In the bathroom, Emily peeled off her mud and grass-stained clothes, revealing her smooth, tender skin, full and firm breasts, and a long, well-proportioned lower body with no trace of excess fat. She stood there, staring at her naked reflection in the mirror, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.
The bathtub was surrounded by fancy tiles, and a crystal chandelier hung above, casting a dazzling light on the water through the translucent crystals, creating a radiant reflection. The whole setup made the bathtub look even more spacious and luxurious, like a private oasis.
Emily dipped her hand in the water but didn't get in. Instead, she turned on the shower next to her. Warm water cascaded down, washing away her exhaustion.
Outside the bathroom, Patrick and Marlon sat on the sofa, facing each other. Patrick heard the water running and frowned, a hint of annoyance in his eyes.
The living room suddenly felt awkward. Marlon grabbed the remote and switched the TV to the gaming interface.
"Wanna play a game?" Marlon asked.
Patrick and Marlon had met while studying abroad, but they didn't know each other's backgrounds at first. They were the most absent students in class, but Patrick, despite skipping a lot, still aced every course, while Marlon hovered between C's and D's.
Surprisingly, they ended up in the same group for the Global Programming Challenge League. The competition was fierce, but their teamwork and skills led them to win the championship in the global finals.
That was years ago.
"Sure," Patrick said, grabbing a game controller.
It was a popular competitive game that required top-notch skills and strategy. As the game started, the screen lit up with intense battle scenes.
Marlon quickly took the lead, thanks to his gaming prowess. He controlled his character while teasing Patrick, "What's up, Patrick? Haven't seen you in years, and your gaming skills have gone downhill."
Patrick ignored him, focusing on the game. He didn't want to lose this time. With a deep understanding of the game rules and some clever tactics, he started to turn the tide.
The showdown got more intense, with dazzling skills and effects flashing on the screen. Marlon didn't want to lose either.
The game duel lasted a long time, and in the end, Marlon narrowly defeated Patrick. He looked at Patrick's slightly resentful eyes and smiled, "Mr. Rivera, it's just a game, don't take it too seriously."
Patrick glanced at Marlon and chose not to respond.
Just then, the bathroom door opened, and amidst the steam, Emily emerged. Her full breasts pressed against her clothes, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, and water droplets slid down her cheeks, leaving glistening trails.
She looked a bit confused as she glanced at Patrick on the sofa, surprised to see him there. Emily found it hard to believe but didn't show it too much.
After all, she was pretty disappointed in Patrick.
Patrick's expression darkened when he saw Emily. He couldn't understand why she had come to his house with Marlon. But when he noticed she was still wearing those slightly dirty clothes, his expression softened a bit.
Ever since Emily had frantically searched for the bracelet at the company, Patrick's eyes hadn't left her. Especially after seeing Marlon whisk her away, he followed closely behind.
"I remember I left a new outfit for you in the bathroom. Why haven't you changed?" Marlon asked softly.
"No need, I can wear this," Emily replied.
Seeing Emily ignore him, Patrick couldn't hold back. He stood up, walked over to her, and grabbed her wrist tightly.
Patrick whispered in her ear, "You're really something. I've only been gone a while, yet you're already so impatient and went in another man's home!"
But Emily shook off his hand with all her strength, glaring at him coldly.
"What I do is none of your business! Mr. Rivera, please mind your own behavior!" she snapped.
"None of my business? Emily, wake up, you're on vacation now! As long as you're with the Rivera Group, you belong to me!" Patrick shot back.
Emily looked at him, feeling a mix of emotions.
Patrick was always so domineering, wanting everything to go his way. She knew it was just a front. Despite his tough exterior, she had seen his kind and soft heart. He's been through so much since he was a child that he's always kept his guard up. She tried to warm him up and soothe his insecurities, but it seemed she was just wishful thinking. Now, she might need to rethink their relationship.
"Patrick, you've been really out of line this time!" Marlon stepped in, trying to defuse the tension.
Ignoring Marlon, Patrick's eyes zeroed in on the bracelet on Emily's wrist.
"Which guy gave you this bracelet?" he demanded.
Marlon felt helpless, realizing Patrick had misunderstood.
Emily looked at Patrick, trying to understand him, but did he ever try to understand her?
"Patrick, what's wrong with you? How long have you known Emily? Don't you know what kind of person she is?" Marlon said, exasperated.
Glaring at Marlon, Patrick retorted, "I don't need your reminder. I know her better than anyone!"
Marlon continued, "This bracelet is the last and only thing her father left her."
"What!" Patrick was genuinely surprised. He knew how much Emily cherished that bracelet but never realized it was from her father.
"Now that you know, Mr. Rivera, please leave. I have nothing more to say to you," Emily said seriously.
Before this, Emily couldn't have imagined herself saying such cold words to Patrick because he always had a special place in her heart.
Patrick felt a mix of self-blame and anger. Emily had never confided in him about these things. Even when he was upset, she never explained, but she easily told Marlon everything.
"Come with me!" Patrick demanded, looking at Emily firmly.
They stood in a stalemate for a while, but then Emily's stomach growled.
"How about I treat you both? Let's go out for a meal together," Marlon suggested.
The three of them went to a restaurant.
Marlon and Emily sat on one side, while Patrick sat opposite Emily. The restaurant was small but a famous internet celebrity spot, only accommodating 20 guests a day.
The three of them sat in silence, the atmosphere becoming extremely awkward.
Just then, Shirley walked over slowly. "Patrick, what are you doing here? You were supposed to come with Karen for dinner. Karen just called and might not make it in time. I was just about to leave!"