Chapter 41
Emily’s POV
The fatigue was beginning to weigh on me. Weeks of preparation for the banquet had finally culminated in this one night, and though everything seemed to be going smoothly, I couldn’t help but feel the exhaustion settle
- in.
I had debated whether I should attend at all. Part of me wanted to stay in the background as I always had, letting Purple handle the spotlight while I remained unseen. But after that breakdown in the kitchen a few days. ago, I knew it was time to stop hiding.
I ran my hand gently across the tops of the tables, greeting familiar faces and taking in the atmosphere around me. I caught glimpses of children, their laughter and innocent curiosity reminding me of why I had founded the organization in the first place.
For five years, my identity had remained a secret. I had been content with allowing others to assume that Purple was the face behind the foundation. It was easier that way–no attention, no questions. But now, things were different. I had changed.
After everything I had been through with Keith, the pain, the betrayal… it didn’t sting as much anymore. It was as if the scars of my past had begun to heal, little by little. I didn’t need to be invisible anymore.
12:05
Chapter 41
“Emily, I have to admit, I’m surprised you’re out here,” someone remarked as I passed by. I smiled softly, nodding in acknowledgment. People were used to me staying in the shadows, away from the attention. But not tonight.
When I had first told Purple that I wanted to attend the banquet in person, she had been thrilled. “Finally,” she’d said, her eyes sparkling. “It’s about time the world knows the woman behind the curtain.” Her enthusiasm had been infectious, and I found myself wondering why I had waited so long to claim my place here.
As I continued to mingle with the guests, I felt lighter than I had in years. I greeted the children who had once been lost, their faces now shining with hope and happiness.
I knelt beside one little girl, offering a gentle pat on her shoulder as she proudly showed me her drawings. The sight of her joy made my heart.
swell.
Suddenly, I felt a familiar presence at my side. I turned to find Nina, her arms crossed and an exaggerated pout on her lips. “You didn’t tell me,” she said, her voice half–teasing, half–hurt.
“Tell you what?” I asked innocently, though I knew exactly what she was talking about.
“That you’re the founder of this entire thing!” she said, gesturing around the room. “I know we’ve only been friends for a few weeks, but still–you never mentioned it?”
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Chapter 41
I couldn’t help but smile, shaking my head. “I didn’t tell anyone, Nina. Not even my family. The only ones who knew were the children……. and Zane.”
Nina rolled her eyes playfully. “Typical Emily, keeping secrets.” She then softened, a hint of pride in her expression. “But seriously, I’m proud of you. And I have to say, you did a great job getting Rosa thrown out. She deserved it for everything she’s done to you.”
I chuckled, feeling a bit of satisfaction from that memory. “She crossed the line too many times. It was about time someone stood up to her.”
Nina’s eyes narrowed with a knowing look, and then her lips curved into a mischievous grin. “So… you and Frank, huh?” Her tone was playful, but I could tell she wasn’t going to let me off the hook easily.
I felt a flush creep up my cheeks. “What about us?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Don’t play coy with me, Em,” she said, leaning in closer. “I saw the way you two were interacting earlier. And something tells me it’s more than just friendly banter.” She raised an eyebrow, clearly fishing for details.
I sighed, a small smile playing at my lips. “Okay, fine. Yes, we’ve been… spending time together.”
Nina’s eyes lit up. “And by ‘spending time,‘ do you mean…?”
I laughed, giving in. “Yes, Nina. We’ve slept together. More than once,
in
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Chapter 41
fact.”
She gasped dramatically, putting a hand over her heart. “I knew it! And it‘ s about time too! Honestly, Emily, I’m so happy for you.”
“Don’t get too excited,” I warned, though I couldn’t hide my own smile. “It’s still new. I’m not sure where it’s going, but… I like him. I like the way he makes me feel.”
Nina’s face softened, her teasing replaced with genuine warmth. “Good. You deserve this, Em. You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel alive, who sees you for who you are.”
I nodded, grateful for her words. Nina had always been my rock, and hearing her say those things gave me a sense of validation that I hadn’t realized I needed. “Thank you, Nina.”
“Anytime,” she replied, giving me a quick hug before her phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at it and sighed. “Duty calls, I’m afraid. But we’ll catch up later, okay?”
“Of course,” I said, waving as she hurried off.
As soon as she was gone, my thoughts drifted back to Frank. In the short time we had been together, he had awakened something in me–desires I had long buried, fears I had kept hidden. With Frank, I didn’t have to suppress my needs or be afraid of rejection, the way I had always been with Keith.
Chapter 41
As I leaned against the wall, lost in thought, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Zane. A smile spread across my face as I answered.
“Mom!” His voice was bright and full of energy. “How was the banquet?”
“It’s going great, sweetheart,” I replied, moving to a quieter corner. “Everyone’s having a good time, and Carb is here too. He says hi.”
“Tell him I miss him! And I miss you too, Mom.”
My heart melted at his words. “I miss you too, Zane. But we’ll see each other soon, okay? You’ll be back home in no time.”
“Yeah,” he said, his voice softer now. “I can’t wait. The kids at the foundation must be having fun, huh?”
“They are,” I assured him. “They’ve been asking about you too. Everyone. misses you.”
We talked for a few more minutes, exchanging stories and laughter, before saying our goodnights. I hung up the phone, feeling lighter, my heart full of love for my son.
Just as I turned to head back to the hall, a strange sensation washed over me. It was as if someone was watching me, lurking in the shadows. I froze, the hair on the back of my neck standing on end. The darkness seemed to close in, and I felt an overwhelming urge to return to the safety of the crowd.
Chapter 41
I quickened my pace, my footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway, but as I rounded the corner, I collided with someone. My heart leaped into my throat.
It was Lily.
She stood there, her eyes locking onto mine, her expression unreadable. The eerie feeling lingered, wrapping around us as if something unspoken was hanging in the air.
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