Page 64 of A Sinful Gravity

He headed for the door, turned back halfway to grab the folder.

"Don't forget the board meeting tomorrow."

The door closed again.

The tablet still glowed, Luna smiling on screen.

I stared at that smile for a long time.

A stage smile. For the audience. Not for me.

What was her real smile like? When she was truly happy, what curve did her eyes make?

I didn't know.

Six years, and I'd never truly seen her.

So that night when she'd said "I'll hate you," her eyes had held more despair than anger.

Despair because she thought I'd never be able to see the real her.

I stood and pulled back the curtains. Morning sunlight blazed bright across the floor, as if everything were normal. But I knew something had changed.

I'd thought I'd already changed. But just now I'd finally understood. I was a complete fool.

I sat on the couch for a long time before finally picking up my phone and calling my assistant.

"Find all the top preschool programs in Washington—independent teachers, nutritionists, everything. Send me the best options." I paused. "I'll send you a list of children's supplies. Purchase according to the categories and have them delivered."

After hanging up, I messaged Charlie, told him to stop investigating Luna and Laila.

No matter Laila's background, I would treat her as my own child, try to be part of her life.

Chloe was right. I'd never truly known Luna.

But I wanted to know her. With my own heart.

I didn't know if she'd give me that chance.

But this time, I wouldn't use force.

I would learn how to truly love her.

Not possess, not control, not demand she meet my expectations.

Just love her.

Let her be herself.

Chapter Fifteen

Luna

The next few days, I threw everything I had into the rehearsal studio.

Out the door at eight a.m., home by ten p.m. In between, except for meals and bathroom breaks, I barely left those rooms. The artistic director couldn't stop praising my "dedication," saying my condition was exceptional this time, that I portrayed the protagonist's despair and struggle with rare depth.

He had no idea I wasn't acting at all.