Chapter 19 Kiss

The car started up slowly, heading towards Michael's school.

On the way, they chatted here and there, mostly about Michael. Emily was surprised to realize that James knew and cared about Michael just as much as she did. It touched her, knowing that no matter what, James always loved Michael.

At the kindergarten gate, Michael was already waiting by the guardhouse. When he saw them get out of the car, he ran over with a big smile on his face. He threw himself into Emily's arms, nuzzled her, and said sweetly, "Daddy, Mommy, you finally came."

James, who rarely smiled, picked up Michael and kissed his cheek.

Michael pulled a lollipop out of his pocket, the wrapper shining in the light. He held it up to James and blinked. "Daddy, did you have a tough day at work? My teacher said eating something sweet can make you feel better when you're tired. I saved this candy for you. Take a bite, it'll cheer you up!"

Seeing Michael's hopeful little face, James felt touched. It was clear that Michael had learned to care for him, and all those years of loving Michael hadn't been in vain.

But James was a bit surprised since Michael usually didn't like these little snacks. "Michael, why did you get lollipops today?"

Michael tilted his head, shook the candy wrapper, glanced at Emily, and said, "A man gave it to me."

"A man?"

"Yeah, the man who saved Mommy and me on the road a few days ago." Michael spoke honestly, but Emily felt a bit nervous.

James looked over with a questioning gaze. She pursed her lips and reluctantly explained, "I didn't tell you, but the other day when I was dropping Michael off at school, we were almost hit by a car. John happened to pass by and saved us, so we weren't hurt."

Hearing this, James felt a surge of jealousy. His son and ex-wife had to be saved by another man, and he was the last to know about it. What did that make him?

And that man happened to be John.

Thinking of John's equally handsome face, James felt a bit stifled, and his voice deepened. "So what's with the candy?"

Michael frowned and answered softly, "He's been coming by every day to give me candy."

James was immediately displeased. What did John mean by this? John and Emily, under the guise of growing up together, were feeding each other, and now the man was trying to win Michael's favor?

He snorted coldly but didn't take it out on Michael. He put the kid in the back seat and gave Emily a cold look, saying, "Get in the car! Let's go home!"

'Petty James, why so fierce?' Emily thought to herself, not wanting to argue with Michael in the car. She just got in and kept her thoughts to herself.

On the way home, Michael sensed that James was a bit off but didn't know why. So, he kept chatting about fun stuff that happened at school. It managed to soften James's expression a bit, but his mind was still restless.

What was the deal with Emily and John? How did John get to know Michael without him knowing?

As soon as they got home, James handed Michael to the nanny. "Harper, can you give Michael a bath today?"

Harper nodded and took Michael away, leaving James and Emily alone in the living room.

James's face grew more displeased, and Emily couldn't stand the tension. She hadn't done anything wrong. They were already divorced, and James had a new girlfriend. She just had a meal with a childhood friend, and James's look at her made it seem like she had betrayed their marriage.

Irritated by the thought, Emily turned to leave. "I'll go help too."

"Stay here," James said, his jealousy boiling over. The frustration and jealousy he'd been holding back all day erupted. He gritted his teeth and grabbed Emily's wrist, feeling like she was pushing his limits by trying to leave without explaining. "What's your relationship with John Williams?"

"We just grew up together as kids, and he just came back from abroad."

"Grew up together?" James snorted, his face darkening. "Emily, if you have no relationship, why would he cook for you, feed you, and visit Michael every day? Were you already involved with someone else? Is that why you didn't care about the divorce?"

As soon as he said it, James regretted it. He knew what kind of person Emily was after eight years together. His words were out of anger, but he couldn't bring himself to apologize.

He met Emily's gaze, her eyes already brimming with tears, and his heart twisted with remorse.

Emily felt a wrenching pain in her chest, as if her heart were being torn apart. How much she loved James, and how much she cherished their family, did he really not know? How could he say such things?

"James, is this what you always thought of me? John and I are not what you think, but it has nothing to do with you. Why do you slander me like this! You..." Emily wanted to say more, but James suddenly kissed her. His domineering kiss silenced her, their tongues entwined, making her body weak.

James's hand slid to her waist, holding her tightly. He marveled at how slender she was, feeling as though she might break under the slightest pressure. His brows furrowed as he realized just how fragile she felt in his grasp.