Chapter 3
Emma’s parents were taken aback by how easily she agreed to their plan. They hadn’t expected her to say yes so quickly.
“Have you really thought this through? When are you coming back? Should we handle the wedding arrangements, or do you want to meet your fiancé first to talk things over?“–%
Emma was too drained to think about all the details, so she just brushed it off. “Whatever you think is best. I’ll come back as soon as I wrap things up here.”
Her parents caught the tiredness in her voice and, after a few more words, ended the call. The room fell silent again.”
Emma slowly got up and headed to the bathroom. When she returned, she opened the door and locked eyes with Roy, who was lounging on the couch. “Why’d you leave without a word?” he asked.}}
Emma’s breath caught, and she looked down, hiding her flushed face. “My phone died, so I just came back.“}
Roy didn’t question her flimsy excuse. He reached out, pulling her into his arms, and with a playful tug, started to loosen her robe. But Emma wasn’t having it; she held his hand firmly to stop him.”
“Haven’t you had enough at the club? It’s only been a few hours,” she said.}
Roy didn’t pick up on her resistance, intertwining his fingers with hers instead. “Has it been that long? You know I can’t help myself when I see you. I’m so in love with you.“>
Hearing his sugar–coated words, Emma felt a sting of irony. Love? Wasn’t she just practice for him? After thousands of times over five years, wasn’t that enough?
She turned her head to dodge his kiss, her voice turning icy. “Oh really? What if you can never touch me again?“>
Roy finally sensed something was off, pausing in confusion. “You love me, and I love you. We’re in love–how could we not be together?” We’re in love, huh?\
Emma didn’t answer, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she changed the subject. “Just talking nonsense. I got caught in the rain on the way back and don’t feel well. I need to rest.”}
Taking in her pale face, Roy didn’t push further. He kissed her forehead gently, ready to carry her to bed. But before he could get up, his phone buzzed on the table. He picked it up and saw a message from Angela.
[Roy, I’m back in town, but it’s pouring outside. I can’t get a cab. What should I do?“}
After reading the message, Roy set Emma back on the couch and stood up. “I’ve got something to take care of. You get some rest. Don’t wait up for me.”
Then, he was gone, the door closing behind him.
Emma watched the door for a moment, then quietly returned to her bedroom. After drying her hair, she buried herself under the covers and turned off the lights. Her eyes were closed, but she drifted in and out of sleep, memories of her time with Roy playing in her mind.”
He’d buy her million–dollar necklaces, promising a lifetime of diamonds. He’d light fireworks by the sea for her birthday, vowing to give her everything. He’d wish on a rare falling star, promising to stay with her forever…
Those promises echoed in her ears, but now she saw them for what they were–empty words. He never planned to spend a lifetime with her.
Half–asleep, she felt feverish, shivers running through her despite the heat. By morning, the sheets were soaked with cold sweat.}} When Roy returned and saw her feverish face, his sleepiness disappeared instantly. Panicked, he scooped her up and rushed to the hospital.
In the lobby, Emma groggily came to. “Why am I here?” she mumbled.“]
“You’ve got a fever. I brought you for a check–up. You’re an adult–how do you not know how to take care of yourself?” Roy’s voice was a mix of urgency and concern, helping her into a chair before heading to the line.}}
But a few steps away, he spotted Angela.”
“Angela? What are you doing here? Didn’t I just drop you home?” he asked, surprised.
Angela stood there, looking delicate in a simple white dress. “I wanted to make soup at home, but I burned my hand, so I came to the hospital.“%
Noticing her red hand, Roy’s focus shifted instantly. He forgot about Emma, rushing Angela to get registered, checked, and medicated. Emma watched them leave, knowing he wouldn’t be back. With a self–deprecating smile, she got up and took care of things herself. After seeing the doctor, she went to the infusion room for an IV.
She had to sit for three hours, and fell asleep halfway through. No one was there to notice when the IV needle backed up, staining the drip red.
A nurse rushed over, gently waking her. “Why are you here alone? No one with you? Family? Boyfriend?”
Emma looked at her bruised hand. “My family’s not in this city, and I don’t have a boyfriend.”
Just then, Roy hurried over. “Emma!”
The nurse, changing the IV bag, quickly scolded, “Are you her boyfriend? Why weren’t you watching her? The IV backed up, it could have been serious.”}
Roy held her swollen hand apologetically. “I’m sorry. I ran into a friend and got caught up talking. I lost track of time, and by the time I looked back, you were gone. It took me a while to find you.”
Emma didn’t call him out on his lie, just murmured a quiet acknowledgment.
