Once she dealt with Emma , David would naturally return to her . With a quiet sigh , Allison picked up her phone and saw the new text message notification . Her 1/3 The Matt and the stars +25 BONUS lips curled into a sly smile as she read it , then quickly deleted it . An idea began to form in her mind . She could fix this . She just needed to be smart about it . Later that day , Emma found herself reluctantly dragged into the busy streets by Sophie . Despite her mood , she followed her friend through the stores , half listening to Sophies chatter as she tried to take in the sights . But nothing could lift her spirits . Every time her mind wandered back to David and his actions , it felt like a knot tightening in her chest . Sophie didnt give up , though . She knew Emma needed a distraction , so she continued to pull her into stores , chatting about this and that . After a while , her arms were full of shopping bags , but Emma hadnt bought a single thing . Sophie , ever determined , dragged her into another store . Come on , just try this lovely skirt on display . You need to get out of this funk , Sophie urged , pushing Emma toward a display . Emma hesitated , but when she looked at the skirt in the window , something about it caught her eye . It was simple yet elegant , a soft fabric that seemed to shimmer in the light . For the first time all day , she felt a flicker of interest . She nodded and agreed to try it on . The store clerk , noticing their dressing and demeanor , could tell they were from upper class . She ushered them into the fitting room with a smile . This skirt is a special design , made with soft silk and hand sewn details . The slight shine makes it perfect for any elegant occasion . Youll look absolutely stunning in it , she complimented , her tone smooth and polished . With Sophie and the clerks help , Emma , who had been frowning all day , finally managed a small smile . The skirt was stunning , and for a moment , she forgot her worries . However , when the clerk left to retrieve the skirt , she didnt return for a long time . Emma and Sophie exchanged glances , confused about what the delay was all about . Finally , the clerk returned , but instead of holding the skirt , her face was flushed with embarrassment . Im so sorry , but the skirt was just purchased by another customer shes a VIP , and she had first rights to it . Emma blinked , her surprise quickly turning to frustration . Before she could respond , Sophie stormed out of the fitting room , furious . Are you kidding me ? she muttered under her breath . Emma immediately followed her friend in a rush , worried that Sophie might cause trouble . But as they reached the front of the store , Emma stopped dead in her tracks . There , standing with a perfect smile on her face , was Allison . She didnt even look sick at all Sophie immediately pointed a finger at Allison , angry . You deliberately bought the skirt Sophie wanted , didnt you ? 2/3 The Skirt and the Sisters +25 BONUS But Allison didnt even flinch . Oh , I didnt know Emina wanted it , she said with a sweetness that made Emmas stomach churn . But if she really likes it …. She leaned in close to Emma , her breath cold against her ear . If youre willing to give David back to me , Ill let you have it . Emmas heart stopped , and before she could process the words , she instinctively pushed her sister away . But Allisons reaction was far more dramatic than Emma had anticipated . She stumbled backward , falling to the ground with a gasp . Oh , Emma ! Why did you push me ? Allison cried , looking up at her with wide , innocent eyes . If you really wanted the skirt , I could give it to you as a gift , she added , with tears in her eyes . Emma stood still , speechless . Her mind was spinning , her emotions a whirlwind of anger and disbelief . She didnt even usé force to push Allison . Just as she opened her mouth to speak , a voice interrupted her . Thats enough , Emma . Give the skirt to your sister , Davids voice rang out behind her . Emma finally understood why Allison had acted so weak . She saw David standing beside Allison , his arm around her . It was clear now that he was on Allisons side , not hers . Emma knew that David wouldnt listen to her side of the story . With a bitter smile , she glanced at him and said , You didnt even notice that I wasnt holding the skirt , before turning away and walking off .