1. Ran Away

“You don't mind to risk your life? For your first love?” The irritated man laughed horribly. “Emily Harper, you're just an ordinary stupid girl!” 

Emily's breath hitched. Her eyes trembled. The guy now was holding a knife, right in front of her. 

“Y-you're not him? You're not Cay—” 

Emily's words were cut off by the knife blade shot towards her stomach. She tried to dodge, but her body was too tense. 

The next thing she knew, blood started dripping onto the floor. She could only gasp, gaping with a blank look. Memories rolled quickly through her mind. When it came to the end, a question echoed. Was she right to maintain a love that brought disaster? 

A moment ago .... 

Breaking news! 

“Emily Harper, the heiress of the Savior Group, has reportedly been missing. Since rejecting Brandon Young's proposal last Saturday night, she has not been seen.” 

“Many people speculated that she ran away to avoid the public. Some parties suspected that she had been kidnapped. However, the Harper family firmly denied those speculations. They said that the heiress just needed time to calm down.” 

“Until now, journalists are still on standby around Harper's residence and office. They are waiting for a statement from Emily Harper regarding her decision to reject the proposal from the heir of the Young Company.” 

Emily sighed in disbelief. With a cynical gaze, she studied the reporter's face. 

"Are they running out of news? Why broadcast such a useless case? Gosh .... And why did Louis let this issue circulate? He should control the media. If it's like this, I have to be extra vigilant." 

Suddenly, her twin brother's name appeared on the phone. Seeing that, Emily immediately glanced around. There was no sign of Louis' bodyguards. Only after feeling that the situation was safe did she answer the call. 

“Emily Harper, how dare you just run away after the mess you made? You think it's okay?” Louis shouted from across the continent. 

Emily spontaneously took the phone away from her ear. Instead of feeling guilty, she sipped her hot chocolate. 

"Keep your voice down, Louis. You make it sound like it's a big deal." 

"It is a big deal. Do you know how much media is highlighting your deeds? All of them! Social media, work phones, even work emails are noisy with people waiting for an explanation from you. You've heard the breaking news I sent?" 

Emily massaged her temple three times. After letting out a faint sigh, she leaned back against the chair. 

"Now you make it sound like it's something new. Come on, Louis. Don't make a big deal out of it. Our company has faced bigger things than this. Do you remember your scandal four years ago?" 

"Don't divert the conversation, Emily. We're discussing your behavior. So stop being evasive and admit your mistake!" 

Emily's eyebrows began to furrow. "I'm not guilty." 

"Yes, you are. You made a mistake and it was fatal. Why did you reject Brandon's proposal? You're still normal, right? He's the guy most women want! Second after me." 

Emily snorted slightly. "It's not my fault. He's too stupid. I've said many times that I don't have feelings for him, but he proposed to me in a public place, in front of lots of media." 

"That's because he really loves you. Brandon is a good guy, Emily. So far, he's the best for you. You two could be the perfect couple." 

"You're saying that because he's your best friend," Emily interrupted curtly. 

"And your best friend too," Louis concluded, suddenly softening. "Open your eyes, Em. We've known him since childhood. We already know all his traits and habits. We also know his family. What else is missing from him?" 

Emily fell silent. She could only grit her teeth, squeezing her own elbow that supported the phone. Since she became less alert, she didn't realize that three people were glancing at her from other tables. 

"Is it because of Cayden? You're still waiting for that little boy?" Louis broke the silence. 

Emily blinked. "Cayden is not a little boy. He's a year older than us," she corrected, grumbling. 

"But he was just a 5-year-old boy when he said that promise. And now, you're not a 4-year-old kid anymore." 

Emily exhaled quickly, her eyes closed. She realized that the embers in her heart had reignited. 

"Come to your senses, Emily," Louis continued. "He could have forgotten about you. Or maybe, he doesn't remember you at all.” 

"Cayden promised me," Emily muttered softly. 

"To see you in 20 years. Now? You're 27, Emily. Think realistically. There's no point in waiting for someone in uncertainty." 

Emily swallowed bitterly. "There's no point in you instigating me. I won't be affected. I know Cayden better." 

"I remind you because I care about you. I don't want you to be disappointed, Emily. What if it turns out he's married? Or worse, what if he's already in a different world? Heaven, maybe?" 

"Louis!" Emily's eyes widened. Her brows furrowed in displeasure. 

“What if when you meet him later, he doesn't meet your expectations? Maybe, now he is ugly and doesn't take care of himself. He's unemployed, dirty, has no future—” 

“Stop now or I won't answer your calls again,” Emily insisted, not kidding. 

Louis sighed in resignation. “Okay. If you don't want to listen to me, whatever. But you have to come back as soon as possible. Do you know how worried Mom and Dad think about you?” 

Emily's lips pursed. Her ego flared up again. “I'm an adult. I can take care of myself.” 

“This is a security issue, Emily. Many threats are lurking out there. Have you forgotten how many enemies we have? Even if it's not the companies, your philanderers or fanatical fans could do something crazy. You're not afraid of being kidnapped?” 

Emily shook her head. Just then, an old woman staggered over and bumped into her table. At that very second, Emily stood up to secure her bag and phone. 

“Sorry,” the old woman said. Her wrinkled face looked tired and restless. “I am not feeling well. I didn't mean to disturb you.” 

Emily blinked as she took in the situation. Thinking that the old woman was not a threat, she nodded faintly. “It's okay.” 

Sighing, a man at the next table closed his magazine and approached them. “Madame, do you need help?” 

“Oui, merci.”

While the two people walked away, Emily returned to her chair. She fell silent for a moment, contemplating what had just happened. She didn't care if Louis called her to the point of frustration. 

“Is the old lady alright? She looked so scared. Could it be that she just received bad news about her family?” Emily muttered. 

After one blink, Emily's eyes widened. Her hot chocolate had partially spilled. 

“Oh, my chocolate!” Emily quickly pulled out a sheet of tissue and cleaned the cup. Then, without the slightest suspicion, she took a small sip. She didn't know that the old woman had put something in her drink.