Revenge of a scorned heart

The village of Everspring was abuzz with excitement. The annual summer festival was in full swing, and the entire village had gathered in the central square. Lanterns hung from every tree, casting a warm glow over the bustling crowd. Children ran about, laughing and playing, while adults mingled and enjoyed the festivities. Emily Hart sat on a sturdy branch of the large oak tree near the square, swinging her legs and watching the celebration with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. Her long, auburn hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft curls, framing her heart-shaped face. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with excitement, enhanced by the subtle touch of gold eyeshadow and mascara. A soft blush adorned her cheeks, giving her a natural, radiant glow. She wore a flowing, midnight-blue dress that accentuated her slender figure, its hemline adorned with intricate silver embroidery that shimmered in the lantern light. A delicate silver pendant rested against her collarbone, completing her elegant look. "Emily, you look like you're about to explode," her best friend Sarah called up from the ground, grinning widely. "Are you sure you're not hiding a second engagement ring in that dress?" Emily laughed, her anxiety easing a bit. "Just excited, I guess. I mean, it's Thomas. We've been planning this for ages." Sarah smirked. "Ages? Try since we were twelve and you told him you'd marry him if he gave you his last cookie." "Hey, that was a big deal! Those cookies were legendary," Emily shot back, giggling. Sarah climbed up onto the branch beside Emily, nearly losing her balance in the process. "Whoops! Maybe I should stick to solid ground. So, where is our charming prince?" Emily scanned the crowd. "He said he had something special planned and that I should wait here." "Oh, something special, huh?" Sarah waggled her eyebrows. "Knowing Thomas, it could be anything from a heartfelt serenade to juggling flaming torches." As if on cue, Thomas appeared below the tree, looking slightly nervous but undeniably handsome in his festival attire. His dark hair was neatly combed, and his blue eyes shone with determination. He cleared his throat, catching their attention. "Emily, could you come down for a moment?" he asked, his eyes twinkling. Sarah nudged Emily playfully. "There’s your cue, Juliet." Emily climbed down from the tree, trying to hide her excitement. "Hey, Thomas. What's the big surprise?" Thomas smiled and took her hand. "You'll see. Come with me." Sarah winked at Emily and made a dramatic exit. "I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. But don't take too long—there's a pie-eating contest, and I need my partner in crime." Emily shook her head, smiling. "You're on your own for that one, Sarah. Last time, I was sick for a week!" Thomas led Emily through the festival, weaving between stalls and ducking under strings of lanterns. Finally, they reached a secluded garden behind the town hall, lit with hundreds of fairy lights and adorned with flowers. In the center was a large fountain, and just as they arrived, the water began to dance in sync with a soft melody. Emily gasped. "Thomas, this is... amazing!" "Wait, there's more," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He gave a signal, and suddenly, the sky above them lit up with a brilliant display of fireworks. The colors exploded in patterns, spelling out "Will you marry me?" in the night sky. Emily's eyes widened in awe. "Thomas, this is breathtaking!" Thomas took a deep breath and knelt on one knee, opening the velvet box to reveal a stunning ring with a sparkling sapphire at its center. "Emily Hart, from the moment I saw you, you captured my heart. You are the light of my life, my best friend, and my true love. I can't imagine my future without you by my side. Will you marry me?" Tears welled up in Emily's eyes as she nodded. "Yes, Thomas. A thousand times, yes!" The crowd, having noticed the proposal, erupted into cheers and applause. Sarah rushed over, pie in hand, and pulled Emily into a hug. "Congratulations! And just so you know, I totally called it," she said, winking at Thomas. As the night continued, Emily couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She noticed Thomas exchanging uneasy glances with Sarah and excusing himself frequently. Sarah seemed overly enthusiastic, almost as if she was compensating for something. Later, as the festival was winding down, Emily found herself alone with Thomas again. He looked distracted, his usual warmth replaced by a strange coldness. "Thomas, is everything okay?" Emily asked, concern creasing her brow. Thomas hesitated before forcing a smile. "Of course, Em. Just tired, that's all." Emily didn't believe him but decided not to press further. She wanted to believe that tonight was perfect, that nothing could tarnish their happiness. As they walked home, hand in hand, Emily couldn't help but glance back at the village square, where the last of the lanterns flickered in the night. She had no idea that this perfect night would be the beginning of a journey that would change her life forever.