Luna sat on her bed, staring out the window. The soft evening light bathed the room in a golden glow, but her thoughts were far from peaceful. She wondered about Aurora, Damian, and even Raphael. Lately, everything seemed to be moving too fast.
A knock on her door startled her. She quickly stood up, smoothing her dress. “Come in,” she said softly.
Raphael stepped inside, a faint smile on his face. His presence filled the room instantly, making her feel both nervous and curious. “Luna,” he said, his tone calm but with purpose.
“Yes, Mr. Raphael?” she replied, her voice polite.
“Please, sit,” he said, gesturing to her bed.
She hesitated but did as he asked, folding her hands in her lap. He remained standing for a moment, as if trying to find the right words.
“I just spoke with Damian,” he finally said.
Her heart skipped a beat. “Is everything okay?” she asked quickly.
“Yes,” Raphael assured her. “Actually, it’s more than okay. I have good news for you.”
Luna tilted her head, her brows furrowing. “Good news?”
Raphael nodded and sat down on the chair across from her. “You’re free, Luna,” he said gently.
Her eyes widened, and she stared at him in disbelief. “Free?” she whispered.
“Yes,” Raphael said, smiling. “Damian agreed to release you. You don’t have to stay here anymore.”
Luna’s hands flew to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. “I’m… I’m free?” she repeated, her voice trembling.
Raphael nodded. “You’re free to go wherever you want. Your life is your own now.”
For a moment, Luna couldn’t speak. The weight of his words sank in, and she felt a surge of emotions-joy, relief, and a sense of disbelief.
“Thank you,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you so much.”
Raphael smiled warmly. “Don’t thank me,” he said. “You earned this, Luna. You deserve it.”
She wiped a tear from her cheek, her mind racing with possibilities. “I don’t even know where to go,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “I’ve been here for so long… I never thought this day would come.”
Raphael leaned forward, his expression serious now. “Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” he said.
Luna looked at him, confused. “What do you mean?”
He took a deep breath. “You’re free, but I want to offer you something,” he said carefully. “I want you to live with me… in my house.”
Her eyes widened, and she stared at him in shock. “Live with you?” she repeated.
“Yes,” Raphael said, meeting her gaze. “I have a house not too far from here. It’s quiet, safe, and there’s plenty of space. You wouldn’t have to worry about anything. I’d make sure you’re comfortable.”
Luna’s heart raced, and she shook her head slightly, trying to process his words. “But… why?” she asked, her voice barely audible.
Raphael hesitated, then said, “Because I want to take care of you, Luna. You’ve been through so much, and I don’t think you should be alone. I want to help you start over.”
She stared at him, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. “I don’t understand,” she said honestly. “Why would you do this for me? I’m just… I’m just a maid.”
“You’re not just a maid,” Raphael said firmly. “You’re smart, kind, and strong. And I care about you, Luna.”
Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down at her hands. “But what would people think?” she asked softly. “If I live with you, they might say things… assume things.”
Raphael smiled gently. “Let them assume whatever they want,” he said. “I don’t care what people think. I care about you.”
Luna’s chest tightened at his words, and she felt a mix of emotions-gratitude, fear, and something else she couldn’t quite name.
“I… I don’t know what to say,” she admitted.
“Say you’ll think about it,” Raphael said, his voice soft. “You don’t have to decide right now. Just know the offer stands.”
Luna nodded slowly, her mind still racing. “Okay,” she said quietly. “I’ll think about it.”
Raphael smiled, relief evident on his face. “That’s all I ask,” he said. “Take your time, Luna. There’s no pressure.”
She looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you,” she said sincerely.
Raphael stood, giving her a small nod. “I’ll leave you to rest,” he said. “But if you need anything-anything at all-you know where to find me.”
Luna watched him leave, her thoughts a tangled mess. She was free. She could leave this house, start a new life. But the idea of living with Raphael, of being under his care… it was both terrifying and tempting.
As the door closed behind him, she let out a shaky breath. “What am I going to do?” she whispered to herself.