Chapter 6

Jenson stiffened, as if he'd just remembered Estella was there. He opened his mouth to explain. But before he could, Estella spoke in a calm voice, "I'm a friend of theirs." As she said that, Jenson glanced at her with a complicated expression. But with Emily right beside him, he ultimately chose to stay silent. The others found her response a little odd, but no one pressed the issue. Instead, they ushered her in to take a seat. Since they were old friends catching up after years apart, there was no end to the conversation. They talked about everything and anything. Jenson chatted along while thoughtfully picking out dishes for Emily, even taking the time to remove the cilantro she didn't like. Meanwhile, Estella sat quietly, playing her role as a "friend". Halfway through the dinner, she stepped out to use the restroom. On her way back, just as she reached the private room's door, she overheard someone inside ask, "Be honest, Jenson. After all these years that Emily was abroad, did you ever fall for anyone else?" The room fell silent. Everyone was waiting for his answer. Sitting right next to him, Emily was the first to speak to smooth things over. "Alright, stop asking that kind of question. I've been gone for so many years. It would be completely normal if he fell for someone else." Though her words seemed understanding, her eyes glistened with unshed tears. The smile on her face looked forced as well. Jenson's chest tightened at the sight. After a sigh, he lowered his voice and reassured her, "No. I never fell for anyone else." The moment he said it, Emily's face broke into a teary smile, and she shyly leaned into his embrace. The room erupted into cheers and teasing laughter. Estella had no interest in spoiling their moment. She simply left and took a cab home on her own. … A few hours later, Jenson came back, carrying a very drunk Emily in his arms. As he carefully laid her on the bed, she looped her delicate arms lazily around his neck. "Don't go, Jenson. If I hadn't been so stubborn and gone abroad back then, Estella never would have come between us. I'm the one who signed the marriage certificate and took wedding photos with you. We're the real couple, aren't we? Jenson, please... don't leave me." Jenson froze at those words. Emily took the opportunity to pull him closer and kiss him. As soon as Estella pushed open the bedroom door, she was met with this intimate scene. She froze for a moment, then turned and walked out. Most people would feel devastated watching their boyfriend kiss another woman. But maybe because she'd already seen this coming, it didn't even hurt that much. As Jenson watched Estella's retreating figure, a wave of panic surged through him like never before. He shoved Emily aside and rushed after Estella. "Let me explain, Estie. She—" "I get it," she interrupted. "Emily's drunk. You should go take care of her. I'm not upset." Her eyes were steady and sincere. That only made Jenson feel even more unsettled. A strange fear crept into his chest, as if something was slipping out of his grasp. His voice came out rough. "Why aren't you angry?"