In the hall, whispers and speculations arose:
"Is Lily really that spoiled? How could she embarrass Emma like this in public?"
"No matter what happen, Emma is now her daughter. How can Lily be so domineering?"
"I've heard Emma has had a tough life. Lily truly lacks empathy." Everyone was accusing me.
I noticed a glint of triumph in my father's and Emma's eyes. They believed their scheme was about to succeed.
Calmly, I began sending thoughts to Ethan: "There's no use explaining now, right? Even Ethan, whom I cherish the most, thinks I intentionally stepped on Emma's dress."
Ethan paused, obviously puzzled. He wondered how he could hear my voice without seeing me speak.
I continued: "Being falsely accused doesn't bother me much, but I can't bear for Ethan to remain oblivious to Dad's schemes."
"Would Ethan be devastated if he knew Dad arranged for his accident? He loves Dad so much!"
"I don't want Ethan to be sad."
Sitting in his wheelchair, Ethan's face suddenly changed dramatically. His hands clenched the sides of his chair, his body trembling with anger.
Emma, close to Ethan, sensed his shift and nearly smiled, believing he was defending her and angry at me.
Seizing the moment, Emma spoke up, "Lily, if you dislike me so much, I'll leave this home."
"I've been fortunate to enjoy a month of happiness here with mom, dad, my brothers, and sister. I'm content and don't dare ask for more, nor do I want Lily to be unhappy."
"If you're not happy, no matter how much I love this family, I won't be happy either."
Emma's seemingly heartfelt words instantly moved everyone.
Our relatives and friends turned against me again, "Lily, you're being unreasonable. Emma is thinking of you, why can't you get along?"
"Listen to me, apologize to Emma, don't be so willful."
"Emma is so kind-hearted. Having her as your sister is a blessing. Apologize quickly, don't hurt her heart."
Emma, bolstered by the support, said, "Don't trouble Lily, I don't want her to be sad. In this home..."
She paused, seemingly upset, and after a while added, "I was adopted anyway, I never belonged here. Don't blame Lily, if she dislikes me, I should go."
"As long as I brought you home, you belong here," my father declared resolutely, playing along with Emma.
"I don't belong... I have nothing to contribute to this family," Emma said sadly.
"How can you lack confidence?" my father sighed, seemingly at a loss.
"Dad, please send me back to the orphanage tonight. That's where I belong."
"How can I prove you have a place and identity in this family? How can I make you feel welcomed by all of us?" My father looked desperate, anxious to keep Emma but lacking a better plan.
If not for having experienced this once, I might have fallen for his act again.
Dad would have been wasted not being an actor. For over a decade, he played his role flawlessly in the Harper family.
