The CEO'S Forbidden Secret

Chapter 06

~~~NEXT DAY~~~ 9:00 AM

The morning sunlight spilled gently across Tessa's face, warm and bright. She groaned softly, stretching under the sheets before sitting up.

"It's morning already," she muttered, rubbing her tired eyes. She had barely slept-her mind replaying the image of Luna's mother over and over. The truth she'd seen last night broke her heart, but exhaustion had finally dragged her into uneasy sleep.

After bathing and dressing, she walked to Luna's room.

"Wake up, little princess," she said softly, pulling the curtains open.

Luna groaned and turned over, clutching her pillow. "It's weekend, Aunt Tessa... I wanna sleep more."

Tessa smiled, brushing her small cheek. "You can go back to sleep after breakfast, I promise. But first, let's get you cleaned up, okay?"

She lifted Luna into her arms, and the little girl leaned her head sleepily on Tessa's shoulder.

"Did Daddy come home last night?" Luna asked quietly as Tessa helped her get dressed. "It's been so long. I miss him."

"Yes, he did," Tessa said gently, tying her hair into a small ponytail. "He should be in his room. You'll see him soon, bunny."

Luna's face brightened. "Really?"

"Really," Tessa smiled.

They were heading downstairs when Tessa froze-Kingsley was walking out of the mansion with his manager. The maids were bustling about, cleaning and arranging the vast halls.

"Daddy!!" Luna's tiny voice rang out.

Kingsley stopped. His eyes met Tessa's for a moment, then shifted to Luna. He gave a small, forced smile-one that didn't reach his eyes-before turning and walking out without a word.

"Daddy!" Luna shouted again, her voice cracking. But he didn't turn back.

Tessa's chest tightened. How could he...? she thought angrily as she watched the door close behind him.

Luna's arms trembled as she clung to Tessa. "Did Daddy hate me?" she whispered.

Tessa's heart broke into pieces. She knelt down, brushing Luna's hair gently. "Oh, sweetheart... of course not. Daddy loves you very much. He's just... busy."

Luna's lip quivered. "Liar. You're all liars! You, Daddy, Aunt Teresa-everyone!" she screamed, tears spilling down her cheeks.

"Luna, please-"

But the little girl ran off, slamming her door shut.

Tessa knocked softly. "Luna? Bunny, please open the door."

"Go away!" came the small, broken voice from inside.

Tessa leaned her forehead against the door, her own eyes wet.

A soft voice came from behind her. "You're doing well," Teresa said. "Luna's never had anyone care this much. But she's been let down too many times."

Tessa stood slowly. "She reminds me of myself," she whispered. "That same quiet sadness... no child should feel that."

Teresa nodded. "She's been trapped in this mansion since birth. Maybe what she needs isn't words-it's the world outside."

When Teresa left, Tessa sank back by the door.

"Bunny," she said softly, "how about I make it up to you? We'll go out today-just you and me. Anywhere you want. I'll be your fun coach."

Silence.

"Hmm... what about Disneyland? We can meet Barbie, eat cotton candy, ride the teacups-stay out as long as you want."

The door creaked open slowly. Luna's small face appeared, eyes still puffy but with a faint, hopeful smile.

"Will you really take me out?" she asked.

Tessa smiled and nodded. "I promise."

Luna's eyes brightened, and she threw her arms around her. "Yay! I'll tell my friends I went out with Aunt Tessa!"

Tessa hugged her tightly, her throat thick with emotion.

They got dressed and headed downstairs.

A guard stepped forward. "Miss Tessa, she's only allowed to leave for school. Orders from Mr. Kingsley."

Tessa frowned. "Have you ever thought about how that feels? Imagine your own daughter locked away like this. Step aside-I'll take responsibility."

The guard hesitated, but the driver spoke quietly. "Let them go."

Tessa nodded gratefully and led Luna to the car.

~~~Later, at the Amusement Park~~~

The city breeze was filled with laughter and bright colors. Luna's tiny hand clung to Tessa's as her wide eyes took in the rides, the balloons, the scent of popcorn.

For the first time, she laughed-really laughed. Her voice rang out as she ran toward the carousel, her ponytail bouncing.

Tessa watched, tears pricking her eyes. That little laugh-fragile but pure-felt like sunlight after rain.

They rode the carousel, shared ice cream, and watched other children play. Luna talked about things she never had before-her dreams, her favorite doll, the songs she hums when she's sad.

And for a few hours, she wasn't the lonely daughter of a cold father. She was just a child-free, happy, and loved.

When Luna fell asleep in Tessa's arms on the way home, her small hand still clutched a pink balloon.

Tessa looked down at her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You deserve the world, bunny," she whispered. "And I'll give it to you... even if no one else will."

~~~6:30 PM~~~

The van rolled through the mansion gates, headlights sweeping across the marble driveway. Tessa held Luna's tiny hand as they stepped out together. She had thought the little girl would still be asleep by now-but Luna wouldn't stop chattering, her voice bubbling with joy.

"The train wheel was so fun! I wanted to ride it again, but the man said no," she giggled. "Thank you, Aunt Tess. I love you."

Tessa froze mid-step, her heart fluttering. She knelt down in front of Luna, her eyes glistening as she gently brushed a loose strand of hair from the little girl's face.

"I love you too, my little bunny," she whispered, smiling through tears.

Luna grinned, swaying side to side. "I want snacks, Aunt Tess."

Tessa chuckled softly. "How about cupcakes, popsicles, and a smoothie to celebrate more?"

Luna gasped. "Yay!" She jumped up, her excitement contagious.

"Go upstairs and change, okay? I'll be done before you even take off a sleeve."

Luna giggled and dashed off, her small feet pattering on the stairs.

Tessa walked into the kitchen, still smiling. The silence felt peaceful for once. She opened the fridge, scanning for ingredients, when a small green fruit caught her eye.

A kiwi.

Her smile softened. "Mia used to love it when I made her snacks with kiwi," she murmured, a nostalgic ache in her chest.

She began slicing fruits and mixing colors, humming softly as the blender whirred to life. The scent of fresh cream and vanilla filled the air.

Moments later, Luna came bouncing down the stairs in her comfy little dress and climbed onto the dining chair.

"Wow, it looks so pretty," she said, her eyes wide at the sight of the cupcakes and colorful popsicles.

Tessa laughed softly. "Go on-taste one. Which will it be first?"

"The popsicle! Then the cupcake, and then the smoothie," Luna said proudly.

"Alright, chef's choice," Tessa teased.

Luna took a bite, and her eyes sparkled. "Mmm! It tastes so good!"

Tessa smiled, her heart full. "I'm glad you love it, sweetheart. I'll go get changed, okay? Don't eat too fast."

"Okay!" Luna said, swinging her little legs under the table.

Tessa walked upstairs, still smiling as she replayed Luna's laughter in her mind. For the first time in a long while, the mansion didn't feel cold. She sat on her bed, reaching for her phone to call her sister.

But before she could dial, a sharp, muffled sound echoed from downstairs-a clatter, followed by a choked cry.

Tessa's heart stopped.

"Luna?" she whispered, then louder- "Luna!"