Page 182 of Blue Moon

It was time. Mom might have been recording this, but I was going to live-stream it. And guess which one of us had more followers? I checked my hair one last time and hit the button.

“No, he’s not taking advantage of me,” I called. “He’s making me coffee.”

“And who is this boyfriend? Not that talentless DJ? You know he’s only with you because of your fame. Agreeing to sing on one of his tracks was a gross error in judgment, but I’m sure he’ll understand you dropping out once he knows how sick you are.”

I spoke softly, loud enough for my own mic to pick up my words, but not loud enough that Mom would realise what I was doing.

“For the record, I’m not sick. I’m totally fine, and I’m sitting here in my apartment with my boyfriend and my dog, eating a croissant. Since I was four years old, my life hasn’t been my own. I spent my childhood on a mission to please my mother, and it was only this year that I finally understood it was an endless quest. No matter how many times you see my face, no matter how much money I make, no matter how many awards I win, she’ll never be happy. It took a stay at a turtle sanctuary in the Caribbean—which I’m sure everyone heard about—for me to finally get the space to see how manipulative she was.” Thousands of people were watching already. Good. “So I walked away. I walked away to make a new life. Luna at the Palace was the first step in that journey, but she just won’t leave me alone.”

“Luna! You can’t hide away from this. Stockholm syndrome? You’re having a breakdown. You might not be able to see it, but that doesn’t change the truth. Dr. Adamson will help you. He’s right here, and he cares. We all care.”

“I’m not having a breakdown, and I don’t have Stockholm syndrome.” I mean, not much. “Yes, I was abducted recently, and I’m certain half the world knows that too.” I rolled my eyes. “But I wasn’t harmed. I’m here, and I’m safe, and the man involved is getting the help he needs.”

The comments were flooding in now.

OMG!

Is this for real?

Luna, I love you!

Wow, your mom sounds crazy.

For free bit$coin, click this link.

Your dog is so cute <3

Is it true you got kidnapped by Julius Caesar?

Sing a song! Pleeeeeeease.

Deep fake! Deep fake!

Wow, are you okay?

Mom’s voice turned wheedling. “Luna, just come out here and talk to your mommy. I love you, darling, and I know you love me too. I understand how difficult things have been recently, away from your home, away from your family, but I forgive you. We’re a team. We’ll always be a team.”

“Really, I’m not so different from you,” I said to my viewers. Fifty thousand, fifty-five, sixty. “I’m just a girl who likes Netflix and junk food and hanging out with her dog. But I happen to sing for a job. And I’m going to use this opportunity to tell you that I’ll be stepping back from the stage for a while. I’m not sure how long yet—maybe a few months, maybe a few years—but at this time, I need to prioritise my health and my relationship.”

“Luna!” Mom shrieked, hammering on the door. “Do not ignore me, you spoiled child. I made you. You’re nothing without me. Come out here and listen to Dr. Adamson. He knows what you need, and that isn’t being brainwashed by a man you’ve barely known for five minutes.”

Ryder did the sweetest thing. He walked behind me and squeezed my shoulder. His face was out of shot, but his support was clear for the world to see, as were his skintight T-shirt and grey sweatpants. A tear rolled down my cheek, and I took full advantage of it.

“I’m sorry it’s come to this, but I can’t pretend any longer. And for the record, I’ve known my boyfriend for nearly six months; I just never introduced him to my mom.” I sniffed and conjured up a smile. “For obvious reasons.”

Man, she’s gonna break the door down.

I’m making popcorn.

Luna, call the police.

I’m so sorry, babe.

Love your songs!

Noooo, don’t quit singing.

*heart eyes* Those abs…

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