Chapter 13

“Selena,” Ryan said with a flat tone, his voice cold with warning, “this isn’t the place or time for your drama.”

Selena’s eyes flicked toward him briefly before settling back on Emma. “Oh, come on, Ryan. We both know I’m just stating what everyone’s thinking.” She raised an eyebrow, looking Emma up and down with a disgusting look. “You two just don’t seem to fit. But I guess... people go through phases, right? I’ll just be here when it all falls apart.”

Emma’s heart raced, but she kept calm and refused to show any reaction to Selena’s hurtful words. “I believe it hurts to be referred to as the past, like I could hear people gossip and refer to you as ‘was Ryan’s girlfriend,’ but guess what? I am the present; deal with it, Selena.”

Selena's smile seemed forced, her eyes sparkling with malice. "Touché," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She stepped closer, lowering her tone. "Let's be honest, sweetheart. You think you can keep Ryan's attention for long? Everyone knows we're meant to be together. You're just a temporary distraction."

Ryan's and Emma's eyes met in a knowing glance, their smiles mirroring each other as they gazed at Selena, if only she knew what was ahead. “Well, let’s see how it goes,” Ryan responded, still smiling mischievously.

Selena's eyes narrowed, sensing Ryan was hiding something. But before she could ask more, Mia's laughter filled the room. Emma turned and saw James leaning into Mia, whispering something in her ear that made her laugh even louder. Mia’s bright smile, paired with the obvious chemistry between her and James, was a welcome distraction from Selena’s venom. Emma felt a flicker of relief seeing her friend enjoying herself.

Ryan, sensing Emma’s unease, leaned down slightly, whispering in her ear, “Do you want to go somewhere else? We don’t need to stay here.”

Emma shook her head, forcing a small smile. “No, it’s fine. I’m fine.”

But she wasn’t fine. The pressure of pretending was exhausting. Surrounded by the crowded ballroom, Emma felt trapped by staring eyes and hushed whispers. How much longer can I keep up this act? she thought.

"I would be right back; let me use the restroom," Emma said, removing her arm out of Ryan's arms. She needed some space, away from the tension, from Selena, and from the overwhelming party atmosphere. Emma stepped into the restroom, grateful for the sudden quiet. At the sink, she leaned against the cool marble and gazed into the mirror.

The woman looking back at her appeared composed, elegant even. But underneath, Emma felt like she was unraveling. She couldn’t let Selena or anyone else see how close she was to breaking.

Breathe, she reminded herself. “Breath Emma”

Emma's shoulders stiffened as Selena entered, her smile gleaming with malice.

"Not now," Emma breathed, with frustration written all over her face.

Emma turned to face her fully, her guard up. “I don’t have time for this, Selena.”

Selena’s smile widened. "I don't know what you’re up to, but I have been digging into you and found something quite revealing.” Selena said, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "I know you are up to something."

Emma felt the spring of anxiety in her stomach, but she kept her face straight."I'm not interested in your discoveries," Emma replied calmly.

“Not even if it’s about your brother?” Selena’s voice was sharp now, a vicious gleam in her eyes. “Lukas, isn’t it? Poor thing. I hear he’s not doing so well.”

Emma’s blood ran cold, but she held Selena’s gaze, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. “Leave Lukas out of this.”

Selena moved closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're hiding something, and I'll find out what keeps Ryan under your spell." Her eyes locked onto Emma's. "No one conceals their past this well. When I uncover your secret..."

Selena's pause hung in the air. Emma's heart raced, but she stood firm. "Go ahead and investigate, Selena. You won't find anything that matters."

Selena's smirk revealed her pleasure in the confrontation. “We’ll see about that.”

With one final glance, Selena turned and exited the restroom, leaving Emma standing there, shaken but determined. She couldn’t let Selena rattle her. Not tonight.

Emma took a few deep breaths, picked up a wipe from her bag, and wiped her face. She sighed and re-entered the ballroom. She searched for Ryan, craving his reassuring presence. But her gaze froze on him. Ryan stood confidently, captivating the entire room's attention.

“Uuh everybody?” Ryan’s voice echoed, the room was silent; everybody’s eyes were fixed on him. “Yeah,” he continued. 

“I’m sorry, I just need a few moments of your time.” Emma was standing close to Mia, both looking surprised. Mia couldn’t help the tension but asked Emma, “What’s going on?” 

“I don’t know,” Emma responded, looking confused as well.

Emma's eyes met Ryan’s eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. His expression was warm, reassuring, but there was something else there. Something intense.

“What was he doing?” She muttered to herself 

“I just have a little birthday surprise for my grandfather. Ryan spoke out loudly now, his focus on his grandfather as he continued his speech. 

“For the longest time, my grandfather kept telling me to settle down and how there are more important things to life, and for the whole time, I didn’t know what he was talking about.”

The crowd giggled at Ryan’s jokes as he continued. “Until I met Emma,” he spoke, pointing at Emma, his voice clear and unwavering.

Emma froze. The air in the room suddenly felt too thick, too heavy. No, he can’t be...

Ryan reached into his pocket, and the sight of the small velvet box in his hand made Emma’s heart stop. Time seemed to slow down as realization hit her with full force.

No... not like this. Not now.

“Emma Lawson,” Ryan said softly, his eyes never leaving hers as he knelt down in front of everyone. The entire room held its breath as he opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond ring.

Oh my God, Emma’s mind screamed. She wasn’t ready for this. Yes, it was part of the plan, the contract, but not like this. He would have prepared her mind for this. 

“Will you marry me?” Ryan’s voice was steady, filled with sincerity, but all Emma could hear was the roaring in her ears.

The room was silent. Every face turned toward her, expectant, waiting.

Emma’s world spun. Emma felt overwhelmed, everything hitting her at once—Ryan's proposal, their complicated past, and their uncertain future.