Now, watching this man–several years her junior–constantly seeking reassurance with his endearing behavior, Emma couldn’t help but smile.[]
She cupped James’s face and kissed him first.[]
That’s right, James. You are good to me. I don’t just like you—I love you.“[
Her gaze was honest, making James blush deeply.[]
He had navigated the business world for years, but in matters of the heart, Emma was his only experience. Hearing her honest answer now, his eyes reddened with emotion.
“Emma…” His lips trembled as he took control, kissing her passionately as if wanting her to feel all his pent–up love and devotion.[]
He kept whispering “Emma” over and over, making Emma feel like she might combust. She finally understood why so many women were attracted to younger, puppy–like men.]]
In the end, they arrived late to their engagement party. Emma’s face was flushed red; she wanted nothing more than to kick James out, but the satisfied young man approached with a broad smile, affectionately calling her name.[]
Mr. and Mrs. Watson saw them finally arrive and approached with gentle reproach.]
“Why are you so late? Everyone has been waiting.“[]
Too embarrassed to answer, Emma let James handle it. After responding to her parents, they finally took the stage.
Though only an engagement ceremony, it was extremely grand. James had invited many guests, wanting to announce their relationship to the world. The only person he hadn’t expected to see was Marcus, who had followed them to the engagement party.[]
Marcus sat immobile, struggling to breathe, as if a hand gripped his heart tightly. Even after the party ended and guests dispersed, he remained seated.[]
Emma sighed and walked over to him.[]
Marcus’s eyes immediately brightened, his expression regaining some life.
“Emina…“]]
He looked at her hopefully, desperate for a smile, for her to say it was all a test, a punishment. But Emma’s face remained expressionless, her tone calm:]
“Go home.“]
The light instantly faded from Marcus’s eyes. His voice hoarse, he asked shakily:[]
“Emma, do you really… not love me at all anymore?“]
Emma nodded, her answer decisive and without hesitation.[]
“I told you before–I don’t love you anymore, Marcus. I love James now,”
With that, she turned and left without looking back, leaving Marcus alone, his heart feeling hollowed out, barren and desolate.]
Belatedly, tears streamed down his face, filled with pain and regret.]
He had truly lost her–lost the Emma who had loved him.]
When Marcus returned to NY, he felt as if he had lost everything.[]
Though everything continued as usual, he felt his time had stopped that day.
He didn’t attend Vivian’s wedding, not wanting to see her. But when Emma and James married, he secretly went to watch []
She looked beautiful–far more beautiful than when she had married him. Her face no longer showed sorrow but radiated happiness.[]
James’s eyes held only Emma. When they finished their vows, he actually cried
Marcus’s smile faded as he suddenly remembered how Emma had cried at their wedding too, though he had thought her overly emotional then.]
So it was true that people could cry from overwhelming joy when marrying someone they truly loved.[]
Chapter 23
He felt as if he’d returned to that day, seeing Emma weeping after hearing his perfunctory vows, her nose red with tears.]
He should have reached out to wipe away her tears.[]
Marcus gazed longingly at the scene, but just as he extended his hand, James had already wiped away Emma’s tears.]}
“Sis, except today, I’ll never make you cry again.“[]
James smiled, making Emma laugh through her tears.
Her smile was so beautiful, so radiant.]]
But sadly, none of it belonged to him anymore.
Marcus left, his heart aching unbearably.
On stage, Emma seemed to sense something and glanced around.
“What is it, sis?” James asked concernedly.
Now quite possessive, though they had just completed their wedding ceremony, Emma was his. He wouldn’t allow his sister to look at other men.
Emma laughed softly and kissed James.]]
“Nothing. I was just thinking… life is really good right now.“]
