THE CURSED LUNA

Esther pov

As I prepared Tris's favorite dish, which he had been longing for, I inhaled deeply, savoring the rich aroma that filled the air. Softly humming to myself, I focused on achieving the perfect taste. As I stirred the mixture in the pot, my eyes widened in surprise; it was not quite what I had anticipated. To enhance the flavor, I added additional paprika and salt, aiming to achieve the desired profile.

"Esther, you're not cooking for the world; why are you taking so long?" Emily's voice resonated through the kitchen. I couldn't help but smile at her words, especially since she had consistently shown an unfounded disdain for me.

I chuckled quietly, dismissing Emily's sarcasm. She had always been somewhat enigmatic, her animosity seemingly arising without cause. However, today, I was determined not to let her negativity affect my spirits. Tris was on his way home, and I wanted everything to be just right.

"Almost finished, Emily," I responded, keeping my focus on the pot. "Just perfecting the flavors."

Emily scoffed, rolling her eyes dismissively. "Flavors, who cares? It's just stew."

I cast her a sidelong glance. "This is not just any stew. It's Tris's favorite."

The mention of Tris's name seemed to momentarily quiet Emily. She lingered by the doorway, her gaze fixed on me, her expression inscrutable.

"Do you need assistance with anything?" she inquired gruffly, her tone softening just a bit.

I raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her offer. "Actually, could you set the table?"

Emily nodded and made her way into the dining room. I observed her departure, pondering what had caused this unexpected shift in her attitude.

As I continued to let the stew simmer, the flavors blended together harmoniously. I tasted it once more, pleased with the outcome. Tris would surely enjoy it.

At that moment, the door swung open, and Tris entered, his face brightening with a warm smile. "Something smells incredible in here."

I smiled back, feeling a sense of pride. "Your favorite stew is all set and ready."

Tris approached, planting a kiss on my cheek. "You're amazing, Esther."

Emily returned, her gaze flitting between us before she quietly mentioned needing to check her phone and quickly left the room.

Tris caught my worried look. "Don't pay her any mind, Esther. She's just... Emily."

I smiled, aware that this was the extent of the explanation I would receive. For the moment, I was pleased to enjoy Tris's company and the warmth of our small dinner gathering. "Shall we begin our meal?" Tris inquired, pulling out a chair.

I nodded and began serving the stew into bowls. As we settled down to share our meal, I couldn't shake the impression that Emily's actions were indicative of something deeper than mere disdain. There seemed to be a narrative lurking beneath the surface, and I found myself questioning when-or if-it would ever be revealed.

"What is her issue? Is she really being nice?" I asked Tris, who regarded me with a serious expression.

"Has she been nice? Hmm..."

"What do you mean by 'hmm'? She set the table herself," I remarked, looking at him with keen interest. I sighed heavily and leaned back in my chair. "Will she not join us?"

"I can't say when she might feel inclined to do so."

Tris's demeanor shifted to one of mystery, his eyes becoming distant. "Honestly, Esther, I'm taken aback that she volunteered to set the table. That's... not typical of her."

I leaned in closer, my curiosity aroused. "What is happening with her, Tris? She has always been distant towards me, but today..."

Tris paused, surveying the room as if to confirm our privacy. "Emily is dealing with some issues, I believe. She has been quite withdrawn recently."

I nodded in understanding. "I had no idea. Perhaps that explains her aloofness."

Tris's eyes fixed on mine, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "It's more complicated than that, Esther. Emily has layers. There is much you are unaware of regarding her." My curiosity deepened. "What do you mean by that?"

Before Tris could elaborate, Emily appeared in the doorway, her expression a blend of various emotions. "So, you are talking about me now?"

The atmosphere was charged with tension. Tris quickly attempted to clarify. "Emily, we were merely-"

"I am aware of your intentions," Emily interjected, her tone tinged with resentment. "You were questioning why I am being kind to your beloved Esther."

Her words struck a nerve, yet I opted to maintain my composure. "Emily, we would be pleased if you joined us. There is an abundance of stew."

Emily's gaze held on me for a moment, her demeanor softening just a fraction. For an instant, I perceived a hint of vulnerability beneath her hardened facade.

"Thank you," she replied softly, taking a seat opposite me.

The meal proceeded in silence, the only sound being the clatter of cutlery against dishes. I attempted to engage in conversation, but Emily's replies were limited to single words.

As we concluded our meal, Tris pushed his chair back. "I will take care of the table."

Emily stood up suddenly. "I will handle it."

Tris shared a knowing glance with me before acquiescing. "Alright, thank you, Emily."

As Emily collected the dishes and made her way to the kitchen, I turned to Tris. "What is truly happening with her?"

Tris's demeanor was serious. "I don't know." I nodded, perceiving that there were untold secrets and narratives lurking beneath the surface, awaiting revelation.

I observed as Tris departed with an air of urgency that I attempted to dismiss, blinking repeatedly. I hope she does not feel envious or believe that I am attempting to come between her and her partner.

As I remained there, absorbed in contemplation, Emily reappeared from the kitchen, her eyes slightly narrowed. "You're still here," she remarked, her tone devoid of emotion.

I rose, smoothing my dress. "I'm just ensuring that everything is alright."

Emily's gaze shifted to the doorway where Tris had exited. "He has gone to attend to some matters."

I detected a subtle tension in her voice. "Is everything okay?"

Emily's expression became more guarded. "Yes. Everything is fine."

The silence that enveloped us thickened, resembling a fog that refused to dissipate. I resolved to break the stillness.

"Emily, may I speak with you for a moment?"

Her eyes returned to mine, filled with caution. "What is it?"

I inhaled deeply. "I wanted to clarify things. I have noticed you seem... distant, and I want to assure you that I am not trying to take your place or interfere in your relationship with Tris."

Emily's expression became impassive as her gaze locked onto mine. For a fleeting moment, I perceived a hint of astonishment in her eyes.

"Replace me?" she echoed, her tone subdued. "Do you truly believe I have romantic feelings for Tris?"

A flush crept across my cheeks. "I... I was uncertain about your feelings."

You ought not to concern yourself with my thoughts; rather, you should maintain your distance. I detest being interfered with, Esther. She cautioned, gliding past me, her hips swaying gracefully as she made her way to the couch. I observed her departure, a chill coursing through me. Emily's remarks carried an implicit threat, a clear indication to maintain my space.

"I suppose I misjudged the situation," I whispered to myself.

Tris soon returned, his demeanor contemplative. "Don't take her words to heart, Esther. She is merely... protective."

"Protective of you?" I inquired, arching an eyebrow.

Tris affirmed with a nod. "Perhaps."

I sensed an underlying narrative, one that Tris was not yet prepared to divulge.

As Emily took her place on the couch, her eyes briefly met mine, conveying a clear message to maintain my distance.

I chose to honor her wishes and redirected my attention to Tris. "You mentioned you would share more about Emily?"

Tris appeared hesitant, casting a quick look at his sister. "Not at this moment, Esther. Perhaps another time."

The room became charged with unexpressed secrets and underlying tensions.

I shifted the conversation. "How was your day?"

Tris's demeanor brightened. "It was a long meeting, but it was productive."

While we conversed, Emily's presence remained a persistent reminder of the enigmas that surrounded her. Abruptly, her phone vibrated. She picked it up, her tone low and urgent.

"What?" she snapped, sitting upright.

There was a brief silence.

"No, I won't... Very well."

Emily's gaze fixed on Tris, a moment of alarm passing silently between them.

"Is there an issue?" Tris inquired, already standing from his chair.

Determined, Emily rose to her feet. "I must leave."

Without further explanation, she seized her bag and departed, leaving Tris and me in a state of confusion.

"What is happening?" I questioned, worry evident on my face.

Tris's expression hardened. "I will handle it."

The door shut behind Emily, leaving us with an abundance of unanswered questions.

I hesitated briefly before rushing to my room. I needed to address something on my phone, as the unusual behavior of both Emily and Tris was unsettling. Perhaps I should order some groceries; chocolate would certainly help, so I decided to keep myself occupied with a pre-order.

I locked myself in my room, seeking solace from the charged atmosphere. My phone became a refuge as I scrolled through shopping applications to distract myself.

I require groceries, particularly chocolate-an abundance of chocolate.

As I perused the aisles, my thoughts drifted back to the peculiar conduct of Emily and Tris. What secrets were they concealing?

I placed a bar of dark chocolate into my cart, accompanied by some fresh fruits and vegetables. A semblance of normalcy.

Just as I finalized my order, my phone vibrated with a text from an unfamiliar number.

"Stay away from Tris. He is mine."

My heart raced. Who could this be?

I quickly typed a reply, my hands trembling. "Who is this?"

There was no response.

The message remained on my screen, sending a shiver down my spine.

Could this be connected to Emily?

I attempted to dismiss the discomfort, convincing myself it was merely a prank.

Yet the words persisted.

Emily.

The atmosphere felt stifling.

I needed to uncover the truth.

I resolved to confront Tris, but upon leaving my room, I found the apartment eerily quiet.

Tris was nowhere in sight.

Where could he be? I pondered, pacing the building. Perhaps I should check the garden. An anonymous message warned me to stay away from Tris, and I suspected it originated from Emily, given her feelings for him while I remained just a mere cook.

Stepping into the cool evening air, the garden's serenity sharply contrasted with my tumultuous thoughts.

As I walked through the verdant landscape, the sound of gravel crunching underfoot felt magnified.

"Tris?" I called gently, scanning the shadows.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Silence met my inquiry.

I ventured further into the garden, allowing my eyes to adjust to the fading light.

A figure was seated on a bench, partially obscured by a trellis.

"Tris?" I called out, approaching with caution.

He lifted his gaze, revealing a troubled expression.

"What is happening?" I inquired as I took a seat beside him.

Tris exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. "It's personal, Esther. Quite complicated."

His eyes met mine briefly, his demeanor cautious. "What makes you think that?"

Personal matters shouldn't weigh you down. Are you concerned about Emily? Tris, you genuinely care for Emily, and I believe you both complement each other well as a couple, I remarked with a smile.

Tris's expression shifted from serious to astonished, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Esther, no! It's not like that with Emily. She's my friend, remember?"

I felt a rush of embarrassment color my cheeks.

"Oh, I apologize! I must have completely misinterpreted the situation."

Tris's tension dissipated, replaced by a soft smile.

"It's understandable, considering Emily's... prickly nature. But believe me, we are just friends."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief.

"Then what is troubling you? You can confide in me, Tris."

Tris paused, surveying the garden before directing his attention back to me.

Nothing, I just have a feeling that Emily is secretly seeing Alpha Christian. Are you certain she isn't involved with him? I asked calmly.

I care for her deeply, but she isn't reciprocating the affection I desire. I love her, Esther.

I was taken aback by Tris's unexpected admission.

"Tris, I... I had no idea," I stuttered.

Tris's eyes were filled with a plea for understanding.

"I realize it may sound irrational. We are friends, yet... our backgrounds are different. We lead separate lives. Emily has always kept her distance, but I have loved her as if she were family."

"I understand, Tris, and that is why I am here to assist you in pursuing her and winning her heart. You deserve happiness, Tris. I will do everything in my power to help you make her your partner."