Luna

"I can't believe you announced our wedding in a month." I said to Barry the moment we arrived back at our table and out of anyone's earshot. "You didn't talk to me about it."

"I know it's a rush decision, but we can't wait for three months with all these important people and media coming tonight." He put his arm around me, telling me what he thought was right. "It's too long. It would kill the excitement."

"We agreed for three months. Planning a big wedding is a lot of work."

"Yeah, I know. But let's consider the marketing aspect. Our business is going downhill, and we need something big to boost our brand - like our upcoming wedding. The more people talk about it, the more our brand gets out there."

"No way a month is gonna be enough to prepare for the wedding." I let out a sigh, trying to stay chill. The last thing I wanted was to get everyone's attention. "Our wedding coordinators have already booked everything for our original date - the reception venue, minister, videographer, decorators, chefs, and bakers. It's gonna be a nightmare sorting everything out with so little time."

"Come on, relax and stop worrying. It's the wedding coordinator's job to make any necessary changes. We're paying them a fortune, so they should do what they're getting paid for."

"But—"

"Don't argue, alright? Trust me. I know what I'm doing." He ran his fingers through my hair and said in his deep, sexy voice. "And really, why wait when we want to spend the rest of our lives together? Plus, it would give us more time to get used to being married. Let's think big and see how this change can make our wedding extra special."

"Alright, whatever."

He smiled and planted a kiss on my temple. "Quit frowning, people are staring. Smile, Luna."

I had a bad feeling, but I kept quiet and smiled at the guests who came to our table and wished us well.

Barry and I handle the little decisions in business by ourselves. No need to ask each other. But recently, he's been calling the shots, even on the big decisions. His attitude sometimes bothered me, but I let it slide since he's gonna be my husband, anyway. We'd share everything. But now, springing this last-minute wedding date change on me doesn't feel right.

Even Mom was surprised, along with the rest of my family. She approached me when Barry went around talking to the VIP guests.

"Why are you in such a rush? The wedding coordinators are gonna be swamped with work. You shouldn't cram for an event that needs careful preparation."

She was absolutely right, but I had to go along with Barry.

"That's what we want, Mom. We've made up our minds and already told everyone." I shrugged. "I'll talk to the wedding coordinators asap and offer what I can do to make their job easier."

"Alright, if that's what you both are set on," she sighed and rubbed her temple. "By the way, your dad and I will go ahead. I have a slight headache from the lights and noise. I'm surprised you're into this stuff now."

She knew me too well, and how much I despised those annoying laser lights and the band's loud music. I actually liked the opposite. Make the lights dim and put on some romantic tunes. But I didn't really need to mention that. She knew I did this for Barry. I had such strong feelings for him, that's what love does. You've got to adjust and understand each other to make the relationship work.

"Alright, go home and get some good rest. Quit scrolling on TikTok just to find stuff to buy." I reminded her of her recent hobby, and she chuckled. We gave each other a hug, then Dad joined us.

"Tomorrow's Sunday, see you at lunch, alright?" My dad said to me. "The get together is going to be at Sebastian and Sweet's place. Make sure Barry comes too. He didn't show up the last time."

"Of course, he'll be there, Dad." I assured him.

Colton and his family came and greeted us.

The Trebles and my parents were super close. The older ones spent a ton of time together, bonding with Sebastian, Sweet and their kids. They'd take a vacation anywhere, including overseas, that strengthened their relationship.

"Luna, we got to go now. We're heading back to Dansville tomorrow morning." Colton's mom, Evelyn, said and gave me a hug.

"Already?" I smiled at her, then turned to Mom, her shopping buddy. "No shopping spree tomorrow, huh?"

The two older women laughed and said they'd be hanging out in Paris before long.

"Thank you for coming, though." I said to Evelyn while we continued to hold hands.

"Our pleasure." Chris Treble, her husband, nodded. "The food is great, as usual. Especially the dessert."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." I smiled at him. "I know you're so busy. I appreciate you taking the time to come."

"Ah, no worries. Anything for the family." He said, then turned to Dad, who gave him a bottle of wine. They were like brothers now and adored each other. Dad surely taught him a lot of things.

Erin stood beside me, saying, "thank you for inviting us. Luna. I wish you luck on your wedding."

"Aww, thanks." We gave each other a brief hug and caught up on what's been happening in our lives.

Erin and I are like peas in a pod. Our friendship began at Sweet's bachelorette party at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Sweet and the other girls were partying it up in the living room hotel, singing, laughing, and dancing, while Erin and I were just hanging out in our shared room, watching Vampire Diaries and snacking on popcorn. Since that day, I've always wondered why we click so well, but her twin brother and I despise each other.

Colton joined the older men and talked about business and all. He was always polite and kind, which made my folks adore him. Barry was also the same as Colton, but my family wasn't as welcoming to him. They'd obviously deny it, but the connection wasn't the same.

Then it was time to say goodbye. Everyone of us shook hands, hugged and kissed. But when Colton turned to me, he just gave me a nod and a little smile that melted my heart.

Darn it. Why did he affect me so much?

I nodded and smiled back, imitating his action.

Things got different after our chat on Thursday night. Our hatred for each other gradually disappeared. He stopped bugging me or saying mean things to make me flip out. It really made me happy that we're on good terms now. I hope this keeps going, cause all the hate is stressing me out and not doing me any favors. I'm sure the same goes with him.

They already took off, and I was sitting by myself at our table. Barry was still mingling with our guests, especially the important ones. I was sipping my wine, but Colton was all I could think about.

I was so happy when I saw him earlier. It just showed that we were on good terms. We forgot all the hate we had and started as friends.

My feelings were so extreme though, from hating him too much, to liking him now — as a friend. Yeah, that should be clear. And this little crush I have on him was pretty disturbing. I found him very attractive when I shouldn't be, since I'm an engaged woman.

Later that evening, I told my best-friend, Sage, about it. We were on the balcony talking, while Barry was in the bar with his homies, slightly drunk.

"But what's the problem with that?" Sage said. "That's totally normal. We're humans, we can't help but admire others - not just our boyfriends, fiancé, and husbands."

"You're right." I agreed. "Mom had a crush on Tom Cruise when she married Dad. I also think Timothée Chalamet and Nicholas Galitzine are cute."

"See? I suggest you spend quality time with Barry to take your mind off Colton and Timothée Chalamet, okay?" She chuckled. "You're both too busy with your business. You date little anymore."

Yup, she was right. I couldn't remember the last time Barry and I went on a date. Maybe when we grabbed burgers after work and ate in a park. But all we did was talk about the business. We haven't been to a fancy restaurant in ages since that business meeting with a big shot client.

"Just do it, be spontaneous! Sleep at his place tonight." She suggested.

"I should do that." I agreed. Barry and I haven't slept together in, like, three months.

But when I saw Barry already wasted with his buddies, I ditched the plan. I went home and went to bed bothered.

I realized those celebrities shouldn't be compared to Colton. Because sometimes I couldn't get him out of my head. Earlier, when Nadia threw her arm around him and said they were dating, I got a bit jealous and mad for no reason. I was also shocked to learn they were together. I thought he was single and not seeing anyone.

Damn. What is wrong with me? This has to stop.

I tried to come up with a legit reason for my unwanted thoughts. I suppose my jealousy and anger weren't just about Colton. It's most likely about Barry. Barry and Nadia used to have a thing.

Nadia modeled for our company as a freelancer. I didn't want her to work for us at all because she used to date Barry. But Barry was like, 'nah, it was just a summer fling, nothing serious. She's totally slaying it as a model and social media influencer. Many companies got her to endorse their products. We were lucky she agreed to model for us instead of our competitors.'

I went along with what he said. And I didn't want him to think I'm insecure about Nadia. I'm just as beautiful, intelligent, and self-assured in my own special way. I know my value as a woman, and what I'm capable of. That's what made me special to Barry too, I guess.