Chapter 3
Ailene came downstaim, her bag slung over her shoulder and ched for the car door–only to freeze when she spotted a familiar face l
She was perched in the passenger sent, arms wrapped amund an overflowing late of snacks and drinks, beaming up at Arlene with doe–eyed innocence
“Wilme, I get camick. Would you mind taking the back seat today?” she chised |
Arlene caught the sly glint that flickered in Rosalie’s eyes, then glanced at the dashboard and noticed a little figurine–a custom Hello Kitty, complete with a pink how Printed on the bow in sparkly letters: Princess Rosale’s Special Sent
When Aulene didn’t reply or step aside, Fromry realized she was upset. He lowered his voice, coaxing. “Rosalie’s never been to an auction before I thought she could use the experience, sen a bit of the world. She’s delicate. Please, Arlene, would you let her have the front?
Of course she would. She didn’t want Emery anymore–what did a seat matter? the could give him all the space he wanted
Ailene laughed quietly, turned, and slipped into the back seat!!
For the entire drive, Rosalie grazed on cakes and sweets, feeding Emery with her own spoon, acting as if no one else existed. The two of them chatted away about every subject under the sun, Rosalie’s playful hanter and little pouts keeping a smile glued to Emery’s lips X
Arlene didn’t spate them a single glance. She cracked the window, letting in the crisp autumn alt and watched the city roll by
When they arrived at the venue, they’ll only walked a few steps before Rosalin began to pout, complaining that her heels were killing her feet
Emery chuckled at her fussing but didn’t hesitate. He led her straight to the nearest boutique, selecting pair after pair of flats, kneeling to help her try them on one by
one
As Arlene watched him, so gentle and attentive, testing the softness of each shoe, a memory shed through her mind: just two weeks ago, she’d been sick with a taging fever, her skin burning hot. She’d asked Emery for a glass of water and hold refused, too preoccupied and distant to ca
It was clear who the real princess was now!!
But once, she’d been the one Emery doted on
Back then, when she’d resisted his advances, she’d tried to make things difficult for him, telling him she’d only consider dating him if he could bring her a cheese cake from the south end of the city. It was a ridiculous demand–her house was on the opposite side of town, and that night, a snowstorm had blanketed the streets Anyone could see she was just putting him off.
But Emery hadn’t hesitated. He’d driven for five hours through the snow, and amived at her door with the cheesecake in his hands.
Arlene had wondered, again and again, how love so real could fade co fast. Had he really changed, or had she just never seen him for who he truly was? A free spint impossible to pin down
No une could tame a wondererk
She chuckled bitterly to herself, then straightened her shoulders, invitation in hand, and walked into the auction hall
By the time the first lot went up, Emery and Rosalie finally joined her.0
The event was a combination duction and banquet, the tables laden with dainty pastiles and platters of fresh, seasonal cab
Rosalie’s eyes lit up at the sight of the seafood, and she immediately tugged on Emery’s sleeve, insisting she wanted some now.
Emery laughed, smoothing her dress, and declined the waiter’s help. He picked up the crab tools himself, expertly cracking shells and picking out succulent meat and golden toe, ananging in all neatly on Rosalie’s plate X
Rosalie gazed at him, awe and adoration sparkling in her yon
Arlene watched in silence. She paw Rosalle, now satisfied, point to an emerald necklace displayed on stage Without a moment’s hesitation, Emery raised his paddle Bidder 17–three hundred million!” the auctioneer culled
The room fell silent, a collective gasp of disbelief echoing from every
Soon, the banquet reached its intermission. Guests drifted over glasses in hand, eager to cozy up to the winning bidder
Sering Emery’s obvious devotion to Hosalle, they showered her with compliments–one “Mis. Tucker after another
Emery glanced nonchalantly at Arlene, then corrected them, “You’ve got it wrong. That’s my wife over there
A hush fell as the quests roulized the mistake, awkwardly fumbling to address Arlene instead &
She said nothing. ignoring the curious and pitying glances thrown her way
Truthfully, they weren’t wrong–soon, she wouldn’t be Mrs. Tucker anymore. With the way Emery
mery doted on Rosalie, had probably marry her the moment the divorce papers were signed.
After the break, the auction shifted to antiques. Arlene didn’t care for them; she placed a few bids on the most expensive items, then quietly excused herself!
She’d just reached the elevator when Rosalie’s sugary voice called out behind her
Wine, do you have a moment?‘.
Arlene stopped. “There’s nothing for us to
Before she could fish, Rosalie’s hand swung up
A sharp slop landed squarely across Arlene’s cheek
