The mansion's festive glow felt hollow now.
The argument that happened felt like a scar on the warm and peaceful moment that was just had.
Emma paced the lavish hallway as her usual confident stride was replaced by frantic, jerky steps. Her hands trembled as she ran them through her hair for the tenth time.
"I screwed up so bad, Nadia… I friggin' screwed up!"
She groaned helplessly.
"I really shouldn't have even let my mom come for the holidays! What was I thinking? She's always been like this… competitive, petty, trying to one-up everyone, especially me. And now look what happened! Scott stormed out because of her! Because of us!"
Nadia stood nearby with her arms crossed.
She stepped closer and placed a gentle hand on Emma's shoulder.
