Chapter 54

Emily Smith nibbled on the sweet and sour ribs from her lunchbox, her cheeks puffed up like a little hamster.

"Good?" William Johnson suddenly asked.

She nodded, her chopsticks reaching for the last piece of rib. "Delicious."

William narrowed his eyes. "Only thinking about yourself?"

Emily's chopsticks froze mid-air. She turned to him, sauce still smeared at the corner of her lips. "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

William stared at her in silence.

"Only this one left..." she mumbled under her breath, hesitantly offering the rib toward him.

He caught her wrist and guided her hand, taking the rib straight from her fingers into his mouth.

"Not bad."

Emily's ears burned.

The operating room light finally dimmed. Emily shot to her feet but nearly stumbled when her legs gave out.

William caught her in one swift motion.

Professor Johnson emerged with his team, arching a brow at the sight.

"How's my sister?" Emily's voice trembled.

"The surgery was a success," Professor Johnson removed his mask. "But whether she wakes up depends on her recovery."

Tears spilled down Emily's cheeks instantly.

Once her sister was wheeled into the ward, William tilted Emily's chin up. "Now it's your turn to keep me company?"

Emily nodded without hesitation.

In the car, she straddled his lap and pressed her lips to his. "Thank you."

William gripped her waist with a low chuckle. "Just words?"

She shook her head, deepening the kiss.

"Not tired?" His voice roughened.

Blushing, she shook her head again.

"Then take the lead." He leaned back against the seat, letting her set the pace.

Laughter drifted faintly from the villa entrance.

Emily suddenly stilled.

"What's wrong?" William glanced back.

"Who's... inside?"

"Just some friends." He laced his fingers through hers. "Casual gathering."

Emily's chest tightened.

"William! You promised lunch—what time do you call this?" someone called out teasingly.

A sharp whistle cut through the air. "And who's this beauty?"

Every eye in the room locked onto her.