Chapter 24 The Taste of Home

The next day was a rare day off. Emily spent it lounging in her tiny apartment, wrapped in a blanket, too drained to even get up and grab a bite.

Every time she shut her eyes, she couldn't shake off the image of James from last night—his cold demeanor when he chose Olivia over her.

Emily always knew she shouldn't expect much, but it still hurt like hell.

As night fell and the city lights cast a glow on her windowsill, she heard a soft knock on the door. Dragging herself up, she went to open it. Standing there was John, holding a big bag of fresh veggies.

"John, what are you doing here?" Emily asked, stepping aside to let him in, clearly surprised.

John shook the bag with a gentle smile. "I know you've been swamped with work and just moved in. I figured you weren't eating well, so I brought some groceries to cook you a meal."

Emily quickly took the bag, wrinkling her nose playfully. "I can take care of myself, you know."

Right then, her stomach growled loudly, betraying her. They both burst out laughing, and Emily turned away, blushing.

John chuckled, patted her shoulder, rolled up his sleeves, and headed to the kitchen. "Alright, let me whip up something to reward you."

The kitchen was small but cozy. John started unpacking the groceries, moving around like a pro, while Emily handed him things now and then, just like when they were kids.

Before John went abroad, he used to cook for Emily whenever their parents were out. If there was something she liked but he didn't know how to make, he'd go to the Johnson Villa to learn from Ava, determined to get it right for her.

Ava used to joke that Emily had found herself a future husband who could cook for her since childhood. Though their relationship didn't turn out as the adults had imagined, they became great friends.

Emily was lost in thought when John flicked her forehead.

"What are you daydreaming about? How do you want this steak cooked?" John asked, washing and prepping the steak.

"Pan-fried steak. I remember the first time you cooked for me as kids, it was pan-fried steak. You didn't get it right that time, but luckily your mom didn't find out," she replied.

"That was because you kept distracting me! Otherwise, I would've nailed it on the first try."

Emily lowered her head, feeling a pang of nostalgia. Those childhood days were the best. Ava was still around, and life was simple. Her biggest worry was what to eat. If Ava knew how much she had messed up, she'd be so disappointed.

The two of them kept busy, chatting about the good old days. Laughter filled the small apartment, making it feel like they had traveled back in time.

John's cooking turned all the ingredients into mouth-watering dishes, and soon the kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of food. They set the table and sat down. Emily couldn't help but get a bit emotional. She speared a piece of steak with her fork, savoring the familiar taste.

Then, she took a sip of soup, and after a day of hunger, the warm food finally soothed her aching stomach.

Tears welled up in Emily's eyes. It had been ages since she had tasted such comforting, home-cooked food.

When Ava was alive, she would always make delicious meals to cheer Emily up whenever she was down. Since Ava passed and John went abroad, those memories had been locked away, only to resurface now.

"John, thank you. If it weren't for you these past few days, I don't know what I would've done. If you were my real brother, I could eat your cooking forever."

John paused, his other hand clenching into a fist under the table, a hint of sadness and frustration in his eyes as he thought, 'Emily, I don't want to be your brother.'

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something. But seeing Emily's tear-streaked face and red eyes, he swallowed his words. Emily was now free from James. As long as he stayed by her side, he would have his chance eventually. He wasn't in a hurry.

John tried to calm his emotions. "Emily, don't worry. Even if I'm not your biological brother, as long as you need me, I'll always be here for you like family."

Emily thought John was just trying to comfort her and didn't take it seriously. But if she looked up, she would see the deep affection in John's eyes.

John didn't push the topic. He forked some vegetables for Emily and changed the subject. "Emily, how's work going lately? Everything okay?"

"A bit busy, but it's fine. Everything's good, and I've made some new friends." Wiping away her tears, Emily smiled. She didn't want to keep worrying those who cared about her.

"That's good. Just don't overwork yourself. If you need anything, let me know. Now that we're so close, I'll definitely help you."

"Maybe one day when I'm more capable, I'll be the one helping you."

"Alright, I'll be waiting for that day."

They finished dinner with more laughter. John cleaned up the dishes, and since it was getting late, he got ready to leave. Emily walked him to the door.

John, towering over Emily in his light-colored jacket, looked down at her with his gentle eyes. "Emily, I'm heading out. You should go inside. See you tomorrow." He gave Emily a gentle hug, then turned to leave.