Chapter 2: The Truth Behind the Mask
Chapter 2: The Truth Behind the Mask
Vanessa's face burned crimson.
She hated silence.
She hated losing control even more.
"You all believe complete strangers?" she snapped.
"My fiancé will tell you the truth."
She turned toward the back of the restaurant.
"Daniel!"
A tall man hurried over.
His face was pale.
He had clearly heard everything.
Vanessa grabbed his arm.
"Tell them."
"Tell everyone she chased you."
Daniel looked at Emma.
Then at the elderly gentleman.
Then around the restaurant.
Dozens of eyes waited.
He slowly removed Vanessa's hand from his sleeve.
"I'm sorry."
Vanessa blinked.
"What?"
"I'm not going to lie."
The restaurant exploded into whispers.
Daniel took a deep breath.
"Emma never flirted with me."
"In fact..."
He smiled awkwardly.
"She spent most of the conversation talking about children's books."
Several people laughed softly.
"I was actually the one asking too many questions."
Vanessa stared at him in disbelief.
"You've got to be kidding."
"No."
"You embarrassed an innocent woman."
"You refused to listen."
"You assumed the worst."
Vanessa's voice became shrill.
"So you're taking HER side?"
"I'm taking the truth's side."
Emma quietly stood.
"Please."
"You don't need to argue."
"I'll just leave."
The older gentleman gently shook his head.
"No."
"Why should the victim leave?"
Those words struck the room harder than shouting ever could.
Why should the victim leave?
Managers arrived.
Security stood nearby.
Not to remove Emma.
To wait for instructions.
The restaurant owner personally approached.
He bowed slightly.
"Miss..."
"I owe you an apology."
"What happened here should never have happened inside my establishment."
Emma smiled weakly.
"It wasn't your fault."
"It became my responsibility the moment no one intervened."
The owner turned toward Vanessa.
"I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave."
"What?"
"You can't do that!"
"I absolutely can."
"You assaulted another guest."
Vanessa laughed nervously.
"It was only water."
The older gentleman answered before anyone else could.
"No."
"It was humiliation."
"And humiliation always leaves stains that water cannot wash away."
Nobody spoke.
Because everyone knew he was right.
Vanessa grabbed her purse.
"This place is ridiculous."
She stormed toward the exit.
Halfway there...
She realized something.
Not one person followed her.
May you like
Not even Daniel.
She walked out alone.
