CHAPTER 3 Freedom!

Emma's POV

Tick. Tick.

That's it, I had thought that it was okay that what I had for him was just a normal crush that would eventually fade away but as time went on I noticed that I was wrong. I was in love with him, my heart tears into pieces anytime I see him in pain. I've tried so hard for him to notice me, even if it's just once. Since the first time we met in the hallway, I've wanted to tell Ava how much I love Vincenzo, But, you know, Ava is his girlfriend and I didn't want anything to jeopardize our friendship.

So, I ended up burying my feelings deep inside me. It's the toughest decision I have ever made but anything to save our friendship.

And besides, not like Vincenzo could have chosen me if he had known about my feelings, he would have turned me down in the blink of an eye. After all, I am just a low-life omega and Ava is the daughter of a gamma. Enough reason I didn't want to lose our friendship because her presence has scared away bullies from my way.

"Ta...da," Ava suddenly twirled around, grinning, holding a red short gown in her hands. "I think this one will be perfect for you!" She said and handed the cloth over to me.

I smiled and picked up the gown. It's the same one she had bought for me on my last birthday. I haven't had a chance to wear it yet since I don't go out much. I smiled and was trying to slide off my house clothes when my mom barged inside my room tearing down the house with her voice, "Emma," she stopped on her track. "Why are you still not dressed? You know that we have to attend Vincenzo's party,"

Vincenzo Salvatore, that's such a cool coincidence! Sharing the same birthday with someone you can't stop thinking about definitely adds a special touch to the day. It's like the universe giving you a little nudge and to crown it all today is my eighteenth birthday. Can't wait to find my mate though it is sad that it won't be him!

"Alpha Matteo Salvatore is throwing a lavish birthday party for his son today and you're aware so apparently we are celebrating two things today; the festival and his son's birthday and he has made it mandatory that everybody must be present on time," My mom gave me a disapproving look for not being dressed yet.

I sighed and changed into the dress, getting ready for the party. "Mom," I said, looking down at how the gown hugged my body perfectly, giving me that Cinderella vibe. "I'm already dressed, so can you please stop yelling?" I roll my eyes at her.

But being so dramatic, She folds her arms against her chest, her nose creased in a frown before she asks. "Why did you stress Ava all the way here, knowing that she will need to be by Vincenzo's side today?"

My heart suddenly twisted at her words but before I could react Ava jumped in, "He isn't complaining," she flashed her megawatt smile and it felt like my heart had been ripped a million times at that very moment. Sometimes I do wonder if Vincenzo is under a spell or what because it is obvious that Ava is playing the two best friends. What does she intend to achieve with all this?

"Fine, be ready we will be leaving in the next five minutes from now," my mom said and walked out of the room.

I sighed and looked back at Ava, another day to witness her lovey-dovey situationship with Vincenzo Salvatore, and Colton.

Well, It was already more than five minutes, and I was ready for the party. I sat on the bed all alone waiting for my parents, at least Ava had done her part by bringing out the perfect dress for me to wear. That clothes has been the best gift that I have ever received from her and is worth a staggering amount of dollars. Yeks! Quite expensive.

And I am more than glad that I am wearing it today, being my birthday, Oops! She has always wanted me to wear these clothes on a special day. Especially on her special day but wait, today isn't her birthday, or is it because of Vincenzo's birthday? Nope, she said something about having a huge surprise for me this evening after she left my room not that quite long, and not to forget she has been acting oddly strange for a few weeks now.

I signed and relaxed back to my bed. I don't think it is something bad though I hate being kept at the edge. "But one thing Ava couldn't do anything to hurt me, I believe whatever she has to say will be worth the wait," I tried to sound so convincing but it seemed like my heart wasn't in full support of me this time around.

"Hey, Emma," my mom walked in, "Are you ready?" She asked, earning a quick nod from me. She stared around the room for a while before refocusing her attention back on me. "It seems like Ava has left," I nodded at her again without saying any words.

"Well, so sorry, kid but..." She turned to look at me, "We won't be going to the party with you tonight," she announced. A huge grin suddenly appeared on my face, "Wh...Why?" I managed to ask.

"My attention is been needed at the pack kitchen and your father needs to help in the ceremonial hall," she said before rolling her eyes at me, "Behave yourself tonight because Ava will be a bit busy today to look after you,"

I felt a sudden pang in my heart at her word but I managed to speak up, hiding the pain in my eyes. "Ugh... come on, Mom, I am a big grown-ass woman," I pouted, rolling my eyes playfully at her.

"Yeah but right now, you are still my kid, so better behave," she said scornfully, a hint of warning in her voice. She leaned forward and pecked my cheeks before strolling out of my room. Standing in front of the door, she waved at me before walking away.

Hearing the main house door locked, I signed and flipped myself on the bed. Ugh... my parents can be too obsessive and overprotective of me, in as much that I feel bad for the loads of work on their shoulders due to their rank in this pack but tonight I feel like the happiest. Finally some freedom!!!

Grinning from ear to ear, I slide into my shoes and quickly walk out of the house.