That voice—
His head snapped back.
10 The First Day
Emma was standing right behind him.
She wore a simple, knee-length dress that fit her effortlessly. It was modest, covering her neckline and falling smoothly over her frame, with short sleeves that left her arms bare. The soft fabric skimmed her body without clinging, giving her an understated, natural elegance.
Her makeup was light—just a soft touch of lipstick and a hint around her eyes—but it only made her look more striking. Her hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders, brushing against her chest.
Simple.
Yet flawless.
Harold’s eyes stayed on her, scanning her face as if searching for a flaw—any flaw—but there was none.
Not a single one.
Before he could even react, she stepped closer.
The distance between them vanished.
Emma stopped right in front of him, placed both her hands on the table, and leaned forward slightly, bringing her face close to his. Her gaze locked onto his, calm, soft.
“I’ll let your mom know you’ve agreed. We’re dating now.”
Her tone was gentle.
Elegant.
Authoritative.
Harold’s breath caught in his throat.
For a second, he looked like he might actually collapse.
A nervous laugh slipped out of him—dry, shaky, not quite real. His lips stretched into something that resembled a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“O-Okay…”
The word came out low and unsteady.
He shot to his feet so fast the chair screeched loudly against the floor.
Sophia was still leaning over the table, both hands braced on it, her face far too close.
His hand knocked against the edge of the table behind him as he steadied himself, his body already pulling back on instinct.
Then he stepped back.
And again.
His movements were rushed, uncoordinated. His back hit the chair behind him, then the edge of another table, but he didn’t stop. He kept retreating, almost stumbling, like distance was the only thing on his mind.
He ended up half-trapped between the tables, shoulders tight, spine pressed back as far as it could go, like even an inch closer to her would break him.
He bumped into a chair—then another table—but barely seemed to notice.
