Amidst a sea of clinking glasses, Emma Hart entered the banquet hall arm in arm with Damien Sterling.
The faces around them wore smiles of arrogance, displaying a disdain for everyone present.
However, as soon as they caught sight of Damien, the crowd converged around him.
Emma, seizing the moment, attempted to slip away from Damien's side, only to find her arm firmly clasped by his.
"Where do you think you're going?" Damien looked down at Emma, his tone indicating displeasure. Was she so eager to distance herself from him? So anxious to leave?
Emma lowered her gaze, the approaching group with their raised glasses resembling a swarm of monsters to her.
She detested such gatherings, unwilling to mingle with the crowd and endure the torment of incessant flattery on her ears.
