Chapter 6
There was no one to watch Emma that evening, so I brought her with me.
At six, Emma was already so grown-up for her age. I dressed her in a little white dress and put her hair in two neat braids. She stayed quietly by my side, holding my hand without a fuss.
The dinner was held at the best hotel in Amberville, in the banquet hall on the third floor.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, there was a registration desk right at the entrance.
I gave my company's name, and after the staff checked it, they handed me a name tag.
"Ms. Lane, your seat is in Zone Three," the staff member said.
I nodded and led Emma inside.
The place was buzzing with people, most of them middle-aged men in sharp suits. I spotted a few familiar faces and nodded in greeting as I passed by.
Emma stayed right by my side, curiously eyeing the flowers on the table every now and then.
"Wow, Mommy, that flower is huge." Emma said.
"Yes, sweetie, after dinner I'll take you to see it," I replied.
We'd barely sat down for two minutes when Helen sent me a message.
Helen wrote: [Ms. Lane, some people from a few hospitals in Briarton are here tonight.]
I replied: [Got it.]
I didn't think much of it.
It wasn't until I went to the buffet to get a drink that I heard a voice behind me.
That voice was so familiar.
I'd spent seven years trying to forget, but in that instant, everything came flooding back.
"Rachel?" Michael called.
I steadied my hand on the glass.
I turned around.
Michael was standing a few steps away.
He looked a lot thinner. The suit he wore was definitely high-end, but compared to seven years ago, the confidence and energy he used to have were gone, he seemed like a completely different person now.
Next to him, Claire was dressed in a glittering gown, her hair swept up, and a delicate bracelet on her wrist.
I recognized that bracelet.
It was the exact same one Michael gave me for our wedding anniversary back then.
Exactly the same brand and style. He gave her one like mine.
"It really is you," Michael said, stepping forward, his face a mix of emotions. "Seven years. What are you doing in Amberville?"
I held my glass and didn't move. "I'm here on business,"
Michael's gaze lingered on me for a few seconds, like he was making sure I was really standing there in front of him.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
I raised an eyebrow. "I'm good. How about you?"
Before he could answer, Claire slipped her arm through his.
She looked at me, her smile so flawless it could've been rehearsed.
"Oh my, Rachel, long time no see. You're here for the banquet too?" she asked.
Her tone was sugary sweet.
But her eyes were scanning my dress and shoes, quietly judging my financial status.
"So, what are you up to in Amberville these days? Still running that little business you had back then?" she asked.
Her tone was casual, but every word was a probe.
I gave a small smile. "Pretty much,"
Claire visibly relaxed.
She turned to Michael and tightened her grip on his arm.
"Michael's here to discuss a partnership with the people running the banquet. He's a big shot now, several hospitals want him as their consultant," she said.
I nodded. "Congrats,"
Still holding my glass, I got ready to walk away.
Just then, Emma came running over.
"Mommy, Mommy!" she called out.
She threw herself at my legs, looking up at me with a strawberry in her little hand.
"There's strawberry cake over there!" she exclaimed.
The whole room went quiet for a moment.
Michael's eyes locked onto Emma's face.
He stared at her, frozen, unable to look away.
Emma had the same striking eyes, the same nose, and the same jawline; she was practically his mirror image.
"Rachel..." Michael's voice wavered. "This child..."