Chapter 25: Beneath the facade

(Beneath the facade)

Emily smirks inwardly, reminiscing about the challenging years she endured in this family, especially with Kara. Kara's manipulative acts and the tears she shed to gain forgiveness were etched in Emily's memory. However, this time, Emily decided not to fall victim to Kara's games. She resolved to play her own game, one where she wouldn't be easily swayed.

"I just hope you will stop scheming against me because we're family after all," Emily said to Kara, wiping away her own tears. The words held a subtle warning, signaling that Emily was no longer the vulnerable girl Kara once knew.

"Right, right! We're family. Aunt is sorry for hurting you. I hope you forgive this aunt, and let's create a happy family," Mrs. Sy apologized to Emily. She didn't want to apologize to this wild child, but with the old man angry and Chester still absent, she figured it was better to apologize than further anger the old man.

Emily couldn't help but roll her eyes inwardly, thoroughly disgusted by how this mother and daughter were pretending to act like a loving family towards her.

As Mrs. Sy extended her apology, Emily maintained a polite facade: "I appreciate your apology, Aunt. Let's indeed strive for a happier family."

The tension in the room lingered, with Emily feeling a sense of triumph underneath her composed demeanor. She understood the dynamics at play and knew that this temporary peace was merely a facade.

Kara, still attempting to play the role of a remorseful sister, added, "I'm really sorry, Emily. Let's work together to make things better."

Emily, though outwardly accepting the apologies, couldn't help but ponder the motives behind this sudden change of heart. She remained vigilant, determined not to be swayed by the surface-level gestures and to uncover the truths concealed within her intricate family web.

Amidst the uneasy atmosphere, Emily chose to maintain a composed facade. "Thank you for the apologies. Let's strive for a more peaceful family," she responded, adding a subtle nod as she contemplated the hidden agendas beneath the surface.

As they continued with their dinner, the tension lingered, concealed beneath forced smiles and hollow pleasantries. Emily observed the intricate dance of insincerity playing out, recognizing the underlying disdain and deceit that clung to their every word.

Kara, having shed tears during her apology, now maintained a hopeful expression, attempting to project a newfound sincerity. Emily, however, remained skeptical, wary of falling into the same traps that had ensnared her in the past.

The old man, unaware of the covert intricacies, harbored genuine hopes for a harmonious family. Yet Emily understood that these fleeting moments of apparent reconciliation were mere veils over deeper, unresolved conflicts.

They finished their dinner, but Chester was still nowhere in sight. Mrs. Sy, preoccupied with her own thoughts, while Kara putting on a show of a loving family for her grandpa and Emily. The old man, happy to see his granddaughters reconciled, harbored hopes for a more peaceful family. Emily, feeling disgusted by the theatrics of her cousin and aunt, decided to conclude the evening.

"Grandpa, it's getting late. I'm going home. I still have work tomorrow, and you should rest early too," Emily said to her grandpa.

"Okay, take care on the road, and make sure to come back here more often," the old man replied, smiling at Emily.

Emily returned the smile to her grandpa and then looked at her aunt and sister, saying, "Aunt, sister, I'm heading back to my place. Have a good night to both of you."

Kara smiled, clinging to Emily's wrist. "Why don't you stay the night here?" she suggested.

Emily gently removed Kara's hand, replying, "I still have work in the morning. I'm definitely coming back here, though." She really doesn't want to spend more time with them; her stomach might upset from the way they act as a loving family.

Emily bid her grandpa goodnight and headed towards the door. Kara and Mrs. Sy exchanged glances, both still trying to figure out the best approach with Emily.

As Emily stepped outside, she felt a mix of emotions—relief to escape the tension inside and irritation at the insincere displays. Walking to her car, she pondered the dynamics of the family she never quite felt a part of.

As she drove back to her place, she couldn't shake off the discomfort from the evening's events. There was something more than what meets the eye, and Emily knew she needed to be cautious and vigilant in the days to come.

Little did she know, the unfolding events were about to reveal hidden truths and test the bonds within this complicated family dynamic.

She only hopes that they will not harm her grandpa, or else she will let them taste her anger and she will expose there real faces in the public.

The night air was crisp as Emily left her grandpa's house, and she couldn't shake off the discomfort from the staged unity dinner. As she drove back home, thoughts raced through her mind about the hidden intentions of her aunt and cousin.