Emma's heart was pounding like crazy as the breeze rustled through the garden, the lights casting shadows on her face. The soft music from the hall clashed weirdly with Lily's nauseating words.
Anger bubbled just beneath the surface, while a flicker of unease churned inside her. She lifted her chin slightly, arms crossed tight, nails digging into her skin, desperately trying to rein in the emotions threatening to explode.
“Tragic? Please.” Her voice was icy, a slight tremor betraying her but still undeniably firm.
Let these annoying people laugh at her? No way!
“Thanks for offering to take my trash, I guess.” Emma shot back, her tone sharp as a knife. “If I remember correctly, you owe me $800 from last month. Consider it my trash disposal fee.”
Nathaniel let out a low “Whoa,” clearly
