The Dark Moon |A Murder

Introduction:

Luna Jackson

Luna Jackson is a person who is very kind and caring, and she has gone through some experiences that have changed her in big ways. Her story is inspiring and shows how she was able to overcome challenges.

Ryan Edwards

Ryan Edwards is a person who has faced a lot of challenges in his life, including being abandoned by his mother. He is a tough and strong-willed person, and his difficult experiences have shaped his personality. His story is inspiring and shows how he was able to overcome adversity and become a stronger person.

Leo Albert

Leo is a person who has a lot of questions about his past. His father left him and his family, and he wants to know why. He feels like he's stuck and doesn't know what to do. His story is emotional and shows how he tries to learn more about his family history and himself.

Chapter 1

"Under the same night sky, we find solace in the stars."

~Unknown

The weather was absolutely stunning, with the rain ceasing and the sky adorned with clouds. A pleasant buzz filled the atmosphere. It was already late at night, around ten o'clock, as she strolled through the lawn, donning a light blue shirt with her long, silky hair cascading freely. She anxiously awaited the return of her father, who had been away on a business trip abroad for several days.

Although the rain had stopped, the gentle breeze caused her hair to flutter. Lost in her thoughts, she gazed up at the silent sky, where the moonlight illuminated everything, making her appear as though she were a part of the moon itself. Her mind wandered to a special someone, a captivating individual who had captured her heart like a charming king from a fairytale kingdom.

In her mind's eye, she reminisced about his face, her eyes closed in imagination. Unbeknownst to her, the guard opened the main gate of their house, allowing the car to swiftly enter. Startled, she blinked her eyes open, realizing she had been so engrossed in thoughts of someone else that she hadn't noticed the gate opening.

As the car came to a halt on the lawn, her gaze fell upon her father, who was tucking his phone into his pocket after retrieving it from the car's dashboard. Mr. Jackson had also caught sight of his beloved daughter and approached her with a smile. He stood tall at about six feet, possessed a fair complexion, bright eyes, and a beard adorning his face.

"Hello, my lovely daughter. How are you?" he asked excitedly, embracing her tightly.

"I'm fine and have been eagerly waiting for you," she joyfully replied.

"Let's head inside, otherwise your mother will get upset that the father and daughter are chatting away in the lawn," he teased Luna affectionately.

A smile formed on her face upon hearing her father's words. Together, they entered the lounge where Mrs. Jackson was seated on the couch. Spotting her husband, she stood up and exclaimed, "Thank God you've arrived. We've all been eagerly waiting for you."

Mrs. Jackson then served her husband a glass of juice, which he started sipping. Concerned, Mr. Jackson inquired, "Where are Eva and Ella?"

Eva and Ella were also Mr. Jackson's daughters, but Luna held a special place in his heart.

"They both fell asleep while waiting for you since they have to wake up early in the morning," Mrs. Jackson replied.

"Dad, you should rest. You must be tired. I'll ask the driver to bring your luggage inside," Luna said, beaming genuinely.

Mr. Jackson, appreciating his daughter's thoughtfulness, nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Luna," he replied with a warm smile.

Luna swiftly arranged for the driver to bring her father's luggage inside and then rejoined the family in the dining room, where they continued their dinner. Mr. Jackson shared stories of his travels.

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It was already two o'clock at night when he abruptly opened his eyes, feeling a heavy burden weighing on his heart. He dressed in black trousers and a shirt, then slipped on his slippers before heading to the terrace.

He paced quickly on the terrace, even at this late hour of the night. The moon shone brightly, casting its ethereal glow. Though the air carried a chill, his internal turmoil burned within him.

His thoughts were consumed with his past, tormenting him with his own helplessness. He pondered over why he had become the way he was and why all these unfortunate events had befallen him. His mind was overwhelmed with countless thoughts as he stared into the sky, his eyes shut. Suddenly, raindrops fell on his face, gradually turning into a heavy downpour.

Eventually, he retreated back indoors, opening the door and entering his room. Flicking on the lights, he lay on his bed but found sleep evasive. Restless, he rose from the bed, retrieved sleeping

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It was two o'clock at night. His eyes were suddenly opened. He began to strange a burden on his heart. He dressed in black trouser and shirt, then he stood up and wore slippers on his feet and went to the terrace.

He began to walk quickly on the terrace at that time of night.

The moon was shining brightly. There was a chill in the air, but it was burning his own from inside.

Everytime, he remembered his past once again. He agonized over his helplessness..

He wondered why he was like that and why all this happened to him.

He had a great deal of thought in his head. He was staring into the sky, his eyes closed. It suddenly rained down on his face, and then it began to rain heavily.

And then he went back inside, opened the door and walked into his room. Turning on the lights in his room, he fell into bed and couldn't fall asleep.

Then he got up, took the sleeping pills from his side table drawer and lay down on the bed again. Drowning in memories of his past, he went to sleep.

"Cheating is not a mistake; it is a deliberate choice."

- Unknown

At precisely 2 o'clock in the afternoon, he found himself lost in thought while seated at his office desk when his secretary walked through the door.

"May I come in, sir?" she asked politely.

"Yes," he curtly replied.

"Sir, I require your signature on some documents, and I wanted to inform you that you have a meeting in ten minutes."

"Cancel the meeting," he declared.

"But, sir, this is a highly important meeting," the secretary insisted.

"I said cancel it, and that's final," he responded bitterly.

"Sir, but..." she began to protest, only to be interrupted when he struck the glass on the table, causing it to shatter.

"I said cancel the meeting!" he roared in anger. Witnessing this outburst, the secretary's eyes widened with fear, and she promptly left the room.

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Ryan Edwards was a young boy who lived with his mother and stepfather. Ryan's mother had divorced her first husband and brought Ryan along when she remarried.

He was his parents' only child, and his father had fought a legal battle for custody, but the court ruled in favor of his mother. Consequently, Ryan's father decided it was best to transfer his property to Ryan's name.

Love had never been a part of Ryan's life; in fact, he despised it. He believed that love was merely a fleeting passion that entertained the heart temporarily, disappearing once that passion faded away. He had adopted a principle in his life, vowing never to love anyone, as the only person he had ever loved had abandoned him.

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"Wake up! You're going to be late for school. I've been trying to wake you up for the past half an hour. If you don't get up in five minutes, I swear I'll lose it," Ryan's mother shouted angrily.

Five minutes later, when she returned, Ryan was still in bed, refusing to budge.

In a fit of anger, she poured an entire jug of water on him, forcibly rousing him from his slumber.

"Sometimes, I can't understand you. You're just like your father. Come downstairs and get ready within ten minutes," Ryan's mother fumed, observing his disheveled state.

Mrs. Sophia, Ryan's mother, possessed striking physical features. Her captivating big black eyes, delicate straight nose, long black hair, and lips reminiscent of a delicate rose were indeed beautiful. However, her heart was devoid of compassion or empathy for others.

Despite having been blessed with a child after her marriage, Mrs. Sophia maintained an interest in engaging in extramarital relationships. Her husband loved her deeply and cared for both Mrs. Sophia and Ryan with all his heart. He fulfilled all the responsibilities of a loving husband and a caring father, striving to create happiness within their family.

One day, Mr. Edwards and his family sat together at the dining table, engaging in conversation.

"Ryan, how are your studies going?" Mr. Edwards inquired, turning to his son.

"Dad, everything is going well," he replied with a smile, showing his father his enthusiasm for learning.

Mrs. Sophia remained silent, focusing on her food.

Father and son continued conversing with each other.

"I have plans to attend a party later tonight, and I'll be returning home late," Mrs. Edwards casually mentioned during their family dinner.

She abruptly placed her spoon on the plate, her husband's words triggering a sudden reaction.

"Is this an inquiry or a mere announcement?" her husband asked, unsure of how she would react.

"I am informing you of my plans, which I expected to discuss and seek your permission for. You've completely spoiled my mood," Mrs. Lina retorted with a contorted expression, angrily rising from her chair and storming off to her room.

Ryan and his father exchanged bewildered glances, taken aback by the unexpected outburst.

"My dear son, after you finish your meal, go to your room and get some rest," Mr. Edwards affectionately advised Ryan.

Once he finished eating, Ryan retired to his room.

Meanwhile, Mr. Edwards sat in his chair, holding his head in his hands, deep in contemplation.

As Mrs. Sophia descended the stairs, Mr. Abbas couldn't help but gaze at her captivating appearance. She was clad in a striking red bodycon dress paired with elegant red high heels. Her dark makeup accentuated her curled hair and complemented her red lipstick. With her mobile phone in one hand and a red clutch in the other, there was no denying that she looked remarkably beautiful and alluring.

He found himself lost in her presence for a solid two minutes until she broke the silence by questioning his fixated gaze.

Startled, Mr. Edwards quickly averted his eyes and replied, "Nothing."

However, she confidently asserted that he was jealous of her stunning appearance, to which he immediately questioned, "Why should I be jealous of you?" He failed to understand her assumption, prompting her to proudly declare, "Because I am a very attractive woman compared to you." With a smile, Mr. Edwards remained silent, choosing not to engage in an argument.

Deciding to avoid any further confrontation, Mrs. Sophia announced her departure, stating that she wasn't in the mood to argue. With those words, she left the scene, leaving him to contemplate the situation. He picked up his phone from the table and retreated to his room.

Upon arriving at the club, Mrs. Sophia, as usual, drew the attention of everyone present. Although many stared at her, she paid no mind and joined her group of friends, embracing them and inquiring about the ongoing events. Mrs. Tina, one of her friends, showered her with enthusiastic praise, remarking on her perpetual beauty. Mrs. Sophia responded with a subtle smile, feeling confident and attractive amongst the other women in attendance.

During their conversation, Mrs. Zebi, another friend, asked about Mrs. Sophia's husband's absence. In response, she curtly explained that her husband did not enjoy such social gatherings. While hearing her husband's name made her feel uneasy, she did not want to spoil her mood for the evening.

Suddenly, Mrs. Sophia's attention was captured by a man who had been staring at her for quite some time. She smiled at him, and he waved in response. She continued mingling with her friends, enjoying their company and indulging in drinks. As the music filled the club and everyone began dancing, she joined in, moving gracefully on the dance floor.

During the dance, Mrs. Tina introduced Mr. Albert to Mrs. Sophia. She recognized him as the person who had previously caught her eye and greeted him with a faint smile. Mr. Albert, filled with excitement, asked how she was doing, and Mrs. Sophia responded in a soft tone, stating that she was good. To her surprise, Mr. Albert complimented her on her alluring appearance, describing her as sexy. Accepting the compliment with a slight smile, Mrs. Sophia acknowledged it.

When Mr. Albert requested a dance with her, Mrs. Sophia agreed without hesitation. Finding him the most handsome man in the party, she couldn't resist his charm. They made their way to the dance floor, already teeming with enthusiastic dancers. With one hand on her waist and the other on her shoulder, Mr. Albert led her in a captivating dance, causing her to release a sigh.

After a couple of minutes, he leaned in closer and expressed his strong urge to kiss her. Astonished, she found herself agreeing to his proposal. Mr. Albert urged her not to overthink it, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the sensations.

Unexpectedly, the music abruptly ceased, marking the end of an eventful evening filled with significant interactions.

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Unable to find sleep, Mr. Edwards took a leisurely stroll on the terrace. As he gazed out, a car pulled up outside their home. To his surprise, Mrs. Sophia emerged from the vehicle, accompanied by another man. They embraced each other briefly before bidding their farewells. Mrs. Sophia then entered the house, while the man departed in the car.

Upon entering their room, Mrs. Sophia noticed her husband peacefully sleeping on the bed. Unbeknownst to her, he had returned earlier and retired to bed. Despite his deep love for Mrs. Sophia, he refrained from inquiring about the events that transpired during her absence.

However, Mrs. Sophia had previously informed Mr. Edwards of her intention to divorce him and marry Mr. Albert.

The following morning, as the sun's rays filtered through the curtains, Mrs. Sophia woke up with a sense of determination. She had made up her mind and was ready to take the next steps in her plan. She knew that her decision would bring significant changes to their lives, but she believed it was necessary for her own happiness.

As she made her way downstairs, she found Mr. Edwards already awake, sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in his hand. His eyes reflected a mix of exhaustion and sadness.

"Good morning," she greeted him with a forced smile.

Mr. Edwards looked up, his gaze meeting hers. He could see the determination in her eyes, and a lump formed in his throat. He knew what was coming.

"Sit down, we need to talk," Mrs. Sophia said, her voice firm but tinged with a hint of sadness.

He nodded silently and took a seat opposite her. The atmosphere in the room became heavy with anticipation as they both knew that their conversation would be life-changing.

"I've made a decision," Mrs. Sophia began, her voice steady. "I want a divorce. I want to be with someone else."

Mr. Edwards felt a sharp pain in his chest, as if his heart had been ripped apart. He had expected this, but it still hurt. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

"I see," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I've met someone who makes me feel alive again, someone who understands me," Mrs. Sophia continued, her eyes searching his face for a reaction.

Mr. Edwards remained silent for a moment, his mind racing with a flurry of emotions. Finally, he spoke, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and acceptance.

"If that's what will make you happy, then I won't stand in your way," he said, his voice quivering slightly. "But please remember that I still love you, and I always will."

Tears welled up in Mrs. Sophia's eyes as she reached out to hold his hand. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with both pain and a deep sense of gratitude for the love they had shared.

"I know you do, and I appreciate everything you've done for me and Ryan," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "You've been a good husband and a loving father."

They sat in silence for a while, their hands intertwined, as the weight of their decision settled upon them. The future was uncertain, but they both knew that they had to follow their hearts, even if it meant going their separate ways.

And so, their journey took a new path, one filled with challenges and new beginnings. The process of divorce was initiated, and lawyers were consulted to handle the legal proceedings. As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the once-happy home became a battleground of emotions and negotiations.

During this tumultuous time, Ryan found himself caught in the middle of his parents' crumbling marriage. He witnessed their arguments and felt the tension that hung heavy in the air. It was a stark contrast to the loving and nurturing environment he had known before.

Ryan struggled to understand the reasons behind his parents' decision to separate. Confusion and sadness overwhelmed him as he grappled with the reality of their shattered family. He yearned for the love and stability he had once taken for granted.

As the divorce proceedings progressed, custody arrangements were discussed. Both Mr. Edwards and Mrs. Sophia had their own desires and wishes, but Mr. Edwards ultimately agreed to prioritize Ryan's well-being above. He wanted to shield him from the ugliness of their own relationship struggles and create a stable environment for him to grow, so he decided to live with Ryan but Mrs. Sophia didn't agree with this decision of Mr. Edwards.

In the midst of the legal battles, Ryan sought solace in his studies and extracurricular activities. He poured himself into his academics, determined to excel and carve out a brighter future for himself. Through perseverance and hard work, he found a sense of purpose and a distraction from the pain of his parents' separation.

He stood in front of a mirror at eight o'clock this morning, cleaning his hair and spraying himself with perfume. At that moment, a knock came on the door of the room.

He went to the door, and Uncle Elias, an old servant of the house, was standing with a letter in his hand, and he said. "That's for you, sir." Then, after the door was closed, he went from there.

He'd seen the letter with his name on it, with Happy Birthday, and under it was a bold, "Must read it."

He'd seen the letter and threw it to his bed without opening it. And again began to comb his hair.

And then he turned to the bed, picking up the note and opening it as he thought of those strong words.

He'd always received a letter from his father on his birthday, but he didn't bother to read it. But there was something remarkable about this day and it was his 20th birthday.

He opened the letter and started reading.

My dear Son, you're having a wonderful birthday. I'm not sure if I'm a good dad, But I know that I am very fond of you. I've been sending you letters before, although I don't know if you've answered them or not, and this time I made it clear to you that you need to have a look at them. I'm going to meet you and give you a birthday present. You're supposed to be ready by two o'clock today, my driver's going to pick you up at two o'clock. good bye.

Your father Mr. Edwards.

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It was an extremely hot day at 1:50 p.m., and he was standing on the main road, waiting for his father's car to take him up.

Sweat was dripping from his forehead due to intense heat. He kept looking at his watch and was angry with himself that he had left the house ten minutes earlier.

He looked at his watch again, it was exactly two o'clock and a white car stopped right in front of him.

The driver requested Mr. Ryan to sit in the car via the window.

Ryan stared at him at first, then opened the car door and sat down. On the way, he kept wondering that he was seeing his father after a long time, not knowing whether he would recognize him or how his father would recognize him.

He had the impression that his father had never wanted to meet him all these years, and that his father didn't love him.

Then suddenly he shook his head and dismissed the ridiculous thought.

The car stopped in front of a graceful bungalowlike office after half an hour. The driver got out of the car and opened the door for him.

There was a four foot tall girl wearing a white shirt and a black skirt when he got out of the car.

As Ryan stepped out of the car, a young girl greeted him warmly, saying, "You are most welcome, sir."

Ryan acknowledged her with a faint smile. Following her instructions, he began to trail her.

As they proceeded, two guards stationed outside an office snapped into salute upon seeing him.

Momentarily perplexed, he paused for a brief moment before continuing on his way. Moving a little further, the girl approached the reception desk and inquired about the whereabouts of Mr. Edwards.

The receptionist's gaze fixated on Ryan, and she swiftly picked up the phone to call Mr. Edwards. After a span of five minutes, she informed him that Mr. Edwards was indeed in his room and granted them permission to proceed.

Just a few steps away, an elevator awaited their arrival. They stepped inside, and as the doors closed, a palpable silence settled between them. After a brief moment, the girl turned her gaze towards him and ventured to ask a question that seemed to linger on her mind: "Are you truly Mr. Edward's biological son?" Ryan, without averting his gaze, replied with a simple yet affirmative "Yes."

Time passed, and the silence persisted as the elevator carried them towards their destination. He could feel a growing unease within her, his discomfort intensifying with each passing second. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the elevator doors slid open, revealing the corridor leading to Mr. Edwards's room. With a shared sense of purpose, they embarked on their journey, Ryan's apprehension evident in his every step.

As they made their way down the corridor, a room-like office with elegant glass doors caught their attention. Curiosity piqued, the girl seized the opportunity and opened the door, gesturing for him to wait inside. Her words filled the air as she spoke respectfully, "Sir, please wait here. Mr. Edwards will be joining you shortly."

Seated in a chair, he observed the entire room with a discerning gaze.

The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as Mr. Edwards entered, causing an immediate surge of alertness within him. The door swung open, and Mr. Edwards approached from behind, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Reacting swiftly, he rose from his seat, embracing his father warmly. "How are you, my son?" He inquired, genuine affection radiating from his words. "I'm good," he responded, his lips curving into a faint smile.

His attentive eyes never wavered from his father, carefully noting any subtle changes in his demeanor. Despite the passage of time, Mr. Edwards remained a steadfast and loving presence in his life, consistently displaying unwavering warmth.

However, over the years, he himself had undergone a significant transformation, with his personality now tinged with a noticeable aggressiveness.

Sitting on the rolling chair positioned before him, Mr. Edwards engaged in a heartfelt conversation with his son. As they sat face to face, he began to recount the arduous journey of his life, reminiscing about the years he had spent in solitude. Ryan, the attentive listener, absorbed his father's words in silence. However, at a certain point, he halted the narrative and mustered the courage to question his father's absence from his life.

"Why haven't you lived with me?" He inquired, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and longing. Mr. Edwards, his eyes moist with unshed tears, struggled to maintain composure as he responded. He confessed that he had yearned to be by his son's side but had been restrained by the disapproval of Ryan's mother.

With a sudden surge of emotion, Mr. Edwards abruptly rose from his seat, a determined look on his face.

He hurriedly retrieved several files from the table before them, bringing them back to the conversation.

With a gentle smile, Mr. Edwards extended the property files to his son, symbolizing his intention to transfer the business into his name. As the sole heir, he hoped that his son would take charge of the enterprise while pursuing his education. The exchange carried a sense of paternal pride and the belief that his son had embraced this birthday present and the responsibilities that came with it.