Chapter 36

Lauren's POV

I could barely breathe. The sound of the newscaster’s voice buzzed in my ears as I stood frozen in the middle of the living room, eyes glued to the TV again.

Just when I thought the night couldn’t get more hectic, the screen flashed with the image of Alexander, standing at a podium with a microphone in his hand.

His sharp features were set in a grim, determined expression, but there was a sense of purpose in his eyes—like he was making a decision that would change everything. And that’s when it hit me.

“Today, I stand before you to announce the truth,” Alexander’s voice rang out through the living room, his words cutting through the noise in my head. “As for the position of Luna,” he said, his tone softening but firm, “that title belongs to one person and one person only.”

I blinked, once, twice, and then the words started to echo in my mind. Rightful Luna?

“Lauren will always be the Luna of this family. And I will do everything in my power to protect that title. Whether she stands at my side or not, it is hers. It always has been.”

The words kept bouncing off the walls of my skull, over and over again, as I felt the air leave my lungs. This wasn't what I meant. Not even close.

I stared at the screen in disbelief, my heart hammering against my chest as my stomach churned with a mixture of confusion and rage. What the hell was he doing? I’d told him to stand up for his family, to stop letting Sophia manipulate him.

I never asked him to do something like this! This wasn’t standing up for his family; this was declaring war. I wanted an out, not further in his mess!

I was still frozen when I heard Daphne’s voice behind me, soft and calm as always. “Lauren? What’s going on?”

I turned to her, eyes wide, my mind still reeling. “I don’t know. I—he just… he just announced it on TV. He’s saying I’m the Luna. Still. But I…”

My hand raised to my head, squeezing for any type of semblance

Daphne raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. “So… he really does still love you?”

“No,” I whispered, as if saying it aloud might make it less real. “But that’s not what I meant when I told him to stand up for his family. This… this isn’t it.”

Daphne frowned, her lips curling slightly in thought. She was always the one who could think clearly when I couldn’t. “So what are you going to do about it?”

I let out a sharp breath, pacing the room as I ran my fingers through my hair. “I don’t know. This is… everything is so wrong. He doesn’t get it. He’s pushing me into something I’m not ready for, something I never wanted again. I died for this…”

“You never wanted to be Luna?” Daphne asked, her tone skeptical. “Don’t lie, Lauren, I remember when you used to love Alexander with all your heart, nothing made you happier then being his Luna.”

I paused, my thoughts swirling in a vortex of anger and frustration.

“No,” I snapped, “Not anymore. Not because he thinks it’s what’s best for me. He doesn’t understand me, Daphne. Not really. And now he’s made this decision for me, without even asking what I want after everything we’ve been through? It’s not about the power, money, or simply benign his wife. It’s that he never even cared to ask me what I wanted!”

Daphne didn’t say anything for a long moment, just watching me carefully. Finally, she spoke, her voice soft but firm. "You know, you don’t have to let him dictate everything for you. You can take control of this situation."

I stopped pacing, meeting her gaze. “What do you mean?”

“You could double down,” she said, a knowing glint in her eyes. “You’re already pretending to be engaged to Liam, right? Why not lean into it? Let everyone believe that you’re with him. That’ll send a message to Alexander. Maybe even make him rethink his little announcement.”

The idea hit me like a jolt of electricity. Of course. Why hadn’t I thought of it sooner? If I played along with the engagement even more, it would send a clear message to Alexander that I wasn’t his pawn, that I wasn’t going to be forced into this role of Luna.

I could control the narrative.

“Yeah,” I muttered, a smile tugging at my lips. “Yeah, that could work.”

Daphne nodded, her expression one of approval. “Exactly. You don’t have to play by anyone’s rules but your own.”

I felt a surge of determination rush through me. This was the answer. I couldn’t let Alexander’s impulsive decision dictate my life. I needed to show him that I was my own person, that I had a say in my future.

And if I had to pretend to be in love with Liam to make that happen, then so be it.

“Okay,” I said, my voice steady now. “I’ll do it. I’ll make everyone believe we’re engaged. And I’ll do it with Liam by my side.”

Daphne smiled a small, almost wicked grin. “I knew you’d figure it out. Although, be careful—no one likes being a pawn, and feelings aren’t really easy to come back from toying with, girl.”

Before I could say anything else, there was a knock at the door. I looked up, startled. “Why do people keep showing up to my house? Who’s that?”

Daphne shrugged. “No idea. But it’s probably Liam, right?”

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. I hadn’t expected him to show up this early.

But then again, I had texted him earlier, asking if he would like to come for dinner tonight, and if he would attend the foundation's upcoming event. Maybe this was his way of agreeing to it.

I opened the door, and sure enough, there he was—tall, confident, and with that charming smile and messy blonde locks.

He looked me over with a raised eyebrow, clearly surprised to see me standing there, alone, in such a state of… whatever this was. “Hey, Lauren,” he said, his voice smooth. “You look… well, like someone who’s just had a revelation.”

I let out a nervous laugh, trying to shake off the nerves that were suddenly flooding me. “You could say that. You’re early.”

“Thought couldn’t miss the meatballs,” he said, glancing past me into the apartment. "So, what’s the plan? You need help with anything or?”

I stepped aside, gesturing for him to come in. "Actually, there’s something I need to talk to you about first."

Liam looked at me curiously but stepped inside, his gaze following mine as I led him to the living room. I could feel the tension building in my chest, but I pushed it down. This was for the best. It had to be.

“I’m going to need you to act like we’re more than just friends,” I said, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. “Like not an act, way.”

Liam blinked, his eyebrows furrowing. “Wait, what?”

I smiled at him, trying to seem more confident than I felt. “It’s just… this is more serious now—”

“Lauren, did you think I was only playing along this whole time?”

I froze, my hands in front of me like an unsure deer in headlights.

He stared at me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine. Then, as if coming to some kind of conclusion, he smirked. “You always were clueless.”

Before I could respond, Liam leaned in and kissed me, just a quick brush of his lips against mine, but enough to make my heart race. I was taken aback, my eyes wide as I pulled back slightly.

“Was that okay? Serious enough for you?” he asked, his tone teasing, but there was something in his eyes—something warmer than I expected.

I nodded, feeling a little dizzy from the unexpected kiss. “Yeah. Yeah, that’s fine.”

I mean… not really.

Liam chuckled, clearly amused by my reaction. “I’m game, Lauren. I’ll do what you ask, but remember, I’m not messing around. Not with you.”

As we walked toward the kitchen together, a mix of guilt and excitement churned inside me. Was I really going to go through with this?

“Uncle!” Abigail's voice pierced the air, followed by Owen, who stepped in behind her with a grin plastered on his face.

Liam shot me a confused look, and I sighed, mouthing, ‘Long story.’