The day of Treon's white party had arrived. Emily stood outside the Earnshaws' grand residence, dressed in a strapless, knee-length white flared dress paired with elegant white heels. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and she exuded effortless grace. Beside her, Ayla looked equally stunning in a short white dress and white sandals, her face glowing with excitement.
They were joined by Cara, Jason, and their five-year-old son, Jason Jr. The entire family was impeccably dressed for the occasion. Cara's dress was a chic off-shoulder white gown, while Jason looked dapper in a tailored white suit. Even little J. J. matched his parents perfectly, his tiny white blazer and bow tie making him the spitting image of his father.
Jason Greene, a handsome man with tousled brown hair, piercing green eyes, a sharp jawline, and a full beard, stood tall at 5'11. His calm demeanor contrasted with Emily's growing frustration as she lowered her phone with a frown.
"He didn't pick up," Emily muttered, her irritation apparent.
The group made their way toward the mansion's ornate front gate, but the security guard barred their entry.
"Sorry, you're not on the guest list," the guard stated firmly, his brows furrowed.
"Listen, we're family friends with the Earnshaws," Jason interjected, trying to reason with him.
The guard stood his ground. "Your name's not on the list."
Emily's temper flared. "Look—"
"Hey, y'all!" Treon's voice called out from behind the gate.
Relief washed over Emily as they turned to see Treon approaching. He was dressed sharply in a white vintage shirt, matching white pants, and polished white shoes. His confident smile immediately diffused the tension.
"Let them in, Charles," Treon instructed, his tone calm yet authoritative.
"I'm sorry, sir," the guard apologized hastily before bowing slightly and unlocking the gate.
Once inside, Treon greeted them warmly, giving the women hugs and shaking Jason's hand. "Sorry for not picking up earlier. I was caught up with a few things," he explained.
Emily nodded, her annoyance softening at his apology.
Treon's gaze shifted to Ayla, and he crouched down to her height with a kind smile. "Hi, you must be Ayla," he said gently before turning to the little boy beside Cara. "And you must be J. J."
Ayla hesitated, shifting shyly behind Emily, while J. J. clung to his mother's hand.
"Hi," J. J. finally said in a small voice.
Treon chuckled softly. "Hi, J. J. I'm Treon, your uncle."
Both children glanced up at their mothers for confirmation. Emily and Cara exchanged amused looks before nodding, prompting the kids to relax slightly.
"Are you nice?" Ayla asked, her big eyes staring at Treon with innocent curiosity.
Treon laughed warmly. "I'm very nice. And I have candy too. Want to come with me?"
Ayla's face lit up as she reached for Treon's outstretched hand, leaving Emily's side. Her enthusiasm made the group chuckle.
"Come on, guys," Treon said, leading them toward the party.
The Earnshaws' compound was immaculate, the sprawling grounds adorned with meticulously groomed flowers and lush greenery. The estate exuded wealth and elegance, and the vastness of the space was almost overwhelming.
Treon guided them to the backyard, where the party was in full swing. Rows of white chairs were arranged under a canopy of string lights, and guests mingled in small groups, their laughter and chatter filling the air. A soft melody from a live jazz band provided the perfect backdrop for the sophisticated affair.
"Welcome to the party," Treon said with a smile as they entered.
Emily's gaze quickly landed on Dillon Earnshaw. He stood near a group of older men, his commanding presence undeniable. Dressed in a crisp white suit, his graying beard gave him an air of distinguished authority. When his eyes caught sight of them, his expression shifted to one of surprise.
Emily's stomach twisted. The sight of Dillon made her heart race, guilt gnawing at her as memories of the past surfaced unbidden.
"Hey, Pops. Surprise," Treon said, his tone light and casual, though a hint of hesitation lingered in his smile.
Surprise? Emily thought, her pulse quickening. That means none of the Earnshaws knew we were coming.
Dillon approached them, his steps measured as his sharp eyes scanned the group.
"Wow. Emily and Cara," Dillon muttered, his surprise evident as his sharp eyes lingered on the women.
"Hey, Uncle Dil," Emily and Cara greeted in unison, offering small, tentative smiles.
"Come here," he said, opening his arms.
The gesture caught both women off guard. As they stepped into the embrace, the warmth and strength of Dillon's hug washed over them, stirring emotions they hadn't expected. For a moment, it felt like coming home.
"It's good to have y'all back," he said, pulling away with a genuine smile that softened his otherwise stoic demeanor.
Turning to Jason, his expression shifted to one of stern appraisal. "You're Cara's husband, I suppose?"
"Yes, sir," Jason responded, standing a little straighter under Dillon's scrutinizing gaze.
"You taking care of her alright?" Dillon's tone was sharp, bordering on intimidating.
"Yes, I am, sir," Jason replied quickly, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
"You better," Dillon said firmly before his focus shifted to the two children, who were staring up at him with wide, curious eyes.
"Hey, kids, I'm—"
"Grandpa?" Ayla interrupted, her innocent question drawing a startled expression from Dillon. His eyes widened, darting briefly to Emily and Cara for confirmation.
Both women nodded subtly, their faces betraying a mix of nervousness and hope.
"Yes, baby," Dillon said, his voice softening. "Come, let me show you around."
Without hesitation, Ayla reached for him, her small arms wrapping trustingly around his neck. Dillon scooped her up effortlessly, his commanding presence now carrying an air of tenderness. J. J. followed close behind as Dillon led them toward the crowd, introducing them to guests and family members.
It wasn't long before they encountered Cherise, whose radiant smile lit up the moment she saw them. The reunion was warm, with hugs and kind words exchanged, easing some of the tension Emily had carried since their arrival.
After the introductions and catching up with Dillon and Cherise, Emily, Cara, and Jason finally found seats as the party began to pick up. Ayla and J. J. had wandered off with Dillon and Cherise, leaving the adults a moment to breathe.
Emily glanced around, noting that apart from Treon, Dillon, and Cherise, the other Earnshaws were nowhere in sight. She exhaled quietly, relieved but cautious, wondering how they might react if they knew she and Cara were here.
Feeling a sudden need to step away, Emily excused herself.
"I'll be back," she said, standing and smoothing her dress before heading toward the house to find a restroom.
Inside, the atmosphere was equally lively. Waiters glided gracefully through the throng of elegantly dressed guests, their trays laden with champagne flutes and hors d'oeuvres. The soft hum of conversation and the occasional laugh echoed through the expansive hallways, which were adorned with tasteful décor.
As Emily navigated the unfamiliar mansion, her heels clicking against the polished floors, her attention was drawn to a lone figure standing by a door at the end of the corridor. The woman's back was turned, her posture rigid. Something about her silhouette was strikingly familiar.
"Olivia, is that you?" Emily called hesitantly.
The figure turned, revealing Olivia Earnshaw. She looked older yet somehow even more striking, her elegance accentuated by a sleek black weave and light, flawless makeup. Her white dress clung to her figure in all the right places, and her heels clicked softly as she turned to face Emily.
Recognition flashed in Olivia's eyes, followed quickly by something darker—anger.
"What?" Olivia's voice was sharp, cutting through the air like glass.
"Um, I—" Emily began, fumbling for words.
"Save it, Royce," Olivia snapped, her tone laced with venom. "I don't wanna hear nothing from you. You're not welcome here."
Before Emily could respond, Olivia turned on her heel and strode away, leaving Emily rooted to the spot, stunned.
Though she had braced herself for hostility from the Earnshaws, the sting of Olivia's reaction still pierced through her. Her chest tightened, and tears pricked the corners of her eyes. She sniffled, willing herself to stay composed.
After a moment, she collected herself and continued her search for the restroom. She eventually found one and stepped inside, grateful for the temporary solitude. After using the restroom, she washed her hands and dried them with a paper towel before stepping back out into the hallway.
As she turned, her heart nearly stopped.
Dani and Kelly stood before her.
Dani looked as poised as ever in a short, elegant white dress paired with delicate heels. Her hair was styled into a neat bun with soft tendrils framing her face, enhancing her natural beauty. Kelly stood beside her, his sharp features accentuated by his white button-down shirt and tailored pants. His expression was unreadable, but the frown on his face made Emily's pulse quicken.
"Dani," Emily said, her voice trembling slightly as she met the other woman's gaze.
"Fancy seeing you here, Emily," Dani replied smoothly, her lips curving into a faint, knowing smile.
"Treon invited me," Emily explained hastily, unsure how else to justify her presence.
"I mean here," Dani said, her tone light but pointed.
Emily caught the subtle glimmer of amusement in Dani's eyes. She could swear Dani was stifling a laugh, which only made her feel more self-conscious.
"Oh. Bathroom," Emily said awkwardly, gesturing toward the restroom behind her.
Dani nodded, her expression unreadable, before turning to walk away with Kelly.
Emily watched them go, letting out a shaky breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her mind replayed the moment, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. But it was Liv's harsh words that lingered most, a bitter reminder of the bridges she had burned.
As she made her way back toward the party, she couldn't shake the unease settling over her.
_N