THE UNEXPECTED INTRUSION

As Emily lounged languidly on the plush couch, savouring her sumptuous snack, the door flew open with a thunderous crash. A striking woman in a flowering gown burst into the room like a tempestuous storm, her vibrant presence flooding the room with an effervescent energy.

Emily's companion pounced upon her like a ray of sunlight, jubilantly exclaiming, "Emily! You've been granted the gift of existence!" Before embracing her with a heartfelt hug and releasing her from the embrace, all the while radiating an exuberant glow.

"What are you talking about?" Emily asked, perplexed by Camilla's statement.

Camilla's eyes widened with excitement as she declared, "you've got to be kidding me, you haven't heard the news?"

Emily remained unfazed, replying casually, "News? What news? Is there anything to see, is it really that important?"

With a dramatic flourish, Camilla exclaimed, "you're the lead story on the news! You're famous!"

Emily's eyes widened in disbelief, and she exclaimed, "no way! You're pulling my leg!"

Camilla grabbed the remote control and switched on the television, where the reporter was indeed delivering a story about Emily.

As they watched the television screen, the event's of the previous day unfolded before their eyes. Emily confidently strutting down the runway, flashing a radiant smile for the cameras, accepting her trophy form the acclaimed designer, and being interviewed by the glamorous Nicole Novak.

"This is incredible," Emily whispered, but there was a tinge of melancholy in her voice that did not escape Camilla's notice.

"Are you doing all right?" Camilla inquired, her brow furrowed with concern.

Emily forced a smile, but it was a pale imitation of her usual sunny grin. "I'm okay," she replied, though her voice betrayed a hit of uncertainty.

"But you don't look or sound okay," Camilla observed.

"This is very huge but I'm only on TV because of Nicole, I mean if she wasn't there I wouldn't be featured or seen in the news," Emily answered.

"That's such nonsense!" Camilla exclaimed.

"Just because Nicole was there doesn't mean you don't deserve to be featured in the news! You were the one who worked hard and made it all happen. You're the one with all the talent and skill. Don't ever doubt yourself. Be proud of what you've accomplished and always be thankful!"

Her words were filled with conviction, and she gazed at Emily with an unwavering intensity.

"I think you're onto something," Emily said a spark of confidence in her eyes. "I know I shouldn't sell myself short. I deserve to be celebrated, I'm going to embrace this moment and enjoy the spotlight. Thank you for helping me see that."

Camilla beamed with pride. "Anytime," she answered.

"So, have you heard anything from your fiancé, your parents, or the company?" Camilla asked.

"Well, I haven't heard anything from my parents," Emily said.

Camilla knew how difficult to be estranged from her family. "Or are you refusing to answer their calls?" Camilla probed, not wanting to let the matter drop.

But Emily remained silent, unwilling to discuss it further. "And my fiancé," Emily said and pointed at the table.

Camilla reached for the envelope that was sitting on the table, curiosity piqued. She carefully opened it, not wanting to tear the delicate paper.

After a moment of silent reading, her expression shifted from one of curiosity to one of anger. She placed the letter back on the table, face down.

"Your finacé is full of pride!" Camilla seethed. "He couldn't even come himself to give you the news in person? What a coward!" Her words were harsh, but her loyalty to Emily was unwavering.

"Well at least I'll be seeing him," Emily said and Camilla was surprised.

"Don't tell me you're actually glad that you'll be meeting him in court," Camilla said in disbelief.

"I'm not happy about the circumstances," Emily replied, "but I am looking forward to finally meeting the man I'm getting married to," she answered.

"I understand, but sending letters that's not good enough, maybe he's ugly," Camilla said.

"He's not ugly," Emily said, her voice level but firm.

"And how do you know that?" Camilla asked.

"It's one thing to have a preference, but quite another to make baseless assumptions about someone's appearance. There could be any number of reasons he's choosing to correspond by letter," Emily said.

"Are you defending him, are you falling for someone you have not seen?" Camilla asked.

"I'm not, just quit it" she answered.

"Okay, lover girl," Camilla said and Emily glared at her.

"Okay," she said laughing raising up her hands.

"Tell me, have you heard from Richard of late?" Inquired Camilla, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"Why? Yes, I spoke with him a few days ago," Emily replied, a smile playing on her lips. "He's been immersed in his work of late, with little time to spare for leisurely charts."

Camilla nodded thoughtfully, her eyes alright with understanding.

"Have you confided in Richard?" Camilla inquired, her tone filled with concern.

"I have not yet found the courage to do so," Emily admitted, her voice soft and hesitant.

"But I know how deeply you love him, and I trust that you will find the strength to tell him everything when the time is right," Camilla said, her words brimming with compassion and reassurance.

"Don't worry I'll be fine and thank you for your support, it means more to me than you know," Emily replied, her voice thick with emotion.

"And how are your family members faring?" Emily inquired further, her expression warm and inviting.

"My parents and siblings are all well," Camilla replied, a smile playing on her lips.

"I spoke to them yesterday," she continued, a note of fondness in her voice.

Camilla was the eldest child of her parents, the firstborn in a family of three. Her younger brother, Vincent was pursuing a higher education at a distinguished institution of learning in a foreign land, while her younger sister, Claire, was a highschool student in her last year in their hometown of Vitrea.

"I have spoken to them about the current state of affairs, and while they are not thrilled with the news, they remain committed to offering you their full support in any way they can," Camilla said, a look of sympathy in her eyes.

Emily took a deep breath and exhaled, a hint of resignation in her expression.

"There is no use dwelling on these matters," she said, attempting to muster a smile. "We shall carry on and persevere through these trials and tribulations, knowing that brighter days lie ahead."

The two women exchanged a meaningful glance , their friendship stronger than ever despite the odds.

As the noon hour approached on a crisp Friday afternoon, Camilla and Emily were strolling back from their classes. Camilla broke the silence with a sigh, her brow furrowed with frustration.

"The lecturer was in a particularly irascible mood today," she said, shaking her head.

"Oh dear, what happened?" Emily asked, rummaging through her purse in search for her house key.

"I don't know but he kept on shouting at us and I must confess, it was quite something trying to endure his unceasing diatribe," Camilla sighed, slumping into the sofa with a look of weariness as they walked into the living room.

"That sound dreadful," Emily sympathized, placing a comforting hand on Camilla's shoulder.

"I apologize you had to endure such an ordeal." Camilla smiled weakly in response, her eyes still clouded with exhaustion.

"Do not fret over me, my dear friend," she assured. "My spirits are not dampened by the antics of a cantankerous instructor." The two friends shared a chuckle. "Permit me a moment to freshen up before we head to your abode," Emily requested, her expression one of mild fatigue.

"No worries, take your time," Camilla replied with a knowing smile.

"I shall not dawdle," Emily assured, making her way to the bathroom.

As Camilla reclined in her comfortable repose, a sudden jangling sound reverberated through the house, shattering the stillness like a stone through glass.

"Emily, the door!" Camilla called out, her voice echoing through the hallways.

"Answer it and see what the person wants, can't come out," she answered.

With an effort, Camilla roused herself from the sofa and made her way to the door, a curious expression on her face. Upon opening the door, she was greeted by a most unexpected sight, the familiar faces of Mr. and Mrs. Kevan.

"It's a delight to see you, though I must say I am a bit taken aback by your presence," Camilla replied, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

"We understand your surprise, you see, Emily has been ignoring our calls but we felt it's necessary to come in person," Mrs. Kevan explained.

"I don't think she will be pleased to see you," Camilla said.

"Is Emily at home?" Mr. Kevan inquired, his voice tinged with hopefulness.

"Yes, she is," Camilla replied, her tone hesitant.

"May we come inside?" Mrs. Kevan asked, her eyes pleading.

"Of course, but I must warn you that Emily may not be pleased by your presence," Camilla cautioned, her brow creased with worry.

"We understand the risk, but we are willing to take it," Mr. Kevan assured her.

With that, Camilla stepped aside, and allowed them to enter the house, a sense of foreboding settling. Camilla knew that Emily would not be pleased by the unannounced visit, but she hoped that her parents would be able to smooth things over.

"Please, make yourselves at home. Emily will be down in a minute," Camilla said and sat down while Emily's parents did the same thing.

"So who is at the door," Emily shouted coming down from the stairs and then got to the living room and saw her parents. She slowly walked up to them and they stood up.

"Emily!" They both called out.

"What are you doing here?" Her voice was sharp and accusatory, her gaze fixed on her parents.