Sorry for the late update today. I had an incredibly busy and tiring day, but I couldn’t resist putting in the extra hours for my amazing and dedicated readers. :)
A soft smile curved Emmeline’s lips. "It just means you're a good guy, deep down."Her words seemed to strike an unexpected chord. Zavian softened the furrow between his brows and leaned in to rest his forehead against hers. "It's impossible to be completely bad when I'm physically holding someone as good as you. But I make no promises about keeping your heart safe - you're far too fragile."Emmeline glanced up to find him tapping his finger against his lips with a pointed look. "I think you might've nipped my lip during that kiss too. You'll need to make it up to me."Her brows knitted in exasperation. "You're such a pushy guy." She grumbled, rising on her tiptoes to press her mouth to his in a slow, close-mouthed kiss, eyes drifting shut.When she started to pull away, Zavian's arm banded around her waist, hauling her flush against the solid wall of his body and effectively trapping her there.Emmeline's lids fluttered open at the sensation of his heated breath fanning her flushed ch
The month of December brought blustery winds and heavy rains, but Emmeline found herself impatiently awaiting the first snowfall.It had been two long days since she'd last laid eyes on Zavian, with no phone calls or texts exchanged between them.A nagging worry gnawed at her - was he still upset over her jealous outburst during their last date?Emmeline busied herself baking a pair of cakes - one for the Kim family, the other intended for the Blackthorns. It was an excuse to pay Zavian a visit.After carefully boxing up the confections in pink containers, she gathered them into a single bag and headed out.Forgoing a coat over her sleeveless gray dress and black knit shirt, she reasoned the Blackthorn estate was close enough to forego bundling up. "I just hope Mr. Blackthorn is home, and this effort isn't wasted," she muttered under her breath.“Good evening,” Emmeline greeted the guards politely.They simply gave her a curt nod and waved her through the front gates, her face now fami
Emmeline woke up the next morning to the insistent buzzing of her phone on the nightstand. Blindly patting around, she finally located the device and squinted at the bright screen, her eyes still adjusting to the pale morning light filtering through the bedroom curtains.A tiny thrill went through her when she registered the name flashing across the display. It was a text from Zavian.“Let's go jogging. I'll wait for you in front of the club.”That simple message was enough to fully rouse Emmeline from her sleepy haze. Her mind drifted briefly to last night.She had returned home with Minnie's audacious proposal weighing heavily on her mind. As tantalizing as the idea was, she knew there was no need to rush into any decisions. Christmas was still several days away, affording her plenty of time to ruminate on the potential consequences. The idea felt both thrilling and terrifying.Sitting upright amongst the rumpled bedsheets, she hastily typed out a reply, unable to contain the giddy s
Zavian’s idea of a 'short walk' was another torturously long ten minutes before the trees finally parted, revealing another part of the famous river.As soon as they reached the grassy bank, Emmeline collapsed gratefully onto the soft ground, spreading her palms on the cool earth as she gulped in deep lungfuls of air."Remind me never to go exercising with you again, you sadistic monster!" she groaned dramatically.Zavian sat down beside her, stretching his long, muscular legs out while giving her a disapproving look, though the corners of his eyes crinkled with barely suppressed amusement."I can't believe you ruthlessly forced me to come this far," Emmeline whined breathlessly. "Why did I get involved with such a masochistic man who considers life a grueling mission he has to do to perfection?"Tipping her head back dramatically, she sobbed, "That's very stressful for a delicate flower like me!"Without a word, Zavian pulled a chilled water bottle from the pocket of his jacket and ha
Emmeline accepted his hand eagerly, allowing him to pull her up with a breathless giggle of excitement. "Hurrah for overpriced, sugar-laden beverages!" she cheered.They ambled towards the nearby cafe with their hands still intertwined, neither seeming willing to relinquish their tactile connection.Even after entering the bustling shop, Zavian kept his large palm possessively cupped around Emmeline's smaller one as they approached the menu hanging over the counter."What would you like, little girl?" he asked, tipping his head back to study the chalkboard list of drinks and pastries. "This overpriced establishment is my treat for torturing you so mercilessly earlier."Emmeline pursed her lips thoughtfully. She perused the offerings, giving an adorable little crinkle of her brow. "I can't decide if I want an iced coffee or a milkshake," she mused aloud, glancing up at Zavian. "I'm feeling a bit confused on what would hit the spot."Zavian’s eyes gleamed with wicked mirth as he leaned d
Monday arrived rather too slowly for the sinful partners.Emmeline pulled into the marina and parked next to Zavian's sleek black Lamborghini, noting he had beaten her there.She smoothed her hands over the skintight black sheath dress hugging her curves, the soft cashmere jacket he had gifted her draped stylishly over her shoulders and cinched at the waist with a wide belt.Grabbing her purse, she headed to his luxurious yacht, her heels clicking on the polished deck as she looked around for him."Mr. Blackthorn, where are you?" she called out."In the second-floor lounge," his deep, velvety voice carried down from above.Emmeline climbed the stairs quickly, finding him standing motionless by a large undecorated pine tree, his piercing gaze drinking her in hungrily as she approached."You're actually on time for once," he drawled, one side of his sensual mouth quirking up. "I thought I might have to kidnap you from your restaurant again."Emmeline smiled at his teasing reference to w
It had been two weeks of peace for Emmeline. At least Richard hadn’t hit her since that day though they often bickered. It was unavoidable.They were only two days away from Christmas!Emmeline had bought Zavian an expensive watch and, despite Minnie's advice, had knitted woolen gloves for him, convinced that handmade gifts were more valuable than others.She was still thinking of offering herself to him as well.That evening, Minnie came to visit them. The two hugged at the door before making their way to the sitting room."What’s the plan for Christmas Eve? Did Richard agree to let you out?" Minnie asked curiously.Emmeline clasped her fingers together and rubbed them nervously. "In fact, I haven't asked him yet. Perhaps I was seduced by the calm we've been living in lately, and I'm afraid my request might ruin it."Minnie stopped walking, looking at her friend sympathetically. "Do you want me to talk to him?"Emmeline was about to object when Minnie shoved her shoulder playfully. "I
Christmas Eve was so tiring, Emmeline made all the food on her own, not coming out of the kitchen since began.Her house was crowded with guests at eight o'clock- her parents, Richard's parents, her older brother and his wife. Fortunately, his two brothers didn't come, otherwise the house would have turned into a barn with their four children combined.Emmeline received them in a red dress, short but not tight, with long sleeves, under which she was wearing the underwear she had chosen for her rendezvous with Zavian.Everyone finally cleared out around midnight after the Christmas Eve party.Richard had knocked back way too many drinks and was totally plastered. When Emmeline told him she was heading out, he just gave a sloppy wave goodbye, not really registering what she said.Emmeline threw on a long black coat over her festive red dress and headed for the door.As soon as she arrived at the docks, her eyes were drawn to Zavian's yacht, twinkling with silvery lights scattered along i
Minnie grabbed the chance to pull Emmeline back, making sure there was enough space between them and the men for a private conversation."What's this about going to France?" Worry shadowed her expressive face. "When were you planning to tell me? Or was I supposed to get a postcard from Paris?"Regret washed over Emmeline's face. The truth was, she'd been putting off this conversation, dreading how Minnie would react."I never found the right time to tell you," she admitted, avoiding her friend's sharp gaze by staring at the fancy ceiling molding.Minnie's fingers tightened around Emmeline's arm and her eyes narrowed. "This wasn't your idea," she stated with certainty. "You have too much to lose if you leave Riverwalk. Maybe you could handle being without me—though I doubt it—but what about Judge Blackthorn? What happens to you two?"Emmeline put her hand over Minnie's. "Don't ever say that. I couldn't stand losing either of you."Satisfaction softened Minnie's expression, encouraging E
Taehyung’s eyes twinkled mischievously. "Something tells me you won't be single for long, though."Understanding his hint about Zavian, Emmeline ducked her head as heat flooded her cheeks. "Maybe."She turned toward her brother Emile, who waited with the patience of someone used to family obligations. His expression revealed nothing."Congratulations, Emmeline," he offered, his tone measured.Emmeline responded with a small smile.Emile placed his hands on her shoulders, his voice taking on that big-brother seriousness she'd known all her life."A dark chapter of your life is over. Every door is open to you now. Choose the right path. Our family made a terrible mistake pushing you toward Richard. I hope you'll be smarter going forward."His pointed reference to Zavian made Emmeline's jaw clench, but she forced herself to appear agreeable. This wasn't the time or place."I've had enough pain to last a lifetime, Emile. I won't walk into more."Her brother studied her face, clearly suspic
Emmeline closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the sweetness of liberation. When she opened them again, she found Zavian watching her with an expression that contained unmistakable tenderness.She sat motionless, letting the words wash over her like warm sunlight after an endless storm.Her heart thundered in her chest, each beat a celebration of newfound freedom.The courtroom around her blurred into insignificance. Only Zavian remained in sharp focus, whose distinguished features softened by something deeper than satisfaction.Their eyes remained locked across the formal expanse of the courtroom, defying the crowd of spectators, attorneys, and court officials surrounding them.Zavian gazed at her with such intensity that Emmeline felt heat rise to her cheeks. The subtle curve of his lips spoke of personal triumph, of a private victory shared between them alone.She finally snapped out of their spellbound when the courtroom erupted into a cacophony of reactions.The chaos provided Em
The courtroom hummed with tension as everyone returned to their seats.Emmeline’s hands clasped tightly in her lap to hide their trembling. However, felt a strange calm beneath her nervousness. Today might finally mark her freedom from Richard.Brody rose from his seat with confidence. His tailored suit and commanding presence gave Emmeline a small measure of reassurance as he buttoned his jacket and addressed the court."I am Attorney Brody Park, representing the plaintiff, Emmeline Lawson," he announced.While Brody spoke with unwavering authority, Emmeline found her attention drifting to Zavian.The man commanded respect without effort. With penetrating eyes that seemed to see through pretense and his expression remained neutral as he listened to the proceedings."My client has filed for divorce and is seeking damages against her husband, Richard Maine," Brody continued. "The grounds for this petition are irreconcilable differences and, more significantly, the pattern of physical vi
Emile released his grip on Emmeline's arms and exhaled deeply. "That's somewhat comforting."He took a seat in the front row while Emmeline proceeded to the plaintiff's table with Brody at her side.Brody’s expression shifted from contemplation to something sharper and more predatory. "I was looking forward to another round against Yuna," he admitted with a competitive gleam lighting his eyes. "I wanted to outmaneuver her in her own field and prove once and for all that I'm the superior divorce attorney. It's rather disappointing."Emmeline regarded him with barely concealed disapproval. "This divorce represents my entire future," she reminded him sharply. "Your attitude about it being some sort of professional competition is deeply troubling."They settled into their seats behind the prosecution table, and Emmeline added with admonishment, "I don't appreciate you viewing my personal trauma as just another notch in your professional belt."Brody placed his briefcase on the table and fo
The kitchen door slammed shut behind Yuna.The thick tension she'd brought with her lingered for a few seconds, then faded away, leaving Emmeline alone with her ragged breathing and wounded pride.Barely a moment passed before the door swung open again. Noel poked his head in, then stepped fully into the kitchen with worry plastered all over his usually chill face.His eyes darted around before landing on Emmeline."Thank God she's gone.” His shoulders dropped with obvious relief.He ran fingers through his hair and let out a huge breath. "Lucky she didn't show up during lunch rush. Can you imagine the drama with all those customers watching?"Then he really looked at Emmeline and his eyes widened.Her waist-length waves normally her best feature was in a tangled mess around her shoulders. Angry red prints marked her cheek, and her white blouse was rumpled."My God." The words came out barely above a whisper. He rushed over, stopping just short of touching her. "What the hell happened
Emmeline's mind raced back, trying to remember where Zavian had been, what he had told her about that night.Had he actually been with Yuna?"Why are you telling me this?" Emmeline’s voice sounded hollow. "Why not just tell him about the baby and let him make his choice?"Yuna's expression softened slightly. "Because I know my husband," she said quietly. "He has a strong sense of duty. If he knows I'm carrying his child, he'll feel obligated to stay with me, to give our baby a proper family. But if he's torn between that duty and his feelings for you..." She trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air."You want me to make the choice for him," Emmeline realized aloud. "You want me to walk away so he never has to know."Yuna nodded slowly. "It would be better for everyone," she insisted. "He wouldn't have to choose between his child and his... infatuation. You wouldn't have to live with the guilt of separating a father from his child. And I wouldn't have to raise this baby alon
Emmeline blinked rapidly as her mind refused to process the devastating news.The world around her seemed to slow, sounds becoming muffled as though she were underwater. Her chest constricted painfully, making each breath a conscious effort."What?" The single word escaped her lips as a strangled whisper.Yuna's lips curved into a smile that never reached her eyes. With deliberate slowness, she placed her hand over her stomach in a protective, almost reverent gesture."I said I'm pregnant." Each syllable was delivered with precision. Her gaze remained fixed on Emmeline's face, drinking in every flicker of devastation with undisguised satisfaction.The room tilted precariously. Emmeline's hands fell limply to her sides, fingers suddenly numb and disconnected from her body. Blood drained from her face, leaving her skin ashen against the pristine white of her shirt. Her mind raced frantically, desperately searching for any explanation other than the one hammering at her consciousness."By
The morning brought a return to routine. Emmeline resumed her work at the restaurant after a two-week absence, grateful that her manager Noel had kept everything running smoothly in her absence.She dressed casually in a white T-shirt under a wheat-colored cardigan and comfortable jeans. A beige apron was tied around her waist, and she had pulled her hair back into a simple ponytail.The familiar motions of working in the kitchen: chopping vegetables, rolling dough, checking seasonings helped ground her after the emotional turbulence of the previous day.Emmeline was in the middle of preparing a vegetable pie when the kitchen door burst open with unexpected force."Let's talk," demanded a familiar voice, sharp and commanding.Emmeline's eyes widened when she turned to find Yuna standing in the doorway."Yuna?" Emmeline asked, genuinely surprised. "What brings you here?""I'm sorry, Mrs. Lawson. I tried to stop her from entering, but she insisted on seeing you." A flustered waitress app