Chapter 18
Frank raised his hand and motioned for Lea to wait at the side. She was displeased by his cold reaction, but she had no choice but to step aside obediently. And so she waited for an hour
He finally ended the call at his own leisurely pace before turning his cold gaze toward her. “Lea, why are you here?”
Lea’s eyes were slightly red as she apologized, “Frank, that night was my fault. I shouldn’t have rushed things between us. I was too impatient.”
“It’s in the past,” he responded indifferently.
“But you’re still upset at me.”
“Lea, you’re overthinking it.”
“Then why are you ignoring my messages? Why do you refuse to meet me? Frank, you’re clearly avoiding me.”
He frowned and stated, “I’ve been busy lately, so I don’t have time for meals. When I’m free, I’ll spend time with you.”
Lea wanted to say more, but she could see that he had completely shut her out. His attention had already shifted back to his work. In the end, she got up and left.
Frank stared at his computer screen. There was still no news about Emma’s whereabouts. He felt his insides twist painfully, suffocating him.
It seemed she was resolved to leave him this time.
Meanwhile, in Steistan, Emma had just finished class. To better care for her, her parents purchased a private residence across from Eastside Univesity and dedicated themselves to supporting her education.
She returned home as usual, only to be greeted by Velma with excitement. “Emma, come here! Look who I found for you this time.”
Emma glanced over and looked extremely helpless. “Mom, I told you before that I don’t want to date right now.”
Velma narrowed her gaze. “Emma, you’re at the ideal age for love. Besides, you’ve never been in a relationship before! I’m worried about you. Don’t you wish to have a romantic relationship now that you’ve moved overseas for a new beginning?”
Emma felt numb. Before she could object, Velma suddenly began wiping her tears.
“Mom, why are you crying?”
“I just feel bad for you. A girl’s youth only lasts so long. If you don’t fall in love now, you’ll regret it later! I don’t want that for you. And even if you don’t want to date, you could at least go out and meet new people. It breaks my heart to see you coming straight home to be with me and your dad after class.”
Seeing Velma’s tears fall harder, Emma quickly nodded. “Fine, I’ll go. I’ll meet them, but I’m not promising that I’ll start dating any one of them.”
Velma’s eyes brightened up immediately. “That’s the spirit! Young people should go out and make friends!”
Emma sighed and nodded.
Velma pulled out a stack of photos. Emma didn’t even glance at them. She simply picked one at random and said helplessly, “This one will do.”
With that, Emma embarked on her first–ever blind date, who she had chosen completely at random.
When she arrived at the restaurant on time, she was greeted by the sight of a man with slicked–back hair, glasses, a formal suit, and a tie that wasn’t even done properly. Her OCD kicked in, and she recalled how she used to tie Frank’s tie all the time. But he was the only one she had ever done that for.
