Emma bit her lip , fighting the wave of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her . Her sisters words sounded light and teasing , but they also made her feel insecure . She didnt know how to respond . The years that had passed felt like an ocean between them now . Allison seemed to be lost in happy memories , but Emmas face grew paler with each passing second . A sudden realization struck her . Allisons smile faltered when she noticed the change in Emmas expression . Her eyes widened as she seemed to remember something . 1/3 The Ghost from the Past +25 BONUS Im sorry , Emma , Allison said , her tone softening . I forgot … I forgot that you and David are married now . I was just caught up in the past . Please , dont mind me . Emmas heart twisted with a mixture of anger and confusion , but she couldnt bring herself to show it . After all , this was the woman who had disappeared for two years without a trace . She had left so suddenly that it affected David because she was his best friend , and had left him heartbroken . Her mind raced with unanswered questions , and she found herself blurting out , Where have you been all these years ? How have you been ? When did you come back ? Allisons laughter was light and teasing . Youre still so full of questions , she said , shaking her head . I got back the night before . It was David who picked me up . Didnt he tell you ? I thought you knew . Emmas heart skipped a beat . The night before ? Did that mean that the woman at the airport … … she wasnt some client , as David had claimed it was Allison . And as the pieces clicked together , Emma realized the painful truth . David had forgotten their anniversary just to pick up Allison . She had spent the entire evening alone , while David was with the woman who had always been the center of his world . Why did he lie to her ? The thought made Emmas face grow even paler , her chest tightening with the realization that , for all intents and purposes , she had been abandoned . Her thoughts churned in a storm of hurt and confusion . David noticed the shift in her mood , the sadness that seemed to weigh her down . His irritation flickered across his features , though he tried to hide it . He was growing tired of the conversation , sensing that Allisons words were only making Emmas pain worse . With a slight sigh , he cut in , his voice firm yet tired . We can talk later , he said . There will be plenty of opportunities for that . But for now , we should go . He glanced briefly at Emma , his expression softening as he reached for her hand , signaling that it was time to leave . Ill explain everything to you when we get home , he said to her in a low voice . Allison noticed Davids slight irritation , though she couldnt quite understand its cause . She assumed he was angry with Emma for unexpectedly showing up and interrupting their time together . Despite her own desire to keep Davids attention , she knew better than to push him further . Sensing the tension in the room , she forced a smile , pretending to be understanding , though deep down she was frustrated . The last thing she wanted was to upset David any more than he already seemed to be . 2/3 The Ghost for the Past As they turned to leave , she suddenly added , Oh David . Its important . Emmas heart sank even further . It hit her then : hadnt been told . No one had bothered to invite aside while Allison was the one who had Davids Her eyes welled with unshed tears as she stood th The Ghost from the Past +25 BONUS As they turned to leave , she suddenly added , Oh dont forget the welcome party tonight , David . Its important . Emmas heart sank even further . It hit her then : everyone knew Allison had returned , but she hadnt been told . No one had bothered to invite her . She was an outsider in her own home , cast aside while Allison was the one who had Davids attention . Her eyes welled with unshed tears as she stood there , feeling more alone than ever before .