Chapter 10: James Got Jealous

Emily felt his eyes on her, and her heart did a little flip as a wave of emotion washed over her.

Sometimes, she couldn't help but wonder: if she hadn't agreed to marry into the Smith Family, would she and Samuel have ended up together?

She quickly shook her head, trying to clear away those unrealistic thoughts.

Even if her marriage to James was just for show, she couldn't cheat. The Smith Family had a reputation, and she couldn't tarnish it.

The sky was getting darker.

"It's getting late. Let me take you home," Samuel's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Thanks, but I'll just grab a cab," Emily said instinctively. Besides her family and Evelyn, she hadn't told anyone about her marriage to James, and she didn't want to make things awkward for Samuel.

"It's not safe. It's too late for you to be taking a cab alone. Let me drive you," Samuel insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

As the night deepened, the neon lights around them lit up their faces as they walked side by side.

They chatted on and off, reminiscing about funny college stories and catching up on their current lives, creating a warm, nostalgic vibe.

"Remember that time you helped me with my studies, but I lost all your notes? You were so mad you turned red," Emily laughed, her voice filled with nostalgia.

"Yeah, you still owe me a meal for that. But it's been so long, I wonder if you even remember," Samuel laughed too, as if they were back in their carefree student days.

"Of course, I remember. I'll definitely treat you to that meal as an apology," Emily said, her eyes lingering on Samuel's face. Neither of them noticed the Maybach quietly trailing them.

Samuel suddenly stopped, his eyes locked on Emily. In the night, his gaze was bright, like it held a thousand stars. Emily felt a bit uneasy under his stare and was about to speak when Samuel beat her to it, "Emily, have you been well all these years?"

Emily was caught off guard for a moment, then smiled and said, "I've been good. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, it's just that seeing you now makes me really happy," Samuel hesitated, a mix of emotions flickering in his eyes. "Emily, do you remember when we first met?"

Emily was surprised he brought it up, and her mind drifted back to those days.

"Of course, I remember. You had just transferred and were the talk of the school. So many girls wrote you love letters, but you didn't look at any of them," Emily recalled, a smile forming on her lips.

"And you?" Samuel's voice deepened. "Did you ever think about writing me a love letter?"

Emily's heart raced, and her cheeks turned pink. "I was just focused on studying back then. I never thought about dating."

"But I liked you. From the first time I saw you, I liked you," Samuel said firmly, his gaze intense.

Emily was completely stunned. She had imagined countless scenarios but never thought Samuel would say something like this.

The streetlights cast long shadows of Emily and Samuel, and the occasional evening breeze brought a hint of early summer heat.

Emily felt super awkward and unconsciously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Samuel's eyes followed the movement, landing on her neck.

Sitting in the car, James clenched his fists so tight his knuckles turned white.

"Emily, remember in college, you always said you wanted a boyfriend..." Samuel's voice trailed off, like he was hesitating.

"Like me." Samuel added, his eyes unusually determined, "Emily, I really like you. I just didn't have the guts to say it back then."

Emily stood there like a statue, completely at a loss.

She never expected Samuel to suddenly confess, especially when she was about to marry James.

"Samuel, you must be joking," Emily tried to cover up her panic but had no idea what to say.

"I'm not joking!" Samuel grabbed her hand, his gaze intense. "Emily, give me a chance to date you, okay?"

Emily's hand was trapped in his, the warmth from his palm spreading through her skin, making her feel flustered.

She wanted to pull her hand back, but he held on even tighter.

Suddenly, a black Maybach, like a predator in the night, screeched to a halt in front of them. The piercing sound of the brakes and the blinding lights made Emily instinctively close her eyes.

The next second, the car window slowly rolled down.

"Get in the car!" James commanded coldly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Samuel was also startled by the sudden turn of events. He instinctively shielded Emily and looked warily at the newcomer.

"James, why are you here?" Emily's voice trembled. She had no idea when James had arrived or what he had seen.

James ignored her and instead fixed his cold gaze on Emily and Samuel, his lips moving slightly as he repeated, "I said, get in the car!"

Samuel took a step forward, blocking James's icy stare, and asked defiantly, "Emily, who is this guy?"

The sudden question put Emily in a tough spot. She looked at Samuel, then at the grim-faced James, not knowing what to do. "Samuel, he is my..."

"Fiancé" was stuck in Emily's throat, unable to come out.

"No need to explain, I get it," Samuel smiled bitterly, his eyes full of reluctance and helplessness, "Get in the car, don't keep him waiting."

Emily bit her lip and finally chose to walk towards James, lowering her head and silently getting into the car.

The black Maybach roared away, leaving Samuel standing alone, staring at the receding taillights with a complex expression.

Inside the car, the atmosphere was so tense it was almost suffocating.

Robert, who was driving, glanced in the rearview mirror and saw James sitting silently, his stern profile looking even more chiseled under the dim car lights, exuding an intimidating aura.

He thought to himself, 'This is bad. I haven't seen Mr. Smith this angry before.'

Because of James's delicate relationship with the Smith Family and his experiences growing up, he had developed a reserved personality, never showing his emotions.

Emily secretly glanced at James, feeling anxious and unsure of what to say to break the suffocating silence.