Chapter 12

Emma felt her chest tighten as Leah's words bruised through her heart. The sight of the gorgeous dress made her wonder why she felt reluctant to purchase it considering it was worth every penny. She has always been the one running away in college, but this time, something is different. She wasn’t that same girl anymore.

She had Ryan’s credit card in her hand, and she wasn’t going to let Leah see her falter.

Leah smirked, leaning closer. “I mean, let’s be real. You can't afford it, and I might probably just buy it so you don't come back admiring it. Even though I don't really need it.”

Emma’s fingers tightened around the card, her mind racing. She could feel Mia’s protective energy beside her, ready to launch into a sharp retort, but Emma didn’t need defending—not anymore.

Without breaking eye contact with Leah, Emma calmly walked toward the register, holding the dress like it was already hers. “Actually, Leah, what you don't know is that time changes,” she said, her voice steady even as her heart raced. 

She handed the dress to the cashier, “Please go with this; pack it up.” Emma said, smiling at Sonia.

“Would you be paying with card or cash, ma’am?” The cashier asked.

Emma handed over Ryan's card, and Leah's eyes widened in disbelief as the payment processed smoothly. Leah's mouth opened, but words failed her.

Mia grinned, enjoying the look on Leah’s face. “Guess you were wrong, Leah. Not that it’s surprising.”

Leah recovered quickly, her voice a bit higher than usual as she attempted to save face. “Well, enjoy your little splurge, Emma. But just remember, money doesn’t change who you really are.”

Emma held the dress close to her and looked Leah in the eye. "This reminds me of my growth, not change." With that, Emma walked out, Mia following with a proud smile.

Without another word, Emma turned and walked out of the boutique, Mia following behind with a triumphant smile. Leah stood frozen in place, stunned.

Later that evening, back at Ryan’s mansion, Emma’s nerves started to rise again, looking in the mirror, doubting if she was well dressed, presented, and belonged in such an elegant dress for Ryan’s grandfather’s 80th birthday.

The thoughts of being the center of attraction clouded her; all eyes would be on her while she walked side by side with Ryan. She was supposed to be mindful of everything. How she looked, how she walked, even her words. It was definitely overwhelming. 

She applied some powder as a finishing touch to her make-up. Hmm, Emma sighed. She doesn’t want to look over or underdressed. 

The thought of growing up with her foster parents was refreshing; she had everything provided; she was ok until they passed and Lukas's illnesses. Now fun is a strange word to her ears.

She admired herself one more time in front of the mirror, picked up her bag, and headed to the living room, Ryan had already texted her he was waiting downstairs. 

As Emma descended the grand staircase, her heart pounded. Ryan was waiting at the bottom, and the moment he saw her, his breath caught. His eyes trailed from the hem of the dress all the way up to meet her gaze, and a slow smile spread across his face.

“You look… incredible,” he said, his voice softer than usual.

Emma felt her cheeks warm under his gaze. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure if it was too much.”

Ryan shook his head, still in awe. “It’s perfect. You’ll be the star of the night.”

Emma took a deep breath, feeling more confident under Ryan’s approving eyes. “Let’s hope we pull this off.”

Ryan extended his arm, and she looped hers through it. “We will,” he said, his voice steady. “Together.”

Emma and Ryan walked into the beautiful ballroom, filled with well-dressed people. Ryan's grandfather stood out, charming everyone with his warm smile. Emma felt many eyes on her, but she kept her head held high, remembering she was there to play a role.

As they made their rounds, Emma eyes kept roaming around, scanning for Mia. The party was becoming boring. She needed her friend to talk too.

Emma spotted Mia across the room and waved her over. "There you are!" she exclaimed, as Mia hastened to join them.

"Ryan, I'd like you to meet Mia," Emma said, and Mia extended her hand with a bright smile.

"Nice to meet you, Ryan," Mia said. "Thanks for having me."

“The pleasure is all mine.” Ryan responded with a warm smile.

Just as they were getting familiar with each other, Emma spotted James, Ryan’s best friend, laughing with a group near the bar. When he noticed Ryan approaching, his eyes shifted toward Emma and then over to Mia, who had been lingering near the drinks table.

Ryan grinned as he greeted James. “I can see you’re already having fun without me.” James chuckled, but his attention was distracted by the figure behind them, Mia, who was busy chatting with a waiter. “Yeah, but now I see why you didn’t mention she was coming,” he teased, nodding toward Mia in a stylish way. “Are you trying to set me up?”

Ryan raised an eyebrow, following James’ gaze. “That’s Mia—Emma’s best friend. Maybe you should introduce yourself.”

James smiled mischievously and excused himself, heading straight for Mia. Ryan and Emma were left to mingle with the other guests.

Just as Emma started to relax, Emma's heart sank when Selena, Ryan's ex, walked into the room. She wasn't invited. Selena's gaze swept the room, locking onto Ryan and Emma.

Selena’s eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on Ryan and Emma. Her expression hardened, and she made a beeline toward them, her heels clicking with purpose.

Ryan tensed beside Emma as Selena approached, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Well, well, I didn’t expect to see you two together here—looking so cozy.”

Emma felt Ryan’s arm tighten around hers, a silent signal that this was about to get messy.