THE CURSED LUNA
Chapter 49

Amira pov

I strolled into the kitchen, not like I was at some fancy mansion where breakfast magically appears. Nope, I had to whip up my own meal and Tris's too. Now we're a trio, and guess what? An uninvited guest decided to crash the party, barking at me like she owned the place. Ugh, I can't stand intruders.

I was just chilling by the stovetop, pondering my breakfast options when Audrey waltzed in, looking around the kitchen like she was some kind of interior designer with a critique.

Finally, she had the nerve to ask, hands on her hips, "What are you making for breakfast, Emily?" with that ridiculous frown. I shot back, "I don't know, maybe you should figure out what to cook," my tone as icy as a winter morning, recalling her earlier nonsense.

Audrey kept her cool, but I could see a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Oh, I figured you'd be a bit more welcoming, given our... little surprise encounter."

I rolled my eyes while cracking eggs into a bowl. "Welcome? Honey, you crashed the party uninvited. Don't expect a gourmet breakfast here."

Tris showed up next to me, a breath of fresh air. "Audrey?"

Victoria shot him a glare. "I'm perfectly fine."

"Whatever," Tris replied, brushing her off. "You're not sticking around for breakfast. You've had your say; now it's time to skedaddle."

Audrey's eyes sparked, but she managed to keep her cool. "Alright. I'll leave after I say what I came to say."

I handed Tris a plate of scrambled eggs and toast. "Might want to take this with you, then."

Her gaze lingered on us, a cocktail of longing and annoyance. "You two look... cozy."

Tris wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. "We are. And that's precisely why you need to bounce."

The tension was thick, but I felt a wave of appreciation for Tris's protective move.

Tris and I would really like some privacy, Audrey. How about you use that door or head to your room? I said quietly, giving her a pointed look.

She laughed and sluggishly gestured toward us, but then I felt her grip on my arm as she pulled me away.

"You should really whip up some breakfast," she suggested.

I yanked my arm away, irritation bubbling up inside me. "Audrey, cut it out. Whatever twisted game you're playing, count us out."

Audrey's grin was as steady as ever. "Game? Oh, Emily, this is no game. This is my reality. And Tris's too."

Tris stepped in, his eyes flashing like a warning sign. "Audrey, that's enough."

But Audrey just kept going, her voice oozing sweetness. "You see, Emily, Tris and I have a past. And I'm not just talking about the ring on my finger."

I narrowed my eyes. "What are you getting at?"

Audrey's gaze locked onto Tris's, her expression practically glowing with victory. "Ask him about the accident. Go on, ask him about me."

Tris's face drained of color, his eyes clouding over. "Audrey, stop this nonsense."

What? My mind was racing as I turned to Tris. "What's happening?"

Tris clenched his jaw. "Emily, don't pay attention to her."

But Audrey's words had already sown doubt in my mind. What was Tris hiding?

Audrey's laughter rang through the kitchen, sending chills down my spine. "You think you know him, Emily? You're clueless."

With that, she twirled around and strutted out of the kitchen, leaving Tris and me in a thick, awkward silence.

"Tris?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

He turned to me, his eyes filled with shadows. "Emily, I-"

But whatever he was about to say was cut off by the front door slamming shut.

Audrey was gone, but the chaos she stirred was just beginning.

"Tris, who is this woman?" I asked, my heart racing with anticipation.

Tris's eyes locked onto mine, and for a split second, I caught a glimpse of fear.

"Emily, I... I don't even know where to begin."

"So, here's the tea: we were all set to tie the knot until she ghosted me. I mean, seriously, she vanished on our engagement party day, and then I get a text saying she's off getting hitched to someone else. I was head over heels for Audrey, but that's ancient history now."

I can't wrap my head around why she's back, stirring up drama. As he laid it all out, I felt this wave of rage wash over me. How dare she think she can just waltz back into my life? Someone needs to remind her who's boss. I shot a fiery look at Tris and declared, "She's got to pack her bags and get out of our space, like, yesterday."

Tris looked just as furious as I felt, his jaw tight. "I get it, Emily. I'll take care of it."

But I was already in full-on mama bear mode. "Take care of it? She needs to be kicked to the curb, Tris. You can't let her just stroll back in and mess with our lives."

Tris put a soothing hand on my arm. "I hear you, Emily. But there's more to this than you think."

I shot him a skeptical look. "What are you talking about?"

Tris paused, clearly weighing his words. "Audrey's comeback isn't just about nostalgia. She's got something up her sleeve."

"Something up her sleeve?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"A hidden agenda," Tris elaborated. "She mentioned a joint account, and... I suspect she's trying to play me."

My brain was racing with questions. What joint account? And why is Audrey suddenly back in the picture?

Just then, the doorbell rang, slicing through the tension like a hot knife.

"Expecting anyone?" I shot at Tris.

He shook his head. "Nope."

I marched to the door, ready to give Audrey a piece of my mind if she dared to show her face again. But lo and behold, it was just a delivery person with a package. "Sign here," they said, shoving a clipboard at me.

I hadn't ordered anything.

And just then, Audrey strutted out of her room, her heels clicking down the stairs.

I placed the order myself.