The black, imposing Range Rover cruised through the streets toward Emma Johnson's home.
Liam Williams hadn't called ahead. He figured she'd be getting ready for bed by now.
Not wanting to disturb her, he drove straight to her place.
Five minutes later, he pressed the doorbell.
"Liam, you're back? Have you eaten yet?" Sophia Johnson greeted him warmly.
"Mom, I have. Where's Emma? Is she asleep?" He glanced at his watch.
"She's still working overtime. She hasn't come home yet. Come in, let's wait together. She'll be back soon."
"Forget it, Mom. I'll just go to her office. It's not far anyway." Liam turned and headed for the elevator.
Sophia was deeply touched. How could she have found such a wonderful son-in-law?
She watched him go to pick up Emma without a moment's hesitation.
Looking at his retreating figure, she felt a lump in her throat. It seemed the couple's relationship was truly as sweet as honey.
Liam thought about driving, but then decided it wasn't far, so he walked instead.
It was autumn now, and the temperature had dropped significantly.
Though it wasn't cold at noon, the temperature difference between morning and night was quite noticeable.
Liam pulled his coat tighter and headed toward New York Fashion Magazine.
The large office was empty now, with only her left.
Emma was almost done for the night, tidying up the mess on her desk.
When she stepped outside, she realized how cold it was. She'd been in a rush this morning and only wore a dress with a light jacket, no coat.
She shivered, hugging her arms. "Emma..."
That voice. So familiar it hurt.
Noah Taylor?
Before she could turn around, a man pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Noah? What are you doing here? Didn't I say we shouldn't meet for now?" She pushed him away.
"You're lying to yourself. You know you still have feelings for me. Why pretend? Emma, I know you better than you know yourself."
His words were like a tongue twister, but they held a painful truth.
Seven years. Even though they'd never taken that final step of intimacy, how could he not understand her?
Emma bit her lip, trying to hold herself together.
She wouldn't cry. She wouldn't let Noah see her tears.
If she did, she'd lose the last shred of her dignity.
"Let's get back together, okay? Emma, I still love you. No, I've always loved you. I know I was wrong. Can you forgive me?" Noah's voice trembled with emotion as he looked at her.
He stepped closer, trying to pull her into his arms again.
But Emma didn't budge.
She stood frozen for a moment, then slowly stepped back. "Noah, it's too late for all of this. We can never go back..."
"Emma, is it because I told you I was getting married? That doesn't matter. I can call it off. I'll do anything for you. Anything..." Regret was written all over Noah's face. He looked like he was about to drop to his knees and beg.
But why had it taken him so long to say these words?
Back then, he'd abandoned her without a second thought for Isabella Miller.
Even though they'd already talked about marriage.
Even though she'd once sworn she'd only ever marry him.
But reality was cruel.
In the end, they'd broken up.
"Do you really think I can trust you again?" Emma laughed bitterly. "We can't be together anymore. I'm married now..."
The words had barely left her mouth when Noah stared at her in disbelief.
No way. How could this be?
How could his Emma marry someone else without a word?
She must be lying.
"Impossible, Emma. You loved me so much. How could you agree to marry someone else?"
Ha. He still had the nerve to say that.
If he knew how much she loved him, why did he abandon her back then?
And now that she'd moved on, why was he here, trying to win her back? Just to break her heart again?
"Noah, let the past stay in the past. I don't want anything to do with you anymore. Whether you're happy or sad, it has nothing to do with me, Emma Johnson. Not anymore. So, please. Leave."
From now on, they'd better not cross paths again.
Emma turned to leave.
But Noah, seeing that soft words wouldn't work, suddenly lunged at her and grabbed her shoulders.
"Ah! Noah, let me go! Let go!"
Emma struggled, growing more and more frustrated.
She took a big step back, but her foot caught on a small hole in the ground. She twisted her ankle and started to fall backward.
Noah couldn't react in time. He could only watch as she slipped from his grasp.
Just as Emma thought she was about to hit the ground, she felt a gust of wind brush past her face, carrying a faint scent of cologne.
It felt like...
Emma opened her eyes again, her mouth dropping open in surprise.
She hadn't fallen! She was in Liam Williams' arms.
No wonder that gust of wind felt so familiar.
"Liam? What are you doing here? Ow... Ah..." Before she could finish, a sharp pain shot through her ankle, making her wince.
"What's wrong? Did you hurt your foot again?" Liam asked, his voice full of concern.
"Yeah, it hurts." Emma looked at Liam, then noticed Noah was still there. She spoke slowly, "Honey, would you carry me home?"
What? Honey?
Both men were stunned by her words.
Liam was surprised because Emma only called him that in front of her elders. Now? Had she taken the wrong medicine?
But Noah's reaction was even more dramatic. "Emma, what did you call him? Are you really... married?"
How was that possible? He couldn't believe it. Was Emma really married?
"Yes, Noah. Let me formally introduce you. This is my husband, Liam Williams."
Emma blinked her big eyes and spoke calmly.
Liam Williams?
Everyone in the city knew that name.
Noah couldn't accept it. He looked at Emma in disbelief, then at Liam.
For a long moment, he couldn't say a word. Seeing this, Emma gently tugged at Liam's tie. "Honey, I'm so cold. Let's go home."
"Alright, let's go, sweetheart."
Emma was speechless.
But at least he was playing along.