Chapter 20
Chapter 20 Classmates List
“Could you please keep it down? I can still hear you even if you lower your voice.”
Emma’s resolve began to wane as she remembered they were in Brookline, not Back Bay, and she hadn’t told her parents that Jane Taylor wanted them to divorce.
“Pack up and come home with me! As Luc stood up and got dressed, a soft knack on the door interrupted them. “Emma, Lut, are you up yet? Hurry up and wash up: Mom has already brought breakfast”
Catherine’s gentle voice called from outside. Emma replied. “Mom, I’m up! I’ll be out soon‘
“Shall we have breakfast first and then talk? Emma didn’t want to discuss the divorce here She had momentarily lost her head, forgetting their parents were still at home Any hint of trouble could worry them, and she wanted to avoid that
Seeing Emma revert to her usual obedient self, Luc’s gloomy expression lightened slightly “There’s no need, I don’t have my toiletries here” “He never user
never used Emma’s and hadn’t brought his own.
Emma pulled out a new set from the cabinet. This is all brand new toothbrush, towel, everything. Oh, and I can ask my mom to get you a disposable cup for water. You wont mind using my toothpaste, will you?”
Luc Taylor accepted the toiletries with an air of arogance, leaving the room without acknowledging the hint of coldness in Emma’s voice. Emma watched him go, her slight smile fading into a cold glare. Did he think he was in charge?
When Luc entered the bathroom, Emma returned to bed, planning to wait for him to finish before she went in. She glanced at her phone and saw on Instagram notification: “Check out my friends‘ circle, the list for the high school reunion is out. It’s set for next Saturday and only high school classmates can see it.”
Emma’s heart sank when she saw the name “Steve Thomson.
When did he come back?
It had been seven years, hacht Her fingers tightened around her phone as she lost herself in thought
Emma, Luc is done washing up, you should hurry!” Her mother called from the dining room, setting the breakfast table if they took too long the food would get cold When Emma didn’t respond. Catherine called again, “Emma?“|||||
Still no answer. Concerned Catherine entered Emma’s room. “Emma, Mom is talking to you. Didn’t you hear?
Snapping back to reality. Emma looked dazed “Mom, I was just talking to Lisa, I didn’t hear you
“Alright, go freshen up quickly What could you possibly be chatting about so early? Don’t keep Luc waiting
Emma got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, pondering while brushing her teeth. Should she go to the reunion? Honestly, she didn’t want to see him. If she had known he would attend, she wouldnt have agreed to go with Lisa
“Emma, are you done yet? You’ve kept Luc waiting too long! This isn’t like you!
“Mom, you all eat first. Don’t wait for me.”
e she knew this. If he
Nine out often sentences revolved around Luc. Why the intimacy? The more she tried to please him, the less he took her seriously. From experience, she didn’t want to wait, let him go.
After another ten minutes, Emma emerged from the bathroom. Seeing her parents and Luc already seated at the table, she noticed her mother had been serving Luc, urging him to try this and that She walked over slowly, surveying the breakfast spread–over ten varieties: pancakes, sweet rolls, seafood conges, custard buns croissanta, scrambled eggs, milk, and more.
Mostly sweets. Emma frowned slightly. When had she and her dad ever enjoyed such a lavish breakfast? This was all thanks to Luc. Did Mom go to a
go to a fancy cafe? “Emma has always been slow since she was a child, always a step behind others. Just get used to it!” Mother Johnson chuckled, sharing her daughter’s temperament with
“Why are you still standing these? Come and sit!” she urged Emma again!
“Oh Emma took a sest next to her dad 3
Cathenne winked at her, signaling her to sit next to Luc. Why sit squeezed next to her dad instead of next to Lue
Emma chose a spot as far from Luc as possible, purposely ignoring her mother’s silent suggestion. She served herself a plate of scrambled eggs without a word to Luc and began to eat
Child, Luc likes sweet foods. Move that plate of pancakes and pasines in front of you to him.”
Emma thought, “Doesn’t he have hands? Mom, you keep trying to please him, but you should see if he’s even interested?
“Lue, eat up! My mother specifically bought these for you. She practically brought back all the sweets from the cafe. Don’t let her good intentions go to waste.
“What are you saying, child? Did I buy out the whole place? I just picked up a few things,” Mrs. Johnson replied, a hint of embarrassment in her tone, but her eyes sparkled with joy. She was genuinely happy, even if she denied it 3
“Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson Lue replied indifferently, his tone carrying a certain aloofness
Mr. Johnson might not appreciate Luc’s attitude toward his daughter, but basic politeness prompted him to great Luc. “Luc, Emma’s mother didn’t know your preferences, so she just ordered same sandwiches, if they don’t suit your taste, let her know, and she can prepare something else for you. Make yourself at home, no need to be so formal.” Mr. Johnson didn’t refer to her as “your mother in law” but as “Emma’s mother. A flicker of surprise crossed Luc’s face, but he quickly masked it
He might show respect to his parents on the surface, but he probably didn’t enjoy their company. At fifty, Mr. Johnson understood the nuances of social interaction
Sening Catherine trying hard to please Luc. he wondered if she was trying to climb the social ladder. The Taylor family was wealthy and influential, but the Johnson family oard them enthing Did she think that by going out of her way to please him, the Taylor family would look favorably upon her daughter?
“Luc, your father in law is right. If the food doesn’t suit you, just tell me, and I can cook something else for you’l
“Mother–in–law, that’s not necessary. The food is
great.”
Luc glanced at Emma, who was enjoying her meal, Noticing her silence, he took a few bites with his fork, finishing half a plate before stopping
Mother Johnson’s enthusiasm waned as she considered going to the kitchen to make him dessert.
“Emma, can you eat a bit slower and act with more grace? Who eats this fast? Mother Johnson looked at Luc, assuming he was disgusted by her daughter’s m
Luc frowned but said nothing,
“Mom, I’m hungry! Besides, grace isn’t just about eating. I rarely get to enjoy a breakfast made by you. Shouldn’t I eat well?”
Catherine was taken aback. Her daughter, who usually took care to present herself well in front of Luc, was now being so dismissive. Instead of appreciating
advice, Emma seemed to blame her for not preparing a better breakfast
Emma used to eat delicately in front of Luc, fearing his judgment. Now, she had a change of heart. What was there to fear?a
If he looked down on her, so be it. If he didn’t like het, fine. If he disliked her, okay then. Who can’t live without whom?
