Turns out, it was indeed Albert. Longing filled Luna as she gazed at Albert; the anger she had built up over the past three days seemed to dissipate into thin air. With his face in view, she closed her eyes, immersing herself in the melody of his piano playing.
"Albert," Luna murmured, her voice more like a whisper, and of course, Albert couldn't hear her.
"Albert," Luna repeated, this time her voice trembling slightly. Luna didn't know what to say to Albert. She still loved her partner deeply, and she had also agreed to the arranged marriage set up by her grandfather. So, what should Luna say to Albert? She shook her head as the word "breakup" crossed her mind. No, I can't do it, Luna thought.
"Albert," this time she spoke as calmly as possible, confident that Albert could hear her.
"Albert," Luna called again, but he seemed lost in his piano playing, either deliberately ignoring her or completely absorbed in the music.
Brakk.
Luna slammed her hand onto the piano keys, causing Albert to open his eyes and halt the piano's tune he was playing. He looked up at Luna, his eyes glassy, and his breath erratic. Albert knew very well that his beloved Luna was furious.
"Can't you hear me?" Luna exclaimed, but Albert remained silent, just staring at her.
"Where have you been all this time? I've been looking for you. You even ignored all my messages and calls. Are you purposely avoiding me?" Luna's voice grew louder and more passionate.
"I'm sorry," were the only words that escaped Albert's lips, which further ignited Luna's anger. Luna grabbed the front of Albert's tuxedo, pulling him so close that they were almost nose to nose. She tilted her head up due to their height difference, her eyes reddened and teary, her gaze piercing Albert.
"Are you deliberately ignoring me? What did I do wrong, huh?" This time Luna's voice sounded like a whisper but was laden with emphasis. It felt as if sharp objects were stabbing at Albert's heart. He hadn't intended to neglect the woman he loved, but the reasons that had caused turmoil in their relationship forced him to act this way.
"Answer me!" Luna shouted, gripping Albert's tuxedo tightly. Albert was about to speak and answer all of Luna's questions when a hand reached out, pulling Luna's hand away from Albert's tuxedo. Luna turned around, as did Albert, their gazes now fixed on Lucas, who was standing behind Luna.
"Do you have a problem with him?" Lucas asked Luna, and Luna suddenly realized the situation she was in. Now, two men were standing right beside her. So, what should she say to both Albert and Lucas?
"Do you seem angry at this pianist? Do you two know each other?" Lucas asked again.
"Think, idiot," Luna scolded herself in her mind. You love Albert, so explain to him that you truly love him. Ignore that ridiculous arranged marriage; you can be happy with Albert. Those were the thoughts racing through Luna Sanders' mind. But it was as if her head had been struck by a heavy object, causing her hearing to buzz as Albert easily denied it.
"Sorry, you're mistaken. We don't know each other," Albert said, and that instantly made Luna widen her eyes in disbelief. Did she mishear or did Albert really say that, rejecting her?
"Ah, I thought you knew my future wife here. It seems like she has a problem with you, or maybe she mistook you for someone else. Please forgive her; perhaps it's because of the cold air here that she's a bit..." Lucas's words were cut off as Luna spoke up.
"What do you mean?" Luna asked, looking at Albert.
"Sorry, miss—"
"Don't call me that," Luna snapped loudly. She was now truly at the peak of her anger. Luna pulled at the tuxedo Albert was wearing and gripped it tightly.
"Tell me what you mean by not knowing me, huh?" Luna shouted. Tears were streaming down her face uncontrollably now, making Albert appear even more villainous. Usually, Albert would melt if Luna had a sad expression, especially if it was accompanied by tears. He would want to pull her into his embrace and apologize, asking for forgiveness for his foolishness. But that was just a fantasy.
Albert's gaze shifted towards Lucas, the man who had introduced Luna as his future wife. Albert had known about it for three days now; Luna's grandfather, Rico, had approached him and clarified everything.
"Honey, you're scaring her. Let her go," Lucas said gently but it sounded like mockery to Luna. Lucas took Luna's waist, urging her to step back and get closer to him. Luna's grip on Albert loosened as Lucas casually kissed her exposed shoulder, leaving her momentarily dazed.
"Sorry, it seems like I'm no longer needed. Enjoy your dinner," Albert's words snapped Luna back to reality. He turned and walked away from Luna and Lucas.
Luna, realize it, you foolish girl. Look, your lover left just like that without answering your inner questions. Luna's emotional turmoil felt like a slap back to reality, and she suddenly realized that Albert had walked far away and now disappeared behind the door.
Luna had to quickly clarify everything and chase after Albert, but her steps were halted as Lucas pulled her arm back, causing Luna to fall into his embrace.
"Don't touch me, you bastard," Luna snapped at Lucas with a deadly glare.
"Alright, this time I'll let you go," Lucas said and indeed released his grip on Luna. Luna turned around, but after a few steps, Lucas spoke again.
"I'm letting you go so that you can settle your matters with your ex-lover," Lucas's words made Luna's steps halt once more.
She knew, Luna's inner voice affirmed it. Of course, she would easily figure it out. If not because she found out herself, it was probably because of her beloved grandfather. An Alvarez heir couldn't be that foolish, Luna thought.
Luna didn't reply; she continued stepping forward. She had to find Albert and clarify everything. Luna didn't want her relationship to end like this. She didn't want her love to slip away in this manner. If only she couldn't mend everything, at least it shouldn't be a separation Luna would accept. The memories with Albert were too numerous and too beautiful to conclude without an explanation, leaving a sorrowful ending. Luna didn't want any of that to happen to her love story.