On the day of my birthday, I'm burning with a fever that almost hits 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of that, I've called Tristan Graham more than a dozen times. He never picks up any of them.

In the end, my dad has to take me to the hospital. When we walk past a corridor, he suddenly stops in his tracks.

"Mr. Graham? What are you doing here?"

I raise my head to see Tristan and Madison Franklin walking from the OBGYN department. Their fingers are tightly laced together. Tristan is even carrying a bag of medication. Birth control pills as well as ointment meant to be used on private parts can be seen in that bag.

My mind goes blank at that moment. All I can do is stare at Tristan.

As soon as our eyes meet, Tristan frowns slightly at me, though his gaze only lingers on me for a second before he turns to look at my dad.

"I'll be hosting a banquet in the garden tomorrow night. Remember to decorate the garden nicely."

Dad quickly accepts the order. "Don't worry, Mr. Graham. When Luna's fever breaks out, I'll deal with this task right away."

Tristan is momentarily stunned by Dad's words. When he notices my unnaturally flushed cheeks, he instinctively takes a step toward me.

But that's when Madison tugs his sleeve.

"Stop wasting precious time on a gardener's daughter, Tristan. Let's go. I'm still in pain, you know."

Tristan stops in his tracks instantly. Then, he leaves with Madison.

Later on, he pays for my hospital bills. Our seven-year underground relationship that's considered a taboo is also paid off as well.

Dad sighed as he looked at the medical bill, saying, "Mr. Graham normally looks like such a cold person, but he actually footed your entire medical bill. He also made sure that the doctors gave you the best medicine."

I looked down at the signature on the receipt. Tristan Graham's signature was refined and elegant.

I smiled and said, "I guess he's a good man."

Dad didn't seem to pick up on the underlying meaning in my words. He continued, "Right? Men of his standing don't usually care about their employee's well-being.

"Meanwhile, not only did Mr. Graham sponsor and help you enroll in a prestigious college, but he also leaves flowers at Mom's grave every year."

Dad was right. From everyone else's perspective, Tristan was a good man.

I first joined the Graham family when I was 18 years old. For the next seven years, I slept in the same bed as Tristan.

However, since Tristan's father, Patrick Graham, placed a great deal of importance on securing a good match for him, we had no choice but to keep our relationship a secret.

Tristan would always promise me that he would find a way for me to openly stand by his side after we shared a night of passion. It was why I waited for seven years.

My phone suddenly started ringing while I was lost in my thoughts.

"Have you recovered from your fever?" Tristan asked in a low voice.

"Yes."

It was silent for a moment on the other end of the line before Tristan continued, "Don't visit that hospital if you're sick in the future. We should avoid running into each other."

My throat tightened as I gripped my phone. "Are you that scared of seeing me? Or do you think that I'm too unpresentable?"

"Stop overthinking, Luna Collins," Tristan hissed coldly. "I'll meet you at our usual spot."

Dad suddenly snatched my phone from me and shouted into the receiver, "Are you Luna's boyfriend who keeps disappearing on her? Why weren't you by her side when she was sick? Since she cares about you too much to tell you this to your face, let me do it in her stead—she wants to break up with you!"

He tossed my phone to me after he was done ranting. He was probably too blinded by anger to notice the name on the screen.

Dad then patted my shoulder and said earnestly, "Don't worry, Luna. I'll introduce someone better to you."

My heart twisted painfully when Tristan remained silent even though the call was still connected. An idea that would hurt me as much as it would provoke him began taking shape in my mind.

I intentionally raised my voice and said, "Sure. Be sure to let me know before you introduce him to me. I want to buy some new clothes so I can dress up."

The call disconnected at that moment.

It seemed that I had successfully angered Tristan.

…

I came across a photo on my social media feed some time later.

Tristan and Madison Franklin were spotted together at a golf course. He stood behind her as he guided her hands and taught her how to swing the golf club. He looked so relaxed as if we hadn't just fought earlier.

Evening had rolled around by the time I was done getting my drips. Instead of going home, I strolled aimlessly along the streets, stopping several times even though it was a short walk.

Tristan and I had our first date at Heavenly Delights, a dessert parlor. He had wiped the cream from the corner of my lips before leaning down to kiss me.

His hands were covered in scratches after he carved a wooden boat for me at the crafts store. He had hoped that the boat would help me sail toward a bright future.

"Luna."

I stiffened before turning around.

Tristan was standing nearby. He pulled his cap lower as he approached me.

"I thought I might find you here," he said as he pressed a hand to my forehead. "The fever's gone. Good."

I took a step backward and moved away from his hand. "What are you doing here?" I asked.

"To catch you," he answered, grabbing my wrist. "I couldn't let you meet your new boyfriend."

He blatantly tightened his grip around my wrist at the mention of my so-called new boyfriend.

I was about to shake my wrist free when a voice sounded out behind us, "Tris?"

Tristan immediately released me, causing me to stumble backward.

Madison approached us with her best friend, Violet Langley, who I had only seen on my social media feed. She frowned as she looked at Tristan and asked, "Didn't you say that Mr. Graham was looking for you? What are you doing here?"

She then looked at me and asked, "You're Tristan's staff that we ran into earlier, right? I thought you would still be at the hospital."

I smiled and said, "It's my boyfriend's birthday today. I have to meet him even if I'm on my deathbed."

I glanced at Tristan before continuing, "My boyfriend has similar tastes with Mr. Graham, so I asked him if he could help me pick out a birthday present for him."

Silence descended around us.

Tristan slowly curled his hands into tight fists as he glared at me. His lips moved, silently mouthing at me to stop speaking.

I was suddenly reminded of the past at that moment.

Patrick had suddenly returned home when Tristan and I were sharing a kiss. Tristan had shoved me into a closet before Patrick spotted me. I had then watched him shake his head at me through the gap between the doors, silently telling me to be quiet.

I had always been a shameful and unpresentable existence from Tristan's perspective.

I barked out a laugh and said, "I'll take my leave for now since Mr. Graham seems to be busy."

Tristan sighed in relief. He was about to lead Madison away when Violet suddenly stepped in front of me.

"What do you mean they have the same tastes? Your boyfriend must just be a nobody, no? How dare he consider himself to be on the same level as Mr. Graham?"

She poked my shoulder before saying haughtily, "Also, who do you think you are, asking Mr. Graham out like this? You're lucky that Maddie is his girlfriend. If I were in her shoes, I would have driven you out of Aventura."

Although Violet was poking my shoulder, I couldn't help but feel like she was stabbing my heart with blades instead.

My throat tightened as I looked at Tristan and asked, "Someone like me?"

My heart immediately quieted down when Tristan averted his gaze. I then turned around and prepared to leave.

"Why don't we drop you off, Ms. Collins?" Madison asked gently. "It won't do to keep your boyfriend waiting since it's his birthday."

"No need," I retorted coldly. "I can just get a cab. Besides, he's willing to wait for me."

I had only taken a few steps forward when Tristan grabbed my wrist.

"I'll drop you off. It's getting late. You shouldn't make your father worry."

I scoffed to myself, wondering if Tristan was genuinely concerned about Dad worrying about me or if he just wanted to set Madison's mind at ease.

He pulled me toward his car, leading me toward the front passenger seat as always. He suddenly paused before pushing me toward the backseat door, driving home the fact that the front passenger seat no longer belonged to me.

When he leaned down to buckle Madison's seatbelt, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Violet giggled and asked, "Do the two of you ever get tired of flaunting your love? Don't forget that there are people in the backseat."

She paused to look at me before continuing, "I mean, one person and a maid."

"That's enough, Violet," Madison scolded quietly before she handed a blanket to me. "You should stay warm since you just got drips."

I couldn't tell if Madison's kindness was real or fake as I ran my hands across the warm blanket.

Suddenly, a check slipped out from the blanket. A note was attached to it.

"The money is yours if you stay away from Tristan."

I looked up and made eye contact with Madison through the rearview mirror. Her eyes were devoid of warmth and full of warning.

I gripped the check and looked out the window at the skyscrapers that were zooming past. Eventually, the stinging in my eyes went away.

We spent the entire car ride in silence until I told Tristan to stop.

"You can drop me off here."

Tristan's fingers jolted around the steering wheel.

Violet laughed. "I can't believe that someone who allegedly has the same tastes as Mr. Graham is staying in a rundown apartment. I think that you're—"

"That's enough!" Tristan snapped impatiently, interrupting her.

He got out of the car and opened the door for me. He then whispered into my ear, "Don't lock the door later. I'll come over tonight."

He got back into the car and drove away after he was done speaking.

I stood in front of the apartment for a long time before I finally made my way upstairs.

This place was Tristan's and my secret base. We were free to kiss and hug each other here.

He would share everything about his life, telling me that I was the one who he felt the most comfortable with.

However, we stopped going to the apartment after Madison entered his life.

I was greeted by a thick cloud of dust when I pushed the door open. Our photos were still hanging on the wall. The wooden boat on the shelf was covered in a layer of dust.

I suddenly recalled the image of Tristan bustling about in the kitchen while wearing an apron. He looked so pleased with himself when he served the steak to me.

Tears spilled down my cheeks.

I didn't know how long I cried for. I slowly lifted my head when my throat began to ache, still gripping the check.

Ten million dollars. It was more than enough for me and Dad to leave the Graham family.

Just then, someone began hammering on the door.

I ignored it.

A few seconds later, the door was kicked open, sending dust flying everywhere.

Tristan's breathing was a little ragged as he stood in the doorway. "Luna!" he called angrily.

However, he froze when he saw my swollen and bloodshot eyes. He hurried over to me and pulled me into his arms, murmuring, "I'm sorry, Luna."

A smile broke across my face when I looked up at him. "Why are you apologizing?" I asked. "I'm the one who chose to be your mistress. The one who should be apologizing is me."

Tristan's face twisted upon hearing my words.

"Mistress?" he spat as he leaped to his feet. "Have you lost your mind, Luna? Is that what you think of our relationship for the past seven years?"

I quietly looked at him and muttered, "But it's the truth, isn't it?"

Tristan would interact with potential marriage partners right in front of me during the banquets hosted by the Grahams. He would also pretend not to know me and hold their hands.

Every time I confronted him with reddened eyes and asked him to make our relationship public, he would say, "Just wait a little while longer. It's not the right time yet."

Seven years passed just like that with him constantly saying the same thing to me.

Tristan stared at me for a long time. He didn't say a word when he whirled around, threw the door open, and took his leave.

The sound of the door slamming behind him echoed around the room.

Just then, the clock on the wall chimed.

It was midnight. My 25th birthday had officially ended.

I curled up into a ball in the darkness and hugged my knees, feeling exhausted.

I knew I couldn't do this anymore.

I was going to spend my 26th birthday with someone who actually loved me. I didn't know who that person could be, but I was certain that it wouldn't be Tristan.

The next morning, I went to the bank and cashed the check.

I stared at the screen of my phone for a long time when I received the notification that the money had been deposited into my account.

I pocketed my phone. I bought a few presents for Dad and a bouquet of fresh flowers before I visited Mom in the cemetery.

There was a bouquet of carnations leaning against the tombstone. Tristan had brought them the last time he dropped by. The flowers were still blooming.

I shifted the carnations aside and placed my own bouquet against the tombstone.

It was very quiet in the cemetery. The leaves rustled as the breeze blew past.

I didn't say a word. I stood in front of Mom's tombstone for a short while before I turned around and left.

The dark clouds suddenly dispersed when I walked out of the cemetery, mirroring the way the gloomy feelings in my heart also dissipated at that moment.

Just then, I received a call from Dad. He sounded rather excited when he exclaimed, "Hurry home, Luna! Mr. Graham just announced something huge!"

I hummed in response and said, "I have something to tell you too, Dad."

The yard was buzzing with activity and packed with unfamiliar faces when I made it back to Graham Manor.

Dad placed down the bottle of weedkiller. He was grinning from ear-to-ear when he explained, "These people are part of Ms. Franklin's family. Mr. Patrick just announced that Ms. Franklin and Mr. Tristan will be getting engaged in the next three days."

I was momentarily stunned before I glanced at the guests in the yard.

All of them were smiling as they conversed with each other, balancing wine glasses in their hands.

I wasn't sure why, but I felt incredibly calm. I didn't feel any anger, sadness, or surprise. It was almost as if I had been subconsciously anticipating this outcome. It was just a matter of time before Tristan and Madison officially got together, after all.

"You grew up with Mr. Tristan, Luna. The two of you are practically siblings," Dad said with a smile. "Perhaps he might even ask you to be one of Ms. Franklin's bridesmaids."

My lips twitched. I smiled and replied, "Nonsense. Mr. Tristan's the prestigious heir of the Graham family. I wouldn't dare to call him my brother."

I turned around and prepared to leave after I was done speaking, coincidentally gazing into a familiar pair of eyes.

Tristan had moved behind me when I wasn't paying attention. He was balancing a wine glass between his fingers, and he looked as if he had been watching me for a long time.

I broke the silence first, speaking in a calm and steady voice that even surprised myself, "Congratulations on your engagement, Mr. Tristan."

Tristan's eyes darkened.

I was very familiar with that look. It was a dead giveaway for when he was about to lose his temper.

However, he couldn't do anything since we were surrounded by guests. In the end, he simply nodded at me before taking his leave, treating me as if I were just one of the guests.

I felt relieved by his reaction. I turned around and led Dad to the side, saying, "I've decided to study abroad, Dad. I want you to come with me. I've already bought the plane tickets and will be leaving tomorrow."

Dad's eyes widened. "What? Why did you suddenly decide to move abroad? Mr. Patrick already promised us that if we continued staying with the Graham family, we wouldn't have to worry about a thing for the rest of our lives."

I smiled. Not wanting to go into detail regarding my reasons, I held his hands tightly and said, "I just want to live for myself for once."

Dad was silent for a long time. It made sense that it wouldn't be easy for him to leave the Grahams since he had stayed with them for more than a decade.

In the end, he sighed and said, "You're the only family I have left since your mother isn't around anymore. I can't just leave you alone. I'll go with you."

My nose stung as I pulled him into a tight hug.

Eventually, I let go of him. I then squeezed past the guests in the yard and returned to my room to pack my belongings.

Suddenly, a pair of hands wrapped around me from behind and clamped over my mouth.

I started struggling wildly.

"It's me," Tristan whispered into my ear. He then dragged me behind the closet and trapped me against the wall.

"It's not what you think. It's just a marriage of convenience. We don't actually have feelings for each other," he said in a rush as if he were desperate to explain himself.

Tristan froze when he noticed the impassive look on my face. "You… Don't you care?" he asked.

My indifference seemed to wound him.

He suddenly leaned down and captured my lips in a kiss. He fumbled with the buttons of my shirt, making quick work of them as his hands traveled downward.

Just then, Madison's voice came from beyond the door, "Tristan? Where did you go?"