Episode 3

LUNA

That question caught me off guard, and I started fidgeting with my hands anxiously. I searched for my color cube and concentrated on it—it always had a calming effect and helped me avoid eye contact with my mom.

"Don't worry, I won't push you," she said, and left. Though I felt calmer, I chose not to go downstairs until lunchtime.

During the meal, I felt extremely uncomfortable. Daniel's expression was anything but pleasant, but I didn't know what to do or how to react. If only Marc were here... First thing tomorrow, I'll visit the person Marc recommended and check out the building where I'll start my company. I'll start looking for an apartment for myself. I know Grandpa and Mom will be upset, but they have to accept that I'm not a child anymore after living on my own for all these years.

"Luna, do you speak German?" Grandpa interrupted my thoughts.

"Yes, why do you ask?" I replied, continuing to eat.

"Could you join me at the company tomorrow? We have some investors from Germany coming in. To my knowledge, they don't speak our language, and I don't speak theirs. Plus, the interpreter I hired had to quit due to family issues, and I have no replacement. Could you help me out?" Grandpa Jackson said.

"Yes, but I can't stay long as I have a meeting with the owner of the building where I'll open my business, and I need to meet with someone who was recommended to me," I replied, without maintaining steady eye contact with him.

"No need to worry. It'll just be for an hour. This investor is quite particular and doesn't drag out business meetings; he gets straight to the point," Grandpa explained.

"That sounds fine; I'll accompany you first thing. Is there anything specific you want me to translate?" I asked.

"Yes, the contract is in my office. Would you mind reading and rewriting it in German? My new secretary was supposed to do it, but she doesn't know any German and internet translators aren't reliable; they seem to mistranslate some words," Grandpa Jackson added.

"Alright, I'll do it tonight," I responded.

"Thank you, my little genius," he said, and I gave him a brief smile, then we all finished our meal. Dessert arrived — strawberries, which I love — and I devoured it.

The family stayed until supper time when we all gathered again at the table. After dinner, Mom kissed me on the forehead and took the triplets with her because they had broken one of Ines's vases.

"Those siblings of yours are nothing like you or Carter," Grandpa commented.

"Yes, I'll look over the contract you asked for. Do you mind if I do it in your office?" I asked.

"No problem; the contract is on the desk. Use my computer if you'd like," said Grandpa Jack.

"No, I'll use my laptop. I'll go get it," I said, then went to my room to get my laptop, headphones, and phone.

I stayed up late translating and reviewing every term in that contract. When I finished, I wanted to read it again, but I felt someone watching me. Looking up, I met Daniel's intense gaze. I removed my headphones and he spoke.

"Has the little genius finished?" Daniel asked, and I didn't understand why he was there.

"Yes, I was just about to review it again to make sure it's correct," I said, nervously looking back down at the contract.

"Why can't you maintain eye contact with anyone?" Daniel asked abruptly, and I didn't know how to respond.

"What are you talking about?" I kept focused on the contract.

"I always thought it was just me you couldn't look in the eye, but during the meal today, you couldn't hold anyone's gaze for more than a few seconds. Are you ashamed of something, is that why you can't look your family in the eyes?" Daniel questioned as he approached the desk.

"I haven't done anything wrong," I said, starting to fiddle with my bracelets again, but he came around the desk and spun my chair to face him.

"Look me in the eyes," Daniel crouched to my level and gently forced my face to look directly into his eyes, despite my effort to look away. His grip was strong—Daniel had become muscular, probably from his military training.

"Let me go," I whispered. I was very nervous.

"You have beautiful lips and eyes; you're perfect, but you're hiding something from me, and I'm going to find out what it is," he kissed my forehead and then let me go.

For some reason, a tear escaped my eye. Why does Daniel act this way with me? Why can't he just accept my distance like everyone else?

I took several deep breaths to calm myself and did the relaxation exercises Marc recommended. After double-checking the contract, I went to my bedroom. Passing by Daniel's room, which was open, I saw him on the floor exercising. He was sweaty and shirtless, which made me nervous. Quickly, I entered my room and closed the door.

I took a shower and got ready for bed—it was almost two in the morning, but I don't sleep much, so I wouldn't have trouble waking up early to go to the company with Grandpa Jackson.

I woke up early, as usual, and didn't need an alarm as they're too loud and irritating. After a shower and getting dressed, I was set to accompany Grandpa to his company, then see Marc's recommended contacts, and afterward check out my future office building. Finding an apartment would take time because I needed to make sure it was quiet and not too trafficked. I considered a villa in a gated community, where only owners and family could enter—this would be perfect for me.

When I came downstairs for breakfast, I was surprised to learn we were all going to the company.

"Ines and Janna are going to discuss something with my new secretary, and Daniel is checking the new security system, so we can't all fit in one car. Would you mind going with Daniel?" asked Grandpa Jackson, and what choice did I have? Another thing to add to my list was buying a car.

"That's fine, Grandpa," I replied.

We had a silent breakfast, and then we were off to the company. Daniel hadn't said a word all morning, and I hoped he would remain silent during the drive, but luck wasn't on my side. As soon as we got into the car, he took my hand.

"What are you doing?" I asked nervously, trying to pull away.

"I was reading a bit online; there's stuff that explains your behavior," he said, making me even more nervous.

"Daniel, I—" Before I could speak, he interrupted.

"I'm not going to pressure you into telling me anything, but I'm not going to give you space like everyone else either," he said, holding my hand tighter and kissing it gently.

"Your hand is very soft; just relax, close your eyes, and think of nothing. Breathe deeply and keep doing that," Daniel instructed. Despite feeling the small kisses on my hand, it was relaxing to close my eyes and breathe.

"We're here," Daniel announced suddenly, and I opened my eyes to see him smiling—a smile I hadn't seen since we were children.

"I'll wait until you want to tell me everything," he said, dropping one last kiss on my hand, got out of the car, and opened the door for me.

"Thank you," I said, avoiding his gaze.

"I'll take you to Jackson's office and then go check on the security equipment," Daniel said as we walked side by side to Grandpa Jackson's office. Grandpa wasn't there yet, so I waited for him. Why were they taking so long if we had left at the same time? Daniel had to go since he had other things to do after checking the security.

☎️ "Miss Smith, the German investors are here," the receptionist announced since Grandpa's secretary wasn't there.

☎️ "Let them in and bring coffee for everyone," I responded. Fortunately, I brought the contract, not Grandpa. Where could he be?

☎️ "Yes, Miss," the receptionist said.

As the door opened and I gave permission to enter, I was stunned. A tall, blonde man walked in—like me, with blue eyes—our noses and lips were identical. For the first time, I found myself staring at someone for more than a few seconds. Who was this man, and why did he look so much like me?

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