“Yeah, Mom. Just give a minute,” I replied, staring at my reflection in the mirror.

“All right, come soon.”

I ran my palm over the red material clung against my skin. It felt smooth. Everything was perfect. The nude makeup, the simple side-parted long hair, the off-shoulder gown with a sweetheart neckline and a semi-high slit at the side, everything was in place.

“I’m ready,” I whispered.

Grabbing my black clutch, I smoothed my hair once again and sauntered downstairs.

Warner met me at the door. His lips parted, brown eyes looking up and down my body. “Holy shit! You look…” He shook his head. “I have no words.”

I smiled. “Thanks. You don’t look bad yourself.”

He did look good in his three-piece suit and tie. With his brown locks combed neatly, his jaw was clean shaved tonight.

“Shall we?” I asked.

“Sure. God knows, no one can take their eyes off you tonight.” Grinning, he gave me an arm, and I took it.

Once outside, we found Mom adjusting Dad’s tie as he grunted something under his breath. His face turned grim, spotting us together. After Mom gushed about my looks, we all piled in the car.

Though her subtle attempt of asking me if I was feeling good didn’t go unnoticed by me after I left in the middle of dinner last night. Jet lag was my excuse. I knew she wanted to ensure if I was okay, not physically, but emotionally.

Everyone avoided talking about the engagement as much as possible before me. They all had an idea of my heartbreak seven years ago. Not all of it, though. They weren’t aware of what happened that night.

But I wasn’t the fifteen-year-old Emerald anymore.

I was going to face the man who broke my heart years ago and see him announce his engagement with my sister before the world. But I was all right. It’s been years since then. I had a boyfriend. I’d moved on.

After last night, I hadn’t seen her. And honestly, I didn’t want to. Even if I didn’t care anymore, I still felt the anger and betrayal I felt that night. After knowing everything, how could she come and announce her engagement to me as if nothing happened?

How could she…

I shook myself, not wanting to remember the past.

I am stronger now.

The past should remain in the past. And I should be happy for her.

It’s been years, after all. And I had overcome the past.

It doesn’t affect me now. Not at all.

The car screeched to a halt, along with my heart. Mom and Dad got out, and Warner followed behind.

We were here.

“Em?” Warner called out, waiting for me outside.

Deep breaths came out of me, my hands fisted. Heart palpitating down the chest, my mouth turned dry. A drop of sweat trickled down my nape.