From Ruin She Rose novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

When Emily was first sent to St. Gabriel Reform Academy, the one she thought about most was Vincent.

Vincent was her fiancé. They grew up together, and he once swore he’d love and protect her forever.

If it hadn’t been for him, Emily wouldn’t have ditched the bodyguard Charles had arranged two years ago to go see him

alone.

She wouldn’t have walked foolishly into that blind spot without cameras, where she got tied up by the Bennetts and sent off to St. Gabriel’s.

No one around seemed to notice how pale Emily looked. They were all gathered around Lydia, showering her with praise and blessings.

“I’m so jealous of Ms. Bennett-Mr. Shaw treats her so well.”

“Ms. Bennett and Mr. Shaw are a perfect match.”

“Ms. Bennett, you’re about to graduate, right? I bet the wedding with Mr. Shaw is coming up soon. Best wishes to you two!”

Lydia looked shy and pleased. “I keep telling Vincent I already have enough clothes, but he just keeps buying me more.”

Even though she sounded like she was complaining, the smile on her face gave her away.

Emma was smiling too, holding Lydia’s hand. “A girl can never have too many clothes. It’s not like the Shaw family can’t afford it. What matters is that Vincent’s always thinking of you.”

Emily felt like a stranger, standing there watching Lydia’s sweet expression, Emma’s warmth, and all the smiling faces around them. Her numb heart felt like it had been stabbed all over again.

Then Lydia finally seemed to notice her. Her eyes landed right on Emily. “Emily, why are you so quiet?”

The others turned to look at her too, their eyes full of curiosity and confusion, like they were trying to figure out who she

was.

Lydia didn’t seem to notice anything strange. She walked over with a big smile. “Emily, didn’t you used to love this mall? Come look around. If you see anything you like, just let Vincent pay for it.”

She winked playfully. “We’ll just tell him I bought it. He’ll never notice. And even if he does, he won’t blame you.”

Looking at Lydia’s innocent-looking face just inches away, Emily couldn’t help but dig her nails into the back of her own hand.

“Lydia, is this why you brought me here today? To show off?” she asked.

Lydia was clearly showing off Vincent-the guy who once swore to love only Emily and protect her forever-and how good he was to her now.

But Lydia just stared at her, confused. “Emily, I don’t get what you mean,” she said, all innocence. “Wait… do you still love

Vincent?”

The people who’d been watching Emily suddenly seemed to understand something.

“No wonder she looked so familiar. She’s Ms. Emily Bennett.”

“Ms. Emily Bennett? I thought the Bennetts only had one daughter.”

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