THE CURSED LUNA

Tris pov

Emily's jealousy is precisely what I desire from her.

What if she discovers that we are manipulating her emotions?

"That is contingent upon her finding out; for the moment, let us continue this charade. I suspect she may be involved with Alpha Christian, although I lack concrete evidence." I spoke softly, my voice barely above a whisper, as sympathy for the potential truth lingered in my thoughts while I confronted Esther. Our eyes locked, and she let out a giggle.

"You care for her, don't you?"

I paused, stepping closer to her, the image of Emily's face flashing in my mind. I shook my head to dispel the thought. "Yes... I wish to safeguard her."

"No, I didn't inquire about protection; I asked if you love her, Tris."

Esther's eyes glimmered with mischief, her gaze penetrating me like a sharp blade. "Don't feign ignorance, Tris. I know you far too well," she remarked, her tone tinged with sarcasm.

I exhaled deeply, my gaze shifting from hers, yet Emily's visage remained vivid in my thoughts. "What does it matter, Esther? Love, protection - they are essentially the same, are they not?"

Esther's laughter sent a chill through me. "Oh, Tris, you are so obvious. You believe you can conceal your genuine emotions, but I see right through your facade."

I clenched my jaw, trying to maintain my composure. "What do you want, Esther?"

"I want to know what's going on between you and Emily," she said, her voice taking on a serious tone. "And don't even think about denying it. I've seen the way you look at her, the way you hover around her like a guardian angel."

My heart skipped a beat. How much did Esther know? Did she suspect something about Emily and Alpha Christian? I decided to tread carefully.

"Esther, I-"

"Save it, Tris," she interrupted, her eyes glinting with mischief. "I'll find out soon enough. But for now, let's just say... I'm watching."

A chill ran down my spine as Esther's words hung in the air, heavy with implication. I knew I had to be cautious, for Emily's sake and mine.

Just then, Emily walked into the room, her eyes scanning the space until they landed on me. A faint smile played on her lips, and my heart skipped another beat.

"Hey, Tris, having a conversation with your mistress, huh?" she said, her voice husky.

I forced a smile, trying to appear nonchalant. "Hey, Emily."

"Esther here isn't my mistress, she is a friend that needs help which I offered a job in our home instead."

"What's the difference between offering your mistress a job in the house and also taking advantage of her in the house?" She stated m, the voice was deepened with sorrow which was exactly what I wanted to hear from her. She has to accept her love for me but pride won't let her accomplish it.Content held by NôvelDrama.Org.

Emily's eyes burned with fury, her stare cutting through me like a knife. "Spare me, Tris. I'm not oblivious," she retorted, her tone saturated with disdain.

Esther, perceiving the escalating tension, took a step back, a cunning smile emerging on her lips. "I believe I will leave you two to your discussion," she remarked, her voice feigning innocence.

As Esther departed, Emily's gaze remained fixed on me. "You excel at this, don't you?" she remarked, her tone tinged with pain.

I inhaled deeply, attempting to ease the mounting tension. "Emily, please-"

"No, Tris. You need to hear me," she cut in, her voice resolute. "I know what I observe. I see how you regard her, how you shield her."

I exhaled, massaging my temples. This was not unfolding as I had hoped. "Emily, Esther requires assistance. That is all."

"Assistance?" Emily's laughter was icy. "You refer to that as help? You are leveraging your wealth and influence to keep her close, to ensure her dependence on you."

I advanced slightly, my voice lowered. "That is unjust, Emily. You fail to comprehend."

"Enlighten me," she challenged, her eyes aflame.

I paused, uncertain of how much to disclose. Yet, something in Emily's demeanor compelled me to take a risk.

"Esther is in danger. Someone is pursuing her. I am merely trying to ensure her safety."

Emily's expression softened, her eyes probing mine. For an instant, I believed I glimpsed a trace of the Emily I once knew, the one I...

"Safety?" she echoed, her voice scarcely above a whisper. "Or imprisonment?"

I recoiled, her words hitting a raw nerve.

"Ma'am Emily?" Esther called softly, her voice trembling as Emily's intense gaze bore down on her. "What seems to be the problem, Esther? You mentioned yesterday at the office that Tris should always respond to your inquiries, correct? So please, be quiet and leave."

Esther's complexion drained, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Emily, I-"

"Enough," Emily retorted sharply, her tone frigid. "Do you really think you can stroll in here and act like the victim? You are nothing more than a manipulative-"

"Emily, please stop," I interjected, maintaining a steady yet calm demeanor. "This has gone too far."

Emily's fierce glare shifted to me, her eyes filled with fury. "You are defending her? After all that I have witnessed?"

I inhaled deeply, attempting to ease the tension. "Esther is merely trying to assist. Let us refrain from making hasty judgments."

Emily's laughter was devoid of warmth. "Hasty judgments? You are the one being deceived, Tris. Open your eyes."

Esther's voice quivered. "Emily, I promise, I am not trying to-"

"Leave," Emily commanded, her finger gesturing toward the exit. "Get out of this house and do not return."

Esther's gaze met mine, silently pleading for support. I nodded slightly, offering her reassurance.

"Esther, please go," I said softly. "We will discuss this later."

As Esther quickly exited, Emily's fury seemed to fade, giving way to profound sorrow.

"You are truly choosing her over me, aren't you?" she murmured, her voice breaking.

I stepped closer, my heart heavy. "Emily, that is not what is occurring."

Yet, she turned away, leaving me with a lingering sense of discomfort.

I looked at Esther, and we shared a meaningful glance.

Esther will not be leaving, nor will I allow her to depart without assistance.