Emily sat in the chair with her stomach turning in wild butterflies. She was actually really excited and very nervous for today.

Sonya and Mrs. Isaac came to the Lee's, while Minho went over to the Isaac's to hang out with the guys. Papa Lee was going to go pick up Jorge. It was a busy day for everyone.

Emily sat as still as she could while the lady did her nails. Mama Lee's salon was like a mini resort. It had all kinds of snacks and drinks, you had all the beauty products you could think of and it offered everything from hair, makeup, nails to piercings, tattoos and waxing.

Emily had never been to a place like this before. She knew Ava and Teresa had been, but she was never allowed to go.

"I'm pretty sure the Wicked Witch comes here...or used to." Emily said quietly to Sonya.

"Really?"

"She used to." Mama Lee said with a nod, "but once she found out we were your safe house she quite coming."

"Oh. Sorry..."

"Child! Shush! Don't be sorry! My reputation as a business owner and beauty expert can handle losing her as a regular customer." She said smugly, waving a hand to dismiss the matter.

Sonya and Emily snorted.

It was definitely an afternoon Emily would never forget. Having her best friend and the ladies she viewed as a mother and aunt beside her, she let herself relax and enjoy the whole process. She never was pampered like this before.

"Dang...I think Gally's gotta take notes on how to properly rub feet!" Sonya mumbled, her eyes closed as the lady doing her pedicure finished with the foot massage.

"Definitely could get used this!" Emily agreed, her eyes also closed, fully enjoy the moment.

Emily had no idea about what kind of hair and makeup, she left it in the hands of Sonya and Mama Lee, trusting their expertise in the area. There were a lot of giggles and smiles and lots of pictures.

Emily's phone buzzed and she beamed. It was for Minho.

Hey Baby! I hope UR having a blast. Can't wait to see you!!

So much fun! I've never done this before! Also...I can't wait to see you. Also can't wait to show you the whole thing.

Ur my whole thing!

I want to tell the WHOLE WORLD how perfect you are. ❤️

How?

HEY! IM DATING EMILY VICTORIA FITZ! AND SHES SHJCKEN PERFECT! SHES STUNNING. BEAUTIFUL. SMART. FUNNY. CARING. CAN KICK ASS. SEXY. LOVING. MAKES ME A BETTER PERSON. I SMILE WHEN I THINK OF HER. SHE IS MY RAT OF SUNSHINE. AND I GET TO CALL HER MINE!

how are U gonna tell the world that, Thunder Cat?

I just did. Cuz ur my whole world

OH MY SHUCK!

what

That was so cute! Ur so cute!

I love you!

🤷

"Hey, who ya texting?"

Emily just held up her phone, and Sonya read it.

"OH MY GOSH!" Sonya squealed. "Seriously, if you don't marry that boy one day..."

Emily smiled. Her heart fluttered and her stomach twisted.

You nervous for your speech tonight?

Nah. I got this. Easy peasy, Princess.

I'm nervous for you

No need to be ❤️

It's just like a few hundred ppl... the team and all the parents and coaches and school faculty, and scouts from like all the universities and colleges and some other rich big wigs... and anyone else who bought a ticket...

Dammit now I am 😳

Ur gonna do SO good! I believe in you!
You have it memorized, ur pretty much mumbling it in your sleep.

❤️ Your the best

I know. :)

Why you little...

🤨

...you cute as a button GF. I wanna kiss you.

Don't ruin the make up.

*Pouts* fiiiiiiine.

Gotta go. Bye!

By the time all four were done and fully ready to leave the salon, they just had enough time to get back to the house and get dressed. Emily and Sonya giggled and pulled their dresses on, and their shoes and jewelry. They stood staring in Emily's floor length mirror.

"I can say with certainty...I would have never worn or done anything like this...ever.  If it wasn't for you and Newt on day one of school!" Emily said, and then immediately fanned her face, "shuck imma cry!"

"No! No crying!" Sonya said firmly.

"Girls!" Mama Lee called, "your boys are here!"

Emily's heart picked up it's pace. She looked at Sonya for reassurance.

"Remember. He already drools over you."

Emily opened the door and the two of them stepped out.

~•~
Emily

Sonya

~•~

There was a collective gasp. Minho, Gally, Thomas, Newt, the Isaac's where there along with Jorge, everyone was milling around the dinning room and living room. Emily fought everything inside her not to look at the floor. It was her natural response when there was attention on her. But she had locked eyes with Minho, she was held in place by his gaze. His eyes slowly took in her appearance, starting from her shoes and slowly slid up her body, taking in her dress and then up to her hair and makeup. Emily gave him a shy little smile. 

"Whoa." His face showing a slight blush.

"Agreed." Gally nodded, he was just about devouring Sonya with his eyes as well. 

"You guys clean up nicely." Sonya grinned and stepped over to Gally. 

Minho and Emily were still frozen in place. His mouth slightly open and his eyes wide. Gally gave him a little shove forwards. He finally stepped closer, holding a hand out for Emily. She reached a shaking hand out and took his, he slowly spun her around, taking in the whole dress and hair. 

"Wholly Shuck Em." He whispered, his voice was horse. 

"Do you like it?" She asked quietly, slightly nervous.

He cleared his throat, "You have no idea." His eyes flicked all over her face and then down to her dress again, "Shuck, I'm glad you can't read my thoughts." His sexy smirk slid onto his face.   

Emily felt a blush rise on her cheeks. Her heart fluttered and her stomach back flipped a little. She looked up into his eyes, they were slightly darker but they held his regular gentleness and care, his steadiness that kept her anchored. 

"It's definitely not something I would normally wear."   

"Well..." He swallowed hard, "You...you definitely have the body for it Emmy. Shuck. Like Hot damn girl!" 

Emily smiled up at him. 

"I'd kiss you...but you said not to mess up the makeup." He pouted. 

"Later." She whispered with a little smirk. 

"Promise?"

"I promise." 

"Alright, I want pictures!" Mama Lee said coming down the stairs in her dress, holding her husbands arm. 

"Mom! You look beautiful!" Minho exclaimed, ripping his eyes off Emily. He stepped over to his mom, and slowly spun her around as well. 

"Of course I do! Where do you think you got your looks from?" She chuckled at him, "But thank you. It's definitely a lot more fun to do this with a daughter." Her eyes flicked to Emily, and gave her a wide smile that made her eyes crease. 

Papa Lee had his camera and ushered the whole group out into the backyard by the trees and the lights they had set up for Christmas. They spent a while getting group pictures, pictures of each couple and the girls, the families, Emily and Jorge and then Minho and his parents, but when Emily tried to step out of the way, Papa Lee grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

"You're part of this family. Jorge, you too. Get over here."  

Emily didn't know how this night could get any better, and they hadn't even left! She gasped when two limousines pulled up to the house. Papa Lee grinned mischievously.

"Surprise. If were going to do this, we're doing it right." He grinned. 

Minho narrowed his eyes at his dad. He smirked back. 

"First impressions son." he winked, "These big banquets are important for scholarships. Also I spare no express for you. And now Emily and Jorge, my family." 

Minho rolled his eyes, and shook his head but had a matching smirk on his face. He held his arm out for Emily, and Papa Lee did the same for his wide. 

"Minho, this is so extreme." she whispered. 

"It is, but sometimes for these events...dad can't help but flaunt it." He shrugged and whispered back, "I've been to a few of these things, but this is the first year he has done this, it means a bit more this year..." He paused and then looked at her slyly. "If this is how dad is going to do just for this...imagine our wedding." 

Emily stumbled, if she wasn't holding onto Minho's arm she would have tripped flat. 

"Too soon?" He asked with a twinkle in his eye and a sly smirk on his handsome face. 

"You...what? We've only been dating for like 4 months!" 

"Too soon?" 

"I just turned 17!" 

"So? I can't think of these things?" 

"By all means, it's really cute. And it makes me love you even more." Emily beamed up at Minho who just continued to smirk and winked. He opened the door for her and helped her inside. Sonya and Gally followed and then Thomas and Newt slid in as well. 

"See you there Millie." Jorge winked and closed the door. 

"Dang slugger!" Sonya chuckled. 

Minho smirked even more, but shrugged. "Don't like to show if off. My dad on the other hand..." 

"I'm not complaining." Thomas grinned. 

"Me either." Gally grinned. 

"Same." Newt chuckled. 

Minho gasped, and held his chest dramatically, "What am I to you guys? Just a sugar daddy?" 

"Maybe." Emily grinned mischievously. 

He whipped his head around at her, his jaw dropping. "Emily! Are you just using me?" 

She batted her eyelashes and then leaned in her lips brushing his ear, "Maybe I am...daddy." she breathed.

She heard him growl, and his hand squeezed hers.

She giggled and cringed, "I'm never using that name again."   

He turned his head towards her, they were now only just inches from each other, "Too bad."

"Nope, its too cringy. Sugar...maybe." 

"Nah, it's what I'll call you."

"You have too many for me already." 

"Can never have too many pet names." He gently kissed her nose. 

Emily just blushed and laughed at him. 

"So, I heard you two had to try on like every buggen' dress in the store." Newt said, drawing her attention away from Minho. 

"You should see the dress we sent Minho, pretending it was the one she actually got!" Sonya started to giggle. 

Emily dug her phone out of her bag and flipped through photos and showed them the dress. They all howled with laughter. The drive to the dinner was full of laughter and wild stories. The limo pulled up and Thomas and Newt hoped out, Gally held a hand for Sonya to get out.

"You going to be okay without Bear tonight?" 

"I'll be okay. The only time you're leaving my side is for your speech, and I'm with Jorge, your parents, the Isaacs and Gally and Tommy." 

"Right." He nodded, his eyes searching hers, they had become serious. "Emily, you really are beautiful, I mean you're always beautiful, pj pants glasses and messy buns..."

"But it's fun to dress up. I've never done anything like this, feels like there should be cameras flashing when we get out." 

Minho chuckled, he got out and turned and held a hand out for her to help her out. Emily straightened up and gasped. They were at the WICKED facility, the dinner and dance was in one of the huge convention center rooms. There was a big red carpet along the big front steps, lights were set up, along the railing, along with Christmas garland. 

"Wholly shuck! I thought the Halloween dance was extravagant! This is...wholly shuck!" Emily gasped. 

Minho chuckled. Newt leaned in, "This is what happens when you go to the Ivy league school with all the bloody rich kids." 

"You're one of the rich kids, weirdo." Emily whispered back with an eye roll. 

"I know." He grinned. 

The other limo pulled up and all the adults got out. Emily watched as Jorge walked over to a very pretty woman she didn't recognize and offered his arm. 

"Wait...Papi has a date?" 

Minho turned, just as they got close enough and Emily gasped. 

"Miss Mary?" 

"Hello Emily. I hope it's all right if I'm your godfathers date." 

"Yeah...yeah sure." Emily stammered. But then her face broke into a huge smile. "Papi, I didn't know you still had game!" 

"Millie, I always have game." He winked at her. 

"What is going on in my life?" she whispered shaking her head as she watched Jorge lead Miss Mary up the stairs. Minho offered his arm again and together the group of them walked up the steps and into the building. Her eyes wide trying to take in all the work that was put into the event. All the decorations and details. There was a steady stream of people in the front entrance slowly filing into the huge ball room. Emily recognized many of the kids from school, many kids from different sports teams in the school. 

"It's not just a football thing, is it?" Emily asked. 

"Nah, it's for all the teams, but the football team is their baby." 

"Your the baby of the school Min?" Emily teased. 

He opened and closed his mouth for a second, "Dang girl, your quick today." 

"It's the dress, it's bringing out a new side of me, I promise, once the dress is off I'll go back to regular me."

"I like all sides of you. Dress on or off." 

"Are you trying to insinuate something?" She raised an eyebrow at him. 

He froze and his cheeks went pink and then looked at her with a roguish smile and looked her up and down, "Maybe I am." 

"Minho!" A voice that made Emily cringe and shiver. "You have a hot new date huh? Dang she's got a a fine body."

Another voice that made Emily internally flinch and shudder, she gripped Minho's arm harder. "Finally decided to ditch that filthy little gym rat? You should ditch her if your looking for a fun fling."

Minho looked over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow, "Really? You think my date is hot? Me too actually." Minho looked back at Emily, who had a small smile on her face. Teresa or Ben didn't recognize her from the back. At least not yet. 

"Where'd you pick this one up?" 

"Introductions." Minho turned to face her. "Teresa, Ben...my date," Emily turned around, "Emily. Emily, I believe you know each other." He swept a hand out towards her.

"Emily? What the hell?" 

"Tessa." Emily nodded her head politely. She ignored Ben all together. He was shamelessly looking her up and down.

Emily saw Ava marching into the front entrance. It was like Emily was a magnet and Ava's eyes zeroed in on her. An evil grin appeared on her face and she made a beeline over. 

"My my. I guess the rumors are true. Sleep with the riches man in the city and he turns into a sugar daddy." 

"Excuse me?" The look of shock on Minho's face was quickly replaced by his cold look of stone. 

"You didn't know? She's been sleeping with your father. And if the broke little orphan can look like this," Ava swept her hand towards Emily, "Then the rumors are true." 

"Rumors?" A deep voice rumbled behind them. 

Minho's father and mother and Jorge appeared beside them. If Emily thought Minho was intimidating, his father tripled it. Emily was glad she had never been on the receiving end of that look. Even Jorge's look of death made Emily shiver. Minho had placed his hand on her back for support.

"Yes, indeed. I've heard some troubling things floating around about my step daughter, I do hope..." Her cold eyes flashed to Emily again, "that they are false." 

"I can assure you they are, she has been the ideal daughter. Now, if you don't mind we have some important people to talk to. And I would remind you, there is a zero contact in place between you. And I would hate to involve Sam and the police again, especially at this wonderful event." Mr. Lee said. His eyes were hard and narrowed, his voice was dangerous. 

He turned his head to Minho and Emily, he nodded and they turned and with Minho's possessive hand on Emily's back they lead her away to a quiet corner by the bathrooms.

"Emily, are you okay? What did she say to you?" Papa Lee asked, his voice was still shaking in anger. 

"Thank you." She managed to squeak, her hands were shaking. She had closed her eyes and shook her head.

"That witch was suggesting Emily's sleeping with you, dad." Minho spat. 

"What the hell?" Papa Lee blanched. 

Jorge was too in shock to say anything.

"Because why would an orphan like me with nothing to offer be welcomed into your home." Emily said quietly, the small little bit of confidence she had was snatched by minute conversation with her step mother. 

Mama Lee stepped closer and placed her hand under her chin and raised Emily's chin. 

"You are our daughter, Emily. We have fallen in love with you just as hard as our son. She is a cold hearted bitch-"

"Mom!" Minho gasped, but he had a smirk on his face.

"It's true." Mama Lee snapped, but then her voice and eyes softened. "Remember its about the people who matter, the people who love you for you." 

Jorge nodded, "Millie, you know she's trying to get into your head. What her game is I'm not sure, but you know none of that is true. And if I knew the Lee's weren't treating you right I would have done something." He paused, and smiled so big at Emily, he placed his hands gently on either side of her face. 

"And if I knew there was something shady going on with them, I wouldn't be moving into their basement suit."