章 203: Your card was denied.

Arwen paused at the familiar voice, a flicker of surprise crossing her features as she turned around. "Emily!" 

The woman with curly brunette hair beamed as she crossed the distance between them, her bright smile radiating enthusiasm. "Oh, see I guessed it, right?"

But as Emily came closer, her expression shifted, softening with a tinge of sadness. Reaching out, she clasped Arwen's hands in hers. "I heard what happened between you and Ryan," she said empathetically. "It's really sad. I was looking forward to your wedding with him, but I never expected you two would break up instead." 

Arwen's smile faltered slightly, becoming a touch more forced, and she didn't even care to hide it. 

Emily Brown was her cousin on her father's side. Although Arwen didn't hate her, she had always been aware of the envy Emily harbored. Ryan had been one of the many reasons for that jealousy, casting a darker shade on their already tense relationship.