Chapter 29

Emily's POV

Ethan's birthday party was already in full swing when I got ready. I stood before the floor-to-ceiling mirror in my room, staring at my reflection in sadness. Sadness for what could have been but what fate had pulled away from my grasp.

The sound of cutlery clinking and people murmuring in conversation slipped into my room. Severally, my sensitive nose would catch a scent of food—from cocktail franks to lasagna or pot pie—and my stomach would react with a hungry growl.

I desperately wanted to go down and sample some of the food, but I also wanted to stay here.

Away from Ethan Brown and his family.

Would he look at me with all the love in the world in his eyes? Would he reach across the table and hold my hand—not underneath the table, but above, for everyone to see? Would he stand up and announce to the world that I was his and his forever?

Would all my dreams ever come true?

I frowned and shook my head almost imperceptibly, pulling my stare away from the mirror. When had b