Chapter 3
Before Ryan could walk away, a flurry of movement announced the arrival of their mother. The woman in her early sixties was the picture of elegant, status-conscious wealth. She wore a tailored cream suit, an immaculate string of pearls, and a large, ostentatious hat that shielded her fair skin from the California sun. She beamed with overwhelming pride as she reached for Ryan, pulling him into a tight embrace.
"My beautiful boy," her mother gushed loudly, drawing the attention of the surrounding rows. "A Navy SEAL. I knew you were destined for greatness, Ryan. You are the absolute pride of this family."
"Thanks, Mom," Ryan smiled, the coldness instantly vanishing from his face. "The brass is taking their seats. You need to sit down."
The mother turned toward the reserved row and finally noticed Emily. Her bright, performative smile instantly dissolved into a tight, displeased frown. She clutched her pearls, looking at Emily’s simple black dress as if it were a stain on the pristine white chairs.
"Emily," the mother sighed, her voice laced with heavy disappointment. "I explicitly told you this was a formal military event. You look like you just rolled out of a cubicle. Could you not make an effort for your brother?"
"I drove straight through the night, Mother," Emily replied, her voice remaining perfectly steady. "I apologize if my attire offends you."
The mother scoffed quietly, turning immediately to a nearby security usher who was directing VIP families.
"Excuse me, young man," the mother said, gesturing dismissively toward Emily. "Could you perhaps find a seat for her further back? She’s just his sister. She’s not important. We need this space for the official photographers."
"Ma'am, the seats are open for immediate family," the usher replied, looking uncomfortably at Emily.
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"It's fine," Emily said calmly, her hands remaining folded in her lap. "I will slide down to the end of the row. There is plenty of room."
The mother sniffed, turning her back on Emily entirely to fix Ryan’s collar. "Just make sure you stay out of the sightlines, Emily. Today is for people who have actually achieved something with their lives."
