Chapter 4
After her IV treatment Roy helped Emma back home. As they reached the garage, Emma noticed Angela waiting for them. The moment Roy saw Angela, he almost instinctively let go of Emma’s hand.
“Angela, why are you still here?” Roy asked.-
Angela was about to reply when she spotted Emma. Her smile faded slightly. “I needed to talk to you, Roy. And who is this?”
Since Roy and Angela had agreed to keep their relationship under wraps, Roy introduced Emma without hesitation. “This is my sister’s best friend, Emma. She’s been sick, so my sister asked me to take her to the doctor.”
Emma felt a pang in her chest at Roy’s words, like she couldn’t quite catch her breath. She’d never understood why they had to keep things secret. She’d thought it was to keep Roy’s sister Shelly in the dark. But now she realized it was Angela he truly wanted to keep in the dark.
He just didn’t want Angela to know.
Emma forced a smile and said softly, “Hi, I’m Emma.“S
Angela’s smile returned as she introduced herself and got down to business. “My friend is throwing a welcome party for me, Roy. I’d love for you to come, and Emma, you should join us too. It’ll be a nice way to meet people.“%
Emma instinctively wanted to decline, but Roy had already accepted the invitation. The car door was open, and she had no choice but to climb in.I
During the drive, Roy kept the conversation lively, reminiscing with Angela about old times.
“Roy, you’ve still got strawberry candies in your car? Remember when I was so nervous about playing the piano at the high school New Year’s show? You braved the rain to get me some strawberry candies to calm my nerves. After that, every time we met, you’d have two candies for me.I
“Oh, this Doraemon omament! I can’t believe you got it. I remember telling you how much I liked it once.
“Roy, your cologne smells amazing. I mentioned how attractive it is when guys wear this scent, and now you’re using it?
Emma listened quietly, realizing just how much the usually carefree Roy could act like a lovestruck teenager when he truly cared about someone. Through the rearview mirror, she saw his ears turn red.
After so many years, could he still feel that way? But then again, first loves are often unforgettable, like a pristine memory.
Once they arrived at the bar, Emma found a comer to sit in while Roy naturally took a seat next to Angela, draping his coat over her legs. The teasing from the group started immediately.
“Roy’s still the gentleman, huh? If Angela loses a drinking game, should we just pour the drink into your glass, Roy?”
“Exactly! Roy doesn’t have a girlfriend watching over him. If Angela asked, he’d drink till he drops.”
Roy glanced at Emma, who seemed engrossed in her phone and oblivious to their comments. Feeling uneasy, he texted her. [Emma, they don’t know about us, so they’re just joking. Don’t take it personally. It’s Angela’s party today, not the right time to say anything. I’ll make it public next time.]2
Next time? There wouldn’t be a next time.
The games started soon after. Emma lost the first round and was supposed to drink three shots. Roy reached out to help, but someone stopped him.
“Hey, you need permission to drink for someone else! Emma, you’re almost thirty, right? Three drinks should be nothing for someone with your experience.“%
The mention of her age stung, but Emma didn’t want to owe Roy anything. She downed the drinks, earning cheers and applause from the group.
Angela lost the next round. With a look at Roy, everyone poured the drink into his glass, and he drank it without hesitation. Angela kept losing, and Roy’s glass stayed full. Before long, he was drunk and headed to the restroom.
After ten minutes with no sign of him, Emma left the room and found him in the stairwell. As soon as he saw her, Roy pulled her into his arms, mumbling softly.
“Angela, I’m so happy you’re back. I only want to be with you. I don’t want you to miss out on anything. I’ve spent five years leaming how to make you happy. I’ll treat you so well, make you the happiest girl. Will you be with me? I really, really love you…”
Each word felt like a knife to Emma’s heart, leaving her raw and bleeding. She watched his face, unable to hide the sadness and pain in her eyes. Biting her lip until it bled, she tasted the metallic tang of blood and couldn’t help but ask, “Roy, what am I to you?”
