My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 51

She looked beautiful.

The dress he’d painstakingly picked out from a high-end boutique was already flawless in quality and cut, but he hadn’t imagined that Emily Blair would look this stunning in it.

Stunning, in a way that caught everyone off guard.

The off-shoulder gown revealed the soft glow of her delicate shoulders. Silky fabric traced the gentle lines of her slender frame, hugging her waist before cascading to the floor. The high slit in the skirt revealed glimpses of her long legs with every step.

Emily’s youthful face—bright eyes, easy smile—radiated a quiet confidence as she glanced around the room.

To everyone present, she was breathtaking.

It wasn’t hard to picture what Emily Blair would look like in a few years—she’d only become more dazzling.

For a moment, conversation in the crowd fell away.

Emily spoke softly, “Have you been waiting long?”

Ethan Lane blinked and stepped forward, his usual warmth in his voice. “Not at all. You’re right on time.”

Emily smiled. “Glad I didn’t keep you waiting.”

Watching her innocent, gentle demeanor, Ethan’s feelings of doubt and regret became painfully clear.

He parted his lips to say something, but someone nudged his shoulder from behind.

“Emily, everyone’s waiting for you on stage. Come on, they’re all eager to see you.”

The guy’s mischievous grin and the glint in his eyes made his scheming obvious; he almost seemed to want Emily to notice the plot they’d cooked up.

She played along, pretending not to notice, and gave a playful wink. “Alright, I’m coming.”

With that, she turned decisively, revealing the expanse of her pale back.

The dress was backless, held together only by a single ribbon tying the sides. The delicate lines of her back were almost fully exposed, the graceful curve of her shoulder blades visible beneath the smooth fabric.

The effect only emphasized how fragile she looked—as if the lightest touch might make her crumble. There was a softness to her vulnerability, the kind that drew people in.

Her face froze for a split second.

Andrew stood off to the side, dressed in a sharp black suit, clearly just arrived from some formal event. His hair was neatly styled, emphasizing the strong lines of his brow. He leaned casually against the railing, his jacket unbuttoned, the evening breeze ruffling the fabric. His long, dark eyes narrowed slightly, exuding a lazy, effortless charm.

As expected, Isabella Austin was by his side.

She clung gently to Andrew’s arm, resting her head against his shoulder, her smile soft as she whispered something to him.

Whatever she said must have been funny—Andrew turned, a low laugh escaping him.

Expressionless, Emily looked away.

She’d never forget that these two had known about Ethan’s plan all along.

Ethan stood beside her now, holding out a glass of wine. She took it from him.

He gazed down at her, his eyes deceptively gentle. “Birthday girl, why don’t you make a toast?”