Chapter 121
+25 BONUS
Emily smiled and nodded, placing the fruit basket on the bedside table. “It’s fine,” she said gently.
Richard’s enthusiastic “Sis!” really had a sibling–like warmth to it, and to her surprise, she didn’t find it off- putting.
Richard squirmed in protest against Wilfred’s firm grip, trying to free himself. However, one warning glance from his older brother was enough to make him sit still and behave.
Putting his phone away, Richard was just about to speak when Wilfred beat him to it.
“This is my younger brother, Richard,” Wilfred said, introducing him. “And this is Miss Yates–Emily Yates.” Emily nodded politely in Richard’s direction.
Elsewhere, Helen had a day off from classes and was on a date with Zac at the movie theater. They were cuddled up, waiting for the show to start, when her phone buzzed with a message.
Glancing at the screen, her expression instantly soured. She frowned, muttered a curse under her breath, and shoved the bucket of popcorn into Zac’s hands.
“We’ll have to watch the movie another day. Something urgent came up. I’ve got to go!” she said hurriedly. “Wait!” Zac called after her, his tone a mix of disappointment and concern. “If it’s that urgent, let me drive you!” But Helen was already running off, leaving him behind.
*
Back at the hospital, Richard chatted nonstop with Emily, bombarding her with questions about the past three years. When he learned she was an orphan and had lost her memories, his heart ached even more for her.
“I’m sorry, Miss Yates,” Wilfred interjected apologetically. “He spends most of his time staring at a computer screen and doesn’t often get a chance to talk to people.”
Emily smiled, unfazed. “It’s no trouble.”
Just then, her phone buzzed in her purse. It was a call from Justin.
“I need to take this,” Emily said, stepping toward the hallway.
Wilfred nodded, and Richard chimed in cheerfully, “Go ahead, sis!”
Emily walked to the end of the corridor, but the call had already gone to voicemail. She pressed redial, and Justin picked up almost immediately.
“Why didn’t you answer earlier?” Justin’s voice was low, carrying a hint of annoyance and sulkiness.
Emily could sense his mood but chose to ignore it, replying calmly, “I was with someone.”
“With who? Weren’t you at the art exhibit?”
“It’s not like I’m the only one at the art exhibit,” she replied, slightly exasperated. She didn’t bother mentioning Wilfred. Given their current relationship, she didn’t feel the need to report her every move to him.
There was a brief pause before Justin asked, “When will you be done? I’ll have William pick you up.”
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 121
Emily glanced at the time. It was only 3 p.m. “I’ll call you when I’m finished.”
The conversation fell into an awkward silence.
In the past, Emily would have filled the gaps, eagerly sharing stories about her day what had happened at school, the food she had tried, or funny moments she had encountered.”
She used to share everything, including moments like this art exhibit. But now, her silence left Justin grasping for topics.
When had things changed between them?
“Was the exhibit fun?” he tried, searching for a way to keep the conversation going.
“Aren’t all exhibits the same?” Emily replied coldly. “Is there anything else? If not, I’ll hang up.”
On the other end of the call, Justin’s throat tightened as he swallowed hard.
“Nothing else,” he said quietly. “Just remember to call me when you’re done.”
“Okay,” she answered before hanging up.
Justin stared at his phone, the empty conversation leaving him feeling strangely hollow. Sitting in his leather chair, his figure seemed unusually lonely.
When Emily returned to the hospital room, Wilfred was seated nearby, and Richard was on the bed, gerly awaiting her return.
