Before she could move away, I held her wrist and pulled her with me as I fell. A shrill scream escaped her mouth as we both fell into the fountain I didn't know was behind me.
A loud splash echoed in my ear, followed by gasps from the people around. All attentions were on us and photos were taken by the reporters.
No one wanted to miss the once in a lifetime chance to watch as the Emerson daughters publicly embarrassed themselves. Luckily, the water's length wasn't high so there was no risk of drowning.
"Oh God!!" I heard mom's shriek as she rushed towards us.
"Are you alright?" She asked, her concerned gaze mainly on Riley who was in front of me. Dad was there too and he also only cared about how Riley was faring.
Just then, I saw Liam rush towards us, his eyes filled with worry. Without saying a word, he stretched his hand towards me but before I could think of taking it, Riley beat me to it.
She grabbed his hand and he didn't bother pulling away.
"Are you okay? Were you hurt??" I watched as they all cared about Riley even though they knew she fell on me while I took most of the pain from the shallow fountain.
The flashes from the reporters cameras were blinding my teary eyes but I didn't look away neither did they notice that I was still in the fountain.
I watched as dad pulled off his jacket to cover her shivering body and mom used her scarf to dry her wet hair.
When I realized that no one was going to help, I blinked away my tears and stood up, then I walked out of the fountain myself.
"Here miss.." A male server said as he stretched out a folded towel to me.
I collected the towel and dried my wet face and arms with it. Thankfully, my dress wasn't made of soft fabric so my body wasn't exposed.
"Avery..." Riley gasped and my parents' attention were finally on me but they still didn't seem like they cared.
"I never intended for this to happen.. I just wanted to push you out of the way... I didn't realize the fountain was right behind you." Yeah right... lie you way out of this too as always.
She walked over to me and tried to touch me but I slapped her hands off immediately, earning whispers from everyone.
"What's wrong with her?"
"Even at this moment, she still wants to pick a fight."
"She really has no manners at all."
Riley blinked innocently as she moved over to me again.
"Avery... I know you're mad I ruined your night but please forgive me. I never wanted this to happen." She whispered, the small twitching of her lips betraying the innocent facade she had on.
I looked around me and noticed the looks I received from everyone. They all expected one thing, I should smile and let go.
I let out a bitter smile and turned on my heels. It's no use trying to defend myeself. Then, I walked away.
Through the help of the workers, I found myself a changing room and walked in, making sure to lock the door behind me. I stripped off my dress and the pins on my hair and entered the fast running shower.
As the water cascaded down my body, so did the tears I've been holding back throughout today.
The betrayal from my mate, the ignorance from my family, I don't know why I keep on expecting more from them when they've already shown me where I stand in their life.
The more I had expectations, the more they made me see reasons for deciding to cut them off in the first place.
But still, why do I have to live like this? If they were going to treat me like a stranger, why bother bringing me back from the orphanage?
I had a better life there, I had no money of my own but I didn't have to beg for love from people that are supposed to shower me with it.
I was better off not knowing who my family was or whether they existed or not. Why do I have to live like this? Even now, why can't they just let me leave in peace? They've showed me countless times they wanted Riley so why?
I've had enough of this!!
I turned of the shower and at my reflection through the mirror. My eyes were red and swollen due to my tears but it didn't matter, a little make up can fix it.
I can't let them continue treating me like this. Their heir has returned from exile so there's no need for me to keep living under her shadow.
It's time to cut them off finally.
I donated the money meant from charity before making my entrance into the ballroom.
As I re-entered, all attention turned towards me. I smirked when I saw the shocked look on everyone's faces as I walked further into the large hall.
They were all expecting me to leave, not yet!!
At that same moment, it was time for my father, Benjamin to give his speech as the Alpha of the pack.
He took his place at the stage and after giving his speech, he was asked questions by the reporters.
"What do you think about the drama that had just happened between your two daughters?" The first reporter asked but Benjamin didn't reply.
"What about your heir? You have two daughters but we are curious as to whom you would choose to take over." Another one said.
Everyone waited patiently for his answer as it was a very important question. Riley had a bright and hopeful look on her face as she waited to be called out.
"My heir?" Benjamin asked as his eyes roamed around the hall.
"She's right here." He said.
Riley smiled happily and was about to walk to the stage when;
"Come here Avery." Banjamin called out and the spotlight was moved to me immediately.
Applause filled the air as I walked up to the stage with my head held high. Benjamin smiled as he held my hand like we had a close father and daughter relationship.
"Behave yourself." He warned in a hushed tone before releasing the mic to ne
I let out a sweet smile as I collected the microphone before turning to face Riley, a satisfied look on my face as I watched her go red with envy.
"Good evening everyone. I, Avery Emerson, daughter of Benjamin Emerson, your esteemed Alpha have an announcement to make."
I noticed Benjamin's sudden change in body movement at the mention of an announcement but he covered it up with a faux smile.
"What are you doing?" He whispered but didn't receive a reply from me.
I turned back to face Riley, a smug look on my face;
"I've decided to cancel my engagement to Liam Russell and revoke my title. I am no longer an Emerson nor your future Luna anymore."
An uproar was sparked in the ballroom once again and the reporters started asking series of questions but I ignored them. My eyes were mainly on Riley and I watched how she grinned maliciously at me.
The triuphant smile were so evident and her eyes flashed with the evil glint in them, and it increased my amused smile.
We shall see who the real winner is sister.