Chapter 17
The tension between the two men crackled like drawn swords, poised to erupt at any moment.
Emily quickly tugged at Keith’s sleeve, signaling him not to argue with Harold–it was pointless.
Keith glanced back at her, his voice softening with reassurance.
“It’s fine. Don’t worry. I’m here. I’d never let your ex–husband bully you!”
Harold watched their subtle exchange, his face paling further. He swayed unsteadily, barely keeping his balance.
“Emily… is this why you refused to reconcile with me?”
Emily couldn’t fathom what had set Harold off, why he’d suddenly become a different person. The obsessive intensity in his eyes now frightened her.
She couldn’t help but recall what her former mother–in–law had said: “Harold is stubborn; he won’t stop until he gets the answer he wants.”
At this moment, Keith spoke again.
“Harold, don’t falsely accuse Emily just because you can’t have your way. Emily and I only met three days ago. We came to eat together because we’re partners for this workshop.”
“Her refusal to reconcile with you isn’t some childish tantrum or revenge -it’s a carefully considered decision.”
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Chapter 17
He paused, his smile carrying an inexplicable hint of wickedness.
“Besides, you’ve been divorced for half a year. Isn’t it normal for her to have several suitors?”
“In this world, you’re not the only one who appreciates her. You were just luckier than us–you caught her eye earlier.”
Upon hearing this, Harold’s face turned completely ashen.
He didn’t bother to argue with Keith and took a step straight toward Emily.
“Emily, you’ve liked me for six years, can you really just let it go? I know what you care about now. I won’t cross social boundaries with any other
woman again. I won’t ignore or neglect you anymore.”
He spoke urgently, “I know you’re allergic to daisies, that you’re lactose intolerant. I agree to you keeping cats and dogs at home. I won’t force you to match my schedule anymore. I won’t make you give one–sidedly for
me…”
Emily couldn’t take it anymore.
“Enough!”
She stepped out from behind Keith and looked coldly at Harold.
“You knew every straw that broke our marriage, didn’t you?”
“Harold, I never understood why you showed kindness to everyone but me. Then I realized my mistake started at the very beginning.”
Emily clenched her hands slightly, her tone growing calmer.
“When I lowered myself before you, it became permission for your cruelty
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Chapter 17
in your privileged position. But love demands equality.”
“I’m human–living, breathing–raised with care by my parents. No one gets to trample me in love’s name.”
“…Not even when I really really really loved you.”
She turned to Keith.
“Let’s go. Outdoor activity tomorrow, right?”
Emily walked forward without looking back.
Keith pressed his lips and quickened his pace to catch up.
Neither glanced at Harold frozen in place as they headed straight toward the hotel.
Back at the hotel, Emily reached for her room door.
Keith suddenly called out, “Emily.”
“Yeah?” She turned around.
Under the dim corridor lights, Keith’s expression turned earnest.
“What you said earlier was really cool.”
His ear tips flushed as his words began to stammer.
“…I truly meant it when I said I admire you.”
“If you really have many admirers at school, could you put me at the front
of the line?”
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