Chapter 5 005

Emma's POV

The moment I stepped out of that wretched room, the air felt heavier, pressing down on my chest like an unbearable weight. My hands trembled as I wiped away the tears that blurred my vision. The echoes of their laughter, Lena's breathless giggles and Ryan's deep chuckles still rang in my ears. It was like the ground beneath me had been ripped apart, leaving me to free-fall into an abyss I hadn't known existed.

I stormed through the hallway, my heels clicking against the pristine marble floors, each step fueled by a mix of rage, humiliation, and heartbreak. The engagement party was still in full swing. I could hear the music, the laughter, the clinking of champagne glasses. The world hadn't stopped for my pain.

But it was about to.

I forced my way through the grand doors of the ballroom. All eyes turned to me, their smiles fading as they took in my appearance-my disheveled hair, the ruined makeup streaking down my cheeks, the fury in my eyes.

Jonathan and Elaine, Ryan's parents, were seated elegantly at the front, sipping from their glasses as they entertained high-profile guests. My parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair, stood near the stage, their proud expressions faltering as they noticed me.

I found my voice, though it came out sharper than I intended. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement to make."

A hush fell over the room. Hundreds of expectant eyes were locked on me, confusion and curiosity brimming in their gazes.

Ryan hadn't come out yet. Nor had Lena.

Cowards.

I inhaled deeply, steadying myself. "There will be no wedding." The words tasted like poison on my tongue, but they were the sweetest kind of poison-the kind that set me free. "Ryan and I are done. The engagement is over."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Murmurs followed-disbelief, scandal, whispers of speculation.

Jonathan and Elaine stiffened in their seats. My mother's face drained of color. My father took a step forward, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Emma, what are you saying?"

I laughed, though it was hollow and bitter. "What I'm saying, Father, is that your perfect future son-in-law is a liar and a cheater. And you want to know with whom? My so-called sister, Lena."

The murmurs turned into full-blown chaos. Reporters snapped pictures. Guests exchanged shocked glances. Some even gasped in horror.

Jonathan and Elaine's expressions darkened, but it was my parents' reaction that shattered me completely.

Instead of fury directed at Ryan or disappointment in Lena, they looked at me accusingly, disapprovingly.

"Emma," my mother scolded, her voice sharp and unforgiving. "Do not create a scene. This is an important night."

My father shook his head. "This is embarrassing. We'll discuss this at home."

I stared at them, unable to comprehend what I was hearing. My parents were more concerned about appearances than about the fact that their daughter had just been humiliated and betrayed in the worst way possible.

And that's when I realized-I had never really mattered. Not as much as this business deal. Not as much as the merger. Not as much as Lena.

I swallowed back the sob rising in my throat and turned on my heel, storming out before I could crumble completely in front of everyone.

I had to get out. I had to breathe.

The drive home was a blur. I barely registered anything around me-just the ache in my chest, the betrayal seeping into my bones, the weight of my parents' disapproval pressing down on me.

When I finally arrived at the Sinclair mansion, I pushed open the heavy doors, needing solitude, needing to scream, cry, anything.

But as I stepped inside, the sound of laughter greeted me. Familiar laughter.

Lena's laughter.

My stomach twisted as I followed the sound, my heels digging into the marble floors.

There, in the living room, sprawled comfortably on the couch, was Lena. Her hair was still perfectly styled, her makeup still flawless. And beside her, with a glass of whiskey in his hand, was Ryan.

I froze.

For a moment, neither of them noticed me. They were too wrapped up in their conversation, in their sick little bubble of deceit.

Then Lena glanced up, her eyes locking onto mine. A slow smile curled on her lips-one that wasn't guilty, nor remorseful.

Ryan smirked, raising his glass slightly. "You're home."

My hands clenched into fists. "What the hell is going on here?"

Lena leaned back against the cushions, stretching lazily. "Isn't it obvious, Emma? You stormed off, so we figured we'd make ourselves comfortable."

I felt the world tilt beneath me. "You disgust me. Both of you."

Ryan scoffed, taking a lazy sip of his drink. "Oh, please, Emma. We never had anything real between us anyway. You were just convenient."

His words sliced through me like a dagger.

Lena, still lounging, studied her nails. "You had everything, Emma. It's my turn now."

I couldn't breathe. My own sister ,the girl I had grown up with, the girl I had trusted - had betrayed me in the cruelest way possible. And she didn't even care.

A slow realization dawned on me.

I was alone.

And then, as if the universe needed to deliver the final blow, my parents stepped into the room.

My mother looked at me with disappointment, while my father crossed his arms. "Emma, enough of this childish behavior. We've decided."

I blinked. "Decided what?"

He exhaled sharply. "You will not embarrass this family any further. Lena will take your place."

The words hit me like a physical blow.

"Take my place?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

My mother nodded firmly. "You have disgraced us tonight. Lena is more responsible, more composed. The engagement will proceed with her."

I stared at them, waiting for the punchline. Waiting for them to say they were joking.

But they weren't.

Ryan and Lena exchanged smug glances.

I let out a shaky breath, my body trembling. "You're disowning me... for them?"

My father's expression remained cold. "You have no place here anymore."

Silence stretched between us. Heavy. Unforgiving.