Chapter 9 - A Likable Person

Emerald parked her car and alighted from the vehicle. And then, strolled towards her apartment building. 

As she was entering the lobby she heard someone calling her. 

She turned towards the source of voice and saw Red. He was standing beside the guard. 

"What are you doing here?" Emerald asked as she approached Red. 

"It's been a while since the last time I saw you," Red said, looking at her with pleading eyes. 

Considering that Clayton was not with him, Emerald had no reason to refuse him. 

She only avoided Red because she didn't want to cross paths with Clayon again.  

What she witnessed in the hospital altered her decision. Initially, she accepted the fact that she and Clayton will eventually meet again because of Red. 

But seeing how Lizzy went berserk when she saw Shannon lying on the hospital bed with Clayton, she feared that she would be misunderstood by Lizzy and create a scene. 

She knew Lizzy was not afraid to hurt her as she tried to do it multiple times. She was fortunate to protect herself from being hurt physically by Lizzy but Emerald couldn't stop Lizzy from hurting her emotionally each time Clayton stood for her. 

Since the death of her parents, she didn't want to be caught in any type of drama. Thus she didn't mingle much to avoid being embroiled with others' affairs.

Her mother's death traumatized her. In the process of helping her friend from her abusive husband, Emerald's mom died. 

The husband fired at them while they escaped and Emerald's mom was shot, piercing her heart.  

Lawsuit ensued after her mother's tragic demise. Not long after her mother's death, her dad's health deteriorated and died a year after her mother passed away. 

 

As an F1 professional driver, it's inevitable for her to interact with people. Though she talks to them she maintains it at a professional level. 

"Let's go," Emerald said and the guard allowed Red to enter the premises. 

They entered the building together, and people were looking at the pair. They both look stunning and are perfectly matched. 

"How long have you been standing there?" Emerald felt bad for him. Given that he saved her, she wouldn't treat him badly. 

"It's not that long," Red replied and his stomach growled. 

"Not that long hah?" Emerald chuckled. "Have you had dinner?"

"I haven't," Red rubbed his head, his stomach betrayed him so there's no point of covering. 

"Silly, why didn't you eat first before coming here?" Emerald was a bit exasperated at him. 

Emerald strode to the kitchen followed by Red. 

A glitter of amazement entered his eyes as he watched Emerald prepare a meal for him while sitting on the chair beside the kitchen island. 

A bowl of piping hot pumpkin soup with diced chicken that comes with garlic bread was served before him twenty minutes later. 

"Finally, I'm able to taste your food again," Red smiled as he took the spoon and started eating. 

"Eat!" Emerald was concerned that he was famished because he waited for her. 

A ghost of a smile appeared on her face as Red ate the food with much gusto. 

Red was nothing like Clayton. He has a warm and bubbly personality unlike Clayton who has a cold and domineering aura.

Her mind drifted to the time she was still with Clayton.  

Emerald blinked her eyes.  

That man is now with the woman man he loves and is now happy with her. Why was she thinking about that man? 

"Let me wash the dishes," Red said when Emerald was about to clear the table. 

Emerald didn't refuse him and sauntered to the living room and played on her phone. 

It was already late in the evening, so Red only stayed a few minutes after washing the dishes. 

"It's late already, I have to go," Red stood and Emerald sent him to the door. 

"Good n – " Emerald was startled as she was encapsulated in Red's arms. "What are you doing, Red?" She pushed Red's chest. 

Red tilted his head. "Emerald, can't you see how much I like you?" 

Red could no longer take it as his heart would burst, holding back for so long. Waiting for Clayton's approval was now unnecessary. 

Whether he gains his approval or not, he will confess his love for Emerald and pursue her. 

"Red, your a likable person, I like you as a friend but I'm sorry to disappoint you as I can't go further," Emerald has to tell him right away as she didn't like to lead him on. 

Red released her and touched her face. 

"I know you were shocked and couldn't accept my love for you right away but I'm willing to wait," he said and dropped a kiss on her forehead.

Regretfully watching Red's lonely departing figure swallowed into the elevator, Emerald feet planted on the floor, unable the move.  

The things that transpired in the corridor was all caught by a pair of eyes.   

From where that person stood, it seemed like Emerald was watching her lover and was reluctant to part with him.

The following night, Emerald came home late in the evening after spending hours and hours practicing in a simulator. 

She stepped into the elevator with a lowered head and was oblivious to who the people in the elevator were. 

All throughout the ride Emerald looked at her feet as she leaned on the wall, obviously tired. 

Starting from the 16th floor to her floor on the 20th floor, the elevator would stop on each floor and someone would exit the elevator until the 19th floor, only her and a man were left. 

Incredulity filled Emerald's mind when she looked up. She wanted to rub her eyes thinking that the person in front of her was just a figment of imagination 

"Good evening, Emerald," the rough velvet of the man's voice was a pleasure-stroke against her ears, proving to Emerald that the man before her was real.