Chapter 31: Where Is My Knife?

Isabella, usually a passive observer of drama, found herself at the center of a spectacle involving Luna, a woman she knew to be strong and brave, fighting depression and striving for a new life. However, others' perceptions were drastically different. Recalling a conversation she'd overheard filled Isabella with disgust. Mentally replaying the scene, she mocked it sarcastically, her thoughts unheard by the others. Beside her, Christopher's tension mounted, his glare fixed on Anais. The idea of his beloved being the object of another's fantasies enraged him; had the other party been male, he would have already struck.

"Is this a misunderstanding?" a female researcher asked incredulously. "How could Zeke harbor such thoughts?" She wasn't defending Anais or questioning Isabella, but found the situation absurd.

"He he's making things up, I know it!" Anais' cheeks flushed, anxiety evident, though a rational part of her understood right from wrong.

Isabella feigned surprise. "So you knew all along. I thought you genuinely misunderstood Luna when you were arguing downstairs, pretending to doubt her while saying you'd ask her later. I tried to help, but I'm glad you didn't trust that." Her sarcastic smile thinly veiled the tactless exposure of Anais' deception, further exacerbating the awkwardness.

Everyone stared at Anais in disbelief, their grim expressions reflecting their recollection of her earlier behavior towards Luna. More shocking than Zeke's fabrications were Anais' own suspicions. Anais, taken aback, looked at Isabella with shock and resentment, believing herself deliberately targeted.

Luna's face paled. "You think I and your ex" Disgust choked her words.

Anais, unable to meet Luna's gaze, explained in a trembling voice, "I didn't. I was just trying to appease him."

"Huh!" Luna's anger rendered her speechless.

A male researcher interjected, "Just trying to appease? Shouldn't you have firmly denied it, like she always does when you seek her help after fights with your boyfriend? If you didn't constantly seek comfort from her, she wouldn't even know who your boyfriend is."

Another male researcher mocked, "I've heard of wanting someone out of your league, but never dreaming someone out of your league likes you. Anais, does your ex-boyfriend have delusions?"

Anais, feeling bullied, started to cry. "Back then, Zeke spoke so certainly, I was just"

Christopher, unable to contain himself, scoffed, "Certainty? I couldn't even get her to like me after getting on my knees, yet she could have a crush on your ex-boyfriend? Where does he get his confidence?"

Isabella was speechless. Had he added his own interpretation? Luna, previously disgusted, froze, her anger replaced by panic. This was the first time Christopher openly hinted at his feelings for her. Before she could react, he continued angrily, "Why not call him here? I could learn a thing or two!"

The researchers shivered at Christopher's chilling aura and clenched fists. They were certain that if summoned, the man would receive a forceful response.

"And you, do you know what an ingrate means?"

Anais, mortified by Christopher's direct mockery, struggled to breathe. "I didn't mean it that way. I was caught off guard. It could have been handled privately. Why" Instead of self-reflection, she blamed Isabella for publicly exposing her. Isabella, aware of Christopher's presence, regretted not stopping the conversation sooner, sparing Anais some dignity. How am I supposed to face people in the future?

Meeting Anais' resentful gaze, Isabella smiled gracefully. She hadn't revealed all the details yet; it was a small gesture to save face. In this world, virtue deserved reward; ingrates shouldn't trample on kindness. With Christopher assuming the role of Luna's protector, Isabella retreated, observing the unfolding spectacle.

She was then disgusted by gossip she read about Anais:

One post read: "This girl is something else. Every time she fights with her ex, she complains to her research group and distant friends, transferring negative energy. After venting, she goes back to him, all lovey-dovey. Having a friend like her is karmic punishment."

Another: "Damn! She took so long in the restroom contacting a friend to discuss her suspicions about Luna. The friend, hearing only Anais' side, concluded Luna was trying to steal her boyfriend, calling her a 'pretentious b*tch.' Anais replied with an innocent 'Really?' emoji. I want to puke! The friend praised Anais, saying if Luna couldn't get her man it proved Anais' charm. Anais replied with a shy emoji. My God! Does she actually believe this? How vain? The friend said as long as Anais doesn't break up with the scumbag, she'll always be the legal girlfriend, and the others are mistresses! Anais replied with a teary-eyed emoji. Damn it, where's my knife?"

A loud bang startled everyone. Christopher, looking murderous, had slammed his fist on the table, glaring at Anais who tried to defend herself. Anais froze, pale and tearful.

"You!" Christopher raged.

"Christopher!" Luna interrupted, stopping him. He looked aggrieved.

"She insulted you!" Luna stated, though that wasn't why she'd intervened.

"You're making too much noise. Do you want to get photographed?" Their commotion had attracted attention.

Isabella patted Christopher, urging him to calm down. While unsure of his motivations, she guessed he cared deeply. She agreed with the term "insult"—some people didn't deserve respect.

(Note: I have removed the censored words as they don't add to the narrative and are unnecessary. The context is clear without them.)