Chapter 1 Lines in the sand
Isabelle's heart ached at the silence hanging in the room. She knew her son was obsessed with his childhood sweetheart, but that didn't mean she had to like it. She had no personal issues with Hallie, but she adored Emilia. The girl had practically become family-always helping out, lending money when times were tough, fixing things around the house, and keeping her company when James and Chase were away on business. Emilia had a kind heart, and her presence was a quiet comfort.
Hallie, on the other hand, had never lifted a finger. If anything, she was sharp-tongued and dismissive, only ever showing up when it suited her. And yet, Chase always made excuses for her behavior. If Hallie said jump, he'd ask how high. If she told him to kneel, he'd be on the ground in a second. Isabelle hated watching her son emotionally cheat on his fiancée, but every time she tried to say something, he'd cut her off with the same tired line-"Ma, we're just friends. I'm helping her out. I'd never cheat on Emilia." Eventually, she stopped bringing it up.
But watching Hallie drape herself over Chase now, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on his hand, Isabelle couldn't hold her tongue. Clearing her throat, she leveled her gaze at her son.
"Chase, sweetie, did you happen to tell Emilia about all this?" Her voice was light, but the pointed look she shot him spoke volumes.
At the mention of Emilia's name, Hallie's smile turned razor-sharp. She had spent years believing she was the only woman in Chase's life. Forever, he had promised her once. And then, their sophomore year of college, Emilia had walked in and shattered that illusion. The memory made her grind her teeth. But now? Now she had Chase's full attention again. She squeezed his hand, leaning in ever so slightly, making sure Isabelle noticed.
Chase, oblivious to the tension crackling in the room, rolled his eyes. "Of course, she knows," he said, his voice casual, dismissive. "She understands how much Hallie means to our family. We're childhood friends. There's no way she wouldn't be okay with this."
Hallie smirked, barely suppressing a laugh. Oh, sweet Chase. He had no idea what was coming. For the past two weeks, he'd been by Hallie's side, trying to help her, completely unaware of the growing storm. And, of course, he had forgotten to actually tell Emilia about this—because in his mind, it should have been obvious.
Isabelle, however, was less amused. "Mmm," she hummed, tilting her head. "That's interesting. I just hope you're right, sweetheart."
Hallie, unable to resist, let out a soft chuckle. "Oh, come on, Isabelle. We both know Emilia isn't exactly the jealous type." Her voice was all sugar and venom.
Isabelle's smile didn't waver. "No, she's not," she agreed, folding her hands in her lap. "She's just smart enough to know when someone isn't worth her time."
The jab landed, and for a split second, Hallie's expression flickered. But before she could bite back, Chase stepped in, rubbing the back of his neck with a lopsided grin.
"Alright, alright," he said, shaking his head. "Let's not start anything, huh?" He shot his mother a look-half affectionate, half exasperated-but didn't let go of Hallie's hand. "I know you're just looking out for Em, Ma, but trust me. Everything's fine."
Isabelle sighed but said nothing more. She knew better than to argue with a man who refused to see the obvious.
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Meanwhile...
Emilia tugged at the hem of her black dress, the silky fabric hugging her frame just right. The denim jacket slung over her shoulders added a casual touch, a contrast to the elegance of her outfit. She stared at her reflection for a moment before sighing, smoothing down a loose curl. Tonight wasn't a night for overthinking.
But it was impossible not to.
Her fingers drifted to the engagement ring on her left hand, the cool metal a stark contrast to the warmth of her skin. A promise. That's what it was supposed to be. A promise of forever, of love that didn't waver, of a man who would always show up. But Chase wasn't here. He was supposed to be. He was supposed to wrap his arms around her, press a kiss to her temple, and whisper something ridiculous to make her laugh. Instead, the only thing touching her skin was the sting of absence.
She swallowed hard, forcing down the lump in her throat, but it didn't stop the ache in her chest. Emilia clenched her hand into a fist, as if that would somehow keep the pain from spilling out. But it was already there, tightening around her ribs, clawing at her heart.
Her birthday. He'd missed her birthday.
She'd told herself it was fine, that things happened, that maybe he had a good reason. But excuses couldn't hold her together forever. Not when disappointment gnawed at her, not when she felt stupid for waiting, for hoping.
A tear slipped down her cheek, silent and traitorous. She caught it with the back of her hand, taking a shaky breath. This wasn't how it was supposed to feel. Love wasn't supposed to feel like waiting in an empty room, clutching a ring that had started to feel heavier than it should.
She blinked at her reflection, as if searching for an answer in the glass. But all she saw was a girl in a pretty dress, holding onto a promise that was beginning to feel like a lie.
A knock at her door broke her thoughts, and when she opened it, Travis Michaels and Liam Schaffer stood on the other side, grinning.
"Ready for some birthday drinks?" Travis asked, already slinging an arm over her shoulders.
"Yeah, Em, let's get you out of this penthouse before you start doom-spiraling," Liam added with a knowing smirk.
She gave them a half-smile but couldn't stop the question that had been circling in her mind all evening.
"Is Chase coming?" she asked, her voice light but laced with something unreadable.
Travis and Liam exchanged a glance before Travis sighed. "You know what? Let's get that first drink in before we start talking about him."
Liam nudged her. "Besides, birthday girl, you've got options tonight."
Emilia let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Right. Let's go."
And with that, they headed for The Tipsy Tortoise-where the night was about to get a whole lot more interesting.