My Best Friend, My Luna

Chapter 2

OLIVIA

Several months had passed without any communication between Ely and me after that incident. The news hit me like a sudden blow to the stomach. Ely had gotten engaged to Talia, a woman I had never had the chance to meet. It was difficult to understand. I had always nurtured a hope deep within that someday Ely would perceive me as more than a mere friend, but now that he was betrothed, that dream had shattered into countless fragments.

I mustered up a facade of courage and extended my congratulations to Ely upon seeing him. He exuded pure happiness, and a twinge of envy pricked at my heart. I longed to be the one bringing him such joy. As we conversed, Talia approached, and her beauty had an intimidating effect on me. She bestowed upon me a sweet smile, her voice laced with sweetness.

"Hello, Olivia. Ely has spoken so highly of you. I'm thrilled to finally meet you," she uttered, her words dripping with honey.

I forced a smile and shook her hand, which felt cold and clammy. "Likewise, Talia. Congratulations on your engagement."

"Thank you. Ely is truly the most remarkable man in the world," she effused, gripping my hand a tad too tightly. "Our love is boundless."

I clenched my teeth, concealing my disdain. "I can certainly see that."

Talia's azure eyes skimmed over me, taking in my appearance. "Oh, I adore your tattoo. Did Ely collaborate with you in its design?"

Shaking my head, I withdrew my hand. "No, I crafted it myself."

"Wow, you're a tattoo artist?" Talia expressed surprise, her tone hinting at the novelty of a woman excelling in a thriving career. "That's... intriguing."

Suppressing a retort, I focused on the delicate champagne flute in my grasp, indulging in a prolonged sip to avoid prolonging the conversation.

"You know, Ely often admires your independence and strength," Talia persisted, undeterred. "But at times, I wonder if he's drawn to those qualities solely to tame them."

My eyes widened in disbelief, nearly causing me to choke on my drink. "Pardon me?"

Talia shrugged, her smile undeterred. "Oh, don't misunderstand me, I love Ely. However, there are instances where he can be... overbearing. Possessive, if you can understand. He always dictates my actions and behaviors."

An ember of anger flared within me. How dare she speak of Ely in such a manner? He was my dearest friend, my confidant. "I believe that's an unfair assessment, Talia. Ely is simply protective of those he holds dear."

"Perhaps," she said, her grin lingering. "Yet, I hope he won't exert excessive control over me."

A sudden surge of irritation urged me to wipe that complacent grin from her countenance. However, I inhaled deeply, endeavoring to maintain a composed tone. "I'm certain you and Ely will find great happiness together. Pardon me, I need to use the restroom."

Turning swiftly on my heel, I hastened toward the bathroom, longing to escape before uttering words I would later regret. As I splashed cool water on my face, a tinge of bitterness stealthily encroached upon my emotions. Ely had been my best friend, my dearest companion—the one I had entrusted with my innermost secrets. And now he was engaged to Talia, a woman who exuded manipulation and overly confidence.

Yet, why did it affect me so profoundly? I attempted to convince myself that my concern solely stemmed from my desire for Ely's happiness. Deep within, however, I acknowledged a more intricate truth. I had nurtured concealed emotions for him over the course of numerous years, and now it appeared that my opportunity had slipped away.

Throughout our earlier conversation, an intangible dissonance permeated the air. There existed an unmistakable veneer of artificiality that eluded my grasp. I endeavored to dismiss the notion and engage in trivial banter, yet her lack of genuine interest in getting to know me was palpable. It felt as though she was merely fulfilling an obligatory role.

I exited the bathroom, catching Ely's concerned gaze fixed upon me.

"Is everything alright, Liv?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine care.

A weak smile graced my lips. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just feeling a bit overwhelmed, I suppose."

He nodded, though a flicker of doubt shimmered in his eyes. "Well, remember that I'm here for you if you need anything."

I forced another smile, concealing the truth of my emotions. I understood that expressing my true feelings was an impossibility. The rest of the evening slipped by in a blur, and soon I found solace in the familiarity of my apartment, attempting to process the whirlwind of events.

Lying in bed, the conversation with Talia echoed incessantly within my mind. An unsettling feeling clung to me, but the source eluded my grasp. I resolved to maintain vigilance, keeping my guard raised in her presence.

Little did I fathom that this was merely the prologue to the forthcoming cascade of tumultuous events.