CHAPTER (1) THE ACCIDENTAL SHOT

LUNA’S POV

“Smile like you actually enjoy being rich, people!” bulong ko sa sarili ko habang nakasilip sa viewfinder ng camera ko.

Nandito ako ngayon sa Grand Ballroom ng Diamond Hotel, Isang charity gala para sa mga elite, Hindi ko sana tatanggapin ang event na 'to kung hindi lang dahil sa pamimilit ni Timothy Sabi niya, magandang Idagdag ito sa portfolio ko bilang freelance photographer.

“Luna, darling! Ayusin mo ‘yang mukha mo, Para kang papatay ng tao sa talim ng tingin mo sa kanila,” sita sa akin ni Timothy habang may hawak na baso ng champagne, Nakasuot siya ng isang makinang na silver blazer na halos sumilaw na sa mga guests.

“I’m working timmy, Hindi ako nandito para makipag plastikan sa mga taong ang tingin sa pera ay parang tissue paper lang,” sagot ko nang hindi inaalis ang mata sa camera.

“Ang sungit mo Naman, Kaya ka hindi nagkaka boyfriend eh, Masyado kang cold,” hirit pa niya bago rumampa palayo para makipag tsismisan sa mga socialites.

I rolled my eyes, I don't need a boyfriend, I need a perfect shot, Inikot ko ang lens ko, naghahanap ng subject na hindi mukhang bored o fake At doon ko siya nakita.

The heavy double doors of the ballroom opened, and the air seemed to get colder, Isang lalaki ang pumasok na matangkad,intimidating and wearing a suit that probably cost more than my tuition, Pero hindi ang suit ang kumuha ng atensyon ko, kundi ang aura niya, He looked like a king who hated his own kingdom.

Sa tabi niya may isang bata, mga ten years old siguro, na seryoso rin ang mukha pero may bahid ng pagkalito sa mga mata.

Click.

Hindi ko napigilan ang Sarili ko, Kinuhanan ko sila ng litrato, The contrast was beautiful, the powerful man and the observant boy, Pero nakalimutan ko ang isang rule, na Huwag gagamit ng flash kapag seryoso ang subject.

The bright white light flickered, and suddenly, the cold, sharp eyes of the man turned toward my direction.

CLARK’S POV

I hate these events, the fake laughter, the smell of expensive perfume masking even more expensive lies and the constant prying eyes of people who want a piece of the Anderson Empire.

“Dad, can we leave early?” Noah whispered beside me, he was tugging at his tie, looking just as uncomfortable as I felt.

“Thirty minutes Noah, We just need to show our faces,” I replied, my voice low and authoritative, I kept my hand on his shoulder a silent promise of protection.

I was scanned the room, looking for Ethan, he told me he’d be here, but his lawyer duties probably held him up, I was about to turn toward the VIP lounge when a sudden flash of light blinded me for a split second.

My instincts kicked in My jaw tightened and I looked toward the source of the flash, Usually, photographers would flinch or apologize when they caught my glare but not this one.

Standing by a marble pillar was a young woman, She was wearing a simple but elegant black dress that contrasted with her pale skin, Her dark hair was styled in a messy but chic bun but it was her eyes that caught me they weren't filled with fear or admiration they were defiant.

She slowly lowered her camera, her expression remains unreadable cold and maldita.

“Who is she?” Noah asked, noticing my gaze.

“A distraction,” I muttered, though I couldn't look away.

There was something about the way she stood her ground, like she was challenging me to say something, She didn't look like the typical socialites here, She looked like a storm wrapped in a quiet night.

I started walking toward her. I didn’t know why, but I wanted to see if that cold mask of hers would break if I got closer.

“Dad? Where are you going?” Noah followed.

I didn't answer. I just kept my eyes fixed on the girl with the camera.

LUNA’S POV

He was walking toward me Great Just great, The CEO looking guy was approaching with a stride that screamed trouble. Timothy saw this from afar and I could see him mouthing, "Good luck, girl!" before hiding behind a buffet table Coward.

I didn't move, I adjusted the strap of my camera and stood tall If he wanted a fight because of a photo, I’d give him one.

Nang makalapit siya, amoy na amoy ko ang bango ng mamahalin niyang cologne at ang bigat ng presensya niya He was much taller up close.

“Did I give you permission to take my son’s photo?” he asked, His voice was like a deep rumble of thunder smooth but dangerous.

I tilted my head, giving him my best sarcastic smirk. “This is a public event Mister And as a hired photographer for this gala, I take photos of anything or anyone that looks interesting Is that a problem?”

His eyes narrowed, The tension between us was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

“Delete it,” he commanded.

“No,” I answered simply.

The small boy beside him gasped softly, looking back and forth between us For the first time in a long time, someone dared to say 'no' to Clark Lucien Anderson. And I, Luna Alessandra Collins, was just getting started.

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