But I never expected Emma to be this kind of person.
At business events, she accompanied Martin.
At family gatherings, I stood on the sidelines, watching them hold hands while Emma sweetly called everyone "Uncle" and "Aunt."
She was always by his side, and I was left to confide my sorrows to my mom at home.
Everyone knew I was his girlfriend, but the one always by his side wasn't me.
"My face hurts so much..."
While Martin and I stood there stunned, Emma began to whimper, her eyes reddened with tears.
"Regardless of the reason, hitting someone is wrong," Martin said, his tone becoming firm as he saw her in this state. "I'll make sure Emma apologizes to Auntie, but right now, you need to apologize to her!"
"And if I refuse?"
"Sofia, don't push your luck."
"I won't apologize."
As soon as I said that, Emma, who had been crying on the floor, suddenly stood up and slapped me across the face.
I stumbled, feeling a kick from someone, and soon after, I fell to the ground, instinctively protecting the box in my arms.
I was kicked a few more times until Emma, exhausted, finally stopped.
"How dare you hit me! Hardly anyone dares to hit me in this lifetime!"
I felt pain in several places on my body. Seeing Emma's high heels, I knew I'd end up with quite a few bruises.
"Stop pretending. Emma is fragile. Her hits couldn't possibly hurt," Martin said impatiently, glancing at me as I lay on the floor.
His eyes fell on the box I was holding, and a look of frustration crossed his face. "It's just this damn box. If she wants to see it, just let her!"
As he spoke, Martin hooked his foot under the box and kicked it open before I could stop him.
White ashes scattered everywhere.
"What's this?"
Emma pinched her nose, her face full of disgust. "It smells awful."
Martin frowned, staring at the white powder in thought.
As for me, my mind went blank.
"Alright, it's even now. I'll arrange another wedding. As for Auntie's illness, I've hired the best doctor from abroad."
"If she's sick, I'll cure her. If she's not, the truth will come out. You know I hate being lied to."
"For the next few days, stay home and behave yourself. Don't cause any trouble."
"Once you realize your mistake, come find me. Do you hear me?"
Martin ordered, holding Emma's hand as he spoke to me.
"Mom, this isn't your house. We should go..."
I didn't respond, just knelt down carefully, scooping up the ashes while muttering to myself.