Chapter 14 Emma
EMMA
The shrill buzz of my phone yanks me out of sleep, vibrating obnoxiously against the wooden nightstand. I groan deeply, blindly reaching over and squinting at the screen. Dallas.
All caps. This can’t be good.
Dallas
(Photo of engagement ring on her finger) GUESS WHAT?! I GOT ENGAGED!!! AIDEN PROPOSED LAST NIGHT!!!
I stare at the message, trying to force my half-asleep brain to process it.
Engaged. To Aiden Villalobos. The human embodiment of a LinkedIn hustle post. The guy who unironically wears loafers without socks and thinks tipping 15% makes him generous.
Everything you picture when you think of a “finance bro.”
I drop my phone onto my face and whine into the pillow.
Another buzz.
Dallas
HELLO?!
ARE YOU ALIVE??
SAY SOMETHING!
Sorry, I just had to take a moment to process this life-changing news. Are you sure you weren’t scammed? Did he propose, or did he just pitch you a new investment opportunity?
Dallas
OMG EMMA. I KNEW YOU’D BE LIKE THIS.
I’m just asking the important questions!
Dallas
You’re supposed to be happy for me!
I roll onto my back, staring at the ceiling. I love Dallas, I really do. But the idea of watching her marry that guy makes me want to throw this phone across the room.
I feel like I’m a good judge of character so when I say that Aiden is a horrible human being, I mean it.
He’s a selfish, misogynistic, narcissistic piece of shit, always belittling Dallas and making her and her accomplishments feel small.
I’ve exhausted attempts at trying to get her to realize how horrible he truly is, but she always creates excuses for him, either blinded by love or money?
I don’t know. It’s exhausting, and I feel like I have run out of options and just hope that she realizes it soon enough.
Preferably before walking down the fucking aisle.
Letting out a sigh, I type back.
Fine. Congrats! Can’t wait to hear all about how you’re planning a wedding with the actual devil himself.