Luna arrived early to avoid running into Braxston in the elevator or hallway. She also made sure her water bottle was full so she wouldn't need to go to the pantry later. While she was setting up her things, she noticed Braxston's secretary walking toward his office, holding a file and looking around nervously. Luna found his behavior strange. Why was he acting like he didn't belong here?
Curious, she quietly followed him.
The secretary went into Braxston's office, leaving the door slightly open. Luna took the chance to peek inside. She stood there for nearly ten minutes, watching him clean and organize the office. He carefully wiped down surfaces and arranged the files, like he was preparing for something.
Then she felt it—someone was standing next to her. She turned and found Braxston, his face just inches from hers. Startled, she stepped back.
"What do you think you're doing?" he asked .
"Umm… I was just…" her voice is trembling trying to create an explanation.
"Just what?" His tone was sharp, angry. "Don't play dumb. I won't ask you three times."
"Nothing." she replied, her voice flat and emotionless. She tried to walk away—
Before she could walk away, Braxston grabbed her wrist. Luna silently glanced at his hand, then tried to pull free, but he tightened his grip.They stood there, locked on each other, neither willing to let go. Then, an angelic voice called out from a distance, breaking the tension between them.
"Big bro!!!!!!!!!!" A girl came running from afar, heading straight for them.
Braxston immediately released her wrist, his expression shifting from anger to annoyance.
"Why are you here this early?" he asked.
"Is that how you greet your younger sister?" she panted,catching her breath. "And wait—is she your girlfriend? I didn't think Dad allowed his employees to date each other."
"No," they both replied in unison in an irritated tune.
"Oh, really?" she said, her voice dripping with disbelief.
"Well, if you'll excuse us," Braxston said.
But his sister stopped him with a playful grin.
"Wait! Before you go, let me introduce myself," she said, extending her hand toward Luna. "I'm Lily, the youngest daughter."
Luna took her hand with a polite smile. "I'm Luna, one of the auditors here."
"Are you sure you're not his girlfriend?" Lily teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Never in my wildest dreams," Luna shot back, rolling her eyes.
Braxston cut in, his voice firm. "Let's go." He grabbed Lily's hand and pulled her toward his office, ending the conversation.
Luna headed back to her office as they left. As she walked in, she saw Maise entering with snacks in hand. Luna handed Maise the list she'd prepared the night before. "Here's the list I made," she said, passing it to her.
"Whooaa. You really take this seriously, huh?" Maise smirked. "How late did you stay here last night? Did you see the ghost?"
Luna shot her a dry look. "Yes. A very jerk-y ghost."
"Tell me more about it, ahaha," Maise teased, enjoying the moment.
"Hey!" Lily's voice interrupted them, and Maise froze, shocked. She hadn't expected the youngest daughter of their boss to be standing there and act like they know each other well.
"Lily, why are you here?" Luna asked casually, making Maise even more confused.
Lily shrugged. "It's so boring in my brother's office. He doesn't talk to me, so I came here. What are you guys working on?"
"Nothing," they both responded in unison.
"Whooa. That's confidential then. Do you mind if I hang out here for a bit?" Lily asked, grinning.
"As long as you don't ask too many questions about our work, no problem," Luna replied.
"Okay." Lily took a seat and leaned back. "So, how long have you been dating my brother?"
Maise chimed in, trying to confirm, "You're dating Mr. Braxston?"
Luna's eyes widened, and her voice raised slightly in frustration. "No! I will never date him, never."
The room was filled with laughter, all because of Lily. She was much more talkative than most 17-year-olds. While the others listened, she kept telling funny stories and making everyone laugh. Her energy was contagious, and it felt like the conversation could go on forever. But just as the laughter started to fade, Lily's phone rang. It was her mom, asking her to come to the mall because they were going shopping together. Lily quickly grabbed her things, said goodbye to her friends, and left the room, still smiling from the fun they had.The room became quieter as Luna and Maise returned to their work. They were still focused on the case, trying to find any new leads.