195: The Reveal in the Snow

The serene blanket of snow, untouched by the earlier tension, now bore witness to a surprising development. Emma's friends had indeed hoped for a pleasant day, unaware that they'd cross paths with Alex and, unexpectedly, his new companion. Alex, ever the provocateur, had his arm around a woman in a yellow dress, a visual contradiction to his recent criticisms of Emma. The sight sparked immediate speculation and disdain from Emma's group, their disappointment in Alex's hypocrisy palpable. Viola couldn't help but comment, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Look at this, the pot calling the kettle black. One moment he's all high and mighty about Emma, and the next, here he is with... what's her name again?" Jada, equally unimpressed, added, "Truly, some people excel at self-delusion. They trash talk others without a mirror at home." The woman beside Alex, clearly uncomfortable under the group's scrutiny, attempted a defense. "You've got it all wrong. We're just friends, nothing