Shane: Branston High Series

As Emily stepped into the brilliantly lit engagement hall, she was like a dazzling star, instantly capturing the attention of everyone present. Her stunning beauty seemed as if she had stepped straight out of a Hollywood movie, like a goddess descending to earth. Her fair, delicate skin and finely contoured features looked even more flawless under the warm glow of the lights. Her deep, luminous eyes sparkled with intelligence, as if they could perceive all the beauty and sorrow of the world.

She wore a custom-made white V-neck gown, with lace and satin woven together like delicate brushstrokes, perfectly outlining her graceful silhouette. The pearls and crystals that adorned the dress added a layer of elegance and sophistication. Her red high heels elongated her legs, making her look both enchanting and poised, exuding endless charm with each step. Her long hair was styled elegantly in a half-up, half-down look, with a few loose strands cascading gently, adding a soft femininity to her appearance.

The room seemed to hold its breath as Emily made her entrance, her presence captivating every guest. The soft murmur of conversations hushed, replaced by gasps of admiration. For a moment, the sparkling chandeliers above seemed to dim in comparison to her radiance. She glanced around the room, her heart swelling with happiness, knowing that today marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

Today was Emily and Ethan's engagement party. For Emily, being able to celebrate this romantic occasion with her beloved in this vibrant city was one of the happiest moments of her life. The banquet hall was filled with an atmosphere of warmth and joy, as guests gathered to extend their heartfelt wishes to the happy couple. She could see smiling faces all around, hear the clinking of champagne glasses, and feel the joyful energy that surrounded them. It was a moment she wanted to remember forever.

Ethan looked especially handsome today, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His gold-rimmed glasses highlighted his refined and gentlemanly demeanor, a mix of sophistication and tenderness. He was standing by the stage, greeting guests with a warm smile. When his gaze met Emily’s across the room, his eyes softened, and he mouthed a silent “You look beautiful.” Emily’s heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t help but smile back, feeling the love radiate between them.

Emily, born in a small town, had been in this bustling city for three years. She did not have many friends or family in this place; most were back in her hometown and unable to attend. Apart from her colleague and close friend Amber, Emily had no one else by her side. She had worked hard to establish herself here, and the journey had not been easy, but today, standing beside Ethan, she felt that all her struggles were worth it.

Amber wore a low-cut champagne-colored gown, softly congratulating Emily and Ethan. Yet, there was an unreadable emotion flickering in her eyes. Her smile was polite, but there was a tension in her expression that Emily couldn’t quite place. Amber’s presence at her engagement was important to Emily; after all, they had gone through a lot together since they first started working at the hotel.

“Thank you, Amber. I’m so glad you could be here,” Emily responded, her gaze filled with gratitude.

There was a fleeting look of complexity in Amber’s eyes, but she quickly concealed it. Emily and Amber worked together at the hotel, having met during their onboarding training. Coming from similar small-town backgrounds, they shared the same dialect, and it wasn’t long before they became friends. They had supported each other through the challenges of adapting to city life, forming a bond that Emily cherished.

During a break in the party, Emily walked towards the fitting room, her steps heavy as her feet ached in her heels. She wanted to change into something more comfortable. The noise and excitement of the hall seemed to blur in the background as she moved away. The shimmering lights and laughter slowly faded as she walked through a quieter corridor, the noise of her heels echoing off the polished floor.

However, as she approached the fitting room door, she heard a familiar, sultry voice from within. “Ethan, I missed you so much.” That voice was not only familiar but also unsettling. Driven by curiosity and an instinctive sense of unease, Emily edged closer to the slightly ajar door, wanting to hear what was going on inside.

Her heart pounded, and she held her breath as she peered through the narrow gap. Through the crack in the door, she saw Amber almost clinging to a man. From Emily’s perspective, Amber’s dress appeared disheveled, and they were locked in an intense kiss. The sight hit Emily like a bolt of lightning, leaving her world shattered in an instant. Her heart seemed to stop, and the blood drained from her face. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Was this real? Was it Ethan?

“Amber, stop… today is my engagement…” Ethan’s voice held exhaustion and reluctance. Emily’s vision blurred, and her knees weakened. It felt like the floor had vanished beneath her, and her entire body was suspended in disbelief. Then, Amber seemed to notice Emily standing there, peeking in. Her eyes briefly flicked in Emily’s direction before she raised her voice, as if deliberately making sure Emily heard. “Ethan, I’m pregnant.” The words were like a bombshell detonating inside Emily’s heart, an overwhelming wave of nausea surging through her.

“You’re pregnant? How is that possible…” Ethan stuttered, stunned.

Tears immediately brimmed in Amber’s eyes. “Ethan, I know today is your big day. Before that day, I thought our lives would never intersect. I’ve always had feelings for you, even though I never intended to ruin your relationship with Emily. I never thought about stepping in until I found out I was pregnant…” Amber’s voice trembled, and she looked at Ethan with desperation, her hands clinging to his arm.

Emily felt a wave of strong nausea, her heart filled with indescribable pain and anger. Her entire body felt cold, her fingers trembling slightly as she struggled to process what she had just witnessed. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, then suddenly pushed the door open. The loud noise caused Ethan and Amber to turn their heads simultaneously. Emily held her phone firmly, recording the betrayal as evidence. Her eyes were cold and resolute, as if she wanted to freeze this moment forever in her memory.

Amber’s face turned deathly pale, and she stepped back in panic, while Ethan stood there, stunned.

“Emily, let me explain…” Ethan attempted to approach her, but Emily backed away without hesitation, raising her hand to stop him. She took a deep breath, her clenched fist slowly relaxing, as if she was trying to suppress all the sadness and fury inside. Her mind was spinning, but she knew one thing—she needed to get out of there.

“No need to explain. I understand—people make mistakes; adults make mistakes.” Emily’s voice was icy cold. She took off her high heels, lifted her dress, and turned to leave. Her steps were firm and determined, with not the slightest trace of hesitation or regret. Each step felt like she was reclaiming her power, walking away from the illusion she had built in her mind. The illusion of a perfect love, of a future that now seemed like a cruel joke.

Ethan tried to chase after Emily, but Amber clung to him tightly. “Ethan, please, don’t leave me like this. I need you,” Amber cried, her voice echoing down the hallway. With so many guests present, Ethan knew he had to handle the situation with care to prevent a scene. He needed to calm Amber and make sure the guests remained oblivious to what had just happened.

Emily reached the entrance of the hotel, her vision blurred by tears she refused to let fall. Her heart was aching, a deep throbbing pain that seemed to consume her whole chest. She didn’t want anyone to see her like this—broken, vulnerable, betrayed. She pushed the heavy glass doors open, the cold evening air hitting her face like a slap.

Just as Emily reached the entrance of the hotel, her phone rang. It was the hospital. “Emily, we have the results of your premarital check-up…”