Tristan made up his mind. He slipped on the slippers by the bed and headed straight for the door, not caring about the protests behind him. Mr. and Mrs. Rivera looked like they had just bitten into something sour.

Steven's brow was pulled tight, his voice dropping low. "Tristan, what are you doing? Everyone's here, watching you. Can you at least try to think about that?"

Tristan stopped at the door, hand on the knob. He didn't turn around. All anyone could see was his strong, stubborn back, and his voice, low and steady, carried through the room.

"I thought I was already being generous by not blowing up at everyone for keeping things from me and trying to force me into an engagement. I thought I'd shown enough patience."

No one spoke. Tristan kept going. "Emily is my girlfriend. She not only had to stand there and watch me get engaged to someone else, but after she brought me to the hospital and took care of me, you all kicked her out. Can any of you honestly say you don't feel even a little bit guilty?"

Cynthia looked lost, her eyes empty. Steven just closed his eyes and let out a long sigh.

"The only reason she kept her cool is because you're my family and friends. She did it out of respect for me. I should thank her for that," Tristan said. "Now I'm going to find her and fix this. Got it?"

He didn't wait for an answer. Tristan opened the door and left, walking out quickly. The room was left in heavy silence, everyone staring at each other, not knowing

what to say.

Cynthia stared at the space where the door had been, her eyes blank. Then her nose crinkled as she tried to hold it in, but finally, she covered her face and started to cry.

Mrs. Rivera looked upset but managed to keep her dignified posture. She went over and hugged Cynthia. "Cynthia's been my baby since day one. She's never had to go through anything like this."

She tried to keep her voice calm, but the anger in her words was obvious. Tristan might be wonderful, but she couldn't stand anyone treating her daughter like this. No one was allowed to step on her daughter's pride.

Steven seemed to shrink into himself, his shoulders drooping. "This is on me. I didn't think it through. I'm sorry... Attendant.”

"Yes, sir," someone answered.

"Please, show our guests out," Steven said.

Mr. Rivera tugged at his collar and replied tightly, “That's not necessary. We can leave on our own."

The Riveras walked out together, not looking back. Soon, only the Davis family was left in the room.

Most of them were distant relatives

who barely spoke to Steven or Tristan. They'd always kept their heads down, and the only reason they were here was because Steven birthday

invited them for Tristan'

invited them for Tristan's

Now, with everything falling apart, they stood awkwardly, not sure what to do.

FindNovel.net

"Um... it's getting late. We should get going," one of them said.

Steven sat down on the sofa and waved his hand. "Go home."

atea

They looked at each other, unsure, until a middle-aged man stepped forward, bowing a little. "Tristan was just acting out today. He was drugged too. Don't worry y too much, sir. He'll think it through. He'llisten to you."

Steven just closed his eyes, said nothing, and waved his hand again. "Go on."

The rest of the Davis family left, not daring to stay any longer.

Down in the parking garage, Tristan caught up with Emily just as she was about to get in her car. He reached out and grabbed her wrist.

"Emily..."

There were still a few people hanging around the garage, and they all turned to look, curious about the guy hospital clothes chasing after a woman

Emily was startled. She tried to pull her hand away without thinking. "Why are you here?"