With a sharp "snap," Emma Hart's palm connected with Natalie Black's cheek.
Gasping unevenly, Emma had poured all her fury into that slap, surprised herself at the force she exerted.
The red imprint on Natalie's face was a testament to her anger.
Emma stood there, momentarily at a loss, regretting the escalation.
"Emma Hart, you dare to hit me!" Natalie, infuriated, raised her hand for revenge. Emma's mind went blank, bracing for the blow...
Her last despairing glance fell on Ethan Turner's expressionless face behind her.
The man she once loved deeply, the man to whom she was ready to offer her most precious innocence, stood there, heartlessly.
Emma closed her eyes in disappointment, not even sure what she was hoping for. Did she expect that man to stand up for her? How naive.
For a moment, there was silence.
When Emma reopened her eyes, she saw Natalie's hand frozen mid-air, firmly grasped by another.
