Colton

Saturday morning, I was playing basketball with my former high school buddies, Arlo, Tom, and Michael. We were in an outdoor court near the park.

We were all former basketball players in high school. We used to spend hours practicing on the court, dreaming of making it big one day. However, life took us in different directions after graduation.

Arlo got married young and worked on his father's tomato farm. Tom joined the police academy and now he's with the NYPD. Michael went for medicine and now he's the top doctor at the hospital I built for the community, while I went for business.

As we dribbled and shot, memories of our high school games flooded back. We laughed and joked like old times, reminiscing about our victories and defeats. After one game, we all sat down on the bench, catching our breath.

Arlo said, "It feels great to be back on the court. I forgot how much I love playing basketball."

Tom smiled. "It's like we never stopped. We should do this more often."

Arlo agreed. "But Colton here is super busy making money. He rarely comes to town."

"But we're the ones who benefited from his hard work." Michael said. "We got medical help, free education, home care for the orphans and old people, the rehab center, free sports training, and others."

"Absolutely. My daughter has her piano training under the Treble scholarship program." Arlo said.

"That's fantastic! I'm sure you're so proud of your daughter." I tapped Arlo's shoulder, and he nodded. Then I was like, "guys, seriously, stop talking about me like I'm not here."

We cracked up, and the conversation shifted to marriage and family.

"My wife is pregnant. She's in her first trimester." Tom shared his good news. He had been married for almost a year.

"Congrats, man. Finally, you're gonna be a dad." We all congratulated him.

"Thanks guys." Tom replied, "Imagine, I never thought about settling down and starting a family. I enjoyed my freedom and didn't want the responsibilities that came with marriage and children."

"Me too." Michael agreed. "But meeting my wife changed everything. I realize the importance of having a partner to share my life with. Having a family brought me joy and fulfillment that I've never experienced before."

I listened intently as Michael shared his experiences.

"What about you, Colton? Do you have a special someone?" Arlo asked with curiosity, and all eyes turned to me.

I had a reputation as a ladies' man when I was in high school. Being a basketball star and all, I had girls all over me, and yeah, I dated a few. I went through a playboy phase, but that ended in college when I started taking my dreams seriously.

"Nope. I'm not seeing anyone."

"Oh, yeah? You should date Hannah Fuller." Arlo suggested. "Remember that nerdy girl who had a crush on you? Well, she's smoking hot now. She's in charge of the Wilson Hotel."

I shook my head. "I'm not looking for a relationship right now."

"You've worked hard and become very successful in your career already. You're super rich, have houses, businesses, built establishments, and lots of friends...but you're missing one thing in your life. Love." Tom said. "I think it's time for you to make finding love a priority."

"I totally agree." Michael nodded. "Success in love was just as important as success in his career. True success isn't just about career achievements, but also about finding happiness and love in all aspects of life."

"Alright, stop with the love lecture." I waved my hand in dismissal. "Let's play one more game."

After our last game, we separated ways. I was driving back home slowly, taking my time, and reflected on my life. I saw that maybe there was more to life than just work and hobbies. I thought about what it would be like to have a partner to share my life with and to start a family of my own.

All of a sudden, Luna popped into my head. We were up on a hill, having a picnic. I had myself sprawled out on a mat, enjoying a cheeseboard, wine, and berries. I was sleepy from eating too much, but I had the biggest smile as I watched Luna playing with the kids. There was a girl and a boy, both the same age.

I snapped back to reality when the light turned red. I stopped by the pedestrian lane and watched people walking in front of me.

I relaxed, stretching my arms and leaning back, waiting for the lights to turn green. I was thinking about Luna and how she's been doing.

We used to hate each other, but now that we're friends, I really care about her. The more we hung out, the more I started to like her as more than just a friend.

What if Luna is the one for me?

Seriously, what am I even thinking? I shook my head. Yeah. I'm crushing on her, but does she have the same feelings for me? I'm pretty sure she sees me as a friend.

Out of the blue, this middle-aged guy I recognized popped up right in front of my car. He was crossing in the pedestrian lane, being purposely slow. Then he faced me and looked me straight in the eye with a smirk until he crossed the street and disappeared.

The feeling of rage hit me instantly, and it completely overwhelmed me. Memories from middle school came flooding back, causing me to clench my fists firmly in response.

"Oh, so you're a Treble, huh? That's interesting!" Laughter erupted from the same man, triggering an infectious response from the students present in the room, who began laughing too.

At that moment, I wished for a hole to swallow me up, to disappear forever.

Luna

Sunday afternoon, I was off to my parents' mansion for our regular Sunday lunch. On my way there, I couldn't help but think about the time I introduced Barry to my family three years ago.

We went to this classy Persian restaurant for dinner. Delicious food, relaxing ambience, and calming music. At that time, I had just gotten back from Paris after studying culinary arts for a year. Barry and I have been dating for three months and I was so excited to introduce him to my family.

I went on dates with three guys, but I never agreed to a second date. I think it's because they came on too strong and it totally turned me off.

With Barry, we were friends first. We started talking on the phone, before we officially started dating, and then it turned into romance. I liked how he always stayed consistent, but never got pushy. He adapted to the phase I liked - and now I'm thinking, maybe that was his way of getting me interested in him.

My family already had a feeling I'd bring someone with me that night. I was sure they had already found out from my bodyguards that I was seeing someone in Paris. They didn't even flinch when I showed up with Barry, but at least they treated him with respect.

Dinner was nice, but it was so quiet with Barry around. It seemed like everyone was being extra careful not to say anything that would upset me or Barry.

"So, where did you two meet?" Mom asked, looking at me and then at Barry. Like she didn't already know. She was the first to know everything that happened to me in Paris.

That's how super protective she is.

I answered her, and she never asked anything else, nor talked to Barry.

Dad asked Barry about his family, where he grew up, his education and his job. It was like the questions you'd find in someone's CV.

While Sebastian and Sweet stayed on neutral topics, like food, weather, health, and everyone's favorite - their kids.

The dinner went well that night until Mom knocked on my bedroom door before midnight.

"I can't sleep. I need to talk to you."

"Sure. What is it, Mom?" I said, gesturing for her to come inside. She sat on my bed, then started talking.

"Luna, I only have your best interests at heart. I don't think Barry's the right guy for you."

My gut feeling was correct. During dinner, she shot Barry icy glares and remained mostly silent.

"I know you don't like my boyfriend, but I want you to understand that I love him. Yeah, he may not be rich or important, but he really cares about me."

"But I've heard things about him."

My eyebrows furrowed.

"What did you hear?" I looked at her with accusing eyes. "Did you have him investigated?"

She didn't answer, but looked guilty.

"Oh, you actually did."

"We care for you." She said, her eyes filled with genuine concern. "Luna, you are the daughter of a billionaire. As your parents, our primary concern is to ensure your safety and protect you from any potential harm, particularly from deceitful individuals who may try to take advantage of you. We simply want to confirm that Barry's interest in you is genuine."

"Mom, I wish you hadn't done that. You just showed your lack of faith in my judgment and choices throughout my life. You've always seen me as gullible, weak, and incapable of making it on my own."

Her eyes got big in surprise.

"What made you think I see you like that? Luna, I believe in your strength as a woman."

She might perceive me as strong, but I knew I couldn't match her level of strength.

"Keep whatever findings you got from the investigation to yourself. I'm not interested to know. But one thing I'd like to tell you, Barry, is not a perfect guy. He told me he made some mistakes in the past, but he's trying to change. He loves me for who I am, not for what I have."

"I just don't want to see you get hurt, Luna," she pleaded, her eyes filled with worry. "I want you to be with someone who cherishes and appreciates you wholeheartedly."

"Mom, I understand your concerns," I said, nodding my head. "I have faith in him, and I want to give him a chance to prove himself. I'm counting on you and our family to support me with this decision."

"Luna, we will always support you, no matter what. Promise me you'll be careful and look after yourself."

"I promise. I'll be careful and keep your words in mind."

I arrived at my parents' mansion later, precisely at noon, when the sun was at its highest point. I hurriedly rushed in, well aware that Grandpa Kristov would not be pleased with my tardiness.

The butler opened the dining room, revealing the sight of my family already gathered around the table, ready to eat lunch.

I walked in and all eyes turned to me.

"Luna?" they said simultaneously as they studied my appearance. I could see the shock on their faces.

Who wouldn't? I was back to my old self - natural dark brown hair and dressed in my usual manner - dark jeans, black shirt and sneakers.