Chapter 188: Unconventional help of the archdemon
Seated alongside Janelle and Layla, Emily listened as they discussed Layla’s recent wedding, which had taken place a few weeks ago. Despite her best efforts not to reveal her inner turmoil, she struggled to contribute more than two or three words to the conversation. Although she wore a smile, it didn’t reach her eyes.
She wanted to be happy for the woman, who, like herself, had always dreamed of marrying the man who would love her and whom she could love in return. Yet Emily had never imagined that she would have to make a personal sacrifice to help her friend realise that dream.
"I will go and see if Nathaniel needs me; excuse me." Layla politely bowed to the two women before swiftly making her way towards the room, her focus on the attending guests.
"Lily?" Janelle called, and Emily turned to look at her. "Did something happen between you and Layla?"
"What do you mean?" Emily asked cautiously.
Janelle brought her glass to her lap, holding it by the neck, and she said, "Unlike many other times, you barely spoke to her today. And before that, you abruptly left the room when you saw her."
Earlier, Emily had experienced a moment of panic upon seeing Nathaniel and Layla together; their presence had thrown her off balance.
Her hands were loosely clenched. She knew she would have to do a better job of concealing her emotions, no matter how much she was hurting inside. She finally said,
"There is something I haven’t told you. The reason why I’m here."
"Your secret is safe with me, Lily," Janelle assured her, her eyebrows frowning with concern.
In a hushed whisper, Emily finally confided in Janelle about her soulmate while making sure there was no one nearby to eavesdrop. Janelle brought her hand to cover her mouth, her eyes widening in surprise as she said,