Chapter 8. Stolen Kiss

Standing by the terrace, Emerald poured herself a glass of red wine, already knowing why her mother had suddenly called.

"Did you see the news about Ethan's engagement?" Her mother's voice was filled with disappointment and frustration.

"Yeah, I saw it," Emerald replied lazily, sipping her wine.

"Ethan is just a useless jerk to his family, but that little witch from the Valentine family still managed to snatch him away. It's really embarrassing that you didn't do anything. You're really useless!" Her mother's voice was firm and laced with anger.

Emerald winced slightly at the harsh words, feeling the sting of her mother's disappointment. She gripped the glass tighter, trying to block out the familiar feeling of inadequacy that always seemed to accompany conversations with her mother.

Emerald didn't say anything. She set her phone aside, putting it on speaker, and continued sipping her red wine as the sound of her mother's cursing filled the room. Sometimes she