Chapter 81 Giselle Gets Hurt
Early the next morning,
The family drove to the nearby community church to attend the Thanksgiving service.
"I really need to pray for you and Liam. Look at Patricia—she's been married for two years, and she's not pregnant yet…" Lillian murmured, walking toward the church and holding Emma's hand.
Emma pressed her lips together, casting a pleading glance at Liam.
Meeting her gaze, Liam simply smiled.
"Liam and I aren't planning on having kids yet," Emma said softly, her face flushing slightly.
"There's no rush. You two should have the wedding first," Lillian chuckled.
Emma stopped in front of the prayer area and sat down on the benches at the back.
Liam sat down next to Emma, who was rubbing her leg.
He chuckled, patted her knee, and began massaging it for her.
"Tired after just a short walk? Hmm?" he said with a smile.
Emma shot him a glare.
"Liam, keep your thoughts in check—the pastor is still up front."
"The priest is busy preparing to share the gospel and offer
blessings."
She was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Besides, isn't Thanksgiving all about celebrating the harvest and the gifts of life?" Liam continued.
Emma quickly stood up and walked away, leaving Liam behind.
She hadn't gone far before bumping into a familiar figure.
"Emma."
"David?"
"What are you doing here?" David smiled.
"I came for the Thanksgiving service," she replied casually.
"What a coincidence! Want to walk together?" he asked.
"No, that wouldn't be appropriate." She shook her head.
A warm, large hand wrapped around her waist from behind.
"We meet again," Liam said, the corners of his mouth curving upward.
Glancing at the hand wrapped around Emma's waist, David froze.
"When did you two get together?" he asked.
"We got married the week before last year's Fashion Week." Liam smiled.
He lowered his head and turned to look at the woman beside him.
Blushing, she nodded.
"Well, congratulations." David forced a smile.
——
In the church.
Emma walked beside Liam, who held a candle in his hands.
The crowd moved forward slowly.
A ring of soft wax formed around the candle in his hand, slowly trickling down onto the back of his hand and his cuff.
"Oh, sorry."
A voice came from behind them.
A girl gently bumped into Liam's back.
Liam leaned back slightly.
Wax dripped onto her fair hand, leaving a faint red mark.
"I'm sorry," she said, looking up. "Mr. Hayes, Emma…"
"Director Giselle." Liam's slightly furrowed brow relaxed a bit.
Emma nodded with a smile.
"Sorry, I lost my balance just now..." Giselle explained.
"It's fine," Liam said.
They continued walking.
After the service, everyone went to the banquet hall next to the church for a meal.
They all gathered around the same table, with Giselle and her parents joining them.
"Fortunately, you showed up early. Giselle would be the one with Liam," Hunter whispered.
Looking at Giselle, Emma lost in thought.
Liam reached out and gently tapped her forehead.
"What's wrong?" She frowned, covering her forehead.
"Maybe you should look in the mirror. It's written all over your face."
"You're reading too much into it," she pouted.
"Tell me what I'm thinking? Hmm?"
"Liam, you really should go see a doctor..."
Hunter stood nearby, stifling a laugh.
Emma picked up a spoonful of eggs and put them on his plate.
"Eat up," she said.
"Thank you, honey..." he murmured.
After the dinner, Giselle's parents rode home with Liam's parents.
"Give Giselle a ride home, Liam," Lillian said before leaving.
"No need, I can take a taxi." Giselle declined.
She didn't want to be the third wheel.
"Get in," Liam said, resting one hand on the steering wheel.
Emma, who was sitting next to him, leaned over. "It's hard to hail a cab here. Let's go together."
Giselle nodded and slid into the car.
"Where do you live now?" Liam asked.
"I'm still living in the same apartment," Giselle said, sitting in the backseat.
Emma's heart sank slightly.
Are they so familiar with each other?
"Alright," Liam nodded and started the car.
The three of them barely spoke the whole way there.
Not until they dropped Giselle off at the entrance of her apartment building.
"Thanks, Liam. Thanks, Emma!" Giselle said with a smile, standing by the car.
Once the car had pulled out of the complex, Liam reached over and pinched Emma's cheek.
Emma turned her head away.
"You're really jealous." He laughed.
He pulled the car over, unbuckled his seatbelt, and turned to look at her.
"What are you doing?" Emma asked, frowning.
"When did you start getting upset?" he asked. "Was it when we were having dinner, when I agreed to drive her home, or even earlier?"
"Is that really what you want—to see me get angry?" she retorted.
"I know exactly what you're thinking, my dear. Your expression can't fool me."
Ignoring him, she pursed her lips.
"I won't drive her home alone next time, okay?" Liam asked, looking at her profile.
Emma nodded in agreement.
He cupped the back of her head and kissed her deeply.
She pushed him away slightly.
As they were about to drive home, Liam's phone rang.
He picked it up and put the call on speaker.
"Liam…" Giselle sobbed.
"Giselle, go ahead." Liam's tone was calm.
"I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to disturb you, but..." A pained intake of breath came through the phone.
"Giselle." His voice was slightly strained, and he tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
Emma frowned.
What is going on?
"My ankle... I think I've sprained it. Could you come pick me up? I called 911, but…" Her words were cut short by a hoarse gasp of pain.
Liam immediately turned the car around. "Don't move. I'll be right there."
Emma sat in the passenger seat, feeling uneasy.