The Calm After the Storm

The clubhouse we were in was part of the Lawson family's estate.

Walter thought I had forced Anna to work there.

However, the irony was that Anna was being pampered by both him and my brother.

She had always been treated like a princess.

She had more money than she could ever spend.

Why would she bother getting a job?

I knew the truth.

Even if I told everyone and had the supervisor back me up, Walter still would not believe me.

I was the villain in his eyes, the mean witch who used her family's power to bully his precious princess.

"Emma."

Walter hugged Anna close, protecting her.

"I can't imagine marrying a rich brat like you.

"Let's just forget about the engagement, okay?"

His words hung in the air, and the room went silent.

Anna's face went white as she shook with fear, clinging to Walter.

Her friends watched me, their eyes full of suspicion.

I could not help but laugh.

Ever since Anna's mom got involved with our family and Anna got between Walter and me, I had cried and yelled to get him to understand.

All the attention I used to get started to go to Anna and her mom instead.

How could I, spoiled as I was, stand it?

However, all my tears and tantrums did was push everyone to Anna's side.

I was tired of it all.

"Fine," I said calmly and took a few steps forward.

Walter instinctively moved Anna behind him.

"Emma, take it out on me if you're mad."

I let go of the hand that was covering my wound and showed them my palm.

The red of my blood stood out on my pale palm.

Walter's mouth tightened, and his stern eyes seemed to soften for a moment.