THE CURSED LUNA
Chapter 38

Tris pov Observing the furious expression on Emily's face, I found myself at a loss for words regarding the tears streaming down her cheeks following a difficult meeting with Alpha Christian and his family. She remained so consumed by her anger that she could not even look in my direction. "Emily, you were on the verge of terminating the contract with the Alpha's family. What is troubling you?"

Emily's shoulders quivered as she wept, her body shaking with a mix of anger and frustration. I approached her with caution, aiming to avoid startling her further. "Emily, please, share your thoughts with me. What is troubling you?" She turned her gaze away, her voice barely audible. "I can't continue like this, Tris. I cannot endure their deceit, their manipulation... their hidden truths."

I placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, attempting to provide solace. "What hidden truths, Emily? What are you referring to?"

She pivoted to face me, her eyes aflame with fury. "You are fully aware of what I mean, Tris. The Amira identity, the contract... it's all a facade. They are concealing something, and I am determined to uncover it."

I took a step back, my thoughts racing. "Emily, let's take a moment to consider this. Ending the contract could lead to severe repercussions-"

"Repercussions?" Emily's laughter was tinged with bitterness. "You have no comprehension of what I am up against, Tris. I am exhausted by Alpha Christian's viewpoint on my company's situation."

I lowered my gaze, feeling weak. "Emily, I... I was unaware."

She shook her head, tears cascading down her cheeks once more. "No one is aware, Tris. And I plan to keep it that way. However, I refuse to be a prisoner to them any longer. I will terminate the contract, regardless of the consequences." A chill coursed through me as I grasped the seriousness of the circumstances.

I approached her, enveloped her in my arms, and as I did so, tears began to flow from her eyes, leaving marks on my clothing. I allowed her to regain her footing without any reluctance, yet she leaned back into me. "Tris, you make me feel vulnerable; I cannot maintain my composure when you are near," she whispered, which made me feel cherished in her presence. However, I was perplexed as to why everyone referred to her as Amira. It was unsettling to realize that they possessed knowledge I lacked.

This troubling thought lingered in my mind, yet I chose to remain silent to avoid raising the topic.

The moment I mentioned it, her eyes widened in disbelief. "What are you implying, Tris? Are you suggesting that I am Amira?" she inquired, her voice resonating against the walls. "No... I did not refer to you as Amira; you are Emily." Emily's eyes locked onto mine, searching for reassurance. "Why do they refer to me as Amira, Tris? What knowledge do they possess that I lack?"

I paused, uncertain about how much to disclose. "I cannot say for certain, Emily. However, I believe it is time for us to discover the truth."

A spark of determination ignited in Emily's gaze. "You are correct. I am tired of their secrets and deceit. Let us reveal the truth, Tris. Together."

I nodded, my thoughts racing with potential avenues to explore. "We should begin by looking into Alpha Christian's family and their ties to you. There must be a reason for their insistence on calling you Amira."

Emily's grip on my arm became firmer. "Exercise caution, Tris. If they are concealing something, they will go to great lengths to keep it hidden."

I offered a grim smile. "I am capable of taking care of myself, Emily. Yet, I assure you, I will proceed with caution. For both our sakes."

As we stood there, a shared sense of determination enveloped us. We were united in this endeavor, and nothing would deter us from seeking the truth.

Emily quickly approached her wardrobe and retrieved a box of chocolates, expressing her intention to use them during significant discussions. "What purpose do the chocolates serve?" I inquired as she absentmindedly nibbled on one. "Are you not interested in having some?"

I raised an eyebrow, captivated by the chocolates. "I am more curious about their significance, Emily. What is the reason for the chocolates?"

Emily's eyes glimmered with a touch of mischief. "Ah, the chocolates. They serve as a... prop, in a manner of speaking. A means to facilitate challenging conversations."

I settled into a seat beside her, my curiosity piqued. "Please, continue."

Emily placed another chocolate in her mouth, relishing the flavor before she elaborated. "You see, Tris, when confronted with a difficult discussion, I replace that presenting chocolates can... disarm individuals, to some extent. It acts as a subtle diversion, a method to ease others while I evaluate the circumstances."

I chuckled, admiring her cleverness. "And what about the act of consuming them, as you are doing now?"

Emily's smile took on an enigmatic quality. "That is an entirely different matter. When I indulge in the chocolates, it serves as a... personal reminder, if you will. A technique to soothe my nerves and clarify my thoughts."

I nodded, starting to grasp her perspective. "A sort of ritual, then."

Emily's gaze held mine, her expression intense. "Precisely, Tris. A ritual that enables me to maintain control, even when the situation begins to unravel."

"Please feel free to take some; I do not wish to come across as miserly. However, if you choose to remain doubtful, that is your prerogative. I have a deep affection for chocolate and will indulge in it regardless of the situation."

I chuckled softly and shook my head, "I do not question your generosity, Emily. I am merely attempting to grasp the importance of the chocolates." I picked up a piece and scrutinized it, "It surprises me to learn that you are fond of chocolate. You appear so... composed and self-assured."

Emily's eyes glimmered with delight, "Ah, but you are mistaken, Tris. Chocolate is my sole indulgence. It is the one source of happiness that remains constant, regardless of the turmoil in my life."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "What is it about this particular brand that makes it so exceptional?"