Chapter 8: Long Time No See

The moment the plane took off, Emily looked out the window.

A layer of clouds moved to both sides, gradually dispersing to reveal a sky full of stars, dazzling and bright.

The clouds cleared and the mist lifted.

Emily let out a soft breath and silently said goodbye to Birchwood City.

...

In the early morning hours, Adam stumbled home, his face flushed red.

"Emily! Make me some honey water!"

He lifted his leg and skillfully kicked off his shoes, then shuffled into his slippers and wobbled into the house, making his way to the living room couch.

The smell of alcohol all over him made his throat tight, and his head was spinning with waves of dizziness.

He tugged hard at his clothes, ripping open the buttons, as if only this could give him a moment of relief.

"Emily!"

Adam called out again. In the huge house, only his own voice echoed back, bouncing around the empty space.

"Where is she?"

He was getting impatient. Looking around, he still couldn't find Emily.

"Where did she go now?"

Muttering irritably, Adam simply took off his jacket and lay down on the couch. He pulled out his phone from his pocket, wanting to call her.

The black screen wouldn't light up no matter how many times he pressed it - the phone was dead, as if mocking his helplessness.

In anger, Adam tossed the phone aside, then rolled over and gradually fell asleep.

Meanwhile, the bump of the plane landing woke Emily from her sleep.

She rubbed her eyes and took a moment to realize where she was.

She had had a strange and surreal dream. In it, she met her past self - that reckless girl who had defended Adam no matter what.

That version of herself asked if her future self was doing well.

Emily didn't know how to answer. She just gave a forced smile, and the other seemed to understand everything, then waved goodbye and wished her happiness.

Of course she would be happy. From now on, she wouldn't be so foolish in giving her all, and she wouldn't let her love become so cheap that anyone could trample on it.

"Is it already this late?"

After getting off the plane, Emily pulled her suitcase and checked her phone, only to realize it was already 2 AM.

It seemed a bit rushed, but she didn't regret it. She would make the same choice a hundred times over.

The only problem was, at this hour, it might be hard to get a ride.

Emily looked worriedly out the window as she followed the crowd outside. By the time she reached the airport terminal, she could see people gradually arriving to pick up passengers.

Looking at the ride-hailing app on her phone with its endless queue, she shook her head helplessly. She decided to wait a bit longer in the terminal - maybe she could catch a taxi.

After all, going outside now would just mean standing in the cold wind, and the area around the airport was so desolate that finding a place to stay for the night would be nearly impossible.

"Ms. Hart!"

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out. She looked up in surprise to see the man who had delivered the dress to her before, excitedly waving at her with a smile.

He was the butler of Noah's house, named Elton Riddick.

Emily was completely stunned. She walked over in surprise. "What are you doing here? What a coincidence! Were you on tonight's flight too?"

"Of course not, I came back earlier." Elton shook his head and explained with a smile, "This is Mr. Stone's idea. The two of us have been waiting at the airport entrance since just after midnight."

Emily was shocked. "Noah is here too?"

Elton nodded. "Mr. Stone is waiting for you in the car outside. Ms. Hart, let's go out now."

"How did you know I'd be coming back at this time?"

Emily was amazed. She had to admit, whatever Noah's views were on their arranged marriage, his behavior was absolutely flawless.

It was just that after so many years apart, she wasn't mentally prepared to meet him right after returning.

But in reality, the two of them weren't really familiar with each other - they were practically strangers.

The memories from childhood, looking back now, were indeed like precious gems shining with brilliant light, but that was only from her perspective.

Noah had probably long forgotten that the two of them had such a connection. His politeness was no doubt just because of the relationship between their two families.

"You'll have to ask Mr. Stone that question yourself."

Elton said politely, and even reached out to take Emily's luggage.

Emily had no reason to refuse. By any standard, she had no grounds to reject Noah.

Although she didn't know how Noah had managed this, she appreciated his kindness.

And Noah was indeed thoughtful enough. Whatever his reasons for treating her this way, he had already made an unexpectedly good impression on her.

"Well, thank you both."

She had to admit, not having to keep waiting at the airport was a huge relief. Otherwise, she really would have been anxious and worried.

But thinking about sitting in a car with someone unfamiliar, riding home together, gave her a strange feeling.

Still, there were no better options now.

Elton was already leading her outside. A black Maybach was parked quietly at the airport entrance, and Elton went to load her luggage.

"Ms. Hart, please get in. Mr. Stone is waiting for you inside."

Emily nodded and opened the car door from the other side.

Warm-colored lights glowed inside the car. Noah, with his handsome features and cool demeanor, was quietly reading a book.

After so many years, the boy who had once smiled while teaching her to build sandcastles had grown into this refined and stern man. Even just his profile was perfect.

Sharp angles, thin lips, a straight nose, and the strands of hair at his temples gave off a hint of casual ease, slightly softening his unapproachable aura.

Emily awkwardly got into the car, wanting to say something but feeling it wasn't quite right.

The greeting rolled around in her mouth but wouldn't come out, yet staying silent seemed too rude.

The air seemed thick with awkwardness. She unconsciously gripped the corner of her clothes, feeling an urge to run away.

Fortunately, Elton had finished loading the luggage and got into the car. Emily breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

At least it wasn't just her and Noah in the car now. Otherwise, she would have felt even more awkwardly uncomfortable.

And this seemed like a good time to greet Noah.

At least if Noah didn't respond, Elton would probably be kind enough to acknowledge her, right?

Just then, Noah spoke coldly, "Drive."

The little bit of courage Emily had finally mustered instantly vanished. She could only quietly look away and lean back against the car door.