Emma’s POV
“Remember,” Sarah says, hands on my shoulders, giving me a little shake. “Do exactly like we practiced. Right now, you’re Emma the terrified, broken girl who’s about to lose everything. Shoulders in. Chin trembling. Let your voice crack on every other word.”
I nod, swallowing hard.
She wipes a cool, damp cloth under my eyes to make them red, then pinches my cheeks for color.
“Good. Now, when you beg, really sell it. Look up at her though your lashes, let the tears spill exactly when you say ‘please have mercy.’ I want waterfalls on that line. Got it?”
“Waterfalls,” I repeat, voice wobbling.
Sarah cups my face, thumbs brushing my cheeks. “One more time. From the top. ‘Please, Brittany… I’m begging you…’ Go.”
I drop my gaze, let my lip quiver. “Please, Brittany… I’m be
