AN- and another chapter! I've also updated chapter 15 if you haven't read that already! I've also updated chapter 1 as I wasn't really happy with it.

Hope you guys enjoy this chapter (:

Chapter 16

Wednesday afternoon found Tris and Christina tucked away in a cozy corner of their favourite café, a familiar haven amidst the bustling city of Chicago. The café was a small, intimate space, with worn wooden floors that creaked softly underfoot and walls lined with mismatched bookshelves brimming with well-loved novels. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sweet scent of pastries, creating a comforting atmosphere that felt like a warm embrace. The gentle hum of conversation and the occasional clink of cups filled the air, creating a soothing backdrop that made it easy for Tris to relax, if only for a little while.

Sunlight streamed through the large, slightly fogged windows, casting a golden glow over their table and adding to the sense of calm that had settled over them. It was as if the rest of the world had slowed down, just enough to let them breathe. Outside, the streets of Chicago carried on with their usual rhythm—cars honking, people rushing by, and the occasional sound of laughter—but inside the café, time seemed to stretch, allowing Tris and Christina to Savor the moment.

Tris sank into her chair with a sigh, the weight of the past few weeks momentarily lifting from her shoulders. Life had been a whirlwind lately, a never-ending cycle of responsibilities and emotions that had left her feeling drained. Between her recent trip to New York, the increasing amount of time she was spending with Tobias and Ella, and the constant demands of her everyday life, she hadn't had much time for herself. Usually, she would have spent her free day visiting her grandmother, but with Elizabeth still recovering in New York, Tris had finally agreed to a long-overdue girls' day with Christina.

Lunch with Christina was exactly what she needed. Their friendship was one of those rare, unshakeable bonds that felt more like family than anything else. They had been through so much together, and their connection had only deepened with time. Christina's vibrant energy and quick wit always managed to lift Tris's spirits, no matter what was going on in her life, and today was no different. As they polished off their sandwiches and moved on to their second round of coffees, Tris felt a warmth settle in her chest, a sense of contentment that had been elusive lately.

"I can't believe the concert is only two days away!" Christina exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat. Her excitement was infectious, her eyes sparkling with the kind of enthusiasm that made Tris smile despite herself. "I've been counting down the days for months. This is going to be epic!"

Tris couldn't help but grin, though a twinge of guilt tugged at her conscience. Christina's excitement was so genuine, so pure, that Tris almost felt bad for what she was about to do. Almost. The mischievous part of her couldn't resist the urge to play a little prank on her friend. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the laughter that threatened to bubble up. "Yeah, about that…"

Christina's eyes immediately narrowed with suspicion, her smile faltering. "What do you mean, 'about that'? Don't tell me you're backing out. Tris, I will absolutely kill you if you bail on me now."

Tris struggled to keep her voice steady, feigning regret. "Well, I was thinking… do you think there's any way we could sell the tickets?"

The look on Christina's face was priceless. Her eyes widened in horror, her mouth dropping open as if Tris had just suggested something utterly blasphemous. "Are you serious right now? I'm not selling them! Tris, you've known about this concert for months! This is the biggest band in the world! You can't be serious!"

Tris had to bite down on her lip to keep from laughing out loud. Watching Christina's genuine disappointment and rising frustration was almost too much to bear, but it also made the prank all the more satisfying. She decided to drag it out just a little longer, savoring every second.

"I know, I know," Tris said, doing her best to sound apologetic. "But something came up, and I just think it might be better if we sell the tickets…"

Christina looked like she was on the verge of an emotional explosion. "What could possibly be more important than this concert? I mean, Tris, we're talking about the biggest band in the world! This show has been sold out for months! You can't do this to me!"

Tris finally decided to put her friend out of her misery. She reached into her bag, her smile widening as she asked, "But what are we going to do with these tickets then?"

Christina frowned, her confusion evident as she tried to make sense of Tris's words. "What do you mean? We can't sell the tickets—wait, what tickets?"

With a flourish, Tris pulled out the two backstage passes that Tobias had given her, laying them on the table in front of Christina. The small laminated cards caught the sunlight, the words "BACKSTAGE ACCESS" boldly printed across them in black and gold.

For a moment, Christina just stared at the passes, her brain seemingly unable to process what her eyes were seeing. Then, as the realization dawned, she let out a squeal of excitement so loud that several other café patrons turned to stare.

"No way! No freaking way! Are they real? How did you get these?" Christina nearly jumped out of her chair, her face lit up with the kind of unbridled joy that comes from realizing you're about to live out a dream. "Tris, this is insane! No one ever goes backstage! How did you manage this?"

Tris leaned back in her chair, trying to appear nonchalant but utterly failing to hide her satisfaction. "Well, you know… I have connections."

"Connections? What kind of connections? You've been holding out on me!" Christina demanded, still buzzing with excitement as she reached for one of the passes, her fingers almost reverently tracing the edges.

Tris couldn't help but laugh at her friend's reaction. "Actually, my neighbour got them for me. Apparently, he's the support act."

Christina's eyes widened even more, if that was possible. "Your neighbour? Wait, is this the same neighbour who takes up all of your time and makes you all smiley and giggly?"

Tris felt her cheeks flush at the teasing tone in Christina's voice. "He does not!" she said, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably.

Christina's grin turned wicked. "Oh, this just keeps getting better! So, you're telling me that your neighbour—who, let's be honest, you're totally crushing on—is in a band and got us backstage passes to the biggest concert of the year? Tris, you've been holding out on me!"

Tris laughed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement. "It's not like that! We're just friends, and I didn't even know he was in a band until recently. But yes, he got us the passes."

Christina leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Well, in that case, we need to make sure you look absolutely stunning for this concert. You need to impress this guy, Tris! We're going shopping right after this. Sexy clothes, killer heels—the works."

Tris's eyes widened at the idea. "Christina, the plan was always to go shopping after this." Tris sighed, knowing that there was no point in arguing. "I don't need to impress him. It's just a concert, and we're just friends."

Christina waved her hand dismissively. "Please, I've seen the way you talk about him. And I've seen the way you blush whenever he texts you. Trust me, Tris, this is your chance to make a move. Plus, if he's getting us backstage, the least you can do is knock his socks off with a killer outfit."

Tris rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. "Fine, we'll go shopping. But you're not picking out anything too crazy."

Christina grinned, clearly pleased with herself. "Deal. But I'm still going to push you out of your comfort zone a little. You'll thank me later."

With their plan set, the two friends finished their coffees, the excitement for the upcoming concert buzzing between them like a current. Tris couldn't help but feel a bit giddy at the thought of seeing Tobias perform, and the idea of getting dressed up for the occasion only added to the anticipation.

As they stepped out of the café, the crisp autumn air greeted them, carrying with it the scent of leaves and the distant sounds of the city. The shopping district was alive with activity, the sidewalks crowded with people going about their day, and the storefronts glittered with new fall collections. Christina was on a mission, her energy renewed by the prospect of finding the perfect outfit, and Tris found herself being swept along in her wake as they navigated the busy streets.

Their first stop was a chic little boutique that Christina had heard great things about. As soon as they walked in, they were greeted by the soft hum of music and the sight of beautifully arranged racks of clothing. The air was filled with the subtle scent of luxury perfumes, and the lighting was warm and inviting, casting a golden glow over the displays.

Christina wasted no time diving into the racks, her eyes lighting up as she pulled out dress after dress. "What about this one? Or this one? Oh, this one would be perfect!"

Tris tried on several dresses, each one more daring than the last, but none of them felt quite right. Christina was relentless, pushing her to try things she would never have considered on her own. Finally, in the back of the store, they found it—the dress.

It was a deep, rich emerald, made of soft, flowing fabric that hugged Tris's curves in all the right places. The neckline was low but tasteful, and the dress fell just above her knees, giving it a sophisticated yet sexy vibe. But the best part was the back—cut low enough to reveal the delicate lines of Tris's tattoo, something she rarely showed off but had always loved.

Christina's eyes lit up when she saw Tris in the dress. "That's the one! You look amazing! His jaw is going to hit the floor when he sees you in that."

Tris turned to look at herself in the mirror, feeling a mix of confidence and nervousness. The dress was definitely out of her comfort zone, but there was something about it that made her feel powerful, like she was stepping into a new version of herself. "You think so?" she asked, turning slightly to admire the way the fabric moved with her.

"Absolutely," Christina said, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "Now we just need to find the perfect shoes."

They spent the next hour searching for the right accessories, eventually settling on a pair of strappy white heels that added just the right amount of edge to the outfit but were still comfortable enough for Tris to walk on for an entire evening. Christina also picked out a killer outfit for herself, one that made Tris a bit nervous that they'd be overdressed. But how often did you get the chance to go backstage at a concert? And according to Christina, this was going to be the biggest concert of the century, so maybe it was okay to be a little overdressed. Plus, she wanted to look nice for Tobias. She just hoped he would like her outfit.

By the time they were done, they both felt like they'd accomplished something monumental. As they walked back to Christina's car, bags in hand and smiles on their faces, Tris couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement for what was to come. The concert was just two days away, and what had once been a night she was dreading had now become something she was eagerly anticipating. The thought of seeing Tobias on stage, of seeing him in his element, sent a thrill through her.

Weekly dinners with Zeke had been a solid tradition in Four's life for as long as he could remember. The Pedrads had welcomed him like family when they saw that he didn't quite fit in with his own. Almost every night, Four found himself at their dinner table, surrounded by the sounds of clinking cutlery and laughter, with people who made him feel loved and mattered. Those dinners were more than just meals; they were a place where he could relax and spend time with the people who mattered.

When Zeke and Four went off to college, their routine shifted, much to their dismay. The warmth of home-cooked meals from Hanah was replaced by questionable microwave dinners and cheap takeout, yet they clung to their tradition like a lifeline. Even as life became more complicated with Shauna and Ella entering the picture, they made sure that their weekly dinners remained a constant. It was a tether to the past, a reminder that some things didn't have to change just because the world around them did.

But recently, life had thrown them both off balance. Four's move to a new apartment had consumed most of his time, while Shauna's pregnancy kept Zeke juggling more responsibilities than ever before. Their weekly dinners had slipped through the cracks, replaced by quick lunches at the studio and long hours spent making music. For Four, the chaos of his move and his increasingly hectic schedule had been tempered only by the time he spent with Tris. She had quickly become an important part of his life, and he spent almost every second of his free time with her. But as much as he cherished Tris's company, he couldn't ignore the gnawing feeling that something was missing—the familiar comfort of his dinners with Zeke.

Tonight, they were finally returning to their tradition. Four had been looking forward to it all day, though he couldn't shake the anxiety that came with cooking dinner after weeks of indulging in Tris's culinary expertise. Ever since she started helping with meals, he had become all too aware of his own limitations in the kitchen. Everything Tris touched seemed to turn into something extraordinary, effortlessly blending simple ingredients into dishes that were nothing short of magic. Watching her move in the kitchen, so confident and graceful, made him acutely aware of how much he had come to rely on her.

The night before, Four had found himself scrolling through recipe blogs, desperately searching for something—anything—that might live up to the high bar Tris had set. But everything he found felt inadequate, and the more he searched, the more frustrated he became. He hadn't realized just how much he had come to depend on Tris until now. The thought of cooking without her by his side suddenly felt overwhelming.

Just as his frustration was reaching its peak, the door creaked open, and Tris walked into the apartment with Ella, fresh from their walk with Bailey. The sight of them immediately soothed some of his tension. Ella's laughter echoed through the hallway, and Bailey's soft barks followed. But it was Tris who truly grounded him. She noticed the furrow in his brow, the slight panic in his eyes as he scrolled through yet another recipe blog. Without saying a word, she walked over and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. The touch, so simple and gentle, sent a spark through him that he tried—and failed—to ignore.

"Don't worry," she said with a smile that made his heart stumble in his chest. "I'll help you. We'll make something great together."

And they did. Together with Ella, they crafted a delicious lasagna, the kind that filled the apartment with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, cheese, and fresh herbs. The warmth of the meal seemed to chase away the last remnants of his earlier anxiety. As they worked side by side in the kitchen, Four felt a sense of peace and contentment. Every moment with Tris brought him closer to admitting the feelings he had been trying so hard to suppress. She wasn't just a friend—she was becoming something more, something he wasn't sure how to define yet. But every touch, every smile, every laugh they shared made it harder to deny.

As they put the finishing touches on dinner, Four had been tempted to invite Tris to join them the next evening. He felt guilty that she had done most of the cooking and wouldn't be there to enjoy the meal. But she had gently declined, mentioning her plans with Christina. He tried to hide his disappointment, promising to make it up to her another time. The idea of spending an evening without her felt strangely empty, but he pushed the thought aside as he focused on the upcoming dinner with Zeke and Shauna.

The sound of the door opening without a knock pulled Four from his thoughts. Zeke never bothered with formalities, especially not here. "Where's my little troublemaker?" Zeke's voice boomed through the apartment, full of the same playful energy that always seemed to follow him.

Shauna trailed behind, shaking her head at her husband's antics, a bottle of wine in her hand. She looked radiant, despite the early signs of pregnancy—a slight swell of her belly, the subtle glow that made her seem almost ethereal. "Honestly, Zeke, one day you're going to give someone a heart attack," she muttered, though the fond smile on her face made it clear she wasn't too upset.

Ella, who had been upstairs playing, came barreling down the stairs, her little feet barely touching the ground. The moment she spotted Zeke, she let out a squeal of pure joy and launched herself into his waiting arms. "Uncle Zeze!" she cried, her giggles filling the room as he spun her around like she was the most precious thing in the world.

"Look at you!" Zeke said, holding her up so he could inspect her closely. His eyes twinkled with affection. "What did your dad do to your hair, kiddo? Did he finally figure out how to use a comb?"

Ella giggled, patting her neatly braided hair with pride. "Tris did it," she announced, her voice full of admiration.

Zeke raised an eyebrow and shot Four a smirk. "Tris, huh? Is she the new babysitter or something?"

"No!" Ella said firmly, crossing her little arms over her chest in a way that was so reminiscent of her father it was almost comical. "She's stupid."

"Ella, be nice!" Four tried to sound stern, but it was hard to keep the amusement out of his voice. He couldn't help but smile at the blunt honesty of his daughter.

Zeke and Shauna both tried to stifle their laughter, though Shauna wasn't as successful—her giggles escaping despite her best efforts. "Tris is our neighbor," Four explained, trying to sound casual, but there was a defensiveness in his tone that didn't go unnoticed.

Ella, eager to change the subject, ran to the coffee table and picked up a drawing she had been working on earlier. She rushed back to her uncle, holding the paper up with pride. "See," she said, pointing to the figures on the drawing, "this is Tris and my friend Bailey."

Ella's eyes sparkled as she talked about them. "Bailey is funny and fluffy, and he likes it when I play with his ball," she added, her voice full of adoration for the dog.

Zeke listened intently, his expression softening as he took in her excitement. "Yeah? And tell me about Tris."

Ella's smile grew even wider, her little face lighting up with joy. "Tris is fun, really pretty. She likes my movies, I like her snacks, she doesn't hurt my hair, and... oh, she makes Daddy smile."

Zeke's ears perked up at that last comment, and he immediately turned to Four with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, she makes Daddy smile?" he asked, his grin widening as he looked at Four, who suddenly wished he could disappear into the floor.

Ella nodded eagerly, completely unaware of the tension building between the adults. "Yes! They laugh, and Daddy is silly with her. And I like it when they read me a story together. They do funny voices."

Four couldn't help but smile, his heart warming at Ella's innocent observation. It was a relief to hear how much she liked Tris, how easily she had accepted her into their lives.

Zeke, who had been nodding along to Ella's enthusiastic recounting, shot Four a knowing look. "She stays for bedtime stories?"

Four felt his face heat up under Zeke's gaze, but he shrugged it off, trying to focus on getting dinner ready. "Come on, dinner's almost ready. Let's eat before it gets cold."

They gathered around the table, the rich scent of lasagna filling the room. The warmth of the meal mirrored the warmth in Four's chest, the comfort of being surrounded by the people he cared about most. As they settled into their seats, Zeke couldn't resist one last teasing comment. "So, Tris makes you smile, huh? Maybe I should have a chat with her, see what her intentions are with my boy."

Four rolled his eyes, but he couldn't hide the grin tugging at his lips. "Just eat your dinner, Zeke."

Dinner was a lively affair, filled with laughter and the kind of easy conversation that only years of friendship could bring. Shauna praised the lasagna, and Ella, eager to share every detail, quickly informed everyone that it was actually Tris who had cooked. Zeke shot Four a knowing look, one that promised he wouldn't let this go anytime soon. Ella was in her element, bouncing between telling stories and asking for seconds, clearly relishing having her favorite people in one place.

As they cleaned up after the meal, with Ella busy showing Shauna her collection of stuffed animals, Zeke couldn't resist bringing up Ella's earlier comment. "So, what's the deal with Tris? How long has this been going on?"

Four shrugged, trying to play it cool, but he could feel Zeke's eyes boring into him. "We're just friends."

Zeke raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Friends, huh? You don't really do 'friends,' but does she know who you are?"

Four sighed, feeling the weight of the truth he had been avoiding. "Kind of. She's never heard of Four if that's what you're asking. But I did invite her to the concert."

Zeke's eyes widened in surprise. "She doesn't know? Really?"

Four laughed, the absurdity of the situation hitting him. "Yeah, she thinks I'm the support act."

Zeke burst out laughing, clapping Four on the back. "Oh, that's golden. Well, I'm happy for you, man. And I'm looking forward to meeting the woman who makes you smile."

Four couldn't help but smile, a mix of relief and nervous anticipation settling in his chest. He knew Friday was going to be a big night. And for the first time, he found himself hoping that everything would turn out just right.

Friday had arrived, and the city thrummed with an electric energy that seemed to seep into everything and everyone. Tris could feel it in her bones as she wrapped up the last of her work at the office. The day had been long, filled with the usual hustle of meetings and paperwork, but underneath it all, there was a quiet excitement bubbling up inside her. She was eager to meet Christina for drinks and dinner before the concert, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Tobias.

He had been noticeably on edge the past few days, trying to mask his nervousness with his usual calm exterior, but Tris had seen the tension in his eyes. The way his fingers would tap absently against the armrest of the couch, or how he'd fidget with his guitar, tuning and re-tuning it more times than necessary. She understood his nerves—tonight was a big deal. He was performing on the biggest stage in Chicago. But more than anything, she was grateful that he wanted to share this moment with her. It felt like a privilege, being allowed into this part of his life, and she cherished it more than she could express.

But as much as she was excited for him, a small seed of doubt had begun to take root in her mind. Tris was falling hard for Tobias, and that terrified her. There were so many reasons why it wasn't a good idea—they were neighbors, he had a daughter, and things would get awkward if it didn't work out. But despite all those reasons, she couldn't deny the feelings that had been growing steadily in her heart. Every moment they spent together felt special, like something out of a storybook. He had a way of making her feel seen, like she was the only person in the world that mattered when he looked at her. It was a heady, intoxicating feeling, one she wasn't sure how to handle.

Her grandmother, Elizabeth, hadn't stopped talking about Four since their time in New York. Every phone call, every conversation, inevitably led back to him. "That handsome young man, Four," she'd say, her voice filled with warmth and mischief. "He's got eyes for you, Tris. Anyone with half a brain could see that." Tris would laugh it off, brushing aside her grandmother's comments as wishful thinking, but the truth was, they had left a mark. The idea that Tobias might actually feel something for her... it was almost too much to hope for.

As Tris stepped out of her office, the crisp evening air greeted her, a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the building. The bustling streets of Chicago were alive with the usual Friday evening energy, but Tris barely noticed as she hurried home. There was still so much to do before the concert, and she couldn't shake the nervous excitement buzzing through her.

At home, she carefully slipped into the emerald dress she and Christina had picked out earlier that week. The rich green fabric hugged her curves perfectly, the low back revealing the delicate lines of her tattoo—a detail she rarely showed off but had always loved. She applied her makeup with a steady hand, opting for an elegant yet understated look. As she finished, she couldn't help but wonder what Tobias would think when he saw her tonight.

Before heading out, Tris made a quick stop at her neighbor Rose's house to drop off Bailey for the evening. Rose, always happy to help, assured Tris that Bailey would be in good hands, allowing her to focus on the night ahead. Tris thanked her and hurried back to her apartment, grabbing her bag and heading out the door.

She had just started walking towards the restaurant where she was meeting Christina when her phone buzzed with a new message. She pulled it out of her pocket, her heart doing a little flip when she saw that it was from Tobias.

The message was simple, just a thank you, but it was attached to a photo of the gift basket she had sent him for the concert. She had been so proud of him, wanting to show her support in some small way. The basket was filled with his favorite things—a bottle of his favorite whiskey, a few bags of his favourite snacks, a small card expressing how proud she was of him scoring such a big gig and wishing him luck, and, tucked in at the last minute, a slice of the homemade chocolate cake that had quickly become his favorite. She knew how much he loved that cake, and it felt like a small way to remind him that she was thinking of him. She hadn't expected a response, knowing how busy he must be, but his gratitude in the text made her smile.

Tobias: Thank you so much for this. You didn't have to, but it means a lot. I'll see you tonight. x

Tris couldn't help the grin that spread across her face as she read the message. She quickly typed out a response, her fingers flying across the screen.

Tris: You're going to be amazing tonight! Can't wait to see you on stage. xx

She slipped her phone back into her bag, her heart feeling a little lighter as she made her way to the restaurant. The streets were crowded with the usual Friday evening crowd—people heading out for the night, their laughter and conversations blending into the background as Tris walked by. The city seemed more alive than usual, the anticipation of the evening ahead hanging in the air. But for Tris, the excitement of the concert overshadowed everything else.

When she arrived at the restaurant, Christina was already there, practically vibrating with excitement. "Tris! You're finally here!" Christina exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. She practically bounced in her seat, her eyes sparkling as she took in Tris's appearance. "Oh my God, you look incredible! That dress is to die for. I'm telling you, if your neighbour doesn't lose his mind when he sees you, he's blind."

Tris flushed at the compliment, but she couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Thanks, Christina. I just hope it's not too much. It's just a concert, after all."

Christina waved her hand dismissively. "Too much? Are you kidding? You look amazing, and you're going to knock his socks off! This is the biggest band in the world, and you're dressed perfectly for it. And I can't believe we're actually going to this concert tonight. And you got us backstage passes! Do you know how insane that is? No one at Rolling Stone has ever gotten backstage passes. This band is so private, they barely do interviews or meet and greets with fans."

Tris smiled, a bit sheepishly. She hadn't realized just how big of a deal those passes were. "I'm just glad we get to go together. I know you've been looking forward to this for months."

"Oh, you have no idea," Christina gushed, practically leaning over the table in her excitement. "I've been dying to see them live. And the lead singer? He's literally the most handsome man alive. I swear, if I get to meet him tonight, I might actually faint."

Tris laughed "He can't be that hot."

Christina gave her a look that clearly said she didn't believe a word of it. "Trust me, Tris. He really is. I'm sure that even you will find Four hot. No one can deny his looks."

Tris felt her heart skip a beat at the mention of that name. She must have misheard, right? "Four?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Yeah," Christina said with a laugh, clearly amused by Tris's reaction. "It's a strange name, I know. But that's what he goes by. It's a nickname or something. No one knows his real name, but he goes by Four. Don't let the name fool you, though. He's really something else."

Tris felt the colour drain from her face, her heart pounding in her chest. She forced herself to keep breathing, to stay calm, but the panic was clawing its way up her throat. "Do you have a picture of him?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Christina gave her a puzzled look. "You've never seen him before? I thought you were joking earlier! He's everywhere—magazines, billboards, you name it. How have you not seen a picture of him?"

Tris swallowed hard, realizing just how deep her ignorance ran. "I'm... not really into celebrity stuff," she mumbled, trying to cover her tracks.

Christina shrugged, clearly finding it hard to believe. "Well, you're in for a treat. Here, look."

She handed the phone to Tris, and the world seemed to spin out of control as Tris stared at the screen. There, in the photo, was the man she had been falling for, the man who she had grown so close to. Four. Or Tobias. Her Four. The same man who was about to perform on one of the biggest stages in Chicago tonight. He wasn't just a musician; he was a global superstar, with a level of fame that rivalled someone like Taylor Swift, according to Christina. He was adored by millions, his face plastered on billboards, his name whispered in awe by fans around the world. And she had been completely in the dark.

Tris's hands shook as she nearly dropped the phone, her mind reeling. How had she not known? How had she spent all this time with him—nearly two months—and never realized who he was? The realization hit her like a freight train, knocking the breath out of her lungs. The man she had been growing closer to, the man she had shared so many intimate moments with, was the same man who was known worldwide and she seemed to be the only one who didn't ? What was she supposed to do now? Why didn't he tell her? Did she not mean anything to him?

Tris's mind raced back to the night they had run from the paparazzi. It all made sense now—the way he had insisted on staying incognito, the urgency with which he had pulled her away, the way he had always seemed so guarded about certain aspects of his life. She had just thought he was being cautious, maybe a bit overprotective. But now she saw the truth. He had been hiding from more than just the public eye; he had been hiding from her.

She felt hurt, deeply so. Why hadn't Four—no, Tobias—been honest with her? Did he think so little of her that he felt the need to hide such a significant part of his life? Did he think she wouldn't understand, or worse, that she would only see him for his fame? The doubt clawed at her, making her question everything. Every smile, every touch, every shared laugh—they all felt tainted now, like maybe she had misunderstood everything. She felt like an idiot.

Was she just some diversion for him? Someone to fill the time when he wasn't busy being a rock star? Tris's mind whirled with all the possibilities, each one more painful than the last. She thought back to every moment they had spent together, trying to find the cracks, the signs she had missed. But all she found was confusion and a deep, aching sadness.

Tris felt her heart racing in her chest. She needed to calm down, needed to think clearly, but everything was spinning out of control. When the waiter arrived with the shots Christina had ordered earlier, Tris didn't hesitate. She grabbed both hers and Christina's and downed them in quick succession, the alcohol burning a path down her throat and momentarily dulling the panic.

Christina noticed Tris's reaction, her brow furrowing in concern. "Tris? Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Tris managed to force a smile, though it felt shaky and fragile. "Yeah, he's definitely attractive."

Christina laughed, still oblivious to the storm brewing inside Tris. "see I told you!
I really hope we get to meet him. If I could get an interview with him, it would make my career."

Tris's eyes widened, panic surging up again. "No interviews or photos, Christina! Or I'm going without you. You have to promise me that whatever you see or hear tonight, you're going to forget and never mention to anyone, alright?"

Christina looked confused by Tris's sudden intensity but nodded. "Okay, fine. I promise."

Tris let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, but the fear still gnawed at her insides. She ordered a few more shots, trying to calm her nerves. The reality of her situation was crashing down on her, making her realize that falling for Tobias was even more complicated than she had originally thought. What was she thinking catching feelings for someone who was far out of her reach.

As Christina continued to chatter on about the concert, Tris tried to steady her breathing. She had to pull herself together, at least for now. But as she stared down at her empty shot glass, the weight of everything pressed down on her. She couldn't shake the feeling that everything had just become infinitely more complicated.

With the realization that her feelings for Tobias ran deeper than she had been willing to admit, Tris knew that tonight would be a turning point. She just didn't know what direction it would take.