Chapter 5 Episode 5

Aric looked confused. “Emeli, what do you mean? I really don’t understand.”

Emeli fell silent for a few seconds. Her gaze was empty, then she slowly shook her head.

“Ah… forget it,” she said briefly. She took a breath, then her hand moved toward the IV attached to her hand.

“Hey, wait—”

But Emeli had already pulled it out first.

“Emeli!” Aric immediately stood up. “Don’t be careless, you’re still weak.”

“I’m already better,” Emeli replied quickly, even though her face was still pale. She tried to get up from the bed.

But as soon as her feet touched the floor, her body swayed slightly.

Aric reflexively held her arm.

“See? You’re not better yet,” he said firmly, but not harshly.

Emeli lowered her head for a moment. “But, I have to go.”

“Go where?” Aric asked.

Emeli did not answer immediately.

Aric let out a soft sigh. “Just wait a moment,” he said more calmly. “My assistant is on the way. She’s bringing clothes for you.”

Emeli fell silent. She glanced at her own clothes.

Only now did she truly realize… how inappropriate her appearance was at the moment.

She bit her lip softly. “…Alright,” she finally relented.

Aric smiled faintly. “There you go.” He helped Emeli sit back down. “Don’t be stubborn,” he added softly.

Emeli did not respond. She just lowered her head, her thoughts still in chaos.

Meanwhile, in the president director’s suite, Ken stood near the window, looking outside without really seeing.

His hands were tucked into his trouser pockets. His jaw tightened.

“It’s been hours…” he muttered softly.

But there was still no news, and Juna had not returned. There was no information at all.

Ken let out a long breath, then rubbed his face roughly. “That woman…” he whispered.

Last night’s memories surfaced again. That woman’s face, that gaze. And how his body had felt different when he was with her.

Ken narrowed his eyes. “I don’t even know who you are,” he muttered.

He smiled faintly, but coldly. “But you already dared to run away after sleeping with me.”

He turned around, walking slowly toward the table. His hand touched the surface of the table, then stopped.

“I will not let you go.” His voice was low, full of certainty.

“You already saved my life…” He paused for a moment. His gaze shifted, becoming slightly deeper. “I owe you.”

Then he let out a breath. “And I don’t like having debts.”

A few moments later, Aric’s room door was knocked.

Aric stood up and opened it.

A woman entered while carrying a shopping bag.

“Doctor, these are the clothes,” she said.

“Thank you, Kayla.”

Kayla glanced at Emeli who was sitting on the bed. Her expression was slightly curious, but she did not ask.

“I’ll excuse myself, Doctor.”

“Yes.”

The door closed again. Aric brought the bag toward Emeli.

“Here. Hope they fit.”

Emeli accepted it. “Thank you…”

“The bathroom is over there,” Aric said while pointing.

Emeli nodded and immediately went inside.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened. Emeli came out wearing new clothes. Simple, but clean and neat.

Aric, who had been sitting, immediately turned to look. He fell silent for a moment.

“Well, now you look much better,” he commented briefly.

Emeli felt a bit awkward. “Yeah…” She adjusted her clothes slowly.

The atmosphere fell silent again for a few seconds.

“I… have to go now,” Emeli finally said. She stepped closer toward the door.

But before she could open it, Aric stopped her.

“Emeli.”

Her steps halted. She turned around.

Aric stood up. “Can I ask one thing?” he asked.

Emeli frowned. “What?”

Aric looked slightly hesitant, but he still spoke. “Your number.”

Emeli fell silent for a moment.

“If you don’t mind,” Aric added quickly.

There was no coercion in his voice. Just a simple request.

Emeli looked at him for a few seconds. Then without thinking much, she nodded.

“Alright.”

Aric looked slightly relieved. He immediately took out his phone.

“Wait a moment.”

Emeli told him her number.

Aric immediately saved it.

“Done.”

Emeli gave a small nod. “Thank you… for everything,” she said softly.

Aric smiled faintly. “Take care.”

Emeli did not reply. She just nodded, then opened the door and left.

The door closed softly behind her. Aric stood still for a few moments. His gaze was empty, but his mind was full. Then he let out a breath.

“Emeli…” He smiled faintly.

“I will not let you go.” His voice was soft, but certain. That feeling was still the same as five years ago. It had not changed.

Outside the hotel, Emeli walked quickly. The outside air felt colder. She took a deep breath, as if trying to calm herself.

“Calm down… everything is over…” She stopped a taxi. “To the city center, please.”

“Alright, Miss.”

The taxi started moving. Emeli leaned back in her seat. Her eyes closed for a moment. But not long after, the car suddenly jerked.

“Huh?” the driver frowned.

The engine made a strange sound. Then not long after, it died.

“Oh no… it broke down, Miss,” the driver said.

Emeli immediately opened her eyes. “What?”

“Yes, it seems it needs to be checked first.”

Emeli let out a soft breath. She looked outside. The road was quiet. Not many vehicles passed by. She opened the door.

“How much, Sir?”

“No need, Miss. We didn’t even get far.”

“It’s alright.”

After paying, Emeli got out. The wind blew softly. She stood by the roadside, slightly confused.

She looked left and right. It looked deserted. Completely deserted.

“What should I do…” She bit her lip.

But suddenly, a luxury car stopped right in front of her.

Emeli immediately turned. Her brows furrowed.

The car door slowly opened. Someone stepped out from inside. Black shoes touched the asphalt. His steps were calm.

And when that face became clearly visible, Emeli’s eyes immediately widened.

“You…?” her voice caught. Her body froze in place.

That person looked straight at her. Expressionless. But his gaze was sharp. As if he had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

And at that moment, Emeli’s heart started beating faster.