20

LUNA

THE SOFT GLOW OF MY VANITY MIRROR cast a warm light over me as I stood before it. My reflection stared back at me with a mix of apprehension and melancholy. The delicate fabric of my dress flowed over my figure like a river of silk, yet my smile didn't quite reach my eyes.

I waited for this night for years, envisioning laughter and dancing, yet it felt burdened by absence. My first dance without Austin. As I adjusted my hair, my mother's voice drifted up the stairs, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Luna, Hudson is here!" She called out, a note of excitement in her tone.

With a resigned sigh, I tore my gaze from the mirror and walked downstairs. The soft sound of my heels echoed on the wooden steps. As I descended, I caught sight of Hudson waiting at the foot of the staircase, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat.

He stood tall and confident, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips as he took me in. I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as I realized he was only putting on an act, playing the part of the perfect boyfriend. Another reason the night was doomed.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, he stepped forward, closing the distance between us in a single stride. With a charming grin, he pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek.

"Ready to face the paparazzi, Snow?" he asked, his warm breath tickling my skin as he whispered in my ear.

My mother's voice cut through the moment, interrupting our brief exchange.

"We need pictures before you head out."

With a resigned smile, we allowed my mother to usher us into position. My parents snapped picture after picture as we posed for the camera.

The impromptu photo shoot ended, and we went outside into the cool night air. The stars twinkled overhead, casting a soft glow over the scene as we walked to his truck. He rushed to the passenger door and opened it, motioning for me to enter as if he were a gentleman.

"Are you ready for the night of your life, Ms. Delgato?" he asked with an arrogant smile.

"You seem pretty confident."

"I am." He said. "You know I'm desirable, and every girl at the dance will envy you."

I snorted before pushing him away from the door.

"No need to pretend to be a gentleman, Hudson. You can't fool me."

He moved against the door, stopping me from closing it. He placed his palms on the car roof before leaning down until his head was inside the car, dangerously close to mine. I could smell the peppermint gum.

"Maybe I've changed."

"People don't change."

I watched his jaw clench every time he chewed on his gum. His evergreen eyes inspected me from head to toe. The corner of his lip twitched before he pulled away, standing tall.

"This is your last chance to back out." He said. "We could do something else."

I shook my head, watching as he tugged on the collar of his shirt. The deep navy fabric brought out the rich tones in his eyes, enhancing his natural charisma. It added an air of sophistication to his rugged charm. He has come far from the awkward preteen I knew.

"Are you checking me out?" he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

My cheeks flushed, and I hoped he didn't notice in the dim light.

"I forgot how weird-looking you are."

He tossed his head back as his stomach shook in laughter. After the silence, he looked at me with a restrained desire to speak. The corner of his lip was raised.

"Deny it all you want, Snow, but you know I got hot." He said, not letting me retaliate before he slammed the door shut.

?