Chapter 5

"Hey, don't get the wrong idea, guys. I'm helping Sophie get the new home ready ahead of time." Emily sat on the edge of the master bed and straightened the pillowcases while livestreaming.

She said, "Sophie's been super busy lately, and James was worried she'd get worn out, so he asked me to lend a hand."

Olivia handed me her phone. "She's been streaming for half an hour, and she keeps calling you Sophie. The viewers are all saying she's Mrs. Lowie."

I saw James walk past behind the camera, and Emily reached out to him. She said, "James, can you get me something to drink?"

He twisted the cap off a bottle and handed it to her. "Don't drink too much cold stuff. You know your stomach can't handle it."

Emily smiled at the camera. "He's always fussing over me."

The comments were scrolling by fast.

Someone commented: [This is totally how a married couple acts.]

Another commented: [She tried out the bed for Sophie. Why is Sophie still thinking about breaking off the engagement?]

Emily pressed her lips together. "Guys, don't talk about Sophie like that. She's a little sensitive. The house is under my name because of the paperwork, and James already explained that."

Olivia asked me, "Does Emily know your money was used?"

"She signed off on the payment," I replied.

"And she's still going live?" Olivia asked.

"Because James told her I'd be coming back," I said.

On the livestream, Emily walked into the dining room. "I picked out this dining table. James thought the color was too light, but I wanted the place to feel brighter."

Someone asked her who the house really belonged to.

Emily waved the keys at the camera. "My name's on the deed, so I guess that makes me kind of an owner too."

James's voice came from off-camera. "Don't go saying stuff like that."

"Are you afraid Sophie might catch that?" Emily teased.

"She's been in a bad mood lately," James replied.

"Okay, I won't mess with her." Emily slipped the keys into her pocket, still smiling.

I logged into my account and posted a comment: [The dining table cost 6,200 dollars. It was paid with Sophia Scott's card.]

The comments froze for a moment, and then started flooding in again.

Emily caught it. "Sophie's here."

Her voice softened. "Sophie, I picked out the dining table, but James told me to use your card. You two are about to get married. Do you really have to be so particular about splitting things?"

I commented: [The mattress cost 20,000 dollars, and I paid for the curtains, wardrobe, and all the appliances too.]

Emily's smile faded a bit. "Sophie, the way you're saying it makes it sound like I was trying to get something out of you."

I commented: [The receipt form was under your name.]

"Because you weren't around," Emily said.

I replied: [And who didn't bother to let me know I should be there?]

James showed up in the livestream. "Sophia, turn off the comments. If there's something to talk about, let's handle it privately."

I commented: [I'm not the one who started the livestream.]

"Emily's just showing off the decoration. There's no need to bring up the money stuff here," James said.

I replied: [Why can't I?]

"This is our family matter," James said.

I retorted: [How is your family matter any of my business?]

The comments section started blowing up with questions.

One asked: [So, his fiancée paid for the decoration, but her name's not on the deed?]

Another commented: [Emily signed for the delivery, tested out the bed, and she's listed as an owner too?]

Someone asked: [So whose wedding house is it, really?]

Emily's eyes reddened. "Sophie, if it bothers you, I can pay you back for the decoration."

I replied: [Sure.]

She clearly hadn't expected me to agree. "That's not what I meant."

I asked: [Then what did you mean?]

"I think your eight years together shouldn't fall apart over a house," Emily said.

I commented: [Your name's on the deed, but I'm the one who paid for all of it. Of course you don't think it's a big deal.]