"Come on, you've been paranoid all day. Are you that scared someone's going to steal your Liam away? I don't care what Amelia's intentions are. After all, you're going to be living with her. If she dares to bully you, just tell me, and I'll teach her a lesson myself."
Olivia patted her chest, making a solemn promise. She would never allow anyone to bully her best friend. Otherwise, she'd make sure that person regretted it.
Male or female?
Emma smiled and nodded. Having a friend like this, she truly should be grateful.
Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Elijah. Emma's makeup was only half done.
She glanced at the name on the screen, then looked at Olivia and Mia. She pursed her lips and answered, "Elijah? What's up?"
Her voice wasn't loud, but those two words clearly reached Mia's ears.
Mia pretended to look at herself in the mirror with a calm expression, but inside, she was buzzing with excitement. She pricked up her ears, trying to catch every word Emma said, hoping to piece together what they were talking about.
"Emma, where are you right now? I need to see you. I might not be able to make it to your wedding this afternoon." Elijah's voice came through the phone.
Emma held the phone close and said, "I'm still at the bridal shop. What's wrong? Is something the matter..." She paused, then added, "If you have something urgent, you can come later. It's fine..."
"Oh, well, there's an emergency at the hospital. I have a major surgery to prepare for. I just wanted to see you before you got married. Which bridal shop are you at? I'm on my way now. I'll be there soon. Wait for me!"
"Mona Lisa."
Even though Elijah had explained the reason, Emma still felt a little disappointed.
"Then go downstairs and walk to the intersection across the street. Wait for me there for a bit. I'll be right there. I'll just say a few words and leave."
His voice sounded anxious. Emma bit her lip, turned to look at the two people beside her, and said, "Alright, okay."
Emma hung up, sighed helplessly, and said to the makeup artist in front of her, "I'll go downstairs first. I'll be right back."
Olivia was about to speak, but Mia stood up first, looking surprised. "What's wrong, Emma? What happened to Elijah?"
"It's nothing. He said there's an emergency surgery at the hospital, and he can't make it to the wedding. I'm just going downstairs for a bit. You two finish your makeup and change your clothes. Wait for me." Emma finished speaking, didn't even take her phone, and hurried downstairs.
Intersection.
Emma's hair had already been styled into a perfect bridal updo, but she hadn't had time to change her clothes yet. She was still in her casual outfit.
Her eyebrows and lips were clear and striking. She stood at the crosswalk, waiting for a while, until she saw Elijah's sports car appear before her eyes.
Then a man got out of the car.
A simple, handsome dark gray sweater, casual jeans, his chestnut hair even more beautiful in the sunlight.
Emma walked forward two steps, about to speak, when Elijah pulled her into his arms.
Actually, as soon as he got out of the car, Emma could see that Elijah didn't look well. The stubble on his face was clearly visible. Hadn't he slept well last night?
She let him hold her gently, and asked in a small voice, "What's wrong? If you have something urgent, you could have just called and given your best wishes. Why did you come all the way here?"
After she spoke, Elijah still didn't react. He didn't say a word.
He just wanted to hold her forever, never let go.
Suddenly, Liam's angry face flashed through Emma's mind. She felt a pang of worry. So she took a step back, breaking free from Elijah's embrace.
She looked at him with a puzzled expression.
Elijah lifted his gaze. Their eyes met, and for a moment, he seemed lost.
A long time passed.
"Do you really like him? Is marrying Liam truly your own willing decision?" Elijah clearly didn't want to answer the question she had just asked. When he said this, Emma seemed to see sadness and doubt in his eyes.
Did she like Liam?
Over the past two days, it seemed like many people had asked her that question, right?
Amelia had asked.
Now, the seriousness on Elijah's face made her speechless for a moment.
But at this point, Liam would be picking her up in less than an hour.
They were going to get married. Like it or not... did it really matter?
Emma took a deep breath and said firmly, "I do like him. Actually, Liam is a really good person. He's good to me. There's nothing more to say... Just wish me well, Elijah."
Elijah's body stiffened slightly. He hadn't slept all night, thinking about a lot of things, for a long time. He had fantasized about today's scene countless times.
He thought he could send his blessings naturally, even if it was just an act. But now...
When he heard Emma say she liked Liam, his heart felt like it was on fire.
He knew that as long as Emma said she didn't like him, that she didn't want to get married, he would spare no effort to take her away.
But reality wasn't as he had imagined. It was so cruel it took his breath away.
Elijah felt his voice turn bitter, his tone desperate to the extreme. "Emma, you will be happy... From now on, you'll be the young madam of Pinnacle Corporation. Take care of yourself."
"Yeah, I know. You're not getting any younger either. Find someone to take care of you, or you'll always be getting into trouble."
"Alright... It's getting late. Go back and get ready. I believe you'll be the most beautiful woman in the world when you put on your wedding dress. I should go too, or I'll be late." Elijah raised his hand and pinched her fair, delicate cheek. A forced smile appeared on his thin, cool face.
"I will be the most beautiful. It's a pity you won't get to see it. Go back and cry, and you'll... I'm leaving. Goodbye." Emma waved at him, then turned and walked away.
Elijah raised his hand and looked at the time. After a moment, he estimated it would be too late.
Immediately, Elijah got into his sports car at top speed, started the engine, and drove in the opposite direction from Emma.
The scenery outside the window quickly receded. Elijah drove as fast as he could, but after less than three minutes, the traffic ahead began to jam.
Stuck in the long line of cars, Elijah was trapped in the middle, unable to move forward or backward. Even though he honked the horn, it didn't help.
Elijah punched the steering wheel. A sharp pain shot through his fingers. His bloodshot eyes were filled with terrifying anger.
He couldn't help but grip the steering wheel tightly, turning his head to look back at the folder on the passenger seat...
Guess... is something going to happen?