Emily, still feeling shaky, rushed forward and grabbed her phone, hanging up without another word.
Damon stared at her, confused by how upset she seemed. “What’s wrong?”
Seeing the puzzled look on his face, Emily realized he hadn’t overheard the whole conversation with Yvonne. She let out a breath, glancing away, and tried to keep her voice steady, “It’s nothing. I just don’t want you and your family–fighting about me again.”
These days, the Raines family had been in constant turmoil over her and Damon being together, doing everything they could to split them up. Damon had argued with them more times than she could even remember.
Satisfied with her answer, Damon didn’t ask any more questions. Instead, he changed the subject. “What did the doctor say? Are you okay?”
“The doctor said it’s nothing serious. I can go home.”
After they got back, Damon barely left the house, sticking by Emily’s side. But she wasn’t like her old self anymore. The cheerful, lively Emily seemed to have disappeared. Instead, she spent most of her time sitting quietly in a corner, lost in thought, barely smiling.
Damon couldn’t figure it out. He tried holding her, hoping to cheer her up, but she just gently pulled away and went to the bedroom. “I’m not feeling well. I’m going to lie down for a bit.”
Watching her go, Damon felt a stab of worry. He guessed she was still bothered by their recent argument, so he had his assistant put together a surprise,
When her birthday rolled around, Damon threw a big party for her.
Most people from their social circle showed up–mainly out of respect for Damon. In front of him, everyone was polite to Emily. But as soon as he stepped away, they clustered together, whispering and judging.
“If it wasn’t for Mr. Raines, I wouldn’t be caught dead at the maid’s daughter’s birthday party. Just being here is embarrassing.”
“I don’t get what Mr. Raines sees in her. Look at that cheap dress. She looks so out of place.”
“At least Mr. Raines is loyal. If it were me, I’d just give her some money and move on. If he really marries her, it’ll be such a disgrace to the Raines family.”
Even though she was supposed to be the star of the night, Emily stood alone, invisible to everyone else.
Their barely hidden insults drifted in from every direction, leaving her feeling drained and numb. If she wasn’t so worried about Damon noticing, she’d never have come at all. The cold shoulder from everyone made every second feel ten times longer.
Chapter 5
Around seven, the mood in the ballroom suddenly changed. Everyone turned toward the entrance, and their expressions flipped from contempt to fake friendliness.
News spread fast in their world. Everyone had heard about Damon’s infamous fight with his family over Lea. Seeing him now, they could tell he still cared, and everyone tried to cozy up.
“Mr. Raines, so you left to pick up Ms. Peffer! After all these years, you two are still so close.”
“They’re childhood friends, after all. Just look at Ms. Peffer–she’s so elegant. She and Mr. Raines make a perfect pair.”
Amid all the whispers, Emily watched Lea walk in, arm linked with Damon’s. Suddenly, everything fell into place for her.
Lea wore a stunning designer gown, a sparkling diamond necklace drawing attention to her graceful posture. Her delicate, pretty face was the picture of someone who grew up surrounded by luxury. Even next to Damon, she held her own with confidence.
Out of nowhere, Emily remembered the faceless sketch Damon had drawn after he regained his sight. He’d said it was just something he scribbled for fun. She’d thought it was beautiful, never giving it much thought.
But now, seeing Lea, she realized exactly who he’d drawn.
It wasn’t about rekindling an old romance–he had never truly let go.
Emily lowered her eyes and turned to leave, but Lea’s upbeat voice stopped her.
“Emily, I heard today’s your birthday. I hope you don’t mind me dropping in uninvited. I even brought you a little present!”
She waved someone over, and a pure white puppy was led in on a leash.
“His name is Emil. Isn’t he adorable?”
As the puppy bounced toward her, Emily instinctively stepped back, bumping into the table behind her. Her face went pale, fear and panic flickering in her eyes.
“Please take it away. I don’t like dogs.”
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