Chapter Twenty -Seven: It's You!

The warm rays of sunshine streamed through the window, putting a golden glow over Emma's cool, blue chamber. She was curled in her warm recliner, a lovely blanket spread over her legs, engaged in the pages of a magazine.

As she flipped each page, her eyes bounced over the bright graphics and engaging content. The room was filled with a beautiful quiet, disturbed only by the delicate rustling of pages and the distant chirping of birds outside.

Emma's room, decked in colors of serene blue, projected a feeling of tranquility and reflection. The walls were filled with framed images and artwork, each carrying a beloved memory or uplifting message. A lovely vase of fresh flowers rested on the ledge, their pleasant aroma blending with the warm air that flowed in.

Emma's heart skipped a beat when she heard the raucous laughing of two guys echoing from below. Her interest peaked, she went for her phone and saw Jason's name flashing on the screen. With a fast swipe, she answered the call, verifying that the caller was definitely Raymond, Jason's cousin and he had requested her to come downstairs.

She hurriedly walked into the bathroom to refresh herself and headed downstairs.

“Hey Emma,” Raymond smiled at Emma.

“Hello Ray,” Emma said, smiling back

"Hey Emma! You won't believe who just came in," Jason said, his voice filled with delight. "It's Raymond, my cousin! He wants to take us out tonight to connect. What do you say? Ready for some fun and excitement?"

Emma's heart beat with a combination of dread and exhilaration. The concept of moving out of her comfort zone and embracing the unknown appealed to her. This may be the ideal time to make memories and let go of her doubts.

Taking a deep breath, Emma said, "Count me in, Jason! I'm eager to enjoy the night and create some great experiences. Let's go out and have a fun!"

With that, Emma's doubts and concerns melted away, replaced by a fresh desire to grasp any chance that came her way.

Meanwhile Raymond was so thrilled his idea with Brian worked well.

Over the previous three weeks, Raymond and Brian hammered out the specifics of their strategy. They would go to the same club on a night when they knew Emma and Jason would be there. Raymond would arrange Brian in an area where he could readily be seen by Emma, but not by Jason. Then, Raymond would try his best to keep Jason preoccupied so he wouldn't realize what was occurring.

Raymond hadn't expected things to work out so smoothly. Jason is often recognized as a hard nut to crack.

He was going to connect Emma up with Brain and he wasn't sorry. Jason had always had everything. The inheritance, the affection and care of the Arstors family, and now even a fine attractive woman? No way.

“Alright guys, see you guys at night!” Raymond stated

*********

Finally, the big night came. Brian felt a combination of eagerness and trepidation as he got ready. He dressed on his nicest clothing and examined himself in the mirror, hoping he looked his best. Then, he caught up with Raymond outside the club and together they headed inside. Raymond led Brian to the area they had picked, and Brian took a big breath as he saw Emma and Jason come in.

He couldn't believe this was truly occurring. Emma appeared even more lovely than he recalled, and he felt his heart skip a beat as she went past. He attempted to capture her sight, but she didn't appear to notice him.

"Don't worry," Raymond murmured in his ear. "I'll make sure she sees you. Just be patient.”

As the night wore on, Brian started to lose hope. Emma and Jason had been there for hours, but she still hadn't spotted him. Raymond was trying his best to distract Jason, but nothing appeared to be working.

Finally, just as Brian was ready to quit up, he noticed Emma's gaze travel in his way. For a minute, they met gazes, and he felt a wave of exhilaration. But suddenly, her eyes went away, and she looked back to her husband.

Brian felt his heart drop. But then, something fantastic occurred.

Emma turned back towards him, and this time, she smiled. Brian's heart jumped in his chest. Was it conceivable that she recognized him? He wouldn't even play with the possibility of trusting, yet he was unable to keep the sense from getting elation he felt.

Emma excused herself from her spouse and proceeded to head towards the bathroom.

Brian stood up instantly and headed towards her.

“Hello,” He said.

Emma glanced in the direction of the speaker. As he neared, he could see the familiarity in her eyes. A grin flashed over her face, and she replied, ” Is it really you?"

"It's me," he replied, passion laced in his voice. "I can't believe it's you. You look amazing!”

“The guy from the club, we meet again!” Emma responded as she grinned warmly.

Brian felt his stomach plummet. Guy from the club? She still didn't recognize him?

He plastered a grin on as he headed towards her. “Oh, hey.. I'm Brian Benson,"he said.

Emma's heart skipped. Brian Benson? That's the name of her childhood closest friend, Brian who departed New York years ago and It's weird that this person standing before her now seems strangely similar.

“Brian Benson?” Emma asked, as perplexed.

“Yeah, Emma Miller. I have missed you so much,” Brian couldn't hold it anymore.

Emma was silent for a time as she peered deeply into his eyes. It was actually Brian!

For a minute, she merely gazed at him, her face inscrutable. But suddenly a grin came over her face.

"Brian?" she questioned, her voice laced with amazement. "Is it really you?"

"It's me," he answered, his voice a touch flimsy. "I can't really accept that it's been for such a long time. You look perfect."

Emma flushed, her cheeks going dark red. "You look brilliant as well. I can't really accept that we're seeing another once more, after so long."

"I know, it's insane," Brian answered, still in somewhat of a fog. "It resembles a marvel of some sort or another."

Emma giggled. "I understand what you mean. It appears to be somewhat bizarre, doesn't it?"

Both of them remained there, basically gazing at each another.