Chapter 66 John Confesses Again

Olivia got shoved aside by James, almost losing her balance.

She steadied herself against the wall, then stood behind James, a flicker of resentment in her eyes.

James was fixated on the closed door, taking deep breaths.

'Emily really has the nerve to pick John, a guy who won't even give her money or let her have kids, right in front of me! Whatever, she's always been like this, and I'm the only one who still cares about our eight years together and wants her to have a better life.' With that thought, James spun around angrily, only to see Olivia wobbling behind him.

He remembered pushing Olivia out of anger over Emily, and guilt washed over him.

He wanted to explain but couldn't find the words. "Sorry, Olivia."

"It's okay. As long as you're with me, I'm cool with it, James." Olivia looked up, her eyes red and her body trembling. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have shown up in front of Sophia today. I just wanted her approval so badly. I just want to marry you, James."

Olivia had come back from studying abroad and landed a job as a doctor at a big hospital. She usually seemed so composed in front of James.

But now, seeing her cry so vulnerably, his guilt deepened. He walked over and pulled her into his arms.

"I'm sorry, Olivia. It's my fault. Let's go home." He apologized softly, and Olivia quickly forgave him.

They got into the car. Michael, who had been stuck in the car and couldn't help, was now sulking in silence. James didn't have the energy to comfort him either.

The car sped away.

As it disappeared into the distance, Emily let go of the curtain she had just peeked through.

She just wanted to check if Michael was upset, but seeing James so close with Olivia made her heart ache.

Even though she knew James was a jerk who wouldn't let her go even after getting a new girlfriend, seeing him with Olivia still made her a bit jealous.

But it didn't matter. Emily had loved James for over ten years, and feeling this way was normal. With time, she'd eventually move on.

Thinking about Michael's sad face, Emily felt even more upset.

"Emily, it's okay. I'm still here for you." John, noticing her unhappy expression, tried to comfort her.

"John." She took a deep breath. "Did you help squash those rumors about me online?"

"Emily, don't worry about that. Just focus on living your life." John didn't want to take credit for it.

But Emily knew that John was the only one with the power to help her online right now.

"John, thank you." Emily's voice was a bit raspy. She looked up at John, a hint of bitterness in her eyes. "You've done so much for me, I really don't know how to repay you."

"There's no need to talk about repayment between us," John said casually.

"No, seriously, if it weren't for your help, I don't know what I would've gone through these days. If you ever need anything, as long as I can do it, I will." Emily spoke sincerely.

John had helped her squash those online rumors and used his connections to sort out Eli's issues before. She owed him big time.

John smiled and patted her head, pointing to a bowl of steaming, fragrant soup on the table. "I made this soup just for you. Drink it now. As long as you take care of yourself and stop making me worry about whether you've eaten well, you'll be doing me a big favor."

"John..." Emily blushed slightly, feeling a warm glow inside.

Even though she had already eaten at Serenity Manor, she obediently picked up the bowl and drank the soup. With each sip, the troubles from the argument at the door and the chill of the autumn wind melted away.

Emily was about to thank him when John suddenly spoke seriously, "Emily, let me take care of you, okay?"

Emily looked up, confused, and met John's deeply affectionate eyes.

John walked over to her, gently holding her hand, and looked at her earnestly. "Emily, now that the child is gone, and you have no more ties with James. I know you've been through a lot, but my feelings for you aren't out of pity or sympathy. I genuinely want to be the one openly standing by your side. No matter how long it takes, I'm willing to wait. I just hope you'll give me a chance to take care of you, okay?"

Emily felt the warmth of John's hand, a wave of sadness washing over her, leaving her frozen in place. She knew John genuinely cared for her, but she was also clear that she only considered John a friend. She didn't want to endure any more emotional turmoil.

Choosing John might be the easiest path, and he might even accept her lack of affection, but she couldn't bring herself to do that to him.

Emily gently withdrew her hand, smiling bitterly. "John, please don't say that anymore. I can repay you in other ways, even if you want my life. But right now, I have no interest in relationships. After everything I've been through, I just want to live a simple, peaceful life. Someone like me doesn't deserve to be with you."

Emily rejected him once again.

John looked at his empty hand, feeling desolate. But he didn't give up and quickly adjusted his emotions.

He had waited for so many years; a little more time wouldn't matter. Emily might not understand now, but she would eventually let go of James, and John was willing to wait for her.