Chapter 7: Aftershocks and Promises

The greetings were awkward and tense. Maybe it was because of that look.

The conversation around the dinner table turned stilted, everyone pretending not to notice the drama. Someone tried to break the tension with a toast, but even the laughter felt forced.

Afterward, Emily pulled me aside to explain.

She led me into the hallway, her hand squeezing mine a little too tight.

“Honey, Jake’s gone too far. I’ll kick him out after this—he’s not coming to dinner.”

Her voice was low, determined. I could see she was shaken by her own outburst.

“He keeps making trouble, and I’m really afraid you’ll get angry. Once I kick him out, I’ll never talk to him again. How could I still be friends with someone like that?”

She looked up at me, eyes pleading, as if daring me to question her loyalty.

If she’d said this yesterday, I’d have been touched. But now, it just sounded suspicious.

The words felt practiced, almost too smooth. My mind reeled, replaying every look and half-finished sentence between them.

“You’re sure there’s nothing between you two?”

“Absolutely nothing! Honey, you don’t suspect me, do you?” Emily looked at me, hurt.

Her voice wavered, but her gaze stayed steady. Still, the hurt in her eyes made me pause.

I reached out and touched her cheek. Her skin was delicate—and burning hot.

I held her face gently, feeling the heat beneath her skin. Her heart was racing, and so was mine.

“I believe you. If there’s really nothing, let him stay for dinner, then cut off contact. It’s not too late.”

She hesitated, then nodded.

She bit her lip, thinking it over, then gave a small nod. I tried to believe her, but the doubt lingered.