Love vs Loyalty

Emily’s POV “You’re becoming useless” The first words hit. Then the slap came immediately after. I held my cheek and tears started building up. The kitchen became quiet and Isabelle stopped what she was doing. “Mum-” Isabelle started softly “Don’t even say anything” my mum snapped before looking at me. “Emily graduated two weeks ago and has been doing nothing ever since” I felt embarrassed. Not even angry. “I’m trying,” “Trying what exactly?” my mum asked “Avoiding responsibility?Isabelle graduated and already knew her next step” Of course . Isabelle again. “Mum, she's figuring it out,” Isabelle said. Sometimes I hated how easy it was for Isabelle to be understood. “Well life doesn’t wait for people to figure things out” You’d think the worst part about my house was the chores, but it wasn’t. It was the feeling that no matter what I did there’d always be something else I'd done wrong. Silence followed. Then she spoke again “The Ashfords are coming for dinner tonight” Isabelle and I looked up at the same time. She looked confused. “Why?” Isabelle asked I hadn't seen the Ashfords in years. Not since Liam and Isabelle ended things. “Because Richard mentioned there might be an opportunity for Emily at the company” she started “So Emily make an effort tonight” “You talked to him about me?” now it was my turn to question my mum “You should be grateful” There it was again. The need to forever be grateful for decisions I never agreed to. “Okay” I said “Try not to give me a reason to regret giving you this opportunity” The words hit harder than they should have. I could feel the tears building up in my eyes, then I turned around and headed up to my room. I closed the door behind me and lay down on my bed staring at the ceiling, then I heard a soft knock interrupting my thoughts before Isabelle walked in without waiting. “You okay?” “What do you think?” “You know how she is” I chuckled a little “Well that doesn’t make things better” She stayed quiet. “She’s just worried about you” she said eventually “I don't like that excuse” I said “it feels more like disappointment” She sighed then her expression shifted. “Liam is coming tonight” “And are you okay with that?” I asked She nodded but that didn’t look convincing. Before I could even say anything she left. The rest of the day moved so fast. By evening, my mum had already started stressing about the dining set up. Isabelle was helping her out while I stayed in my room longer than expected to avoid all that I changed clothes three times before I settled on something simple and nice. The voices downstairs pulled me from my thoughts. They were here. I took a deep breath and walked downstairs rehearsing everything I'll say tonight. The second I stepped into the living room, I immediately saw Richard Ashford. He looked exactly the same…Tall and Intimidating. Then my eyes landed on the man next to him. Liam Ashford. Back then he was Isabelle’s boyfriend.We barely talked enough to know each other. But now? He looked grown and more serious. Almost like life had happened to him. I looked away. Then Isabelle walked into the room behind me and whatever expression on Liam’s face disappeared immediately. “Emily and Isabelle" my mum called softly “the Ashfords are here” I forced myself to move forward, feeling all too aware of everything now. Richard Ashford looked intimidating and calm in a way that made people around him act a little too careful. “It’s good to see you again” he said politely “You too sir” I replied giving a small smile “Hello” I said to Liam He looked at me for a moment then said “Hello” but it felt more like a whisper Then Isabelle walked forward. Richard smiled warmly at her “You look well, Isabelle” “Thank you, Mr Ashford” Her eyes moved to Liam “it’s been a while” Liam nodded once “It has” That was all. No smile or sense of warmth. Dinner started not long after and honestly it felt more tense than expected. Most of the conversation stayed between my mum and Richard while Isabelle only spoke when she was spoken to and looked so tense. Liam was no different. I couldn’t even read his expression. I mostly stayed quiet as my mum spoke about me like I wasn't sitting right here. “She just needs direction,” my mum said, placing her glass down. “Emily just finds it hard to focus” I immediately looked down at my plate and pushed food with my fork….that just hurts for someone to say about you especially when it’s your own mother. But I guess I’m getting used to it. “Mother” Isabelle called quietly “What?! i’m only being honest” she said dramatically “Most people don’t know what to do after graduating. It's normal” Richard stepped in “But Isabelle always had more structure” she continued “She had job offers lined up before graduation and always knew what she wanted to do.” Isabelle shifted uncomfortably in her seat. I pressed my lips together feeling heat rise to my face. For the first time that night, Liam glanced at me and I couldn't understand his expression and I’m not sure I wanted to. I looked away quickly. Maybe I would never know what it felt like to be Isabelle. I suddenly lost my appetite. My focus went to my plate, but my mind drifted from the table. Richard eventually started talking about the company and possible work opportunities while my mum answered half if not all the questions directed at me before I had the chance to speak. It was starting to feel normal and that was a problem. “We could always use extra help around the office” he said looking at me “it would be a good experience for you” I opened my mouth to answer then my mum spoke “She would love that” Love was a strong word to use considering no one had asked me what I wanted. Richard smiled “Would you?” Everyone was looking at me like I had much of a choice but I hadn't thought about it long enough to know what I wanted. Then I nodded politely “Yes, I would. Thank you” The words left my mouth before I could think about them. The moment they did, I wished I could take them back. The conversation continued without me and I didn't bother to follow it. My mum laughed at Richard’s jokes like she had planned to do so a day before. At some point, Isabelle looked at Liam again. “How’s work been lately?” she asked “Busy” he replied simply Then silence followed. That was it. I almost started to feel uncomfortable watching her. Like there was a conversation happening besides the one everyone could hear. She gave a small nod like she expected more but already knew she wasn’t going to get it. While I just sat there…listening, existing without really being a part of it. Dinner finally ended and I was relieved. Isabelle stayed back in the kitchen helping the maid clear up while I quietly slipped out. I walked through the hallway when I heard voices. It was coming from my mum's study. Low hushed voices. I slowed down immediately. “This can’t be happening now” my mum whispered “Keep your voice down” Richard replied “What happens if David exposes everything” David? Richard sighed. “They can never find out about this” My stomach dropped.