Chapter 456

Years later, Elizabeth Wilson would reflect on that day and realize she never could have imagined just how long she’d remember the reckless confidence in Emily Blair’s smile as she announced her plans to start a business. That image had stayed with her for years.
Five years slipped by in the blink of an eye.
Emily Blair had barely woken up, still tangled in her sheets, when Tristan Davis yanked her out of bed, shoving a toothbrush—already smeared with toothpaste— into her hand.
“Emily,, wake up! Emily, seriously, snap out of it, will you?”
Before she could even open her eyes, Tristan was half-dragging, half-leading her into the bathroom, guiding the toothbrush into her mouth with firm insistence.
“Did you forget what you promised me?” Tristan muttered through gritted teeth. “Get it together. We’re going to be late.”
Eyes squeezed shut, mouth full of minty foam, Emily mumbled, “I know, I know. Stop nagging. I can handle it.”
Tristan looked like he was about to lose it. Over the years, his features had only grown more striking-his brows darker, his blue eyes deeper. “Your idea of ‘handling it’ is rolling out of bed five minutes before we’re supposed to be there? If you’re any later, we really will be late!”
Emily finally cracked an eye open and shot him a glare in the mirror. “Why are you yelling at me? If I’m late, it’s your fault. You kept me drinking all night, and you know I can’t hold my liquor.”
Tristan caught sight of her reflection-bright-eyed, her features lively and radiant, still in those soft, cozy pajamas she loved. Just like that, his frustration evaporated. They were both wearing matching lounge sets, a cheesy his-and-hers deal Emily had bought because it was on sale. She hadn’t even intended to give it to him, but couldn’t find anyone else for the second set. Over the years, as Emily’s business grew, she’d never bothered to throw the cheap pajamas away.
To be fair, she wasn’t wrong. It had been Tristan’s idea to keep the party going last night, roping in Xavier Gonzalez and Elizabeth Wilson for round after round of drinks. By the time Emily arrived, things were already out of hand, and she’d ended up downing more than a few glasses herself.
Tristan’s voice softened, coaxing her gently. “Okay, okay, I’m not nagging. But seriously, we have to go. I’ll wait for you outside.”
Emily shut her eyes again, making it perfectly clear: Go. I don’t want to see you right
now.
Despite everything, Emily clearly had her act together. She made it to the restaurant just before the agreed-upon time.
Outside the restaurant, she paused to adjust her red dress, checking her reflection in the glass wall. “Do I look okay? I’m not going to embarrass you, am I?”
She’d grown even more beautiful over the years. Words like “bright-eyed” and “pearly teeth” didn’t do her justice anymore. There was a vivacity in her expression, a kind of effortless charm that drew people in. She was tall and statuesque, her figure accentuated by the short dress that hugged her curves, her fair skin glowing.
Just standing at the entrance, Emily had already caught the attention of more than a few passersby.
Tristan couldn’t take his eyes off her. Under his breath, he said, “You look amazing.” Emily smirked, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, and beckoned him over.
Tristan leaned in, lowering his voice. “What is it?”
Without missing a beat, Emily slipped her arm through his and pulled him close, holding on tight.