AQR1: A Peerless Genius from Two Cities [COMPLETED]

44: Jade Band

Although Emy was trying her best to hide it, pero halata ng mga mahahalagang tao sa buhay niya ang biglaang pagbabago ng aura niya.

They knew that it is because of the wedding dress.

Sa totoo lang, nahihiwagaan sila sa dalaga kada may magpapaalala sa kanya na ikakasal na siya nitong mga nakaraang buwan. She was just shrugging off. As if she's not really care.

But seeing Emy now, they are certain, ngayon pa lang nagsink in sa dalaga ang mangyayari.

Napahinga na lang ng malalim si Diana as she was observing Emy all throughout the party.

Hindi niya maiwasang mainggit dito, sa totoo lang.

When she married Prince Vio, his family was very cold to her. It was only the Emperor and the Empress who accepted her neutrally. Ibang iba sa pakikitungo nila kay Emy.

Well, they can't blame them. The lady is really notched higher than her. These past few months, she had learned to accept her weaknesses. Lalo pa nga at madalas niyang kasama si Emy kaya naman talagang napupuna niya kung gaano kahanga hanga ang dalaga.

But of course, she won't say that to her or to anyone. Diana is still proud at times.

Besides, truth be told, Emy reminded her of Samantha. At kahit pa pigilan niya, deep within her, she missed her best friend. And silently, pinagsisisihan niya ang ginawa sa kaibigan.

She realized how worse of a person she is. Kung makakarma man siya dahil sa nagawa noon, she just hopes na hindi madamay ang anak niya.

Agad niyang ipinilig ang ulo at ibinalik sa kasalukuyan ang isip. Then she stood up and walked towards Emy.

"Emy, samahan mo ako sa restroom."

Emy was just too glad to get away from the crowd kahit na sa kaunting oras man lang. Kaya walang dalawang isip na sinamahan niya si Diana.

"Where is Diadem?"

Diana flicked her forehead.

"Ouch. What's that for?"

"Call her Princess Diadem. Hindi ka pa napapangasawa ni Prince Sebastian kaya galangin mo ang anak ko no."

Natahimik naman ulit si Emy at pinansin ang sinabi ni Diana. If it was a normal day, baka pinatulan na niya ito. But not now.

"Come on. Don't get worked up too much. Marriage is just a union, a partnership."

"For a lifetime."

Natahimik si Diana for a moment.

"What are you being afraid of? It is not like masamang tao si Prince Sebastian. Lugi ka pa ba? Crown Prince na yun no."

"Tch. I am not like you no. I am not gonna marry because of status."

"Then don't."

Emy grimaced. "Are you trying to convince me now so I won't marry him?"

"Why would I do that?" Diana rolled her eyes. "Choice mo yun no. You can marry him because of status or marry him because you feel something towards him. It is up to you. But either way, you still have to marry him."

Napailing na lang si Emy. Lalo lang sumakit ang ulo niya dahil kay Diana. Alam naman niyang she was just trying to comfort her. Pero seriously...

***

Hindi pa nauubos ang mga bisita nila ng pumasok na sa kwarto niya si Emy.

Hindi na niya kaya ang pagod.

Agad naman siyang tinulungan nila Anika para linisan ang katawan niya at para maginhawaan na rin siya. As soon as she's done, agad niyang dinismiss ang mga ito.