I looked at the two of them still clinging to each other and said coldly,
“I came here to attend a banquet, not to provide entertainment. I won’t play anything—least of all Summer Love Song.”
That song was the one I wrote when Daniel Brooks and I confirmed our relationship. I had played it only for him, pouring into it my deepest blessings and hopes for our love.
Even though that love had now rotted and soured, I would never allow it to be made a joke.
“I’m sorry, Emma, I didn’t know it was that important… I… I didn’t mean it…” Chloe Miller stammered, tears falling like an innocent, frightened fawn.
Daniel’s brief hesitation vanished. His tone hardened into a command.
“Emma, it’s just a song. Can a song be more important than a person? You gave it to me—what’s wrong with letting Chloe hear it too?”
I stood unmoving, and he reminded me coldly,
“Think about the Carter family.”
“I’ve already agreed to marry that man. You promised to continue cooperating with the Carters. My attending this party to help ease tensions doesn’t mean I’ll let you humiliate me again and again.”
I spat out the words icily and turned to change clothes and leave.