Olivia organized a press conference at Walton’s corporate headquarters.
“Thank you all for coming,” Olivia said, beginning her speech in a clear, calm voice. “I am here to clarify a misunderstanding that has caused a lot of speculation.”
Olivia continued, “I want to emphasize that there was never a romantic relationship between me and Mr. Daniel. We have a strong professional relationship, but it never went beyond that. I regret the false statement that has stirred up the public. It was a mistake made by a certain party.”
With a sharp gaze at the camera, Olivia explained firmly, “I apologize for any disturbance this rumor may have caused. I also apologize to Mr. Daniel for any harm that the statement from our side may cause.” She said, while bowing respectfully.
Daniel stared at his phone screen, where Olivia Walton had just finished her clarification. His face remained calm, no visible surge of emotion. The coffee in his hand was still giving off steam, and he sipped it calmly.
Emily, who had just returned, paused for a moment, looking at Daniel, who seemed lost in his own thoughts.
“It’s your food. Eat it before it gets cold,” Daniel said, his voice flat.
“Is something bothering you?” asked Emily.
“Olivia has solved this problem,” Daniel replied, his voice calm but with a hint of relief.
“What does that mean?” asked Emily, curiosity burning inside her.
Daniel showed Emily Olivia’s clarification video, her eyes unblinking, as if judging every word Olivia said.
“You sly fox,” Emily muttered in a heavy tone, handing Daniel back his phone.
“I’m sure she had me in her trap that night because she suddenly hugged me for no apparent reason,” Emily grumbled, frustration laced in every word.
“Eat, aren’t you hungry?” interrupted Daniel, trying to distract Emily from her disappointment.
“Yes, I’m hungry,” Emily replied, her eyes lighting up again at the sight of the food that had been prepared in front of her.
Emily savored each mouthful with gusto, the fatigue she had felt all day making her hungry. Daniel watched Emily with a small, hidden smile.
Suddenly, Daniel’s gaze fell on Emily’s lips, where there was a piece of food that was accidentally left behind. Emily finally noticed Daniel’s intense gaze, feeling nervous.
“Why are you looking at me?” asked Emily, her voice trembling slightly.
Daniel pointed to the corner of his own lips, signaling to Emily that there was something on her lips.
“Hmm, what?” asked Emily, confused.
With a gentle, caring gesture, Daniel reached out his hand and carefully touched the corner of Emily’s lips. “There are leftovers here,” he said, his voice flat and emotionless.
The unexpected touch startled Emily, her body reflexively recoiling. Her heartbeat raced, pumping adrenaline that made her cheeks flush. She felt hot and cold simultaneously.
“Cough, cough…” Her cough broke the silence, her hoarse voice echoing in the room.
“What happened to you?” asked Daniel, frowning.
Emily beat her chest in choking, but her hands signaled nothing had happened to her.
Daniel quickly reached for the clear glass on the table. “Drink up,” he said, his voice soft yet commanding.
Emily nodded, her hands shaking as she took the glass. The cool water was like an oasis, soothing her burning throat and muddled mind. She took a deep breath, trying to re-regulate the wild rhythm of her heart.
After a few sips, Emily looked up at Daniel. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
After finishing her meal, Emily felt her fatigue after a long day of skiing. Daniel helped open the car door for her. Daniel didn’t show any fatigue on his face, although it was clear he was also feeling the effects of the day’s activities.
The two of them sat in silence, only the sound of the engine could be heard between them. Emily reflected on the day that had passed before finally deciding to speak.
“Thank you for teaching me to ski,” she said.
Daniel just stared straight ahead, driving with his full attention. “Mmm.”
Daniel pressed a button on the car stereo, and instantly, music filled the silence.
While the music was still playing softly, Emily finally felt exhausted after a long day. Her eyes felt heavy, and she finally fell asleep in the car.
When they arrived at Daniel’s house, he turned off the engine and looked at Emily, who was asleep. There was a moment where Daniel was caught in reflection. He should have seen his own face in the mirror of Emily’s sleeping soul, because Emily’s soul was trapped in his body, but what he saw was Emily’s figure sleeping so peacefully.
Emily’s head fell, and Daniel quickly supported her fallen head. Emily, who was surprised, immediately opened her eyes and saw Daniel, who was looking at her. There was an unspoken moment of intimacy as their eyes met, a quiet but meaningful exchange.
Emily felt awkward and immediately corrected her sleeping position to sitting. “Where are we?” she asked, her voice still sounding sleepy.
“We have arrived,” Daniel replied, his voice calm.
Emily’s eyes opened wide, feeling surprised and confused. “Why didn’t you wake me up?” she asked.
“You looked exhausted,” Daniel replied briefly, as if that was reason enough.
“You should have just woken me up. It’s okay,” Emily replied, trying to hide her embarrassment. “Am I snoring again?”
“Mmm,” Daniel nodded, a brief confirmation that made Emily feel even more guilty.
“Sorry, sir,” she said, her voice low.
Daniel turned to her with a softer gaze. “In the future, you should just call me Daniel,” he said.
“Eh?” Emily was surprised, not understanding.
“Only when we’re together like this. We’re also getting married soon. There’s no way you can keep calling me Mr.,” Daniel explained. “We should also get used to speaking informally again,” he added.
“B-but I’m not used to it,” Emily said, her voice shaking slightly with awkwardness.
Daniel looked at her with an unreadable gaze, cold and unaffected. “Try doing it,” he said, his voice flat, almost emotionless.
Emily swallowed, feeling the chill of the atmosphere. “Daniel,” she called, almost as a whisper.
“It’s just like that,” Daniel replied, no expression on his face or tone in his voice. There was no smile of recognition, just a brief nod that seemed to suffice as a response.
“Then I’ll go in first, sir? Thank you for today,” Emily said.
Daniel turned to him, his eyes cold and sharp. “I told you to be informal and call me Daniel, didn’t I?” his voice was firm, almost demanding.
“Sorry, sir. I mean… err, I mean Daniel,” Emily said, stammering, feeling pressured under Daniel’s unchanging gaze.
“Come in, I’ll park the car and get yours to go home,” Daniel said firmly.
Emily nodded respectfully at Daniel before getting out of the car.
***
Olivia had just returned home after a hard day at the office. As she crossed the living room of her house, her father’s voice interrupted her steps.
“Olivia,” Edward called.
With heavy, authoritative steps, Edward approached Olivia. Suddenly, without warning, a hard slap landed on Olivia’s cheek, sending a wave of shock and heartbreaking pain. However, stepmother Eleanor’s hand quickly caught Edward’s wrist.
“That’s enough, dear. You’re hurting your own daughter,” Eleanor said in a soft, yet firm, voice.
“What did Dad do to me?” cried Olivia, her voice shaking with anger and confusion.
“Didn’t I warn you not to act recklessly? So, your nonsense about your relationship with Daniel was all fake? You have deceived me and dared to spread those lies to the media, ruining your reputation and dignity as the daughter of the honorable Walton family,” Edward said, his voice echoing with burning anger.
“Because of your actions, I have to bear the shame in front of the Winston family. They are not only my business partners, but also old friends. And now you’ve tarnished our name,” he continued, his words like a knife slicing through Olivia’s heart.
“Stop it, dear. We need to settle this with a cool head. Not like this,” Eleanor tried to defuse the situation, her hand still firmly grasping Edward’s.
“Who was it that tried to set me up with the Winston’s in the first place? Who said that I had to do everything possible to get Daniel?” Olivia asked, her eyes flashing with tears of disappointment and anger.
“But not this way, Olivia. Not this way,” Edward muttered in a lower tone, as if he had just realized the repercussions of his actions.
Olivia returned the gaze of Eleanor, her stepmother, with a sharp, disappointed look. “And you, can you stop pretending in front of Dad? Your acting is so cheap,” Olivia said in a cold tone.
Edward, who had lost his temper, shouted once again, “Olivia!” However, Olivia no longer paid attention to her father’s call. With quick and steady steps, she climbed the stairs of her house, each tread expressing a determination to avoid further confrontation.
“Stop that, dear,” Eleanor said in a soft voice, trying to calm the heated situation.
“That child really can’t be helped,” muttered Edward in a tone of deep disappointment.
However, behind Eleanor’s gentle eyes, there was an unexpected flash of satisfaction. A faint smile was etched on her lips