Luna Hart." I keep my true secret from him. The large one. that I am more than a mere intern. that I'm someone else, from a wealthy family that discarded me a long time ago. No one is aware. Sometimes not even myself.

Mr. Cole reclines in his seat. "Interesting," he pronounces. After work, come see me. We will discuss.

My heart beats in a rhythm. Just what did I do? I agree and quickly leave, my hands trembling even more. I make more coffee and tote more files throughout the day, yet my mind is racing. I accepted a fictitious marriage. To him.

I wait in his spacious office after work. Through the window, the city lights shine in the darkness. Still wearing his immaculate suit, Mr. Cole enters. As if I were at a job interview, he sits across from me.

"Why me?" he queries. "You're not even familiar with me."

I attempt to seem brave by shrugging. "You need assistance. I need assistance. It's reasonable.

His eyebrows go up. "Just? Miss Hart, this isn't a game. A contract exists. A year. In public, you behave like my wife. I settle your bills. No sentiments. No errors.

I quickly nod. "I am capable of doing that."

He takes out a piece of paper and moves it across the desk. "Go through it. Put your signature on it. if you're certain.

I look at the paper. I take up the pen with a trembling hand. I consider my secret, which I have kept concealed for all time. Would he desire this if he knew who I truly am? I ignore the idea and sign my name.

"Done," I remark in a voice that is almost audible.

Mr. Cole stands with a chilly expression on his face. "All right. Gather your belongings. Tomorrow, you will move into my penthouse.

My eyes enlarge. "Tomorrow?"

He doesn't respond. I'm left alone with the paper as he just leaves. My pulse is pounding as I glance at my signature. Adrian Cole and I had a fictitious marriage. And no one will ever know my true identity.

However, I see a shadow near the door as

I exit the office. There was a listener. Every word was heard.