Sorry, You Can't Have Me Now

Chapter 7 Invitation

Emily and Paul agreed on a time to meet and hung up.

At the same time, Joseph received an invitation, which he casually set aside.

But Anna, curious, picked it up and murmured, "Invitation from Turner's Institute..."

'Turner... Isn't that the name the doctor called out last time at the hospital?' Anna thought. Her grip on the invitation tightened a bit as the memory resurfaced.

She casually asked, "Joseph, are you planning on going to this event?"

Joseph didn't look up but just kept his pen gliding across the paper, the sound of it scratching the surface filling the silence. Finally, he replied, "No need. Just make sure a gift gets sent over."

He usually didn't attend such events in person. Someone else could attend in his place.

Anna's eyes sparkled—wasn't this a perfect opportunity to introduce herself to a bigger crowd? She'd had enough of her identity being a secret only known by a select few.

The doctor's reaction last time had shown her that Paul's status was impressive.

"Are you sure that's okay?" Anna feigned concern and spoke. "After all, Mr. Turner was the one who saved your grandfather. If you don't go, wouldn't people see it as, well, ungrateful?"

Joseph stopped writing, pulled Anna into his arms, and said, "Alright, let's go together then."

Anna put on a small smile as she leaned into him.

But after a moment, she put on a hesitant look. "I don't know, but won't people say I'm trying to come between you and Emily? After all, you two aren't divorced yet."

"Who cares?" Joseph scoffed, irritation flashing in his eyes. "If she hadn't schemed with my grandfather to force me into that marriage, I never would've married her in the first place. You're the only one I want as my wife." The years they'd missed because of Emily only made him resent her more.

The only person Joseph craved was always Anna!

With that, he handed Anna a card and said, "Spoil yourself with whatever you want. Don't save money for me."

Anna took the card, planted a peck on his face, and left the office.

Once the door clicked shut, Anna's smile vanished from her face. She took out her phone, pulled up Emily's contact, and typed a message.

Anna: The real third wheel is the one who's unloved. She attached a photo of the card and the invitation with the message.

Emily saw the photo and recognized the card as one of Joseph's secondary accounts.

And she knew that invitation well enough—it was from Turner's Institute.

Back when they were together, Joseph would only ever bring her to events if his grandfather was present. Any other time, it was a firm no, no matter how much she argued.

His answer was always the same. "I don't love you."

With just that, Joseph shut down any protest she had.

All those unspoken words and swallowed hurt still made her feel a sting of humiliation, even now.

And here Anna was flaunting an unlimited black card and a personal invitation. Emily couldn't help but sigh, 'Well, his first love certainly has him head over heels.'

In the past, Emily would've been crushed, but now, all she could feel was contempt.

Emily texted back: You're into collecting trash, huh? I can line up a few more for you to take. Then, she hit send and promptly blocked Anna.

Anna just assumed Emily was all talk—anyone who knew the story would know how obsessed Emily had been with Joseph.

She was practically his pet, bending over backward to please him.

In the dressing room, Anna picked out the top makeup artist and stylist. She was determined to be the most stunning woman tonight.

She'd stand by Joseph's side to prove to everyone that leaving Emily for her was the smartest choice Joseph could've made.

Meanwhile, Emily, oblivious to Anna's schemes, was trying to decide what to wear when she heard a knock at her door.

She opened it, surprised to see a familiar face. "Oh, Marcus! It's been ages—you look even more handsome!"

With a charming smile, Marcus greeted her, "Good afternoon, beautiful lady. And might I add, you're looking more stunning than ever." Marcus' words earned hearty laughs from Emily.

Emily invited Marcus in, watching as a team of stylists and assistants followed him through the door.

Once everyone was inside, Marcus finally explained his sudden appearance, "I saw your name on the guest list. Since you just got back, I think you might be low on formal wear. These dresses are all custom-made on short notice. See if any catch your eye. And the makeup team used to work exclusively for royalty. They'll make sure you're the brightest star tonight."

Emily wrapped her arms around Marcus in a grateful hug and said, "My dear friend, you're amazing. Thanks for remembering me after all these years."

Marcus chuckled, though her use of "friend" stung a little. He thought, 'After everything, am I still a friend to her? I never want to stay in the friend zone.'

But now that she was finally divorced, maybe he'd have a real shot if he just kept showing up in her life.

Regaining his composure, he replied, "How could I ever forget you? If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have achieved any of this."

Years ago, Emily saved him, or he'd have died in that harsh winter.

Later, Emily taught him how to endure, how to do business, and how to read people.

She'd stuck with him from those sleepless nights in a tiny studio all the way to his current success as a major player in the industry.

Thanks to her, no one in the Davis family even thought of challenging his right to inherit.

In his mind, Emily had always been the light guiding him forward.

Emily smiled but said nothing, simply choosing a red gown with a pair of silver heels.

"This one's perfect," she said. Marcus instructed the makeup artist to stay behind while the rest of the team left.

"Get dressed, and we'll head over together?" he asked nervously, almost afraid that she'd decline.

She nodded, which was exactly what she'd been hoping for.

When Anna sent that taunting message, Emily knew Joseph would be there too.

Without a plus-one, Joseph might think she still had feelings for him—and she had no intention of giving him that satisfaction.

Marcus was an ideal plus-one, with enough clout to deflect any drama Joseph might stir up.

When Emily stepped out in the red dress, the makeup artist was visibly taken aback. After a long while, she said, "This gown has been worn by plenty of people, but I've never seen anyone pull it off like you. Emily, after your makeup is done, could I take a quick photo? I'd love to capture this look on camera."

The makeup artist had plans of her own, thinking to herself that once she snapped a picture, she'd send it to the group chat to show everyone who thought no one could do justice to this dress.

"Of course, it'd be my pleasure," Emily replied with a gentle smile, settling into the sofa to begin her makeup.

"Done! Truly, you're blessed, Emily. Anything looks incredible on you." The makeup artist, still in awe, pushed Emily to the mirror. "Let me know if there's anything you'd like adjusted."

Looking at her reflection, Emily nodded with satisfaction. She'd always known she was beautiful, but Joseph had never let her feel it, always making her think she was unpresentable.

Now, with the perfect makeup highlighting her features, even she was nearly taken with herself.

Marcus had nearly dozed off waiting, but he jolted up at the sound of their conversation.

When he saw Emily, despite all the beautiful women he'd known, he was stunned.

The red dress seemed as if it had been made just for Emily—any brighter would be too much, any subtler too dull.

Her whole look, with that flawless makeup, exuded a grace that made him want to kneel.

"What's wrong? Lost for words?" Emily teased with a smirk.

Marcus wasn't embarrassed but just grinned. "Yeah, you've stolen my heart."

She rolled her eyes and ignored him, following the makeup artist out to the garden to take a few photos. After seeing the makeup artist off, she returned to the living room.

Marcus glanced at his watch. There was still a bit of time until the event, so he leaned back on the sofa, pretending to ask casually, "I heard you and Joseph finally split? What happened there?"

"Oh? Even you're curious about that?" Emily raised her eyebrows but finally shrugged and replied, "Apparently, I was just taking up space. He needed me to clear the way for his lover."

Marcus didn't press her further but changed the subject. "Why not come work for me? I could make you the VP. With you onboard, we'll easily surpass the Robinsons and become number one!"

It wasn't pity—Marcus genuinely trusted in her abilities.

Emily waved her hand and said, "Oh, no thanks. I've finally got some freedom; I'm not done enjoying it yet."

If anyone else had said that, Marcus might've thought they were boasting.

A VP position with a million-dollar salary wasn't something most people would pass up easily.

The conversation flew by, and soon it was almost time for the event.

Marcus pulled up to the hotel entrance in his limited-edition car and came around to open her door with a flourish. "Shall we, Your Majesty? Tonight, I'm your loyal escort!"