Chapter 88

Morning sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains.

Emily Smith opened her eyes to find the space beside her empty. She reached out, feeling the lingering warmth on the sheets where William Johnson had slept.

She rose and headed to the bathroom, hearing water running in the adjacent one. They'd silently chosen separate bathrooms to get ready.

The aroma of coffee filled the dining room.

Emily hastily ate her sandwich while glancing at the wall clock. She needed to organize the files before Michael Thompson arrived at work.

"I'm leaving first." She grabbed her bag to rush out.

"Wait for me." William set down his phone, his gaze heavy upon her.

Emily paused. "Something wrong?"

"Can't we commute together without a reason?" His lips curved in a faint smile.

Her fingers twisted the bag strap unconsciously. She didn't want colleagues seeing them arrive together.

"The subway's more convenient." She turned to leave.

"Emily." His voice turned icy.

She looked back to meet his darkened expression.

"Am I that embarrassing to be seen with?" His question was blunt.

She bit her lip. "What should I say if people ask about us?"

"Friends."

"Do you think anyone would believe that?" Her laugh was bitter.

William's face grew stormier.

"It's all pretend anyway. Why deceive ourselves?" Without looking back, she pushed through the door.

...

The following days passed without any sign of William.

Emily forced herself not to think about him. Her life became a stagnant routine between the office and the hospital.

Before her weekend prison visit, she bought new clothes and supplements for her father. The cashier gave her extra glances, seemingly recognizing her as the Johnson family's daughter.

In the visitation room, her father's gaze was sharper than usual.

"How are Grandma and Xiaoyi?" He asked the same question for the hundredth time.

Emily clenched her skirt. The prepared lie stuck in her throat, refusing to come out.

"Emily?" His voice trembled.

A tear hit the table.

"I'm sorry..." She finally broke. "I failed to protect them..."

Her father pressed against the glass, as if trying to wipe her tears through the barrier.

"Tell me what happened."

Tears flooded down her face. She opened her mouth, but no sound emerged.