Chapter 102
+25 BONUS
The cashier, caught off guard by the scene, hesitated, unsure whose payment method to accept.
Emily stood a few steps behind, her headache growing as she watched. Unable to hold back, she pinched the bridge
of her nose.
What on earth was Sean doing now? Why was he so insistent on paying?
Breaking through the standoff, Emily pulled out her phone and thrust it toward the cashier. “Scan mine,” she said firmly, raising her voice just enough to cut through the tension.
She then shot a polite but pointed smile at the two men. “I said it’s my treat.”
After paying and collecting the bagged pastries, Emily walked out of the shop.
On the street, Wilfred gestured toward a sleek car parked nearby. “My driver just brought the car around. Miss Yates, let me give you a ride home.” His assistant, ever attentive, held the rear door open for her.
Sean, standing defiantly in front of Wilfred’s car, opened the passenger door of his own vehicle. “Emily’s not heading home just yet. I’ll take her to her next stop.‘
The two men locked eyes, their silent standoff brimming with unspoken challenges.
“Miss Yates, which car will it be?”
“Get in, Emily. I’ll take you,” Sean insisted.
Both men turned to her, waiting for her decision.
Emily sighed heavily, pressing a hand to her temple as if trying to ward off the sudden headache. She could almost feel imaginary beads of sweat forming on her forehead at the absurdity of the situation.
With a small, strained laugh, she said, “Actually, my car is parked nearby. I’ll drive myself. Thanks, though!”
Waving them off, she walked toward her car.
By the time Emily arrived home, it was already 9 p.m. She was surprised to find the living room light still on and Mrs. Zimmer waiting for her.
“Mrs. Zimmer, you’re still up? Why didn’t you rest?” Emily asked, taken aback.
Mrs. Zimmer rose from the couch, smiling kindly. “Oh, I was just worried since it was getting late and you hadn’t come back yet. I wanted to make sure you were safe.”
The warmth of someone waiting up for her touched Emily, softening her heart. She handed the pastry bag to Mrs. Zimmer as she kicked off her shoes.
“I brought some pastries, including some of your favorites. Enjoy them when you have time,” Emily said with a smile,
Mrs. Zimmer took the bag, her expression full of gratitude. ‘You’re so thoughtful, Miss Yates.”
Emily headed upstairs to prepare for a shower.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Zimmer carried the pastries to the kitchen, carefully storing them in the fridge. After tidying up, she pulled out her phone and dialed Justin’s number. The call rang for a long time without being answered.
Sighing, she ended the call and sent him a text instead, “Miss Yates is home safe.”
Chapter 102
+25 BONUS
Upstairs, Emily changed into a towel and prepared for her shower. After hours in a formal dress, she felt stiff and uncomfortable. Just as she was about to step into the bathroom, her phone buzzed with a flurry of messages.
Checking it, she saw texts from both Wilfred and Sean.
Wilfred: “Miss Yates, did you get home safely? It’s dangerous for a woman to drive alone at night. Let me know once you’re home. Also, the pastries you picked out are delicious.”
Emily replied briefly: “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Wilfred. I’ve arrived home safely, and I’m glad you enjoyed the pastries.”
Sean: “Emily, are you home yet? I’m sorry for what I did today. I shouldn’t have lied to you. Please don’t stay mad at me, and promise you’ll still talk to me.”
Emily responded with a soft but clear rejection: “I just got home. I’m not angry anymore, but please don’t lie to me again. Also, I think it’s best for us to stay as friends. I’m much older than you, and being your “sister” feels more fitting.”
After sending the message, she set her phone down and went to shower.
Emily knew she would be leaving Lincourt City and Haven State soon. It was better to clarify things with Sean now and avoid giving him any false hope.
Sean didn’t reply after that.
Post–shower, Emily dried her hair, applied her skincare, and got into bed. Unable to sleep, she passed the time watching a couple of episodes of her favorite drama before finally turning off the lights late into the night.
Chapter 103
Chapter 103
