The car engine purred softly as Raphael drove through the quiet streets. The morning sun shone through the windows, bathing the interior of the car in golden light. Luna sat in the passenger seat, her hands resting nervously on her lap. She looked out of the window, watching the trees and buildings pass by.
Raphael glanced at her briefly, a small smirk playing on his lips. He noticed how quiet she had been since they left the mansion, her gaze distant.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Raphael said, breaking the silence.
Luna turned to him, blinking as if pulled out of her thoughts. “Oh… sorry, sir,” she said softly. “I was just thinking.”
Raphael chuckled lightly, his grip steady on the steering wheel. “No need to apologize,” he said. “What were you thinking about?”
Luna hesitated for a moment before answering. “Aurora,” she said. “I hope she’s okay. I’ve missed her so much.”
Raphael nodded, his expression softening. “She’s lucky to have someone like you,” he said. “Not everyone gets a friend as loyal as you.”
Luna’s cheeks turned pink, and she looked down at her lap. “I’m just doing what anyone would do,” she said quietly.
“Not everyone, Luna,” Raphael said, his tone thoughtful. He glanced at her again, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “By the way, how old are you now?”
Luna turned to him, surprised by the sudden question. “I… I’m eighteen,” she said. “Why do you ask, sir?”
Raphael shrugged, a playful grin on his face. “Just curious,” he said. “You’re so mature for your age. I wouldn’t have guessed you were only eighteen.”
Luna frowned slightly, unsure of where the conversation was going. “Thank you, sir,” she said cautiously.
Raphael’s grin widened, and he leaned back in his seat, one hand on the wheel. “Have you ever had a boyfriend?” he asked suddenly.
Luna’s eyes widened, and her face turned bright red. “What?” she stammered, caught off guard. “Why are you asking me that?”
Raphael chuckled at her reaction. “I’m just making conversation,” he said casually. “You’re young, beautiful, and sweet. I’m sure plenty of guys have noticed you.”
Luna shook her head quickly, her hands clenching her dress. “No, sir, how would guys even notice I exist when am just a mere slave in your brother’s household” she said firmly. “I’ve never had a boyfriend.”
Raphael raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eye. “Oh come on now Luna, you’re telling me none of the guys in the mansion noticed you? Never?” he asked. “Not even a crush?”
Luna looked away, her heart pounding. “No,” she said again, her voice quieter this time.
Raphael smirked, clearly amused by her discomfort. “You’re serious?” he said. “A pretty girl like you has never been in love?”
Luna’s face burned with embarrassment, and she finally turned to him, her voice more assertive. “Why are you asking me these things, sir?”
Raphael shrugged again, his expression nonchalant. “I was just curious,” he said. “That’s all.”
Luna frowned, her mind racing. She couldn’t understand why he was suddenly so interested in her personal life. It felt strange, and it made her uneasy.
In her mind, she thought, Why is he asking me this? Why does he care if I’ve had a boyfriend?
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, studying his face. He looked calm and relaxed, as if the conversation was perfectly normal.
“I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” Raphael said after a moment, his tone softer now. “I was just curious about you. That’s all.”
Luna’s shoulders relaxed slightly, but the unease in her chest didn’t fully go away. “It’s okay, sir,” she said quietly. “I just didn’t expect those questions.”
Raphael chuckled, shaking his head. “Fair enough,” he said. “But you should lighten up a bit, Luna. Not every question has a hidden meaning.”
Luna gave him a small nod, though her thoughts were still swirling. She couldn’t help but wonder why he was showing so much interest in her all of a sudden.
The rest of the drive was quiet, the only sound coming from the hum of the car. Luna kept her gaze out of the window, trying to push her thoughts aside.
When they finally arrived at the hospital, Raphael parked the car and turned off the engine. He glanced at Luna as he opened his door. “Ready?” he asked.
Luna nodded, stepping out of the car. “Yes, sir,” she said softly.
Raphael led the way into the hospital, his long strides confident and purposeful. Luna followed closely behind, her heart pounding as they approached Aurora’s room.
As they walked down the hallway, Raphael glanced back at her, a small smile on his lips. “You really care about Aurora, don’t you?” he said.
“Yes,” Luna said quickly. “She’s more than a friend to me. She’s like a sister.”
Raphael nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Then let’s make sure she knows that,” he said. “She needs people like you by her side.”
Luna felt a determined at his words. She would do everything she could to support Aurora, no matter what.
The nurse led Raphael and Luna down the quiet hospital hallway, the soft sound of their footsteps echoing in the silence. Luna’s heart pounded harder with each step, her hands trembling slightly. She couldn’t stop thinking about Aurora lying there, alone, fighting for her life.
When they reached the door to Aurora’s room, the nurse stopped and gestured for them to go inside. “She’s stable, but please be gentle,” the nurse said softly.