But Ava, ever the instigator, jumped in, adding more fuel to the fire. "Emma, Jason’s just trying to look out for you. This wedding’s been in the works for so long. Canceling it now? It’ll wreck your reputation."
I laughed, the sound harsh. "My reputation? Do you really think I need you to worry about that? But you, on the other hand, a mistress climbing the ranks and destroying someone else’s relationship—don’t you fear retribution?"
Before Ava could respond, a small child came barreling out of nowhere, running full speed, and collided with a waiter carrying a hot pot. The waiter lost his balance, and in an instant, the boiling soup tipped over, spilling straight toward us.
I barely had time to react when the searing heat blasted into my face.
But in the blink of an eye, Jason pulled Ava close, shielding her with his body.
"Ava, are you okay? Did you get burned?" he asked frantically, holding her protectively.
Meanwhile, I was left standing there, the hot soup splashing onto my arm. The pain hit me like a jolt of electricity.
"Ahh—" I cried out as the sharp burn quickly swelled my skin, turning it red.
The waiter, now pale as a ghost, frantically apologized, bowing over and over.