Chapter 13
Chapter 13: Meeting Lisa
As soon as Emma left the Taylor residence, she received a call from Lisa, inviting her over for a gathering. She hailed a car and arrived at the foot of Lisa’s
building
“Oh dear, Emma, you’ve finally arrived. I’ve been waiting for you forever!”
Emma glanced sideways, careful not to reveal her swollen left cheek. The dim light in the comidor meant Lisa couldn’t see the swelling on her face. During her car ride, she had gently massaged it, which helped conceal the evidence of her earlier confrontation. Lisa opened the door and led Emma in to admire
her latest creation. “Emma, do you see it? The new dress designed by your sister–it’s so fashionable”
What came into view w
was an off–shoulder, sit evening dress on a mannequin, in a rich burgundy color, both luxurious and understated. “You’re not trying to
get me to wear that, are you?
Emma seemed to push aside the earlier incident, teasingly touching her left cheek.
“Ha ha ha. Just try it on I designed it just for your figure. At 56, it would be such a waste not to wear it.”
Emma only responded with a light chuckle. Her expression said it
she knew this was coming; why else would Lisa be so insistent?
Lisa, with an eager look, urged, “Hurry up and try it on, then we can go downstairs to cat
Emma sighed Fine, since you’re treating. I reluctantly try it on!”
Taking the dress from Lisa, she walked into the room to change.
airs to eat. It’s on me today!”
After about ten minutes, Emma finally opened the door and stepped out. Her skin was smooth and fair, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with charm. The burgundy evening dress made her look like a masterpiece–elegant and noble. Her bare shoulders and slender arma glistened the strapless design accentuating her delicate waist, while the spin hem highlighted her long, graceful legs. It was hard to look away
Lisas eyes widened in excitement. “Emma, I always knew you had a great figure, but I never imagined you’d look this stunning! This dress fins you perfectly
-amazing!
“How wonderful if you s
show up at the party like this, you’ll outshine all the wealthy ladies there! I need to take a picture right now
She quickly pulled out her phone and snapped a few shots. Lisa, what are you doing?”
Emma, feeling shy, covered her chest to hide the slight cleavage.
“Emma. I’m appreciating a work of art! The most beautiful moments must be captured, you know?”
Don’t tell me you’re going to post these online?” She had never worn anything so revealing before. The last sexy outfit she owned was buried at the
bottom of her closel
Emma, don’t be such a prude. All the elite socialites at upscale parties wear daring outfits. This dress is practically conservative
“I need to take this off,” Emma’s face turned beet red, mortified at the thought of what Luc would say if he saw her like this.
Remembering the earlier incident at the Taylors, she
she wanted to slap herself. Why was she even thinking about him now, especially w
verge of divorce?
ly when they were on t
the
“My dear sister, if you had taken my advice and dressed elegantly and confidently, you wouldn’t be the one chasing after Luc. He would have been the one
pursuing you”
Lisa didn’t notice the flicker of sadness in Emma’s eyes as she turned away
She brought him up again. Emma hadn’t yet discussed the divorce with her parents and was unsure how to tell Liss. Soon, she and Luc would be strangers. Even if she changed her style, it wouldn’t be for him but for herself
She tightened her grip, returned to her room, and took off the dress. She reassured herself it’s not a big deal
Quickly changing into her clothes and tying her hair back in a high ponytail, she told Lisa, “Let’s go downstairs. I’m starving?
She wanted to return home early, perhaps to gauge her parents‘ reactions. However, she suspected her temperamental mother wouldn’t take it well and would likely scold her instead. Just thinking about it gave her a headache if she had known, she wouldn’t have married at all. A simple romantic relationship would have sufficed–getting together if they liked each other and breaking up if they didn’t. There wouldn’t be any messy family entanglements. Thankfully, her father was understanding.
After some thought, she decided not to tell her mother just yet instead, she would speak to her father first and let him hist at it over the next few days. She
feared that if her mother confronted Luc in a rage, it would be embarrassing for both parties. If word spread, it wouldn’t just tarnish Luc’s reputation but
hers as well
“Alright, I’ll change and we can leave.”
Meanwhile, Luc received calls from old classmates inviting him out for dinner, drinks, and a pool over the weekend.
1.2
Since moving out, he felt a bit unsettled and considered calling Emma, but hesitated. Wouldn’t that seem like he was clinging to her?
He didn’t want to indulge in that. If he did, it could create a pattern. It was better to leave things unresolved; if no one mentioned it, it would be as if nothing ever happened.
Just as he was almost home, his classmate Jake Harper, who also studied abroad, called him. He made a U–turn and headed to the meeting spot.
Upon reaching the hotel entrance, he handed over his car keys to the valet and went to the private room booked by Jake. Recognizing a few familiar faces inside–Jake, Greg Wilson, Jake’s cousin, Sarah Thomas, and other well–known young professionals from the Boston city, Jeremy Stew, and Matt Gray- Luc felt a sense of camaraderie.
As soon as Jake spotted Luc, he jumped up with a smile. “Hey, Luc! You finally made it. Everyone’s been waiting for you.”
When Sarah saw Luc’s strikingly handsome face, her cheeks flushed slightly, and her eyes sparkled with interest. She stepped forward to greet him. “Hi! I’m Sarah.”
Jake eagerly introduced her. This is my cousin, Sarah, a third–year medical student. You both study medicine, so you should have plenty to talk about.”
Luc nodded politely, while Sarah couldn’t seem to take her eyes off him. His sharp features and captivating gaze made him stand out, exuding an air of cold nobility. If only she could become his girlfriend–what a dream that would bet
wonder if he has a girlfriend. I should ask Jake later.
