I scoffed inwardly. I spotted Karen a few moments ago. She was putting on a backless dress that left nothing to the imagination. I found it irritating that she thought she could school me when her own precious daughter was dressed like an online slut.

" I won't be taking it off mum. You should go check on the kitchen staff" I said, ignoring the slight twinge of guilt that pricked my heart.

I would never talk so rudely to her. But she deserved it. Not after all her ruthless attitude towards me the moment she got back the daughter that she loved.

Her face turned a bright shade of pink as she stared at me.

" Don't you dare talk to me like that" she said, gritting her teeth.

I refused to meet her gaze as I tried to walk away.

I could hear her audible gasp as I walked into the party, my legs shaking from the encounter I just had with her.

" I did not think you would come" Louis said, looking me dead in the eye.

" Why? Because you decided to get married to my slut of a sister? They are still my family, and I don't care what you or any of them says" I said to him and I could see his jaw ticking. He was angry.

" You would not refer to her like that. I would not take that from you. I wanted to ask you this amicably, but after what happened today I have seen that you are a temperamental woman and I'm so glad that I did not proceed with this journey with you" he said.

I wanted to tell him that I was glad too, that I was glad that I had seen beyond his kind smiles and face and that he had shown his true colours before we tied the knot.

" What do you want?" I said instead, a bored expression on my face.

" I want my ring back. " He said and I looked at him shocked.

The ring he had engaged me with was a simple but yet expensive one. I remembered blushing so violently as I kissed him over and over, thanking him for what he got, happy to take another step with him in life.

He wanted it back. To give it to my sister.

" I threw it out"I said simply.

I enjoyed the look of pure anger that crossed  his features as he stared at me.

" You wouldn't dare" he said.

" Oh but I did. I threw it out the moment I found out about your engagement to my sister. I did not know I was supposed to keep it so you could put it on another girl's finger with the same lies and promises you told me. It just felt repulsive to think about" I said to him.

He looked at me with the fury still clear in his eyes.

" You are going to regret doing that" he said and strod off, leaving me with my heart thumping as I remembered the ring I had put on the table top. I made a mental note to take it and flush it down the toilet for good.

The air was closing up on me and I could already feel my breathing being restricted.

The judge eyes of the crowd as they whispered. Perhaps it's because she is so shabby in comparison to her sister.

Maybe it's because he did not want to be stuck with a woman that is second choice with her parents.

I could hear all their thoughts clearly as my legs wobbled, leading me to the table where I knew Tasha was supposed to be, but she was not there.

I wanted to leave now, to take a walk and get the air out of my system, but I stood frozen to the spot, even as she walked back to look at me.

" Where have you been?" I asked her.

She seemed shocked as she looked at me.

" Are you okay? You are breathing so hard and I'm beginning to think that you won't make it through the rest of the night at this pace" she said to me, putting her hand on my forehead as if to check if I was burning up.

" He wants his ring back. That two faced idiot wants to put the same ring he put on my finger, on my sister's" I said.

She scowled as she looked at me, picking up a cupcake.

" Then screw him. He is an idiot if he thinks he would be getting that ring back. You should turn it into spikes and stick it into his clothes.

Maybe add hair loss powder to his shampoo. I keep telling you how to get your revenge but you never seem to do any" she said, sighing as though she would have done worse should she be in my situation.

" I understand your concerns but I think I'm just better off flushing it down the toilet" I said to her and she shrugged.

" You have always decided to take the easy way out anyways. Should we leave now? If you want we can go and then you can call this shitty gathering a night " she said.

I looked at all of them, watching them giggle and play as they danced, happy like a family, celebrating, forgetting that I was one of them

I met the stare of Karen a few times and it was nasty. She seemed to happy that she had everything I had.

My life, my family, my parents, and now my fiance.

I could not let her win again. Not three times in a row.

" I won't be going" I said with determination.

" But you look like you are about to pass out" she said to me but I shook my head rapidly.

" I would just take a walk in the garden" I said, turning around to leave before she could protest.

I would stay here for as long as I could.

I would show them that it was not easy to break me.

Emily's POV

The garden was my favourite place especially at night. Growing up, I knew I had a thing for gardening. I took my time to sniff the flowers enjoying the pleasant scent they enamated, enjoying the joy that filled me as I watched them bloom.

This was my childhood, sitting on the old swing and watching nature unfold before me.

I sat there now, shaking in my thin dress and a part of me began to wish I had brought a little shawl.

It would have gone a long way in protecting my frail arms from the biting cold.

I could feel a cold coming up but I did not mind. I would sit out here for a while, at least until I garnered enough courage to step back inside that party.

My thoughts were interrupted as a warm jacket was placed over my shoulder, nearly making me jump out of my skin.

The man that stood in front of me was regal to say the least.

He was tall and finely built, his hair styled in a way that I could not comprehend and his fine chiseled jaw looking like he had stepped right out of a magazine.

His skin shine with the night that he stood underneath and I was tempted to blink twice, wondering if he would disappear, wondering if this was all part of my imagination, perhaps it was some sort of copping mechanism.

But the soft feel of the jacket around me felt real enough.

" I don't know why I was expecting to find you inside. But here you are, sitting with the crickets" he said and I paused for a minute to admire just how deep and lush his voice sounded.

I felt my knees threaten to give way instantly. He was that sort of man. That sort of man that made you question your sanity, the type that could have you on your knees for him in just a second.

" Do you know me?" I managed to croak out.

His brows seemed to furrow in the dim light as he stared at me.

" It's honestly sad that you don't remember me anymore, but he rest assured that I know you.  And I know you should not be sitting outside here, let's go in" he said, his voice containing so much power that it nearly made me whimper again.

Without as much as a single question, I followed him blindly back into the house. He could have asked me for my virginity right there and I would have stripped naked and bore myself to him.

I knew I was not the only one who thought of him that way because the whole party seemed to fall instantly silent the moment he walked in.

I knew I looked shabby beside him, but I did not say anything, deciding to keep my head bowed as he walked in with so much purpose and poise that I could almost feel myself garnering courage from him.

We were barely in the party when Louis, with his fake smile and fake suit came running towards us.

" Uncle! I was beginning to think I would not see you today. I honestly thought you did not receive the invitation" he said and a wave of recognition hit me immediately.

He was his uncle. I remembered now. I had met him back at college when I was still just very much in love with Louis. I remembered that his build and confidence unnerved me, making me stare at the sole of my feet when he was talking to me.

And even now, he still had that effect on me.

" I had something done so I came late, I hope that is not a problem?" He said and Louis immediately shook his head like a jelly fish.

" Of course it's totally fine by me." He said and his eyes turned  to me where I stood, still clutching the jacket.

 " And I did not know you were together" he said, eyeing me.

" It does not matter who I'm with" his uncle said with a matter of factedly smile.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see Karen ascend the stage and our eyes met for a brief second, before she gave me a sadistic smile.

Every bone in my body was screaming. She was about to do something.

" Hello everyone" she said, turning everyone's attention to her, then she continued, looking me dead in the eye.

" I know we have all heard about the engagement between me and the love of my life Louis, but I also know that everyone knew he was with my sister.

I just want to clear the air on something real quick. We love you so much sister and this is just love, it's not something that can be denied. Him picking me has nothing to do with your bad habits and also your inability to take care of a man like him, and I really hope you don't beat yourself too much about it" she said.

I clutched into the suit tightly, holding on for dear life as my eyes began to water.

" Tell your little bitch to stop" I said to louis and his own eyes glared at me.

" She was just apologizing, why can't you let go of the hate in your heart for once? She is a better version of you" he said.

All eyes were on me now, some recording. Tears pricked my eyes. I should have gone home. I should have.

Before I could have the nervous breakdown that I thought I would, I felt a strong hand grip me and turned me towards his chest.

His strong cologne hit me and for a moment, I was too dazed to cry my eyes out like I had planned.

" Don't let them see you cry. Let's go" he whispered into my ears and just as we had entered, we left.

He sat in his car with me, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.

" Thank you for what you did back there" I finally said when I felt more composed.

" Do you want to get back at louis?" He asked, surprsing me.

" Yes" I muttered.

He pulled quickly into a curb, turning to look at me as he turned off the car, his eyes filled wh deep emotions that I could not comprehend.

" The best way for get back at him is to become his aunt" he said and I stared at him in shock for a moment.

" I don't think I understand..." I was beginning to say but he cut me off.

" Marry me" he said

Emily's POV

I stared at the pack of condoms in my hand, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest. Louis stood in the doorway, his face pale as he struggled to find the right words.

"Who are these for?" I asked again, my voice steadier than I felt.

He seemed to stutter, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Finally, he managed to wheeze out, "It's for a friend. I was just helping him hold it."

I shook my head at his pathetic attempt to lie. Even now, even when caught red-handed, he couldn't give me the truth.

"Liar!" I yelled, my voice breaking. "You think I don't see it? You think I don't see the blog posts? You're getting married to Karen? You're getting married to my own sister!"

His shoulders relaxed, as though he knew there was no point in denying it anymore. The relief on his face made me sick.

"I didn't want you to find out this way," he began, his voice calm now. Too calm. "We were going to talk about it with you over dinner tonight. I already talked to your parents and-"

"You talked to my parents and what?" I screamed, cutting him off. "They allowed you to do the little switch between their daughters? Do you even think I'm a joke to you!"

The tears were coming now, hot and angry, streaming down my face. I hated myself for crying in front of him. I didn't want him to see how much he had broken me.

"It's not a big deal, Emily," Louis said, and those words hit me like a physical blow. "I know I made the wrong choice with you ever since I saw Karen. She's the one I love and I don't want to let go of her."

Not a big deal. Five years together. Five years of planning our future, of building a life, of believing in us. And it wasn't a big deal.

Something inside me snapped.

I walked toward him, my vision red with rage. Before I could think about what I was doing, my hand connected with his face. The slap echoed through the room, sharp and satisfying.

Louis stared at me, his hand going to his reddening cheek. For a moment, shock registered on his face. Then his eyes darkened with something I had never seen before.

Anger. Pure, terrifying anger.

His hand shot out and wrapped around my neck. I gasped as he squeezed, cutting off my air. My hands flew to his wrist, trying to pry his fingers away, but he was too strong.

"Never ever in your pathetic life raise your hands at me again," he snarled, his face inches from mine. "Or I swear to the Lord that you won't live to tell the story."

He released me suddenly, shoving me backward. I stumbled and fell to the floor, gasping for air. My throat burned where his fingers had been.

Louis stood over me for a moment, breathing hard. Then, without another word, he turned and walked out. The door slammed behind him so hard the walls shook.

I sat there on the cold floor, one hand on my bruised throat, the other still clutching that damn pack of condoms. And I cried. I cried until there were no tears left, until my chest ached and my eyes were swollen.

This was a side of Louis I had never seen. A side I never knew existed. How had I been so blind?

My phone buzzed sometime later. I didn't know how long I had been sitting there. Long enough for my legs to go numb.

It was my mother calling.

I almost didn't answer. But some stupid part of me still hoped that maybe, just maybe, she was calling to check on me. To tell me she was sorry. To choose me for once.

"Hello?" My voice came out raspy and broken.

"Emily, you need to come to the house tonight," my mother said without preamble. No "how are you," no "are you okay." Just a command.

"Why?" I asked.

"It's your grandfather's memorial service. Everyone will be there. Your father and I expect you to attend and behave appropriately."

"Behave appropriately?" I repeated, a bitter laugh escaping my throat. "Mother, did you know? About Louis and Karen?"

There was a pause. A pause that told me everything I needed to know.

"Emily, these things happen," she said finally. "Karen is our biological daughter. We have to support her happiness."

"And what about my happiness?" I demanded, my voice rising. "What about the fact that my fiancé cheated on me with my own sister?"

"Don't be dramatic," my mother snapped. "You're young. You'll find someone else. Karen has been through so much. She deserves this."

I couldn't breathe. Couldn't think. My own mother was choosing Karen over me. Again.

"Seven o'clock. Don't be late. And Emily? Wear something appropriate. Karen will be there with Louis, and we don't need you causing a scene."

She hung up before I could respond.

I sat there staring at my phone, numb. Then I called Tasha.

"Hey girl, what's-Emily? Are you crying? What happened?"

I told her everything. The condoms. The fight. Louis's hands around my neck. My mother's phone call.

"That's it," Tasha said, her voice fierce. "I'm coming to get you right now. Pack your things. You're not staying in that apartment another night."

"I have to go to the memorial," I said dully.

"Then I'm coming with you. And Emily? Wear your sexiest dress. If they want to humiliate you, let's show them you're not broken."

After we hung up, I dragged myself off the floor and into the bathroom. My reflection shocked me. My eyes were red and swollen. My mascara had run down my face in black streaks. And there, on my neck, were the clear imprints of Louis's fingers, already turning purple.

I took a long shower, scrubbing my skin until it hurt. Then I stood in front of my closet, looking at my clothes. Most of them I had bought with Louis. Worn on dates with Louis. Chosen to please Louis.

Not anymore.

I pulled out a deep blue dress I had bought months ago but never worn. Louis had said it was too revealing, too attention-seeking. It was perfect.

I did my makeup carefully, covering the bruises on my neck with concealer. By the time I was done, you couldn't tell I had spent the last hour crying on the floor.

Tasha arrived just as I was putting on my heels.

"Damn, girl," she said, looking me up and down. "You look amazing."

"I look like I'm trying too hard," I said, doubt creeping in.

"You look like a woman who knows her worth," Tasha corrected. "Now let's go show your family what they're missing."

The drive to my parents' house felt both too long and too short. My stomach was in knots. I didn't know if I could do this. Didn't know if I could face Karen and Louis and my parents all at once.

"You can do this," Tasha said, as if reading my mind. "And remember, if it gets too bad, we leave. Just say the word and I'll get you out of there."

I nodded, grateful for her friendship. At least someone was on my side.

The memorial service was already in full swing when we arrived. The house was packed with people I had known my whole life. Business associates of my grandfather. Family friends. Distant relatives.

And there, right in the center of it all, was Karen. Looking radiant in a black dress that probably cost more than my rent. Louis stood beside her, his hand on the small of her back.

My mother spotted me immediately. Her eyes narrowed as she took in my dress, and I saw her lips press into a thin line of disapproval.

She made a beeline for me.

"Emily," she hissed when she reached me. "What are you wearing?"

"A dress," I said flatly.

"You look like you're going to a nightclub, not your grandfather's memorial. Go upstairs and change into something from my closet."

"No," I said.

Her eyes widened. "Excuse me?"

"I said no, Mother. There's nothing wrong with what I'm wearing."

People were starting to stare. My mother's face flushed with anger.

"We will discuss this later," she said through gritted teeth. "Go stand somewhere out of the way. And try not to embarrass this family more than you already have."

She turned and walked away before I could respond.

I felt tears threatening again, but I blinked them back. I wouldn't cry. Not here. Not in front of them.

"Come on," Tasha said, linking her arm through mine. "Let's get some air."

We stepped out onto the balcony. The cool night air felt good on my flushed face. I took deep breaths, trying to calm down.

"You okay?" Tasha asked.

"Not really," I admitted. "This was a mistake. I shouldn't have come."

"Hey," Tasha said firmly. "You have every right to be here. This is your grandfather's memorial too. Don't let them make you feel like you don't belong."

I nodded, but I wasn't convinced.

That's when I noticed him. A man standing at the other end of the balcony, partially hidden in shadows. He was tall, broad-shouldered, wearing an expensive-looking suit. And he was staring right at me.

Our eyes met, and something electric passed between us. Something that made my breath catch.

He raised his glass slightly, a small smile playing at his lips. Then he turned and disappeared back inside.

"Who was that?" Tasha whispered.

"I have no idea," I said. But my heart was racing, and for the first time all night, I wasn't thinking about Louis or Karen or my mother.

I was thinking about the mysterious man with the knowing smile. And wondering if I would see him again.