Chapter 2

Emelie retrieved the torn pieces of her marriage certificate and hailed a cab back to the Horton residence. Upon entering, she found Anthony, Marcelo, and Connor in Melissa's room. Their tall figures made the spacious room feel cramped.

Emelie noted their anxious, concerned expressions as they fussed over Melissa. This room, once hers—the best in the house, closest to theirs—had been a haven, a dreamy princess room they'd lovingly created. Anything fun or delicious had been sent straight to her; they'd showered her with unshakeable affection, calling her "Emmy, our little princess. You deserve the best of everything." And Emelie had believed them.

Yet, after Melissa had saved them in a car accident, Emelie's recovery became the pretext for moving her into a guest room. In that moment, she realized she was no longer their cherished princess. Forcing a smile, she retreated to her new room.

The next morning, celebratory fireworks erupted downstairs. The living room overflowed with exquisitely wrapped gifts. Melissa, in a beautiful gown, stood beaming, surrounded by Anthony, Marcelo, and Connor. Anthony gently handed her car keys. "Mel, congratulations on recovering from your cold. This is the car you liked." Marcelo presented a rosary, explaining his arduous acquisition. Connor, grinning, gave her a trophy, wishing her peace and joy. They overwhelmed her with gifts.

Tears welled in Melissa's eyes. "Why all the fuss over a little cold? You're spoiling me!" Her laughter was radiant. Noticing Emelie, she feigned curiosity, "Ms. Richmond, it was your birthday yesterday. What gifts did you get?"

Emelie's fingers tightened on her shirt. She remained silent. Only then did Anthony, Marcelo, and Connor remember Emelie's 22nd birthday—and their utter failure to acknowledge it. Anthony offered a black card. "Mel was sick; it slipped my mind. Use this to buy whatever you like." Marcelo and Connor followed suit.

Emelie calmly refused. "No need. It's fine." Their surprise was palpable; they'd expected outrage. Her indifference caught them off guard. Recalling her marriage lie, they assumed a tantrum was imminent. "Suit yourself. But don't regret it."

Her expression remained unchanged. "I won't."

That evening, Ezra and Kaitlyn returned from their business trip. At dinner, Melissa, usually assisting her mother, Stephanie McKenzie, in the kitchen, was prevented from doing so by Connor, who insisted she sit with them. Anthony and Marcelo reinforced his command. Ezra and Kaitlyn's displeasure was evident, but they remained silent. Kaitlyn, however, turned to Emelie with a warm smile. "Emelie, yesterday was your birthday. Have you decided who to marry? I've chosen a venue. You deserve a stylish celebration."

Silence fell.

Anthony claimed illness had prevented his attendance at Emelie's birthday. Marcelo echoed his excuse, and Connor added Emelie hadn't chosen a partner yet.

Their remarks fueled Ezra and Kaitlyn's anger. Just as they were about to explode, Emelie's phone buzzed. A message from Tyler, a picture of a wedding ring: "Do you like it? If not, I'll take you to pick something else."

The ring—a huge, heart-shaped pink diamond surrounded by countless smaller diamonds—was breathtaking.