The Moon Knows How to Play

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

"Can't we move the marriage sooner? I mean-let's make it earlier. I want it next week." I grinned, already savoring the thought. Time to end what you started, Eclips.

Eclips's eyes widened, shimmering with excitement. "Oh—em—gee!" she squealed, fanning herself with her fingers. She turned to our wedding planner, a woman named Eve. "My groom is excited! Can we make it next week?" Her voice trembled with delight.

Come on, take the bait, Eclips. A month was far too long. I didn't want to wait. I needed the wedding rushed—not because I wanted her, but because one week from now, I'd finally be free.

Just hold on, Elunar. Give me one more week, and I'll be yours completely.

Eve smiled. "Of course, next week is possible. But if it's next week, everything will have to be rushed."

"Then rush it," I ordered.

Eclips looped her arm through mine, resting her head on my shoulder. "I love you, Thunder..."

I smirked. "Thanks."

Her pout deepened. "Say 'I love you too!'"

"And why would I?"

"Because you love me too!"

I wanted to slap her. This woman was drowning in her delusions. She really believed this was real. But it wasn't. I would never marry her. I would only plan to marry her—and then leave her at the altar. I wanted her to feel the humiliation, the betrayal, the devastation I felt when she drugged me, lied to me, and tried to chain me to her.

Fuck. The only woman I love is Elunar.

She'll be the one who carries my name and my heart.

"Alright, that settles it. The wedding is next week," Eve announced cheerfully. "I'll handle everything. The gown is already finished," she glanced at Eclips, then back at me, "and all you'll need is your suit. Since the theme color is purple, you'll need a purple tie or ribbon. The same goes for the groomsmen and bridesmaids."

"How about the food? The flowers? The decorations? The venue?" I asked.

"All arranged." Eve beamed. "Now, you only need to memorize your vows. The wedding will be perfect—I promise. After all, I'm the one planning it."

I grinned.

No. The wedding won't be perfect. But my plan will be.

And no, I don't need to memorize vows. I already know the words I'll speak.

The photographer, a man named Cash, finally arrived. I'd finished my carbonara by then, lifting my glass for a sip—only for Eclips to take it first and drink.

No thanks. She could keep the shake.

Eve instructed Cash while Eclips clung to my arm like glue. We discussed more details, clarified a few points, then wrapped it up.

Thankfully, Eclips had her own car. I couldn't stand another hour of being trapped with her. I was fed up—completely.

Driving home, my thoughts wandered to Elunar. Guilt pierced through me like knives. What will she think of what I'm about to do to her sister?

Will she cry?

Why would she cry?

I chuckled bitterly. Of all the women I'd met, Elunar was different. Different, and that difference made her beautiful. A mystery I couldn't unravel.

She was lightning. Lightning that struck my entire being, electrified every sense. Lightning that tore through the darkness of my skies. She was the flash, and I was only the thunder—always heard, never seen.

My grip tightened on the steering wheel.

*

One week later.

Here I was, standing at the altar in my suit. The church was filled—family, relatives, businessmen, and people of influence.

No one knew my plan. No one but me.

I glanced across the pews. There—Elunar. Head bowed, seated in the second row. When she lifted her eyes and caught me looking, she frowned. But the sadness staining her face didn't escape me.

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She was holding them in. Tears meant for me. She was hurting—and I couldn't stand it.

Hang on, Elunar. Just a little longer.

All I wanted was to leave the altar, walk down the aisle, and wipe those tears from her face.

The church doors swung open. Music began. Eclips walked down the aisle, a bouquet in her hands, her lips stretched in a glowing smile.

My face turned to her, but my eyes? My eyes were fixed on Elunar.

Before I realized it, Eclips was standing beside me. The bishop cleared his throat.

"We are here to commence the union of two souls who are about to take the path of marriage. Bless, oh Lord, the souls of these two lovers—"

"Wait." My voice cut through the silence.

Every head turned. Eclips's smile trembled, but she kept it. "You're disrespecting the bishop," she whispered fiercely.

I pulled off my tuxedo, then yanked off my tie. "I'm sorry, Eclips."

Her breath caught. "W-What? What are you doing, Thunder?!"

I met her eyes, then swept my gaze across the confused crowd. "I can't marry you."

"But... but I'm pregnant! You're the father!" Her voice cracked, tears spilling.

Whispers rippled through the church. Gasps. Murmurs.

My fists clenched. "You lied to me!" My voice thundered, silencing everyone. "You're not pregnant! You drugged me! And while I was under the drug's effects, you took advantage of me!"

Heraya—her father—gasped. My cousins. My parents. Their faces froze in disbelief.

Eclips's eyes widened. "W-Wait—"

"You'll be forgiven if you confess. If you admit your sins. Please, Eclips—tell the truth." I locked eyes with her, my voice softer now. "If there's anything good left in your soul, confess."

Her lips quivered. "The truth is..." She wiped her tears and looked at the crowd. "I love you, Thunder..."

"Tell them you drugged me. Tell them you're not pregnant." My fist trembled. My eyes darted to Elunar—I wanted her to hear, to see the truth.

"Fine! Yes! I lied, okay? Are you happy now?!" she screamed, her voice breaking. "Happy that you exposed me in front of everyone—even in front of God?! Yes, I lied! I love you, Thunder! That's the only reason I did all of it!" She collapsed to her knees at the altar, sobbing.

"I forgive you, Eclips..." I whispered.

I stepped down from the altar. Every gaze followed me. Mama's eyes shone as she smiled. Papa nodded at me. They were proud.

Somehow, for the first time in a long while, I felt like I made the right decision.

But when I turned to Elunar's pew—she was gone.

Panic gripped me.

I rushed out of the church, my heart a storm of joy and fear. Everything inside me surged with one truth: it was all for her.

"Elunar!" I shouted into the open air outside, scanning every corner. My heart pounded like a drum. It's over, Eclips. You can't chain me anymore. I'm free.

Free to love Elunar.

But where was she?

Her shadow. Her scent. Her presence. Gone.

Where are you, baby?