Chapter 7: Crashing the Engagement Party
For the next three days, Emilia’s life was unusually quiet. Timothy seemed genuinely preoccupied with something important, as she rarely saw him.
That was fine by her. A silent farewell felt appropriate.
On the fourth evening, Emilia suddenly received a call from Timothy’s phone. When she picked up, it was Sarah’s voice on the other end. [
“Emilia, find Timothy’s gold–patterned tie in the closet and bring it to the Sky Hotel.”
“Where’s Timothy?” Emilia asked cautiously.
Of course, he’s right here with me. How else would I be calling you from his phone? Hurry up–Timothy has an important Banquet tonight, and if you delay him, I won’t let you off the hook!” Sarah barked before hanging up.
Emilia found it odd. Wasn’t delivering a tie something a driver or assistant could do? Why call on her, the maid?
She sighed. With only three days left, she didn’t want to stir up trouble.
She retrieved the tie from the closet, folded it neatly into a box, and headed to the Sky Hotel.
When she arrived, something felt off.
The entrance was adorned with flowers–lilies, mostly, her favorite. A beautifully crafted floral arch stood grandly at the doorway, exuding elegance.
Hesitating. Emilia walked into the lobby, only to be greeted by a massive poster.
On it, Tunothy and Sarah leaned against each other with radiant smiles. Beside them, bold text read:
“Welcome to Timothy and Sarah’s Engagement Party.”
Emilia’s eyelashes trembled. So this was why Timothy had been leaving early and returning late–he had been preparing for his engagement.
The venue was meticulously decorated, a testament to Timothy’s penchant for giving his all to the women he cherished. [] Emilia lingered at the entrance, unsure if she should step inside, when a familiar, mocking voice reached her ears.]
“Well, well, even the maid has come to the master’s engagement party? []
David strolled in with a smirk.
“Why are you just standing here? Embarrassed? Come on, let me take you in!” He reached out, his oily hand aiming for her shoulder.
Emilia sidestepped him swiftly and walked into the banquet hall on her own.
Inside, the hall was dazzling, the crystal chandeliers above gleaming like constellations, casting their radiant glow. []
Three years ago, when Timothy had proposed, she had told him she wanted a simple lawn wedding with only close family and friends. Something humble yet romantic.
Timothy had agreed, though he’d worried such simplicity might not do her justice.
Emilia had laughed, shaking her head. Marrying the one you loved was happiness enough–no venue, no matter how extravagant, could compare.
But now, perhaps only a grand and elegant engagement like this was fitting for the person Timothy had become.
Steeling herself, Emilia began scanning the crowd for Timothy. I
A sharp voice suddenly rang out. “Emilial What are you doing here?” ||
Sarah strode toward her quickly, her tone accusatory.
Hearing Emilia’s name, many of the guests turned to look, their attention now on her. [
Sarah wore a sleek silk dress, its smooth fabric accentuating her graceful figure. So this was what Timothy had been shopping for when he left Emilia that day–the perfect engagement attire. I
“Didn’t you tell me to bring Mr. Stewart his tic?” Emilia asked, confused by Sarah’s hostility.
Sarah sneered. “If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable. Timothy is in the dressing room, getting ready. On a day this important, why would he forget a tie? |
“You must still be harboring improper thoughts about Timothy, so you came here to ruin the engagement!”
Before Emilia could respond, she noticed the cold, hostile stares directed at her from all sides.
Looking around, she realized that most of the guests were associated with the Stewart Group. Many of them were familiar faces–people she had once addressed as uncles and aunts.
But ever since the Parker family’s betrayal three years ago, the Stewart Group had suffered greatly. These people had all been affected in one way or another.
They had cursed John Parker countless times in private, but with him in prison, their anger had nowhere to go.
Now, with his daughter walking straight into their midst, how could they let this opportunity slip by?
Emilia turned, intending to leave, but someone blocked her path. []
“Do you think this is a place you can come and
