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The EncounterThe Encounter
By: Webfic

Chapter 11 Mr. Brown Seems Like a Decent Guy

Emma’s mind raced with the thought that everything was moving way too fast. She was in no position to speak up now, though. His word was law. Clad in Michael’s coat, the subtle hint of tobacco that clung to it somehow grounded her. Perhaps because she was no longer as tense, her stomach rumbled embarrassingly loud. Emma was so embarrassed she could not even look up. “Skipped a meal?” “I’ve eaten,” she replied, her face flushing with awkwardness. She was eager to drop the subject. Michael glanced at his watch instead of probing further. “Your mother will be moved to a VIP ward with round-the-clock care. You’ll be notified when she wakes. For now, you’re coming with me.” “Where to?” Emma blinked in confusion. “To have dinner.” “...But I’ve really eaten.” His lips curved in a gentle smile. It was a rare moment when his usually distant demeanor softened. “Have dinner with me.” With no room left for protest, Emma nodded. “Okay.” She watched him stride ahead and took a moment before deciding to follow. Had she just secured herself a benefactor? It felt strangely reassuring to have someone to lean on. … Once inside his car, Emma kept her eyes fixed on her shoes. She only stole glances at Michael when the rhythm of his steady breathing assured her he had dozed off. He looked weary, the seat cradling him as he slept. With the streetlights streaming in through the window, she could make out the details of his face—the thick lashes, the refined contours, and the angular jawline that somehow retained an imposing aura even in slumber. It was not the first time she had watched him sleep, but the sight never ceased to stir something within her. Emma's mind wandered back to her high school days, where her after-school job often made her late for class. Her teacher, taking pity on her, would keep her back in the evening to tutor her for free. In those days, Michael, her desk mate, also seemed to stick around after study hours. It was not because he needed to but because he had to wait for his ride home. He would just rest his head on his desk and catch some sleep, unfazed and comfortable. She could still picture him, clad in his basketball gear underneath the school uniform. He was bright-eyed and had a buzz cut then, the very picture of youth. He was not just the tall, handsome guy every girl crushed on; he was also the school's top scholar. She remembered the pile of love letters that overflowed from his desk, some even spilling onto hers by mistake. It was surreal to think that after all the twists of life, she was now entwined with Michael. They were even getting married the next day! Emma was under no illusion, though. She knew their impending marriage was a matter of convenience for him and nothing more. Their car wove through the bustling streets of Nordhaven City before pulling up outside a modest-looking restaurant. As Michael awoke and stepped out with a stretch, Emma quickly looked away. She felt a little as though she had been caught staring. She hesitated, unsure whether to follow. Just then, Michael's assistant caught her eye. "Ms. Wilson, I was the one who returned your call." She managed a stiff smile. "Oh! Thanks a lot for that..." "It's what I'm here for! Mr. Brown was in a meeting, but he headed straight for the hospital after no one picked up his return call!" Emma noticed from the assistant's eyes that she seemed too eager. She must have mistaken her significance to Michael. At a loss for words, Emma finally mustered a strained chuckle and said, "Well, Mr. Brown certainly seems like a decent guy."

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