Chapter 16
As a literature teacher, Emily instantly grasped the meaning, her cheeks flushing crimson.
She couldn’t bring herself to meet those expressive peach blossom eyes anymore. Keith held her gaze, pressing his advantage.
“Emily, I know you divorced Harold. So everything you ever doubted was true. None of those coincidences were accidents–they were opportunities I created to meet you, to spend time with you.”
He paused, ready to lay all his cards on the table.
“This restaurant? Actually owned by my mom. She said if I ever found someone special, I should bring them here.”
“So if you feel I’ve crossed the line, if my calculated approach makes you uncomfortable–after dinner I’ll take you back to the hotel. Then I’ll disappear from your life. No more disturbances.”
At this, Emily fell silent.
After a long pause, she finally looked at Keith. “What about your mother?”
Keith froze, his peach–blossom eyes dimmed with sadness.
“That year’s first blessing offering… I meant it for her when she was gravely ill.”
“I think meeting you was her final gift to me.
O
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Emily’s voice dropped to a whisper.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know…”
Keith gave a wry smile. “Why apologize? It’s not your fault.”
He added gently, “My apologies. I shouldn’t have brought it up and made you uncomfortable.”
They locked eyes, both suddenly chuckling at the shared awkwardness.
Who ever heard of two people who just met apologizing to each other during their first meal together?
In the end, Keith took the initiative.
“Let’s eat before it gets cold. You can take some home later if you like.”
Emily nodded.
The meal started with minor awkwardness but turned surprisingly pleasant.
Keith taught physics–a typical science guy. Yet his mother happened to be Emily’s favorite author.
Having grown up surrounded by her books, he could discuss Emily’s beloved novels with genuine insight.
After dinner, Keith tentatively asked, “Could we… meet again sometime?”
Emily flashed a bright smile.
“Definitely! The view here’s breathtaking, the food’s amazing–I’d love to come back.”
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Relief washed over Keith’s face as a genuine smile spread across his
features.
Emily hadn’t seen him smile so radiantly and genuinely before, momentarily transfixed.
Until a familiar voice cut through.
“Emily!”
Both Emily and Keith turned toward the doorway, finding Harold standing there dusty and breathless. She frowned.
Keith instinctively shielded her.
The small gesture made Harold’s eyes redden as he strode toward them.
Reining in his emotions, he demanded of Keith, “Who are you? What gives you the right to bring her here?”
Keith’s expression remained blank, but the air around him grew heavy, the atmosphere turning palpably oppressive.
“What’s it to you? Shouldn’t an ex–husband mind his own business?”
The word “ex–husband” struck like a physical blow. Harold’s expression dimmed briefly before his gaze snapped back to Emily.
“Emily, I came to find you. Can we talk somewhere else?”
Emily had thought Harold had finally come to his senses during this time, but clearly that wasn’t the case.
Seeing his pale, sorrowful face, irritation prickled at her.
“How much longer will you keep hounding me? Aren’t you above this,
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Harold?”
11
Harold froze at Emily’s words. His lips moved, voice thick with bitterness.
“Emily, I just want another chance. A chance to love you.”
Before Emily could respond, Keith spoke coldly.
“No.”
Keith looked at Harold, each word dropping slowly and deliberately.
‘Absolutely impossible. With me here, you won’t get that chance.”
