Chapter 05

~~~THE NEXT MORNING~~~

The morning sunlight spilled through the mansion's tall windows, soft and golden.

Tessa helped Luna into her tiny school uniform, brushed her hair neatly, and tied the blue ribbon she loved so much.

"Be good at school, bunny," she said, smiling as she kissed her forehead.

Luna smiled faintly before being led away by the driver. When the car disappeared beyond the gates, silence crept back into the halls.

Tessa turned toward the kitchen, intending to help the maids - but froze at the doorway when she heard them whispering.

> "What do you think happened to Luna's mother?"

"No one's ever seen her. And with how private the boss is... I think he's hiding something."

"Maybe that's what's inside that room - the one we're forbidden to enter."

"Do you think she's still alive?"

"Who knows? I'm not risking my job to find out."

"Poor Luna. Her father's always gone. She's growing up alone - right under his nose."

The words sank deep.

Tessa turned away, her chest tightening painfully.

Why does he hide her like this? She's just a child... only three, yet already deprived of love, of her rights, of a father's arms.

She pressed a hand to her chest and shut her door behind her once she reached her room. Her heart ached as she thought of the little girl's lonely smile.

---

Hours passed.

A car horn jolted her awake - she'd fallen asleep without realizing. Panic shot through her when she glanced at the clock.

"Luna's home!" she gasped and ran downstairs, guilt washing over her. She hadn't prepared lunch.

The driver stood by the car, holding Luna's bag. "She's been quiet since school," he said softly.

Tessa knelt beside the little girl. "Hey, bunny... what's wrong? Did something happen?"

Luna's lips quivered. "My teacher said there's a parent meeting next week. My classmates said... no one will come for me. They said I was born to be alone."

Tessa's heart shattered.

She pulled the trembling child into her arms.

"Don't listen to them," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You are not alone. You have me - and you have your daddy. He loves you, even if he doesn't show it."

Luna began to sob softly. "Will he leave me too... like Mummy?"

Tessa's own eyes filled with tears. "No, sweetheart. Never. You will never be alone."

She held her until the crying stopped. But as she tucked Luna into bed that night, the ache in her chest didn't fade - it grew heavier.

---

NIGHT

The mansion was silent. Too silent.

Tessa walked down the hall, her thoughts loud and bitter.

What kind of father is he? Two months here and I've seen him barely five times. He hires a nanny, not to help, but to escape. What kind of man leaves his own child to drown in loneliness?

Her anger bubbled over. "He's a selfish freak," she muttered aloud. "Pretending to be perfect while his daughter cries herself to sleep-"

Her foot slipped suddenly.

"Ah!" She yelped, falling hard to the floor. When she lifted her head, her heart dropped.

She was right in front of it.

The forbidden door.

Her breath hitched. "Why am I here again?" she whispered, pushing herself up. "I promised I wouldn't come near this place again."

But the maids' words echoed in her mind.

> "Maybe that's what he keeps in that room."

"No one knows if she's even alive."

Her pulse quickened. "Is he really... hiding something?"

Almost against her will, she reached out. Her hand trembled as her fingers brushed the cold handle. The metal was freezing - unnaturally so.

Slowly, she turned it. Click.

The door creaked open.

She stepped inside.

The air was cold and heavy, smelling faintly of dust and perfume - old, faded perfume.

The room was stunning - white curtains, a piano in the corner, flowers long since withered. It felt like time had stopped.

"Wow..." she whispered. "Who lived here?"

She turned - and froze.

On the wall hung a large framed portrait of a woman.

A young woman with gentle eyes, and a smile that looked heartbreakingly familiar.

"She looks just like Luna..." Tessa whispered. "This must be her mother."

Her fingertips brushed the frame tenderly - and then, it shifted.

A soft click.

The painting moved slightly to the side, revealing a narrow passage behind it.

"What the hell..." Tessa whispered, her voice trembling as her eyes darted across the room.

She hesitated, then stepped through.

The passage led into a small hidden room - dimly lit, the air colder still. Papers and photographs were scattered across the walls. Pictures of the woman. Of Luna as a baby. Notes written in shaky handwriting.

Her fingers trembled as she reached for one. The handwriting was shaky, desperate.

"I'll keep her safe... even if it costs me everything."

Her heart clenched. She picked up another, her vision blurring.

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to lose you."

Tessa's breath hitched. A tear rolled down her cheek as her gaze swept over the pictures - a beautiful woman who looked exactly like Luna, her smile gentle, her eyes kind.

"Is this... Luna's mother?" she whispered, stepping closer.

Her eyes fell on a thick book lying open on the table - a diary, its pages worn and yellow. She hesitated before flipping it open.

Her lips parted as she read the first few lines, the words piercing deep into her chest. Her tears fell faster, splashing onto the paper.

"What happened to her..." she whispered shakily. "What really happened to Luna's mother?"

A faint creak echoed behind her.

Tessa froze.

Then-

"What the hell are you doing in here!?"

The roar made her heart leap out of her chest. She spun around, the diary slipping from her hands and hitting the floor with a soft thud.

Kingsley stood in the doorway - his eyes dark, his jaw clenched so tight it trembled.

"I-I didn't mean to-"

He stormed forward and grabbed her wrist, his grip firm and angry. "Who gave you permission to come in here?!" he bellowed, dragging her out of the hidden room and into the open.

"I told you this place was off-limits!"

Tessa's fear burned into anger. "Is this why you ignore her?" she cried. "Is this why Luna's growing up without love-because you can't face what's behind that door?!"

"Don't you dare talk like you understand anything!" Kingsley shouted, his voice raw. "You know nothing about what happened! Nothing about what I've been through!"

"Then tell me!" she yelled, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Tell me what's so terrible you had to punish your daughter for it!"

He turned away, his breathing uneven, his fists trembling at his sides.

"You don't get to judge me," he said in a low, broken voice. "Not when you have no idea what those notes mean."

Her chest rose and fell rapidly. "Maybe I don't," she said through clenched teeth, "but I know what pain looks like - and I see it in her eyes every single day. Do you even know her favorite food? Her best friend's name? Do you even know if she laughs when you're not here?"

He froze - silent.

"You don't, do you?" she whispered. "You don't deserve to be her father."

With that, she turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

The room fell silent again.

Kingsley stood there, motionless. The light flickered faintly, casting long shadows on the walls filled with memories he couldn't erase.

He glanced at the fallen diary, his expression unreadable - pain, guilt, and something darker.

Slowly, he walked back into the hidden room. His hand brushed over the photograph of the woman on the wall.

His throat tightened.

"It wasn't my fault," he whispered. The words cracked as if they hurt to speak.

His gaze lingered on the photograph - her eyes, her smile - and for the first time, his voice broke completely.

"It wasn't... my fault."

But as he turned away, the diary on the floor shifted - its pages fluttering open on their own, stopping at a torn, half-written line:

"If he ever finds out the truth..."

The light above flickered again - and went out.

Chapter 06

~~~NEXT DAY~~~ 9:00 AM

The morning sunlight spilled gently across Tessa's face, warm and bright. She groaned softly, stretching under the sheets before sitting up.

"It's morning already," she muttered, rubbing her tired eyes. She had barely slept-her mind replaying the image of Luna's mother over and over. The truth she'd seen last night broke her heart, but exhaustion had finally dragged her into uneasy sleep.

After bathing and dressing, she walked to Luna's room.

"Wake up, little princess," she said softly, pulling the curtains open.

Luna groaned and turned over, clutching her pillow. "It's weekend, Aunt Tessa... I wanna sleep more."

Tessa smiled, brushing her small cheek. "You can go back to sleep after breakfast, I promise. But first, let's get you cleaned up, okay?"

She lifted Luna into her arms, and the little girl leaned her head sleepily on Tessa's shoulder.

"Did Daddy come home last night?" Luna asked quietly as Tessa helped her get dressed. "It's been so long. I miss him."

"Yes, he did," Tessa said gently, tying her hair into a small ponytail. "He should be in his room. You'll see him soon, bunny."

Luna's face brightened. "Really?"

"Really," Tessa smiled.

They were heading downstairs when Tessa froze-Kingsley was walking out of the mansion with his manager. The maids were bustling about, cleaning and arranging the vast halls.

"Daddy!!" Luna's tiny voice rang out.

Kingsley stopped. His eyes met Tessa's for a moment, then shifted to Luna. He gave a small, forced smile-one that didn't reach his eyes-before turning and walking out without a word.

"Daddy!" Luna shouted again, her voice cracking. But he didn't turn back.

Tessa's chest tightened. How could he...? she thought angrily as she watched the door close behind him.

Luna's arms trembled as she clung to Tessa. "Did Daddy hate me?" she whispered.

Tessa's heart broke into pieces. She knelt down, brushing Luna's hair gently. "Oh, sweetheart... of course not. Daddy loves you very much. He's just... busy."

Luna's lip quivered. "Liar. You're all liars! You, Daddy, Aunt Teresa-everyone!" she screamed, tears spilling down her cheeks.

"Luna, please-"

But the little girl ran off, slamming her door shut.

Tessa knocked softly. "Luna? Bunny, please open the door."

"Go away!" came the small, broken voice from inside.

Tessa leaned her forehead against the door, her own eyes wet.

A soft voice came from behind her. "You're doing well," Teresa said. "Luna's never had anyone care this much. But she's been let down too many times."

Tessa stood slowly. "She reminds me of myself," she whispered. "That same quiet sadness... no child should feel that."

Teresa nodded. "She's been trapped in this mansion since birth. Maybe what she needs isn't words-it's the world outside."

When Teresa left, Tessa sank back by the door.

"Bunny," she said softly, "how about I make it up to you? We'll go out today-just you and me. Anywhere you want. I'll be your fun coach."

Silence.

"Hmm... what about Disneyland? We can meet Barbie, eat cotton candy, ride the teacups-stay out as long as you want."

The door creaked open slowly. Luna's small face appeared, eyes still puffy but with a faint, hopeful smile.

"Will you really take me out?" she asked.

Tessa smiled and nodded. "I promise."

Luna's eyes brightened, and she threw her arms around her. "Yay! I'll tell my friends I went out with Aunt Tessa!"

Tessa hugged her tightly, her throat thick with emotion.

They got dressed and headed downstairs.

A guard stepped forward. "Miss Tessa, she's only allowed to leave for school. Orders from Mr. Kingsley."

Tessa frowned. "Have you ever thought about how that feels? Imagine your own daughter locked away like this. Step aside-I'll take responsibility."

The guard hesitated, but the driver spoke quietly. "Let them go."

Tessa nodded gratefully and led Luna to the car.

~~~Later, at the Amusement Park~~~

The city breeze was filled with laughter and bright colors. Luna's tiny hand clung to Tessa's as her wide eyes took in the rides, the balloons, the scent of popcorn.

For the first time, she laughed-really laughed. Her voice rang out as she ran toward the carousel, her ponytail bouncing.

Tessa watched, tears pricking her eyes. That little laugh-fragile but pure-felt like sunlight after rain.

They rode the carousel, shared ice cream, and watched other children play. Luna talked about things she never had before-her dreams, her favorite doll, the songs she hums when she's sad.

And for a few hours, she wasn't the lonely daughter of a cold father. She was just a child-free, happy, and loved.

When Luna fell asleep in Tessa's arms on the way home, her small hand still clutched a pink balloon.

Tessa looked down at her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You deserve the world, bunny," she whispered. "And I'll give it to you... even if no one else will."

~~~6:30 PM~~~

The van rolled through the mansion gates, headlights sweeping across the marble driveway. Tessa held Luna's tiny hand as they stepped out together. She had thought the little girl would still be asleep by now-but Luna wouldn't stop chattering, her voice bubbling with joy.

"The train wheel was so fun! I wanted to ride it again, but the man said no," she giggled. "Thank you, Aunt Tess. I love you."

Tessa froze mid-step, her heart fluttering. She knelt down in front of Luna, her eyes glistening as she gently brushed a loose strand of hair from the little girl's face.

"I love you too, my little bunny," she whispered, smiling through tears.

Luna grinned, swaying side to side. "I want snacks, Aunt Tess."

Tessa chuckled softly. "How about cupcakes, popsicles, and a smoothie to celebrate more?"

Luna gasped. "Yay!" She jumped up, her excitement contagious.

"Go upstairs and change, okay? I'll be done before you even take off a sleeve."

Luna giggled and dashed off, her small feet pattering on the stairs.

Tessa walked into the kitchen, still smiling. The silence felt peaceful for once. She opened the fridge, scanning for ingredients, when a small green fruit caught her eye.

A kiwi.

Her smile softened. "Mia used to love it when I made her snacks with kiwi," she murmured, a nostalgic ache in her chest.

She began slicing fruits and mixing colors, humming softly as the blender whirred to life. The scent of fresh cream and vanilla filled the air.

Moments later, Luna came bouncing down the stairs in her comfy little dress and climbed onto the dining chair.

"Wow, it looks so pretty," she said, her eyes wide at the sight of the cupcakes and colorful popsicles.

Tessa laughed softly. "Go on-taste one. Which will it be first?"

"The popsicle! Then the cupcake, and then the smoothie," Luna said proudly.

"Alright, chef's choice," Tessa teased.

Luna took a bite, and her eyes sparkled. "Mmm! It tastes so good!"

Tessa smiled, her heart full. "I'm glad you love it, sweetheart. I'll go get changed, okay? Don't eat too fast."

"Okay!" Luna said, swinging her little legs under the table.

Tessa walked upstairs, still smiling as she replayed Luna's laughter in her mind. For the first time in a long while, the mansion didn't feel cold. She sat on her bed, reaching for her phone to call her sister.

But before she could dial, a sharp, muffled sound echoed from downstairs-a clatter, followed by a choked cry.

Tessa's heart stopped.

"Luna?" she whispered, then louder- "Luna!"