TRAILS OF THE HEART
Ethan looked around the crowded party once again.
Lantern lights glowed beneath the great oak tree, music filled the air, and laughter echoed through the square.
But the one person he was looking for was nowhere to be seen.
Luna.
He spotted Rose and Tiffany among the guests, both dressed beautifully, but Luna was not with them.
"Where are you?" he murmured quietly to himself.
He had never felt this restless before.
After a moment of hesitation, he decided to approach Tiffany.
"You look quite lovely tonight," he said politely.
Tiffany smiled warmly.
"Thank you," she replied. "You look quite dashing yourself."
Ethan nodded in appreciation before asking the question that had been on his mind all evening.
"I don't see Luna," he said.
Tiffany's expression softened.
"She's home," she answered. "She caught a cold. Luna has always been sensitive to cold weather if she isn't properly covered."
Ethan's face grew serious.
Could I have caused that? he wondered silently.
But he quickly pushed the thought away.
After a moment, he stood and addressed the entire crowd.
"I know I promised that in three months I would choose my bride," he began. "And I know that time has come."
The crowd grew quiet.
"I apologize for not making my decision sooner."
He paused before continuing.
"So instead… I will give three more days."
Murmurs spread through the guests.
"Within those three days," Ethan continued, "the woman who can make me say 'I love you' directly to her face will be the one I choose as my bride."
The crowd fell silent.
For many of the women, this meant only one thing.
Competition.
Soon after, Ethan quietly excused himself and returned to his room.
Downstairs, the guests whispered among themselves. The challenge had turned the celebration into something else entirely.
To them, it meant war.
The mayor watched the situation carefully. He wasn't completely sure what Ethan's plan was, but he trusted him more than anyone.
One by one, the guests began leaving the party, already thinking of ways they might win the challenge.
Meanwhile, Ethan sat alone in his chair, reflecting on everything that had happened.
Then suddenly—
Knock. Knock.
He frowned slightly.
The party was already over.
Who could be visiting so late?
Ethan walked downstairs and opened the door.
And there she was.
Luna.
For a moment he simply stared.
"Luna…" he said softly.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Please, come in."
Luna stepped inside quietly.
She held something in her hands.
His jacket.
"Thank you for letting me borrow this," she said calmly as she handed it back to him.
Then she turned to leave.
Before she could walk away, Ethan stopped her.
"Why are you acting like this?" he asked. "And why didn't you tell me you were sick?"
Luna let out a short laugh.
"Scolding me won't change anything," she replied.
Then her expression became serious.
"You caused this," she said.
Ethan looked confused.
"Caused what?" he asked. "What did I do?"
Luna finally spoke the truth she had been holding back.
"You walk around like the star of some great show," she said firmly. "Everyone chasing after you… everyone trying to impress you."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"You're selfish," she continued quietly.
Ethan stared at her in disbelief.
"Selfish?" he asked. "What did I do to you?"
Luna finally turned toward him.
Her eyes were filled with emotion.
"Because I think I've fallen for you," she said.
Her voice softened.
"And I hate myself for it."
The room fell silent.
Neither of them spoke.
After a long moment, Ethan stood up slowly.
His face was calm again.
"Please leave," he said politely.
Luna didn't say another word.
She turned and walked out the door.
And this time…
She didn't look back.