Chapter 2 What is wrong with you to call off the marriage with the Hendrix family? Ivy Rowland pointed at Thea, scolding, right after Thea got back to the Rowland mansion, The Hendrix family is big league. Cant you just pretend nothing happened? Ditching the engagement will drag our name through the mud. Ivy continued. Thea, feeling hot under the collar and as uncomfortable as ever, pulled a face and shot back, Mum, if Emmalie was in my shoes, would you have made her stick it out? Ivy, slightly irked, retorted, Always dragging Emmalie into this when you mess up. Do you think shed be as lost as you? She even told me yesterday how much she missed you. Whats with the attitude now? Thea couldnt help but scoff. Thats all Enumalies sweet talk to keep you in the dark. Ivy, trying to cool down, snapped, Enough Pull yourself together. Emmalie will be back tonight, and youre not skipping the welcome-back banquet tomorrow. The Hendrix familys on the guest list, too. Thea suddenly stared at Ivy, her eyes tinting red. Mum, I think Im sick. Can we go to the hospital? Ivy just gave her a cold stare, visibly annoyed. Thea managed a weak smile, fighting back tears, and hurried upstairs to be alone with her thoughts. Ivys voice trailed after her, filled with frustration. I cant believe I raised a daughter who plays sick whenever things get tough. Why couldnt it have been her that got lost? My sweet Emmalie has been through so much, and here Ive been, pouring my heart into raising Thea, only for her to turn out so selfish and moody. Anyway, Emmalies coming back. Lets go check on the soup I made for her in the kitchen. Theas limbs were numb and cold, just like her heart. Ever since that thing happened when she was sixteen, she had become the familys black sheep, always on the fringes. There was a time when being sad wasnt really in her vocabulary because she had someone by her side, someone whod smile at her like the sun breaking through the clouds. His eyes sparkled whenever he looked at her. He made her promises. Thea, Im sticking by you forever. Think of me as your family now, Im going to love you for all my days, and I wont let anything hurt you, not even a little. Back then, Thea thought she was over feeling sad. She brushed it off like it was nothing. But old memories had a way of crashing back in, like a tidal wave she didnt see coming. Suddenly, she was hit with the realization that those old hurts hadnt healed. They were still there, aching. Now, with what little strength she had left falling apart, she found herself curled up in a ball at the corner of the stairs, hugging her knees and just letting the tears flow. The next day, Thea turned heads at the banquet with her choice of a dark green evening dress. Her wild, curly hair flowed behind her like seaweed, paired with these striking red lips that popped against her pale skin. Her features were gentle and understated, yet this chilly, detached vile came from her eyes. 1/3 20:13 Thu, Oct 24 G. Chapter 2 That mix of red lips with the green dress was bold. Only Then could rock something that gutsy. 243%2 Ivy, hanging out with a bunch of noble ladies with Emmalie by her side, spotted a bold figure lurking in the background, and her eyes popped wide open. Right when she was about to lose it, someone gently grabbed her from behind, pulling her back Mum, theres no need to get on Theas case. With so many people around today, its only natural shed want to spruce up and look her best, Emmalie said, her doe-like eyes blinking. Ivy gave a helpless tap on her nose. Youre the only one who really spoils Thea in her moods. Honestly, Id worry way less if she could be as sweet as you. Immediately, everyone around chimed in, praising Emunalie for being a good daughter, The Rowland family had two daughters and two sons. The youngest daughter, Emmalie, had a rough start, getting kidnapped as a kid, but she bounced back incredibly, turning out super smart and well-mannered. She even snagged a VP position at the International Piano Association at a surprisingly young age. The eldest son had climbed his way up to become a young vice president at the Rowland Group, while the other son was the familys surprise packet, having set up a new venture overseas. Then there was Thea. She became the black sheep, notorious for her troubling past with bullying both at school and at home. Emmalie, noticing the tension, sighed and said with a hint of irony. Seems like Thea isnt too happy. Guess I should go and smooth things over. Thea always on alert, had seen Emmalie approaching, set her glass down, and turned to leave. Whenever Emmalie headed over, it almost always ended in some accidental drama, like a mysterious fall or a why did you push me! scenario. Thea was heading to the restroom to freshen up her lipstick. It was only when she reached the restroom that she heard a strange wailing sound. Thea paused, sneaking a peek around the corner with a mix of curiosity and caution. She spotted a well-built woman tumbling into a mans embrace. The ladys face was flushed red, her halter dress slipping to reveal more skin than intended. The man stood with his back to Thea, his tall and slender figure all that was visible. Thea clicked her tongue in disapproval, ready to walk away, but then she overheard the womans soft plea. President Hendrix, I think Ive hurt my leg. Could you check it for me? Wait, President Hendrix? Thea did a double-take. The only President Hendrix in the Hendrix family was Jakes enigmatic uncle, Nicolas Hendrix. Him, at a party like this? Unheard of. Whats he doing here? Thea wondered. Mulling over his known temper and dark reputation, Thea decided she wanted no part of this drama. She was sneaking off when her phone blared. Flustered, she killed the call before looking up and locking eyes with Nicolas. The light cast his features into sharp relief, the shadows accentuating his face and the brooding look in his eyes. Known for his icy demeanor, Nicolas seemed even more intimidating now, 2/3 P 현식 43% Chapter 2 Caught, Thea stammered, Uncle Nicolas, 1, uh, just got here. Didnt see a thing… Immediately, she wanted to facepalm. Great, that probably made things worse, she thought.