Chapter 146: Don't Force Me to Slap You When I'm Happy
"Hey, Mr. Smith..."
"What? Are you still calling me Mr. Smith? Didn't we agree you'd call me Daniel?" Daniel raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with amusement.
His voice had a captivating, magnetic quality that made Emily's ears tingle. She was glad they were on the phone; otherwise, her blushing would have given her away.
"Daniel, why are you calling? Is it about your health?" she asked, trying to steer the conversation.
Given how close they lived, he could easily come over unless it was health-related.
Daniel did want to see her but worried about coming off as too clingy and scaring her away. Plus, there was Charles to consider. Emily was beautiful, and even Charles had admitted it. Daniel's possessiveness was something he hadn't fully realized yet.
"My health is fine. I saw the news about the Johnson family. Do you need my help with them?" he asked, trying to gauge her feelings towards the Johnson family.
"No need. They brought it on themselves," Emily replied with a cold laugh. She had carried many burdens alone, especially after being given a second chance at life. Hearing Daniel's voice now brought her a sense of security, making her want to share more.
"If you have anything bothering you, you can tell me," Daniel offered, sensing her mood.
Emily thought for a moment and then shared the story about how she had composed a piece for Chase, only for Bianca to take the credit. When she tried to confront Chase, everyone accused her of being jealous of Bianca's talent without even letting her finish.
"They didn't see how amazing you are. That's their loss. To me, you're the best," Daniel said sincerely.
Not used to receiving such affirmations, Emily felt a bit embarrassed. "I think I'm the best too. It's their loss. So, is this why you called? Don't worry about it. I told Chase and James that Bianca needs to publicly apologize to me online, and then I'll provide the evidence. But they didn't take me seriously. If they come to me again, the price will be higher."
Daniel chuckled, imagining her proud expression on the other end of the line. "Don't hold back. If they give you trouble, just let me know."
Emily felt warm inside from his support. After thanking him sweetly, she hung up and saw an email from L with a link. She clicked it and saw her designs were already being showcased, still in rehearsals, but ready for the final event where Bianca would be brought down from her high horse.
Emily: [Thanks, I knew I could count on you.]
L, surprised by her quick response, replied: [Darling, if you really want to thank me, design a few more pieces. I love your work.]
Emily smiled wryly. She didn't want to ignore him after he had helped her.
Emily: [I've been busy, but I'll find time to create a couple more pieces. Inspiration isn't always there, so don't expect too much.]
L: [You're different. I believe you have plenty of inspiration.]
Emily couldn't help but smile at his unwavering faith in her. She didn't reply and instead sent a message to Floyd, who had been waiting for her to fulfill her promise of volunteering at the free clinic.
Floyd: [Emily, I've been waiting for you. I thought you might forget this month!]
Emily: [Sorry, I've been busy. I haven't forgotten. See you tomorrow.]
Floyd: [Wait, I have a question. Do you mind if more people watch?]
Trusting Floyd, Emily replied: [I don't mind!]
Floyd grinned ear to ear, a rare sight for his family. His grandson even whispered to his mother, "Grandpa looks so happy. Did he find a girlfriend?"
"Don't be silly. If your grandpa hears that, he'll be mad!" Luca, Floyd's son, scolded.
But when Luca saw Floyd's genuine smile, he couldn't help but ask, "Dad, is everything okay?"
"I'm fine, just happy. Don't ruin it!" Floyd retorted, shooing him away.
The next morning, Emily got up early, planning to head to the clinic by eight. She didn't expect to be greeted by a large bouquet of flowers blocking her path.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, recognizing the person and frowning.
A scare first thing in the morning was not what she needed!