Chapter 67 You Can Start Over Again

John gave a small nod and said with determination, "Emily, I get it. I respect your choice. But I'm not giving up. Whenever you need me, I'll be there."

"John," Emily started.

"No need to say more," John interrupted, shaking his head and switching gears. "Now that you're free from all that pressure and Mr. Johnson's out of the picture for a bit, you've got time. I know relationships might seem like a lost cause right now, but there's so much more to life worth chasing."

"Huh?" Emily looked up, confusion flickering in her eyes. She stared at John, waiting for him to continue.

John hid his disappointment, gathered the empty bowls from the table, and moved to face Emily. "You got hitched to James right after turning 18, so you missed out on the SATs, college, and chasing your own dreams. But now, you get a do-over. You can study something you love and build your own career. When you have that, you won't be so easily hurt or pushed around. You'll be in control of your life. If staying here makes you unhappy, I'll help you go abroad. You can finally find your own path."

John's words were heartfelt, genuinely thinking about Emily's future.

He knew she wouldn't just take a bunch of money from him or let him set her up with a cushy job at the Williams Group.

If she were that type, James would've already bought her off, and she wouldn't have been working at Moonlit Tavern for cash.

What Emily really needed was the ability to steer her own life and a rich inner world.

Only then, in places John couldn't always be, could she truly control her destiny.

He had even selfishly thought that if Emily wanted to be with him, he'd go abroad to study with her, away from all this mess.

But now, Emily had turned him down.

John felt a deep hurt; he had genuinely hoped for a future with Emily.

But whether it was now or before, Emily only saw him as a friend.

Looking around the cozy house, John couldn't help but smile bitterly inside, but he sincerely wished for her to have a better life, even without him.

The warm light made her face glow with excitement.

John's sincerity was clear as day.

After hearing his words, Emily felt a rush of emotions. She never thought she'd get a chance to chase her dreams and build a career. She always believed her life was wrecked by a failed marriage and relationship.

But now, John had offered a new possibility, like a beam of light in the darkness.

Emily felt a bit scared to face it. She stood up, nervously speaking to John, "But, I haven't studied in so long. I'm afraid I can't do it." Emily's voice wavered with self-doubt.

John smiled, his eyes full of encouragement. "Emily, you got this. You're the smartest and strongest person I know. If you're willing to try, there's nothing you can't do."

Emily couldn't help but wonder if she could really start over like John said.

She looked at him, her eyes filled with hope.

John genuinely wanted the best for her, and his words reignited her hope.

She asked, "But how can I do what you said? I can't think about going abroad right now. Michael's here, and I want to see him every week. He's still young, and I can't miss out on his life."

John gently patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, Emily. Take it one step at a time. Start by choosing an adult college, pick a major you like, and retake the SATs. Think about what interests you and what you want to do in the future. Even though you've been out of school for a while, if you're willing to work hard, I believe you can do it."

Emily felt a surge of excitement and determination. She nodded, made up her mind, and clenched her fists. "John, I'll give it a try. I can do this."

John felt a wave of relief. He knew that Emily had taken the first step and would succeed. And he was ready to stay by her side, support her, and help her. "Emily, go for it."

Late into the night, long after John had left, Emily was still too excited to sleep.

She stayed up all night, and as soon as it was time for work the next day, she quickly called the local educational agency.

After learning that she needed to prepare all the materials and register in November, Emily quickly went back to the Johnson Villa to get her high school documents.

It was already mid-October, and she couldn't afford to delay.

"Emily, what's going on? Looking for another job?" Mia asked with a fake smile. "Well, Moonlit Tavern is a bit dangerous."

"Mom, what else can she do besides those lowly jobs? We've already said the Johnson Family won't recognize her anymore, but she still has the nerve to come back," Isabella said, arms crossed, looking at Emily with disdain.

Aiden wasn't home, and they let her in to find her things because she promised never to come back to the Johnson Villa.

Emily found her things and ignored their taunts. Over the years, Isabella and Mia had often bullied her openly and secretly, and Aiden pretended not to see.

Emily used to feel sad, but after everything she'd been through, she didn't care anymore. Now, she just wanted to fulfill her own wishes.

Emily was about to leave without saying a word when Isabella, seeing that she wasn't sad like before, snorted and blocked her way. "Mom, you should check her bag to make sure she didn't steal anything valuable from us. After all, she hired someone to hurt Olivia and works at Moonlit Tavern."

Mia squinted her eyes and intended to search Emily's bag.

Seeing the malice in their eyes, Emily quickly stepped back.