EX FIANCE STRIKES BACK

THEME : LUNA'S SHATTERED WORLD

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The soft chime of wedding bells echoed through the air as Luna sat in front of the mirror, her heart fluttering with excitement. Today was the day of her wedding, the day she would say "I do" and embark on a new journey with the love of her life.

The makeup artist put the finishing touches on her face, enhancing her natural beauty.

Luna's hazel eyes sparkled, and her lips wore a soft, rosy hue. She couldn't help but smile; everything felt surreal, finally her dream of marrying Louis Farrell was coming to past.

The news of her wedding to Louis Farrell was in everywhere.

Her wedding dress hung nearby, a vision of ivory lace and silk. Luna carefully slipped into it, the fabric hugging her curves in all the right places. The dress was a masterpiece, and she felt like a princess. The dresser helped her fasten the buttons, and when she looked in the mirror, she hardly recognized herself, this radiant bride staring back was a dream come true.

She was looking stunning and beautiful and as well her shoe was one of the best raining shoe in Los Angeles.

Outside the room, her sister buzzed with excitement.

"Luna! Luna ! Luna !" She heard her sister call her name and turned to see Jane who rushed in and was dressed in her elegant and stunning silver dress, shimmering like moonlight.

She came over and stood before Luna. She enveloped Luna in a tight hug.

" God, you're breathtaking!" Jane exclaimed. "I will miss you so much."

Luna smiled and understood her sisters plight as she too was definitely gonna miss her sister too.

She chuckled. "Don't worry, Jane. Your turn will come, and you will find your happily ever after."

" It is about losing my partner in crime. I will miss your jokes, your loud laughter, ." She wiped away a tear. "Promise me you'll visit often," Jane said, her eyes misty. "And your teasing!"

Luna chuckled. "Deal. And don't worry, I will still shout at you from afar."

Luna hugged her sister back. "I will miss you too, Jane.".

They remained for a while and then disengage .

" The car is ready ," Jane smiled.

As they parted, the realization hit them both:

Luna was leaving her old life behind, she was going to start her own family.

"Yeah let's go ion wanna be late either," Luna said and Jane helped her with her bouquet.

The car awaited outside a sleek white Ferrari that would whisk her away to the venue. She glanced at the mirror one last time, her heart racing.

Today, she'd become Mrs. Louis Farrell, and their love story would be etched in Los Angeles history.

* ** * ** * * ** * * ** * * ** * ** * * ** * * ** * * ** *

Sally stormed through the opulent mansion, her heels clicking on the marble floor. She had to find Louis. She checked every room, her anger simmering. Where was he? She needed to talk to Louis urgently.

Finally, she reached his private chamber. Louis stood there, adjusting his tie, seemingly unfazed by her dramatic entrance.

Sally's anger flared.

" What am I hearing?" she hissed, her voice sharp. "You're marrying that girl? The daughter of a murderer, the one whose father killed mine and took everything from us? You are leaving me for her?" She balled her fist.

Louis sighed, running a hand through his hair. He knew this confrontation was inevitable.

" Sally, calm down," he said. "This isn't the time to lament."

"Of course it is!" Sally's fists clenched. "I will do whatever it takes to end this marriage."

Louis eyes softened. "I am not doing this to hurt you. It is about revenge, the Rodriguez took everything from us. This marriage is my way of making them pay."

Sally blinked in surprise. "You are doing this for me?"

He nodded. "Leave it to me. I will handle it."

" But what if she finds out?" Sally's concern was genuine. "Shouldn't we plan this more carefully? Or maybe I should help?"

Louis strapped on his wristwatch. "Trust me, Sally. I know how to handle this."

But Sally knew something he didn't. She knew he love Luna so deeply even if he didn't want to admit it and she just didn't know how to make him understand he was making a big mistake but at this point in time. She will definitely interfere in this. She couldn't stand by and watch him make a mistake. She need to protect him from himself.

* ** * ** * * ** * * ** * * ** * ** * * ** * * ** * * ** *

The wedding was set to begin, but there was one problem, the groom hadn't shown up.

What's going on?

The guests whispered nervously, and the bride, Luna Rodriguez, stood at the altar, her heart racing. She silently prayed that nothing bad had happened to Louis, her fiancé.

Each and every on of the guest hope that the groom was okay and he would show up for his wedding.

Phones buzzed as people who had Louis number tried to call him, but Louis wasn't answering. The minutes dragged on and it turned to two hours, and Luna's worry grew. Where was he? Was he okay?

Finally, the doors swung open, and Louis rushed in, disheveled and out of breath. The crowd let out a collective sigh of relief. The priest, a kind old man, blessed the moment, grateful that disaster had been averted. Luna was the most excited because her happy day didn't turned to a disaster.

The groom first apologized for his inconvenience and then the wedding proceeded as the priest blessed the couple and it was now time to exchange their wedding vows.

Luna gazed at him, her eyes filled with love. She was about to pledge her forever to this man. The priest turned to her.

" Do you Miss Luna Rodriguez take Mr. Louis Farrell as your lawful wedded husband to hold and behold to love and cherish in sickness and in health, will you love him untill death do you part?" Ask the priest to the bride

Helena smiled, her heart full. "Yes, I do."

The priest then faced Louis "Do you Mr Louis Farrell take Miss Luna Rodriguez as you lawful wedded wife to hold and behold to love and Cherish in sickness and in health, will you love her untill death do you part!" He ask.

Louis eyes locked onto Luna's. He didn't respond. The room held its breath. Was he nervous? But instead of speaking, he just smiled at her.

The priest repeated the question, but Louis remained silent. Luna's joy turned to confusion. Why wouldn't he answer? Was something wrong?

The priest repeated the same question but still the groom never replied and everyone waited patiently to hear him answer to his vow but he never said anything instead he only smiled at his bride.

On the fourth attempt, a gunshot shattered the air. Chaos erupted, the lights flickered, screams echoed, and guests scrambled for safety. world spun. She searched for her groom Louis, desperate to find him and checked if he is okay.

The bride was in devastation as she search for her groom and rescue but to no avail.

But horror awaited her. Her father lay lifeless, her mother stabbed, and her sister dragged away.

"Help me!! Help me please!!" She screamed but like no one cared, no one came to her rescue. Darkness settled over the hall.

Suddenly she got shot on her arm and she lost balance as she fell hard on the floor and groaned in pains.. She held her hand groaning in pain.

Footsteps approached. It was Louis, but there was no sympathy in his eyes. He picked up a flower vase and smashed it against her face.

He smirked at her with an evil glint in his eyes.

" Why?" she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Louis leaned in, his voice cold. "I got what I wanted long ago. We can never be together because I never loved you. Goodbye, Luna Rodriguez."

He spat on her, leaving her broken and alone. He finally got his revenge while Luna's world shattered as he walked away.

** **

THEME : HER NEW IDENTITY

*** **** *** *** ***

Six years had passed since Luna's life took a dark turn. After undergoing a risky surgery to alter her face. She emerged with a new face and a new identity, she shed her old name and adopted a new name.

Gone was the vulnerable woman who had lost everything, she now goes by the name Zoey Smith. Now, she eked out a living by conning unsuspecting men and women, scraping together meager earnings for survival. But beneath her cunning exterior, a seething rage consumed her. Survival had become her sole purpose, and revenge fueled her every move.

One fateful day, Luna positioned herself near a window, scanning the street for her next mark. She wasn't after just any car, she sought out the wealthy, the privileged, the ones who deserved a taste of their own medicine. As a vehicle approached, she darted out, her fake blood smeared in a plastic bag. But fate had other plans. The car struck her, and darkness enveloped her consciousness.

* ** * ** * * ** * * ** * * ** * ** * * ** * * ** * * ** *

Inside the wide capacious room, the air conditioner blowing so cold with a quirky fragrance,

And just in front of the bed were two black twirling seats. A mini bar placed at the far end of the bed and a plasma television which was hung on the wall.

There was a white coloured cushion some meters away from the desk right beside the wall, four blue throw pillows was placed on it making it look comforting for a nap, a little table.

The door and window around room was made of glass and done in such a way that only a person from within the room could see what was going on outside the room, he could see when a person was coming to his room, but no one from the outside could see a thing, the room was convenient for a sick person.

Luna's eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the unfamiliar surroundings. The ceiling above her seemed to form a pattern, perhaps square-shaped, and a brilliant light illuminated the room. Where was she? The question echoed in her mind as she gingerly pushed herself up.

A sharp pain shot through her leg, and she winced, glancing down to find a bandage wrapped around her right knee.

Panic surged through her, how had she ended up here? Her gaze swept the room, and she noticed clothes strewn on the floor. She yanked the duvet from her body and saw that she was in a red robe, relief washed over her, at least she hadn't been violated. But the situation remained mysterious.

" Hello! Anyone here;" she called out and then her mind dropped something to her which made her thought for a while.

What if you were kidnapped?

What if they just wanted you dead?

She should play it safe, pretend to be oblivious.

Heavy footsteps approached, and Luna's heart raced. She sank back onto the bed, feigning unconsciousness. The door creaked open, and a deep, familiar voice filled the room.

"You heard her voice, yet she's still asleep?" The voice belonged to someone important. A lord, perhaps?

"My Lord," a gentle female voice responded, "she woke up disoriented. The place is strange to her."

The place was quiet for a while and She wondered what was going on.

Then the footsteps came closer making her heart pant

She felt a cold hand touch her neck and she flinch.

"She is warm, you should be here with her and make sure she is okay, hope you have her medications?" The loud voice said.

Luna strained to listen. The footsteps receded, leaving her alone with questions. Who was this lord? Why did his voice feel like a distant memory?

Then the door opened again. A young maid in uniform stood there, her eyes wide with excitement. "You're awake! I need to inform the lord," she exclaimed, already reaching for her phone.

Luna tried to sit up.

" How are you feeling?" asked the friendly maid.

" I think I'm a bit fine ," she replied and glanced around to be sure she wasn't in a hospital cause she needs to escape and besides she haven't spoken to the doctor.

" Where is this place?" She ask.

" Don't worry you will be fine... You are in our lords house and he is so concerned with you, you got hit by his car on his way back from juris," said the maid politely.

" Anything you need, he will supply,," she added.

She stared at the maid and wondered if she was in heaven already. Beside she will get all her needs no matter what.

" I am Sara." The maid introduced herself with a smile.

Luna hesitated before sharing a name: " I am Zoey." Luna introduced giving out her new name.

Luna beamed. "Nice name! Let's be friends." Luna agreed, wondering what secrets this house held.

" Call me anytime you need me, I'll always come around," the maid said and Luma nodded before she walked away.

Immediately the door was shut, Luna sigh.

She was in a lords house and she wondered what kind of a lord is he.

Franklin county was coming, and she had a plan to bump into his car. Limping toward the door, she twisted the knob, peeking outside. No one in sight. She stepped out, determined to leave the lord's mansion behind.

" Get back to work!" a voice snapped, and Kiara ducked into a corner, heart pounding. The suspense thickened, and she wondered what awaited her beyond those walls.

" Excuse me,," shs heard and turned to see a maid which she wasted no time in paving a way for her to pass and she did.

She found a way out and began limping to the door but it was kinda stressful to her and she only tried to manage.

Finally Luna got to the last room and just decided to take a deep breath as she felt her leg aches probably her ankles.

" Ha!! Ha! Haaa! Who does he thinks he is? Just pull the trigger on his dumb head ."

She heard the familiar voice again and quickly spunned around as she manage to see a curtains and she pulled the curtains aside only see him.

The man who made her life a living hell.

The man who made her believe all men were the same and can never be loved by any woman .

Don Louis....

She just couldn't regain herself anymore as she was loosing her life already not untill she passed out.

Chapter 3

THEME : HER TRUE INTENTION

*** ** ** *** *** **

Luna woke up in the home of the man,

the very home of the man who had once shattered and tormented her life. six years had passed since their ill-fated wedding night, and she hadn't glimpsed him since. Now, here she was, mere steps away from the source of her torment.

He moved about the room, making calls with a disarming smile. His appearance belied the malevolence that lay beneath, a devil in handsome disguise. Luna's anger surged anew. How could someone so charming harbor such cruelty?

She stood behind the curtains watching him as he made the call. His devilish charm masked the heart of a villain, and anger surged within her.

A voice interrupted her thoughts. A tall, thin woman stood behind her, eyes probing. "Who are you?" she demanded.

Luna stumbled over her words. "I... umm... I was brought here. I..." She hesitated, torn between revealing her true intentions and maintaining her cover.

The woman's suspicion grew. "Are you a spy?" she pressed.

" No," Luna replied, limping slightly. The woman seemed to understand, revealing that Luna was a patient who had been in an accident.

" Oh, you are the patient that was brought in here, oh I see, that is great,, i was actually coming to check on you but thank goodness you are here already cause Don Louis want to see you," Mara dropped the bombshell shell and Luna eyes widened that it nearly popped out of it socket.

Don Louis, the master of the house, wanted to see her. Luna's eyes widened. Why would he want to see her? the man who haunted her dreams. He'd betrayed her, shattered her heart. Now he wanted to see her? She followed the woman, her heart racing.

" Are you sure he wants to see me?" Luna asked the moment they got to the door. Mara nodded eyeing Luna suspiciously.

" Let's go in," Mara said then moved to the door and opened it.

" She is awake," Mara announced to Louis and he turned to her.

He was shock to see Luna limping in.

Louis shock was palpable when Luna entered. "Why did you let her follow you?" he snapped at the woman. Recognition flickered in his eyes, but Luna averted her face.

" Why did you let her follow you? I was about coming to meet her in her room," he said and Mara scowled

" She is fine,, aren't you!" Mara faced Luna and she nodded.

" Okay, umm... Sorry you found yourself here , you actually got into an accident two days ago and the doctor already took care of you so what is left is for you to take your medications and just hope you get better soon," Louis said and Luna could feel so much care in his voice making her looked up at him but her eyes with those devilish eyes of his and she put her face down again.

" So will she be staying here!" Mara ask.

" As long as she wish to cause it seems she doesn't have a home is that a lie?" He ask and Luna wondered how he was that smart to have agreed to such.

Mira's question hung in the air.

Would Luna stay? She had no home, no refuge beyond these walls. Louis keen insight surprised her.

" I guess you are," she replied.

" Mara, take her back to the room," he said and Mara rolled her eyes before walking away and Luna followed her out.

They got to the same room she was and Luna could tell she was in a beautiful place cause of how elegant the decorations were.

She limped to her bed and sat down as she caught Mara staring at her.

" Don't think you are free cause I don't like you at all," she blurted and Luna raised her brows.

" Just think about your home and all that you will miss cause here can't be your home you get that?"

Mara's disapproving gaze followed her. "Don't think you can do anything that you want here," Mara warned. "This can't be your home bitch."

She looked at Luna one more time before walking away.

.

Luna wondered if Mara was the boss here. If so, her fate rested in Mara's hands. She whispered to the empty room, "If the boss Louis says she stays, then she stays.

And no one can make her leave untill she finds out who actually killed her parent and who as well plotted all of this, she will stay so as to make life a living hell for Louis

And so, Luna now Zoey remained, her thirst for revenge simmering beneath her fragile facade.

She vowed to remain in the house so as to carry out her revenge even if it means facing the devil himself.

Luna exhaled deeply as she made herself comfortable in the bed, then she stared at the ceiling for some minute before dozing off slowly.

* ** * ** * * ** * * ** * * ** * ** * * ** * * ** * * ** *

Louis sat alone in his opulent room, fingers tapping on his laptop keyboard, going through the information of Franklin county.. The news of Franklin's return weighed heavily on him because Franklin was his greatest contender and the former person who rule all of Los Angeles back in the days.

Franklin's return made him devasted because he had basked in the limelight, but now, with Franklin reappearance, that fame seemed precarious. After all, Franklin knew some of Louis darkest secrets.

He got fame more than Franklin but that was after Franklin left Los Angeles to London, and now that Franklin is back, he don't think he would end his fame anymore cause him being the drug lord might tame his fame and as well.

A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts. "Who's there?" Louis called out, maintaining his cool demeanor.

" It is I, Mara," came the reply.

" Come in."

The door swung open, and Mara entered, balancing a tray with a steaming cup of coffee. She placed it on the table, her eyes curious.

" Any updates?"

Louis took a sip of his coffee, contemplating how to handle Franklin's return.

" He is back and staying at the Sheldon Hotel tonight."

He sipped and sipped and sipped again probably thinking of a way to get Franklin out if he makes a move.

Mara raised an eyebrow "Spare him? Do you think Sally will surely let you do that? I am sure you will be expecting a call soon cause you know how she feels when she hears that another group already got famous as well here in Los Angeles."

Louis leaned back, swirling the coffee in his cup. " Yeah, I know but i am going to make her understand, I am going to make her know that we can go against Franklin because he still has power and connections, going against Franklin now is like digging our own grave."

Mara marked the words with agitation as she looked at Louis.

Mara shifted the conversation. "What about the girl the one you brought here?"

Louis lay on his cousin lap while she began giving him a massage.

" Who again this time!"

"The girl, i mean the lady you just brought." she said but Louis never replied and she glanced down to see if he just dozed off but he was just lost staring.

" You just bumped into a girl and you don't know who she is neither do you know where she is from and you just decided to accommodate her, When are you kicking her out?" Mara asked.

Louis gaze wandered. "Ah, yes. She's recovering. I won't kick her out until she's better."

" But what if she begs to stay!"

" It is her wish," Louis replied with his eyes shot.

Mara leaned closer. " Louis, we don't know anything about her. With Franklin back, having a stranger in our midst do you think we are safe?"

Louis mind raced. Mara's instincts were rarely wrong. He'd make sure the mysterious lady revealed her true intentions before allowing her to stay.