Chapter 22
Chapter 22
“Let me help you pack, Justin,” Emma offered cheerfully.
“Alright,” Justin replied casually, though he felt a bit uncomfortable letting someone else handle his things. He didn’t want to make her feel self–conscious by saying anything, so he just let her go ahead. It was just a few clothes, after all.
Once Justin’s suitcase was packed, Zac arrived with his own luggage to meet up with him. The three of them headed out together.
On the way, Zac was constantly checking his phone, grinning from ear to ear as he responded to messages, clearly in a great mood.
When they reached the parking lot, Zac and Justin said their goodbyes, each heading to their own car, as their routes back were different.
Justin acknowledged him with a nod. Carrying both his and Emma’s suitcases, he walked over to the car. His bodyguard, William, pulled up, got out, and took the luggage to load into the trunk.
“Mr. Yates, the car is ready,” William announced.
Justin nodded. William opened the back door and waited for Justin to get in.
“Justin,” Emma called softly, her sweet voice catching his attention as she stood nearby.
Justin looked at her face, holding her gaze for a long moment, as if trying to figure something out. His expression shifted, as though he had made up his mind. He walked over, took her hand in his, and led her toward the open car
door.
His gesture made Emma light up with joy, her eyes crinkling into crescents, and she followed his lead with a smile she couldn’t hide. He helped her into the car, gently closed the door, and then went around to get in on the other
side.
William observed their interaction without comment. Although he had opened the door for Justin, he noted that his boss had let Emma get in first. Without a word, William got into the driver’s seat, quietly fulfilling his duties as bodyguard and driver.
As the car pulled away from the resort and headed toward the city, Emma broke the silence. “Justin, did you see Zac back there? He was smiling at his phone the whole time. I bet he’s texting his girlfriend!” She emphasized the word “girlfriend” playfully.
Justin looked puzzled, not catching on to Emma’s hint.
Zac had a girlfriend?
How did he not know about that?
“I’ve seen him sneaking off to meet some woman the past couple of days, leaving early and coming back late. He hasn’t spent much time with us at all. If that’s not dating, then what is?” Emma teased, giving Justin a playful look as if he didn’t understand a thing, hinting at something more.
Justin’s expression soured as he defended his friend, “Don’t jump to conclusions. Zac’s got his quirks. He’s picky and he wouldn’t just date someone casually.”
He then picked up his phone and started responding to messages. After a while, he closed his eyes, as if needing a break from the screen.
Emma’s eyes held a trace of disappointment. He hadn’t caught on to her hints, but she didn’t press him. She had
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+15 BONUS
Chapter 22
learned to respect his space and avoid being overly clingy. Being with a successful man meant understanding when to give him room, and she no longer had the naive mindset of her younger self.
Three years ago, she had been at fault, but time spent living abroad, facing challenges on her own, had matured her. She wasn’t going to argue with Justin over every little thing anymore, needing him to constantly reassure her. She had changed.
Two nights ago, Justin had shown up at her door with sparklers, inviting her out for a little fun, and she had given him the opportunity to reconnect.
