In the thick of their tense standoff, the silence was interrupted by the creak of the courtyard door. Emily and Jeremy turned as Miranda slipped inside, looking every bit the intruder she was. She gave Jeremy a sweet, practiced smile.
“Jeremy,” she cooed, “you left in such a rush this morning that you forgot your wallet. I figured I’d bring it over. It took some asking around, but I found out you were here at the professor’s house.” She blinked innocently, then looked over at Emily with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Oh, Emily, I didn’t realize you’d be here too. Am I interrupting?”
Emily didn’t bother meeting her gaze, her expression cool. “Not at all,” she replied, her voice icy. “I was just on my way out.”
Emily turned toward the house to bid the professor a proper goodbye. She gave him a warm smile, trying to mask the tension in her eyes. “Professor, thank you for everything. Please take care of yourself.”
The professor sighed, a look of concern crossing his face. “Emily, are you and Jeremy alright? I thought you two were planning to get married.”
Emily forced a small smile, but her tone was firm. “I’m sorry, Professor, but I don’t think we’re quite right for each other.”
The professor’s face fell as he nodded, his voice full of regret. “That’s a shame, Emily. I always thought you two made such a wonderful pair.”
With one last nod, she turned back to the courtyard. There, as she expected, Miranda and Jeremy were leaning close, murmuring in low tones that were obviously meant to keep her at a distance. Miranda noticed Emily’s approach and brightened, walking over with a falsely friendly expression.
“Oh, Emily, please don’t take things the wrong way,” Miranda began, her voice syrupy with feigned innocence. “That day at the club, I just sprained my ankle and had trouble getting around, so Jeremy kindly offered to help. You understand, don’t you?”
Emily’s jaw clenched, but she kept her voice calm. “That’s nice of him, Miranda. Though, if you’re here to see the professor, I’m sure Jeremy can show you in.”
Jeremy’s expression darkened and he cut in sharply. “Emily, what’s with the attitude?”
