THE CURSED LUNA
Chapter 28

Tris pov

I found myself laughing at her unexpected request, as it caught me off guard. Despite being deeply immersed in my emotions, I had never asked for anything as intimate as the hug she was seeking.

"What do you mean by 'baby's daddy'?" I inquired, feeling a surge of frustration. The pain I was experiencing made it difficult to show her the affection she deserved, and I struggled with the notion of giving her love at that moment. She approached me from the bed where she had been sitting since my arrival. I noticed her hands gliding over my abdomen, and in a swift motion, she pulled me closer. My heart raced with confusion. What was her intention? Was she attempting to win me over with her pregnancy?

'Emily, I know you're not trying to be deceptive, and I don't expect that from you. Can you tell me who the father of your child is?"

"Engaging in a pregnancy prank isn't beneficial for your reputation, especially since I trust you." I spoke softly while gently stroking her hair. As I embraced her, I could sense her heart racing.

A laugh escaped her lips, and tears began to form in her eyes. "I promise I'm not joking, I swear," she said, her voice quivering. "I'm just... frightened. I don't know who else to reach out to." She inhaled deeply, her hands resting on my abdomen.

"The father... It's a complicated situation. I was in a relationship that ended poorly. Then... I met someone new.

But I doubt he's the father as well." She gazed up at me, her eyes filled with a desperate need for understanding. "I realize this sounds unbelievable, but I think... I think it could be yours."

My thoughts spun as I tried to comprehend her statement. Mine? How could that be? We had never... I set those thoughts aside, concentrating on the moment.

Emily's eyes searched mine for comfort. I took a deep breath, attempting to steady my racing mind. "We'll navigate this together, alright?" I said gently, keeping my arms around her. "But first, let me call the doctor to confirm the pregnancy." She nodded, a faint smile appearing on her face.

"I was only joking; I wasn't actually in a relationship. I truly have no idea how I became pregnant, and it's frightening me. Trust me," she whispered, holding me close, her breath brushing against my skin and sending shivers down my spine. I kept her at a distance, examining her expression for any hint of dishonesty, yet all I found was fear and fragility. "Emily, I need to know, are you certain? I mean, we've never... you know, and I'm not even... how could this be happening?" My thoughts trailed off, overwhelmed by uncertainty.

She nodded, tears brimming in her eyes once more. "I realize it sounds unbelievable, but I assure you it's real. I've been trying to understand how this occurred, but I can't recall anything. It's as if my memories are shrouded in mist." Frustration was evident as she shook her head.

I drew her in closer, attempting to provide solace. "We will uncover the truth, Emily. I promise. But first, let's get you to a doctor for some clarity." She nodded, her body quaking in my embrace.

As we lingered there, an unsettling feeling persisted. Emily's statement replayed in my mind - "I have no idea how I became pregnant." It felt as though she was concealing something, but what could it be? And why?

As she headed off to change into something more casual, I turned to leave when her voice interrupted me. "Stay, I'm only changing my dress, nothing more."

"What!" I exclaimed, taken aback. I sighed and eventually laughed as I grasped her intention.

"You'll be without clothes."

I let out a soft laugh and shook my head, "You really are something else, Emily." Taking a seat on the bed, I attempted to maintain a casual demeanor, even as my heart raced unexpectedly. She slipped into the closet, and I could hear the sounds of clothes shifting and her muttering under her breath as she searched for something comfortable to wear.

Moments later, she reappeared in a pair of worn, soft jeans and a relaxed t-shirt. Her hair was pulled back into a messy bun, and her face was free of makeup. She exuded a natural beauty that struck me, causing a wave of attraction that I quickly tried to suppress.

"See, no tricks," she said with a playful smile, raising her hands in feigned innocence. I arched an eyebrow, still cautious about her motives. She settled down next to me on the bed, her leg brushing against mine. "So, where were we?" she inquired, her eyes glinting with mischief.

I paused, uncertain about how to move forward. A part of me wanted to address the pregnancy and demand clarity, while another part longed to savor the moment and escape the turmoil that had invaded our lives. I gazed at her, and she seemed to pick up on my hesitation.

"Hey," she said gently, resting her hand on my arm. "Let's just put everything aside for now, okay? Let's just be." With that, she leaned her head against my shoulder, and I felt my defenses begin to dissolve.

'It's not that I wouldn't prefer to eliminate the topic of pregnancy, but it..." She clearly pressed her hands against my lips, sending a shiver down my spine. Please, let's not discuss anything further.

I nodded, feeling a tingling sensation on my lips from her touch. As she withdrew her hands, I noticed the urgency in her gaze. She yearned to escape the harshness of our reality, and I understood her desire. I draped my arm around her shoulders, drawing her closer.

"Let's not discuss it for the moment," I murmured gently. We sat in silence, the only sound being the soft hum of the air conditioner. Yet, my mind was racing with thoughts about our predicament. How did we end up here? And how could I possibly become a father when I had never been intimate with her?

As we remained there, Emily's hand slowly moved to my thigh, igniting a jolt of electricity within me. I glanced down at her, and she offered an innocent smile. But I knew her intentions all too well. She was attempting to divert my attention, to steer the conversation away from the impending pregnancy.