Chapter 116

The evening had fallen by the time Emily returned from the hospital to the recording studio at Jinzhou Bay No.1.

She put on her headphones and connected with Daniel Chen to continue their audiobook recording.

"Daniel, let's pick up where we left off," she said softly.

Her voice echoed alone in the empty studio.

Daniel's gentle tone remained unchanged as always. "Alright, I'm ready."

Their seamless collaboration lasted four straight hours.

It was past eleven when Emily finally rubbed her stiff neck. "Let's call it a night."

"Emily," Daniel suddenly called out before she could remove her headphones. "The editor approached me about something today."

Her fingers froze mid-air.

"The website wants us to change partners after finishing this book," Daniel's voice carried hesitation through the headphones.

Emily's heart sank.

She tightened her grip on the headphone cord. "I'm sorry, Daniel."

Silence lingered for several seconds.

"William's doing?" Daniel asked quietly.

Emily bit her lower lip. "Yes. He... doesn't like me getting too close with other men."

A nearly imperceptible sigh traveled through the headphones.

"Emily, are you happy?" Daniel's unexpected question hung in the air.

She answered without hesitation. "I am."

Her voice held steady conviction. "He treats me well, just a bit possessive sometimes."

"That's good then." Relief colored Daniel's words. "As long as you're happy."

After ending the call, Emily remained seated in the studio for a long time.

Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting dappled shadows across the floor.

She remembered her first recording session with Daniel - how her voice had trembled with nervousness as a newcomer.

He had patiently guided her through countless retakes, teaching her techniques.

And now...

Emily took a deep breath and picked up her phone.

Her fingertip hovered over William's messaging app before she pressed the voice note button.

"William, I miss you."

Her whisper carried crystalline clarity in the quiet room.

After sending it, she pressed the phone against her chest as if trying to feel his heartbeat through the device.