Emelia’s PovThe crowd hushed, the whispers dying abruptly. Nuella’s smirk wavered, her nails digging into her palm as she forced out a laugh, brittle and high-pitched, “You talk well for a fake.”Her laughter echoed, but this time, fewer people followed.I stood tall, arms crossing once more, my eyes locked on hers without a hint of hesitation, “And you talk too much for someone who’s already lost.”Nuella clenched her fists, her eyes spewing fire at me, and then, “She’s a fake!” Nuella declared, her finger stabbing through the air at me, “This girl standing here, she’s not the real ELLA.”The words cracked like a whip across the grand hall.Gasps erupted. Heads turned. The murmurs began instantly, spreading like fire in dry grass.“She’s really not the real one?” “But how does Nuella know?” “Shouldn't we wait for the hosts to come here before we start throwing around accusations?” Nuella’s eyes gleamed with cruel triumph as she went on, her voice carrying perfectly over the grow
Emelia’s PovNuella Hale was someone I didn't think I'd have the chance to meet in my lifetime. She was from one of the richest families in all of Capital City and held a prestigious title, however, she could never match up to me in terms of programming, so she declared herself my rival.I at least thought that our meeting could be pleasant, but unfortunately, that's not meant to happen.I tilted my chin, letting my words fall deliberately, “Do you really think presence is proven by how loud one can bark? Do you think brilliance shines because you scream it in everyone’s face?” I took another step closer, the distance between us crackling with tension, “No. True presence is quiet. Unshakable. It doesn’t need to announce itself.”I let my gaze sweep over the crowd, holding their eyes one by one before landing back on her, “And as for not belonging here, my name card is written in gold ink on the chair you tried to steal. My invitation was sealed and delivered. My work has already shape
Emelia’s Pov I turned slowly, my gaze cutting to my guide. His voice was smooth, almost too composed, but there was something in the way he asked that set my teeth on edge.I let out a sharp laugh, cold and humorless, “Why?” I repeated, my tone dripping with disdain, “Because I’m not stupid.”The crowd went still.I took a step closer, my eyes narrowing at both him and the trembling girl, “Do I look like someone who can’t tell right from wrong? Do I look blind to the fact that something about this entire scene stinks? Don’t insult me by expecting me to swallow that pathetic excuse.”The girl’s head hung lower, but her knuckles whitened at her sides. Still, she muttered the same thing, voice weak but stubborn, “I… I was just jealous. That’s all.”Her insistence was almost laughable.I studied her in silence, then let my arms drop, smoothing out my dress, “Fine.” I said flatly, my voice carrying enough weight to make her flinch again, “Keep your excuses if that’s what helps you sleep a
Emelia’s Pov The girl’s lips trembled. She tried to stammer, “N-no, you…”I cut her off, stepping forward, the click of my heels sharp against the marble, “No? Then explain why, after you bumped into me, I reached out to help you, and you screamed like I’d set you on fire. Explain that to everyone watching right now.”Her face paled, the act cracking under the weight of my words.I crossed my arms, keeping my gaze locked on her trembling form, “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue? Or is it just hard to keep your lies straight when the truth is staring you in the face?”The whispers changed again, shifting, muttering.“If you wanted attention, you should’ve chosen another target.” I said coldly, my words slicing through her fake sobs, “Because I’m not someone you can frame so easily.”The girl’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. I stared at her for a moment, confused as to who she even was and why she wanted to frame me in the first place. I've never met her before and I'm confid
Emelia’s Pov Liora’s satisfied smile reflected right back at me, “Oh, it’s you.” She said confidently, dusting her palms together as if she’d just completed a masterpiece, “This is the version the world deserves to see.”Before I could argue, she clapped her hands sharply, and one of the assistants swept forward to pull me up from the chair, “Come on. He’s waiting downstairs.”“He?” I repeated weakly, but they were already ushering me toward the door.By the time I reached the bottom of the stairs, my pulse had quickened into something both terrifying and thrilling. Kaidon stood near the entrance, already dressed, looking devastatingly sharp in a tailored black suit. The cut hugged his shoulders and chest perfectly, his tie neat, his hair brushed back in sleek control.“Kaidon.” I called softly.He turned.The moment his eyes landed on me, his steps faltered. For a long, unguarded moment, he simply stared, his usually quick tongue stilled. His eyes widened, flicking over me in silent
Emelia’s Pov I puffed out my chest dramatically, trying to look dignified despite the heat still rising to my cheeks, “Fine. I’ll reluctantly agree to take the money.” I even tilted my chin up for effect.Kaidon’s grin stretched wider, the streetlight catching the edges of his teeth, “That’s my girl.” He murmured, giving my fingers a squeeze, “We’ll talk about the details when we get home. For now…” His voice dipped low, full of playful promise, “Let’s just have some fun.”“Fun?” I echoed, one brow arched.“Yes, Emelia.” He said with mock exasperation, tugging me forward again, “Fun. You know, that thing you’re allowed to have before you stress about parties and investors.”I rolled my eyes but let him drag me along anyway, “You’re such a child.” “Whatever you call me, Emelia. I accept it.” I huffed but couldn’t fight the smile tugging at my lips as we slipped deeper into Capital City’s neon heart. Kaidon steered me toward a line of food stalls glowing in red and gold, the scent of