At twenty-three, Emily was just trying to keep up with life. Between caring for her sick mother in Queens and working long shifts at a diner, she barely had time to breathe. That evening, she was hired to serve drinks and appetizers — another job, another paycheck, another night of pretending to be invisible.
But that night, life — and the cruelty of others — had a lesson to teach.
Ezoic
The Cruel Joke
Balancing a tray of champagne glasses, Emily wove her way through a group of laughing guests. Their jewelry sparkled under the lights, their conversations filled with arrogance and excess.
At the center of the group stood Madison Greene, a tall brunette with perfect makeup and an expression that could freeze glass. She turned toward Emily and smirked.
“Watch where you’re going, servant,” Madison said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Ezoic
Laughter rippled through the crowd. Emily’s cheeks flushed crimson. She mumbled an apology and tried to move past, but Madison wasn’t finished.
“Actually,” she added with a cruel grin, “why don’t you cool off a little?”
Before Emily could react, Madison shoved her shoulder.
