THE CURSED LUNA

Sheelah pov

I became aware of the controversies that Alpha Christian had stirred up in Amira's office, and it was quite frustrating. I couldn't understand how he could be so focused on persuading the naive girl that she was his long-lost soulmate, while she would likely respond with her usual chatter.

As I continued to eat, I noticed that the other family members were absorbed in their meals, but that was of no concern to me. My attention shifted to Alpha Christian, who was absentmindedly scrolling through his phone.

A chill ran through me as I wondered who he might be communicating with, all while ignoring his food.

I cleared my throat loudly, drawing everyone's gaze toward me, though his remained fixed on the screen. Adrian and Vivian turned their attention to me.

"Alpha Christian, you're not eating," I remarked calmly, my tone a blend of concern and sarcasm.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Alpha Christian slowly lifted his head, his eyes still fixed on the screen for a moment before finally meeting mine. A hint of a smile played on his lips, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just checking something," he said nonchalantly, his voice laced with a hint of defensiveness.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his evasiveness. "At the dinner table?" I pressed on, my tone light but probing.

Adrian and Vivian exchanged a curious glance, sensing the undercurrents of tension. Adrian, oblivious to the subtle dynamics, chimed in, "Ooh, is it something exciting? Can you show us?"

Alpha Christian's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "No, no, it's nothing interesting. Just a... work thing."

I wasn't convinced, but I let the matter drop, choosing not to push him further. For now, I'd keep a close eye on him, wondering what secrets he might be hiding behind that enigmatic smile.

I hope this situation doesn't lead to anger, especially since it all revolves around Amira. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me as my thoughts became increasingly selfless. I quickly left the dining room and made my way upstairs in a hurry. "Sheelah, are you alright?" Alpha Christian's voice interrupted my thoughts. I simply nodded, my hair falling in front of my face, and then I slammed the door shut behind me. It frustrates me to see him feigning concern; everything he does seems to be for Amira's sake. He never considers getting closer to me or spending time together. Leaning against the door, I felt my stomach churn again. It was all just an act, I muttered to myself as I headed to the bathroom. As I splashed water on my face, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Why did Alpha Christian's actions bother me so much? I told myself it was because I didn't kill Amira myself, but deep down, I knew it was more than that. I felt like I was losing my place in the family, like I was being replaced by this stupid, charming girl.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, searching for answers. My eyes looked tired, my skin pale. I hadn't been taking care of myself lately, too caught up in the drama unfolding around me.

Just then, I heard a knock on the door. "Sheelah, can we talk?" Alpha Christian's voice was soft, but I detected a hint of persistence.

I hesitated, wondering if I was ready to face him. But something inside me snapped, and I flung open the door. "What do you want, Alpha Christian?" I demanded, trying to keep my tone neutral.

He stood in the doorway, his eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw something genuine there, something that gave me hope. But then, his gaze dropped, and he said, "I just wanted to make sure you're okay. You seemed a bit upset downstairs."

I laughed, a bitter taste in my mouth. "Upset? You think I'm upset? You have no idea what I'm feeling right now."

Alpha Christian took a step closer, his voice low and soothing. "Try me, Sheelah. I'm listening."

But I just shook my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. I didn't trust him, not anymore. "Just leave me alone, Alpha Christian. Please."

He stepped closer and took my hands in his, a gesture that felt unusual since no one had approached me like that in years. I wanted to ask him what he was doing and to just let me be. If he truly wanted me to listen, he needed to stop bothering that woman named Emily; she is not Amira.

But I didn't say any of those things. Instead, I just stood there, frozen, as Alpha Christian's hands wrapped around mine. His touch was warm, gentle, and surprisingly comforting. I felt a spark of electricity run through my body, and for a moment, I forgot about all the reasons I was angry with him.

"Sheelah, I know you're upset," he said, his voice low and soothing. "And I don't blame you. But please, just hear me out. I promise I'm not trying to hurt anyone."

I looked up at him, searching for answers in his eyes. But all I saw was sincerity, and that only made me more confused.

"What do you want from me, Alpha Christian?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He took a deep breath before answering. "I want to understand you, Sheelah. I want to know what's going on inside that head of yours. You're always so guarded, so closed off. But I see glimpses of something more, something deeper. And I want to explore that."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he spoke. No one had ever tried to reach out to me like this before. No one had ever tried to understand me.

But I couldn't shake off the feeling that he was still hiding something. That he was still playing me, just like he was trying to get Emily.

"Let go of my hands," I said finally, my voice firm but shaky.

Alpha Christian hesitated for a moment before releasing me. I stepped back, trying to create some distance between us.

"Don't bother trying to understand me," I said, my voice cold. "You're too busy trying to win Emily's heart."

His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I saw a flash of anger. But then, his expression smoothed out, and he said, "You're wrong, Sheelah. I'm not trying to win anyone's heart. I'm just trying to make things right."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "By flirting with Emily?"

Alpha Christian's face went pale, and he took a step back, as if I had punched him. "How did you...?" he started, but then he stopped, his eyes darting around the room nervously.

"How did I come to this realization?" It's not overwhelming to understand what you've been pursuing, alpha Christian, as I noted, wiping away my tears. It was difficult to develop strong feelings for someone who remains indifferent to me. Alpha Christian's eyes dropped, and he looked away, his jaw clenched in frustration. "Sheelah, I... I can explain," he started, but I cut him off.

"No, you can't," I said, my voice shaking. "You can't explain why you've been chasing after Emily. You can't explain why you've been ignoring me, treating me like I'm invisible."

I took a step closer to him, my heart racing. "I've been watching you, Alpha Christian. I've been watching you, and I've seen the way you look at her. I've seen the way you smile at her, the way you laugh with her. And I've realized that I'm just a ghost to you, a mere spectator in your twisted game."

Alpha Christian's face twisted in anguish, and he raised his hands, as if to reach out to me. But I pushed him away, my palms flat against his chest.

"Don't touch me," I spat, my voice venomous. "You've lost the right to touch me, to comfort me. You've lost the right to my trust."

I turned to leave, but Alpha Christian's words stopped me. "Sheelah, please. Just listen to me. I'm not indifferent to you. I swear it."

I spun around, my eyes blazing. "Then show me," I challenged. "Show me that you care. Show me that I'm not just a footnote in your grand plan to win Amira's heart."

Alpha Christian's eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I saw something there, something that looked like hope. But then, it was gone, replaced by his usual mask of calm.

"Why do you insist on provoking my anger?" he inquired, looking directly at me, and I felt crushed by his words.

"What are you implying, alpha Christian? Do you really believe I would allow just any woman into my home?" I laughed lightly.

His anger flared.

He hissed and stormed out of the room, leaving me in a state of shock, and I shouted in frustration. Emily, or whatever her name is, will meet her end a second time; even if it takes me months to devise a plan, I will see it through.