Chapter 174

Emily Smith thought the apartment would be empty.

Mia Harris had clearly said she'd be home tonight.

The moment she pushed open the door, the smell of instant noodles hit her.

Mia sat at the dining table, the glow from her phone screen illuminating her face.

"Sweetie?" Mia slurped up a noodle and looked up. "Weren't you meeting Daniel Chen's parents?"

Emily bent down to change her shoes, her hair falling forward to hide her swollen eyes. "Finished early."

She hurried toward the kitchen. "Don't eat instant noodles. I'll make you something."

"Where's Daniel?" Mia craned her neck to peer toward the door.

"He went home." Emily opened the fridge, her voice slightly hoarse.

Mia suddenly dropped her chopsticks.

She rushed into the kitchen and cupped Emily's face.

"Holy shit!" Mia's eyes widened. "Who made you cry like this?"

Emily's defenses crumbled instantly.

She hugged Mia, her shoulders trembling slightly. "It's nothing... I just needed to cry..."

"Bullshit!" Mia pulled back. "Was it Daniel?"

Emily shook her head. "His parents... didn't really accept me."

"What did they say?" Mia's voice rose.

"Just... that we're not a good match." Emily downplayed it.

Mia narrowed her eyes. She knew Emily too well.

"That's it?" She scoffed. "You think I'm a child?"

Emily bit her lip. "His father's an official... and my dad..."

The doorbell suddenly rang.

Mia stormed to answer it.

Daniel stood outside, his expression dark.

"Where's Emily?"

"Didn't your family reject her?" Mia blocked the doorway. "Why are you here?"

Emily rushed over and covered Mia's mouth.

Daniel's gaze landed on Emily's red, swollen eyes. His pupils constricted.

"Why stop me?" Mia broke free. "If she's been wronged, she should say it!"

Emily's eyes welled up again.

In that moment, all her grievances were softened by her best friend's fierce protection.

She opened her mouth, but didn't know where to begin.