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“Are you going to marry her?” Sophia asked. “Or are you going to wait until the last session and ditch her?”
“We haven’t discussed marriage yet,” Theo said calmly. “But we’re happy together and enjoying each other’s company. That’s all that matters right now.”
Sophia snorted. “Enjoying each other’s company? Is that what you’re calling it these days? Just wait until he gets bored of you, honey. Then you’ll see what he really thinks of you.”
I bristled at Sophia’s words. I tried to ignore her, keeping my back to her. I knew she was trying to get under my skin, but I refused to let her. I took a deep breath and turned to face her.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen,” I said firmly. “Theo and I have a strong connection, and we’re committed to making this work.”
Sophia rolled her eyes. “Sure, keep telling yourself that. But when he gets tired of you, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Theo put his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem, Sophia,” he said, his voice calm and steady. “I’m not going to get bored of her. I care about her too much to let that happen.”
Sophia just laughed. “You care about her? Please, Theo. You barely know her. You’re just using her to fill the hole left by the sister that took one look at her match and ran in the opposite direction.”
I felt a surge of anger rising within me, but before I could say anything, Theo spoke up.
“I’m not using her, Sophia,” he said firmly. “I care about her because she’s an amazing woman. And I refuse to let anyone, including you, belittle what we have. I’m really sorry your match with Roman didn’t work out. I hope it’s Fate putting you on the right path.”
He turned back around and patted my leg. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“It’s not your fault,” I said. “I’m used to it.”
“Never get used to it. She’s bitter. She’s attacking you and us because she’s jealous.”
As the races began, I tried to put aside these feelings of inadequacy and focus on the excitement of the event. But deep down, I knew my sister’s drama would continue to haunt me. I wasn’t sure how long I was going to be stuck in her shadow. Not even her shadow, but more like the scandal she left behind.
The sun beat down on the crowded stands as the horse races continued, but the warmth that had filled me earlier had now faded. I was in my head. I was picking out all my flaws and thinking about all the ways Nora was better than I was.
Despite my best efforts to appear composed, Theo could clearly see through my façade. “Emilie, are you okay?” he asked quietly.
I forced a smile, my cheeks feeling tight and strained. “I’m fine, Theo,” I replied, though my voice lacked the conviction to make the lie convincing.
His gaze lingered on me, his eyes searching mine for answers. Theo had an uncanny ability to read my emotions, even when I tried to hide them. It was one of the reasons why our connection had deepened despite my best efforts not to let it happen.
But as much as I wanted to confide in him, I couldn’t bring myself to share the weight of my insecurities and fears.
Instead, I offered a vague excuse, hoping he wouldn’t press further. “I’m just a little warm,” I said, placing a hand on my forehead as if to emphasize my point. “I think I should head home and rest.”
The concern in Theo’s eyes deepened, and he moved closer, his voice filled with genuine worry. “Are you sick?”
“No, I’m just tired. And the heat. I’m not really used to the heat.”
“I’ll take you home,” he said.
“No. I don’t need you to do that. My car is here.”
“Maybe we should get you out of the heat for a minute,” he said. “I’ll get you some water. You’re probably a little dehydrated.”
I appreciated his offer, his genuine concern touching my heart. But I needed to be alone, to sort through the emotions that had been stirred up by Sophia’s words.
“No, Theo,” I insisted, my tone firm yet gentle. “I’ll be fine on my own. Please stay and enjoy the races. I don’t want you to miss out because of me.”
I got up with Theo right behind me. “Theo, I’m fine. I can find my way back.”
“I’m not going to let you walk away,” he said. “Not by yourself. Will you please let me come with you?”
“No. One half of this match needs to make an appearance. We’ll create quite a scandal if we both leave—together. I’m really okay. I just need to lie down for a bit.”
