Chapter 48 John's Confession

Compared to John's worries, Emily was way more chill once they got in the car.

Sure, the situation sucked, but she kinda saw it coming.

Emily never fooled herself into thinking that having a baby would magically fix James's trust issues or save their relationship. She just didn't expect it to hurt this much. But because of that, she decided to keep the baby, even if James didn't want anything to do with it. She had to be strong and face everything on her own. Wallowing in sadness would only mess with the baby growing inside her.

The car pulled up in front of Emily's apartment.

John helped her inside.

Emily looked pale and drained. He insisted she get some rest, then headed to the kitchen to whip up some food like he always did.

John took his time prepping the ingredients and then let them simmer on low heat.

He stared at the flickering flames, but his mind was anything but calm.

James had hurt Emily so many times.

John used to think that even though they were divorced, it was clear James still had feelings for Emily, even if he didn't realize it, and Emily obviously hadn't moved on from James either. Plus, they had a kid together.

John never told Emily how he felt because he didn't want to burden her.

But now, it was obvious that every time Emily dealt with James, she ended up hurt and worn out.

John saw it and felt a pang in his heart.

John had liked Emily since they were kids, so he couldn't stand seeing her suffer, even if she still had feelings for James.

The last dish was ready. John lowered his eyes, took off his apron, and set the table.

He walked into the bedroom and found Emily asleep.

John reached out and gently stroked her soft, smooth hair.

She didn't sleep well, curled up and looking pale, even in her sleep, her brows were furrowed.

John wanted to smooth out the wrinkles between her brows, but she sensed something and opened her eyes, looking at him with some confusion.

Emily had been exhausted all day from the hospital and arguing with James and Olivia. She couldn't help but fall asleep as soon as she lay down at home. Her head hurt a bit. After thinking for a while, she remembered that John had brought her back. "John, sorry, did I sleep for a long time?"

"No." John quietly pulled his hand back. "Come on, Emily. I made your favorite soup."

"Okay."

The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the room and the dining table.

The table full of delicious dishes made Emily feel a lot better. She sat down, and her mood seemed to lift instantly.

The smell of the food filled the room, and Emily felt a warm, comforting sensation in her heart. Who knew food could be so soothing?

"It smells amazing, John. Why didn't you wake me up to help?" Emily felt a bit embarrassed.

John served her some rice and smiled, "Just eat. You resting and taking care of yourself is more important than anything."

"Got it. I'll do the dishes later. John, you should rest too, okay?" Emily's face lit up with a relaxed smile. The warmth of the soup brought a rosy hue to her cheeks and lips.

John wished she could be this happy every day. His eyes flickered as he placed a piece of meat on her plate and said, "Emily, have you ever thought that maybe you and James just aren't right for each other?"

Emily's fingers paused. After a long moment, she looked up and smiled, "John, James and I are done. We're divorced. Why bring him up now? Let's just eat."

Emily wanted to dodge the topic, but John put down his utensils and looked her straight in the eyes. "Emily, you know what I mean."

Emily's heart tightened. She stirred her soup, unsure of what to say.

John didn't let up. "I know you haven't let him go, but you need to understand that being with James will only bring you pain. I don't want you to get hurt. Emily, I've said it before, no matter what happens, I'll always be by your side."

Tears threatened to spill, and Emily struggled to keep them at bay, her voice choked, "John, I don't want this either. I just don't know what to do."

She couldn't let go of James, and she was carrying his child, but he didn't care about her. Instead, he kept doubting and hurting her.

"Emily, I like you!" Emily's heartbroken look made him blurt out his feelings. As soon as he said it, both of them were stunned.

"John." Emily's mind went blank. She had no idea how to respond and just stared at him in a daze.

'John likes me? How could that be?' she wondered.

John closed his eyes, not regretting it. He couldn't stand seeing Emily hurt and bearing everything alone anymore. Since he had already said it, he might as well say it all.

His voice trembled a bit, but he looked at Emily with determination. "Emily, maybe it's a bit late to say this, but I still wanna say. I know a lot has happened to you recently, and I know you're sad. I just want to tell you that I could protect you when we were kids, and I can protect you now that we're grown up. I've always liked you. I want to be your support, to be your real boyfriend. With me around, you can do anything you want."

John's heart pounded like a drum. He hoped for Emily's response but also feared her answer.

Tears glistened in Emily's eyes. After a long time, she gently shook her head, with a heavy sense of apology. "John, thank you, but I only see you as a friend. I can't give you the love you want."