Chapter 206

Emily Smith walked into the bathroom just as the call ended automatically.

She let out a long breath.

Her reflection in the mirror showed a pale face. She was about to set her phone down to wash up when it rang again.

The same unknown number.

This time, she answered.

"Who is this?" Her voice was eerily calm.

"Emily Smith, right?" A haughty female voice came through.

Her brows furrowed slightly. "Yes."

"I'm Sophia Song. Did you see the photos?" The woman cut straight to the point.

Emily smirked. "Nicely taken. But I'd rather hear Daniel explain it himself."

"Daniel and I grew up together. The Chen family has always seen me as their future daughter-in-law." Sophia's tone dripped with smugness. "Uncle Chen is already arranging his transfer back to W City."

"Miss Song seems quite invested in my boyfriend. How long have you been planning this?" Emily shot back.

"The Chens despise you. Daniel will realize soon enough that you're not good enough for him." Sophia pressed on aggressively. "Last night was his choice. He said he'd take responsibility."

Emily's throat tightened. "Thanks for the heads-up. I'll wait to hear it from him."

The moment she hung up, her hands braced against the sink.

Her legs trembled so badly she could barely stand.

......

That evening during their video call, Emily forced a smile.

After a few minutes, she feigned exhaustion.

Daniel Chen, ever the gentleman, quickly wished her goodnight.

Once the call ended, she crawled into Mia Harris's bed.

In the darkness, silent tears rolled down her cheeks.

But after crying, she felt oddly lighter.

At twenty-two, why should she be trapped by love?

Romance was just a bonus. She could still live a full life without it.

She had made up her mind.

When Daniel returned, she'd hear his explanation. If he chose to end things, she'd wish him well.

If they stayed together, she'd take it as it came.

The next day at work, she carried her coffee toward the break room.

"Emily's quitting soon. Aren't you going to confess?" A male colleague's voice drifted out.

She froze.

"Those innocent-looking types are always wild in private," another voice chimed in.

"Fun to date, but good luck keeping up."

"Just for fun. What's there to worry about?"

......