Prologue
“You’re a sad girl.”
She chuckled. “Is it that obvious?”
“What’s on your mind?”
“It’s not my mind, it’s my heart. I’m in the winter of my life and all I’m relying on to sustain myself… my life… is the safety and sanctuary I seek in other people.” She buried her head in her hands. “Oh, it’s hopeless.”
“End scene!” Lorenzo, the director, walked up to her with a wide grin on his face. “Perfetto!” He cupped his hands on Luna’s face, reaching his arms out due to his short height. He placed two paternalistic kisses on both her cheeks, pride glowing through them like a radiant moon surrounded by twinkling stars in the night sky.
“Grazie.” She smiled widely at the Italian man, his chest puffed as he nodded approvingly at the young woman’s face in front of him. Luna always regarded him as the father she never had. She took his advice, made sure he had enough faith in her to take her on, proved herself worthy and she couldn’t be more appreciative that his loyalty to her was retained. Lorenzo saw the potential in her that not many casting agents, directors or co-stars saw and she knew that he saw it because she made sure he did.
“And what of me? I’m starting to feel a little left out here.” Luna’s co-star, Cassius, began to speak. She let out a laugh as Lorenzo proudly patted his hand on Cassius’ shoulder. “I’d kiss you like I’ve done with her, m’boy but you’re too tall and I’m afraid I’m got a little bit of male bravado left to cherish.”
“Duly noted.” He smiled sincerely.
Suddenly, the doors slammed open, a tall man, with broad shoulders walked in. His arms were crossed and a sardonic smile was plastered on his Mediterranean face. His attire screamed businessman, a very successful one to say the least. He took a step closer into the large studio, he was dressed in all black. A black turtleneck that hugged his chest beautifully, and a dark grey blazer to match with his trousers. Lorenzo’s face fell in disdain whilst Luna’s with admiration and disbelief.
“Mr Moretti.” Lorenzo pursed his lips as he approached the man. Antony Moretti. The current CEO of Diem Studios. It had hit Luna that she’d never actually met Mr Moretti, despite the fact that she had signed a contract with his company. He walked over to Lorenzo, he surveyed the room, eyes flickering from the cameramen to the producers, then the actors and finally on her. Luna. His eyes displayed a wistful appearance, a softness to them that she was not familiar with. Quickly he caught himself staring, lust replacing the odd look prior as he took in her figure in the soon to be a signature dress that she’ll be associated with iconically, her stylist continuously reminded her. The blue velvet fabric wrapped around her hips and waist tightly, forming the body that she was praised for constantly. He turned his attention back to Lorenzo and stopped a couple of centimetres away from him, his tall silhouette towering over the poor, old man.
“Signor Romano.” His arms circled around the old man in an uncomfortable hug. “How have you been? Hm? I hope well?” Luna has heard him speak on TV, award shows, the radio but never has she heard him in person. His voice was deep and clear, commanding and reflected deep pride and confidence. He was close enough for her to notice a few wrinkles by the outer corner of his eyes, a beginning to grey stubble and a straight nose. Antony was handsome, that was one thing for sure. Every woman would throw herself at him but Luna had the moral courage to reassure herself that she would never. She knew he was already wed, a beautiful Greek entrepreneur that went by the name of Athena.
She hadn’t realized that their conversation had consisted of harsh whispers and hushes. She also hadn’t realised that she had been staring, but Antony did. He turned his head, smirking at the woman as he came closer to her. “A big fan, by the way, love your films.”
“You’re into romance?” She talked back, feeling a fire ignite within her.
“Only when there are beautiful women like you in them to get me through it.”
“Flattered.” She picked up her dress and turned around, revealing the details on the back of her dress. Her entire back was revealed, causing Antony to stare for a while.
Before leaving for her dressing room, she turned her head and looked straight at Antony. “Ciao, Signor Moretti, it was lovely meeting you.”
