KEY TO THE CEO'S HEART

Chandeliers glistened above the massive ballroom of Ashbourne Manor like a thousand tiny stars. The whispers of people behind their hands, quiet laughter, and the clinking of glasses filled the room. Expensive perfumes and the crisp, bubbly aroma of champagne filled the air. Emily Bennett stood looking around, trying not to flinch. People were staring at the girl a few paces ahead of her, not at her, of course, but anywhere her gaze fell. Harrington, Isabella. Everyone thought the girl was the true daughter of Thomas and Margaret Ashbourne. Emily wore a simple outfit. The soft cloth, cream in colour, was obviously not intended for such a setting. Before anyone even glanced at her, she sensed it. She felt like a mistake, yet it was like entering a dream where everyone else belonged. She was standing next to her mother, Susan, who appeared much more uncomfortable with her shabby purse and old coat. She ought not to be present. She had been thinking about that all night. She was unable to run, though. Not now. Emily's gaze remained fixed on Isabella while her heart pounded fiercely. Isabella's smile was flawless. She exuded a simple chuckle. She moved through the crowd with ease, as if she had practiced each step. They think she is the daughter of the Ashbournes. Only three months prior, Emily had discovered that she was not who she believed herself to be. Actually, she wasn't just Susan's daughter. She was Susan's other daughter. The Ashbournes discovered the error too late. The error was wrapped in a secret that nobody wanted to know. Susan gently squeezed her hand. Emily knew her mother's thoughts without having to look. Susan whispered softly, "Love, you don't have to stay." Emily fought the sting in her eyes by blinking quickly. "I'm all right. I simply must be present. A falsehood. She was far from okay. She felt as though she didn't belong in her body since her skin was too tight. People wearing velvet, silk, and high-end shoes surrounded her. She kept looking at her own toes, which were scuffed from walking on muddy country paths rather than shiny marble floors. Quiet but harsh voices floated through the room. Like little silk-wrapped knives. "Why even bring her here?" "She doesn't appear to be one of them." "She will never be accepted." Even though they didn't directly address her, Emily was able to hear everything. It was clear from the way they gazed at her and the fact that they were not grinning. There was one distinct voice, piercing and falsely sweet. I believe Isabella is gorgeous. It's very unfortunate that this entire situation had to occur. It truly upsets the family's equilibrium. Emily remained still. She tightened her jaw. Her chin remained raised. Don't cry. Avoid running. She raised her head once again and gazed directly into Isabella's eyes. That flawless smile flickered for a moment. Emily caught sight of it—something cruel, something cold—but it disappeared before anyone else could see it. Isabella then lifted her glass of champagne. She commanded the room with the volume of her voice. "Hello everyone! We're celebrating family tonight. Isabella's gaze flicked towards Emily, and Emily saw it. The words squeezed Emily's chest with their sugar-coated edge. "For us Ashbournes, family is everything, isn't it?" The audience sipped their beverages, nodded, and gave a little clap. Emily balled her fingers into fists. Is that what she thinks? Or is she merely reminding me that I'm not welcome? Margaret and Thomas Ashbourne stood like statues in the far corner of the ballroom. Margaret's expression was inscrutable and rigid. Her gaze, however, remained fixed on Emily. Does she despise me? Do you wish I would never return? Susan leant in once more. “You know, we can leave.” Emily gave a single shake of her head. "No, mother. I must remain. She felt as though she wouldn't fit in if she left. She secretly wasn't prepared to acknowledge that. After finishing her statement, Isabella looked away and gave her glass to a server. Then she turned and began to move in Emily's direction. Like a countdown, her heels chimed loudly with each stride on the marble. The silence in the room decreased. People looked around. Isabella said, "Emily," with a lovely smile that seemed genuine. Leaning in, she whispered loudly enough. "Enjoying yourself? Being here and all this new stuff is a lot, I know. It must seem like a completely different universe, doesn't it? Emily's cheeks began to flush. A tight smile tugged at her mouth. "Thank you. I'm still adjusting to it. Isabella glanced at Emily's gown. "Some things simply require time. However, not everybody adapts well. Emily bit the inside of her cheek with her teeth. She remained silent. Before she could continue, Isabella moved aside, re-entering the crowd like a swan skimming across a lake. She wants me to think I'm little. It was also functioning. The neighbours murmured once more. One sentence rang out as distinct as day: "The other daughter." Their voices blended together. Emily's throat tightened with breath. The lights blurred in her eyes as she turned away from the crowd and gazed up at the chandelier. Why have I come here? What's the point of fighting for something that doesn't want me? She felt a chuckle, but it wasn't amusing. Not at all. "She’s such a darling," someone said close to her" "That Isabella really knows how to hold a room." Emily's lips quirked. Alright, she's clutching something. Then a man in a blue suit leant over to another visitor and asked, "Do you think the new girl will stick around? She seemed to be prepared to run. At last, Emily talked, primarily to herself. "They have no idea who I am." Susan put a hand on her shoulder. "Avoid listening to them. Em, you are more than sufficient. Emily nodded quickly at her. However, her mind was racing. If I stay here, I'll face constant criticism. I'll appear weak if I go. They will prevail. She will prevail. She took a deep breath and briefly closed her eyes. She could only hear the hum of people and Isabella's flawless, brilliant laugh once more. What if everything here is an error? What if I wasn't supposed to be discovered? “Is she really one of them?” someone nearby inquired. "I heard they're doing a test to make sure," a second person muttered in response. Emily opened her eyes. Her stomach fell. An examination? Susan must have seen how her face had changed. "What is it?" "Nothing," Emily blurted out. "Just worn out." But there was anarchy in her head. They continue to doubt it. despite everything that has happened. She turned back to Isabella, surrounded by people intently listening to her every word. Emily's hands became more clenched. Alright. Allow people to stare if they so choose. They will have to wait longer if they are anticipating my fall. I will not be leaving. despite the pain. Even if tomorrow nobody remembers my name, gives me a drink, or claps for me. I remain here. Furthermore, I'm not the one acting like someone I'm not. ---