Chapter 29 Are You Living Together?

Emily sat up, wiped her slightly swollen lips, and turned away, refusing to speak. She really couldn't understand what James wanted. Why did he always come back to mess with her just when she was ready to move on and cut ties with him?

But now wasn't the time to piss James off. She straightened her clothes and looked down, avoiding his gaze.

James watched Emily, now quiet, her cheeks flushed from his actions, her lips slightly swollen, and two buttons of her shirt undone, showing a bit of her collarbone marked with his red imprints.

She wasn't saying those harsh words or pushing him away anymore. James felt he had definitely crossed a line. He shouldn't have done those things, but every time he was around Emily, he couldn't control himself.

"Behave yourself from now on." James's voice was a bit hoarse, with a hint of desire. He reached out and buttoned up Emily's collar. He gently kissed her cheek, not even sure himself what it meant.

Emily still ignored him, thinking, 'What's the point of behaving myself? James will still mess with me whenever he wants and push me away whenever he feels like it.'

James didn't push further. The car started moving again, heading towards Emily's small apartment. It wasn't until they were almost at the apartment that they saw a familiar figure at the door.

John was standing there with a big bag of groceries, clearly having waited for a while. Seeing Emily return in James's car, John felt a pang of bitterness, wondering why these two were together again.

But John didn't ask anything, keeping a gentle demeanor as he greeted Emily. "Emily, you're back."

With that, John took Emily's handbag and then, as if just noticing James, smiled at him in the car. "Thanks for bringing Emily back, James."

Seeing John and Emily's close interaction, James was instantly hit with a wave of jealousy and anger.

'Are these two living together? Why is John waiting for her at the door? When did they start living together?' Various chaotic thoughts flashed through his mind as James got out of the car, quickly approached, and demanded, "Why are you here?"

John keenly sensed that James had misunderstood something. But he didn't explain or respond to James's question. Instead, he deliberately acted casual, smiling at Emily. "Emily, I bought a lot of fresh vegetables and seafood at the supermarket today. I'll make your favorite dishes tonight."

"Thank you, John. You've had a long day, and now you're here to cook for me." Emily felt a bit embarrassed as she took the bag from John's hand and opened the door.

"I haven't been waiting long and just got here. How was your first day at work?" John asked.

"Not bad." Thinking of David, Emily smiled. "I met a pretty stubborn kid today, but we got along well later. He's actually quite cute. I wonder why his family doesn't take care of him."

"That's good to hear. Congrats, Emily, on landing a job on your own." John sincerely congratulated her, his eyes full of encouragement and warmth. No matter what, it was a big step for Emily to break free from eight years of unemployment and find a job to support herself.

John could easily give Emily money to make her life easier. But even if Emily accepted it, she would still be dependent on someone else, never knowing the satisfaction of achieving success on her own. Emily had finally gained her freedom, and John thought all he needed to do was support her, and she would definitely succeed on her own.

John's encouragement and support visibly lifted Emily's spirits. What she needed most now was validation from others.

"Emily, you must be tired. How about I give you a shoulder massage when we get inside?" John asked.

Emily playfully punched John's shoulder. "I'm not that delicate, but if you're good at it, I might give it a try."

"Just like when we were kids, I guarantee you'll be satisfied." John laughed and tapped Emily's head.

After some playful banter with John, Emily felt completely relaxed. John was her friend since childhood, and there was no awkwardness between them. This small apartment was found by John, and it was normal for him to come over and cook for her.

She decided to ignore James and led John inside.

James stood behind them, completely ignored. James's anger grew, and he looked at John coldly, with a hint of hostility he didn't even realize. "Why do you let him in?"

"John is just here to cook for me." Emily pinched her brow, not understanding James's question.

'Why is James still here? Shouldn't he have gone back to Olivia by now?' she thought.

James was almost amused by Emily's response, thinking, 'Just cooking? Only a fool will believe that. Has Emily already gotten involved with John so quickly?'

James felt a surge of jealousy, an inexplicable rage welling up inside him.

Seeing the two about to close the door, James gritted his teeth and slipped inside, sneering, "I'd like to try John's cooking too. John, you wouldn't be so stingy, would you?"

'What is wrong with James? It is one thing in the car, but now he is acting as if John and I have some improper relationship. John and I are just friends, and I really don't understand what James is thinking.' Emily thought.

John didn't mind, smiling at James like a host. "Of course, James, you're welcome to try my cooking. Have a seat while Emily and I prepare. We'll call you when dinner's ready."