a's

led as I wiped away the tears that blurred my vision. The echoes of their laughter, Lena's breathless giggles and Ryan's deep chuckles st

by a mix of rage, humiliation, and heartbreak. The engagement party was still in full swing. I could

was a

d to me, their smiles fading as they took in my appearance-my dishevele

om their glasses as they entertained high-profile guests. My parents, Mr. and Mrs.

arper than I intended. "Ladies and gent

xpectant eyes were locked on me, confusi

ome out yet.

wa

tasted like poison on my tongue, but they were the sweetest kind of poison

. Murmurs followed-disbelief, s

face drained of color. My father took a step forward, his

ther, is that your perfect future son-in-law is a liar and a che

eporters snapped pictures. Guests exchanged

arkened, but it was my parents' rea

disappointment in Lena, they looke

sharp and unforgiving. "Do not create

"This is embarrassing. W

were more concerned about appearances than about the fact that their d

mattered. Not as much as this business deal. N

and turned on my heel, storming out before I

t out. I ha

me-just the ache in my chest, the betrayal seeping into my bo

ion, I pushed open the heavy doors, needing

the sound of laughter gre

s lau

owed the sound, my heels dig

Lena. Her hair was still perfectly styled, her makeup still flawle

fr

They were too wrapped up in their conversa

nto mine. A slow smile curled on her lip

ing his glass slig

o fists. "What the he

lazily. "Isn't it obvious, Emma? You stormed off

beneath me. "You dis

"Oh, please, Emma. We never had anything rea

ed through me

d her nails. "You had everyt

wn up with, the girl I had trusted - had betrayed me

lization d

s al

ded to deliver the final blow, m

while my father crossed his arms. "Emma, eno

d. "Deci

t embarrass this family any furt

t me like a

whispered, my voi

us tonight. Lena is more responsible, more co

r the punchline. Waiting for

hey w

a exchanged

my body trembling. "You're

remained cold. "You hav

d between us. He