Chapter 147: Give Him a Good Brainwashing
"Emily, I really needed to see you. These flowers are for you."
James handed Emily a big bouquet of flowers.
Emily took a step back, her face stern. "I don't want them. Take them back. Didn't I tell you last time not to show up here again?"
"Emily, I know you're mad because of Bianca. I promise, I'm done with her. You said actions speak louder than words, right? Look, I even made it clear online. Can’t you give me another chance?"
James pushed the roses into Emily's arms as he spoke.
Emily frowned. "Take them away. Besides, I never liked roses. Bianca’s the one who likes red roses."
"Sorry, I didn’t bring these because Bianca likes them. I just thought all girls liked roses. I even asked Jace, and he agreed. That’s why I brought them."
James thought his explanation would ease Emily’s annoyance.
Little did he know, Emily’s laughter grew more mocking. "You don’t even bother to understand me, yet you claim you know you were wrong. James, stop pretending. You’re only fooling yourself. There’s no chance for us, ever."
Emily turned to leave, avoiding James.
James stood behind her and shouted, "Emily, you're just saying these things because you're mad. I'm not giving up this time. Whatever you don’t like about me, I’ll learn and change. I’ll show you I mean it."
"Do whatever you want."
Seeing that James seemed incapable of understanding her words, Emily knew it was pointless to argue further. As long as he didn’t disrupt her life, she wouldn’t pay him any mind. But if he did, she wouldn’t be so polite.
James, however, took her offhand comment as a sign of softening and shamelessly shouted, "Alright, just wait and see!"
Since Emily didn’t want the roses, he tossed them into the trash can.
The trash can was conveniently placed between Emily and Daniel’s houses. When Daniel came out, he saw James with the roses.
He immediately guessed who the flowers were for and shot James a piercing look.
"Didn’t I warn you to stop bothering Emily?"
James instinctively feared Daniel. Hearing his cold question, he lowered his head. But soon, he realized he couldn’t back down on this matter. He was determined to compete with Daniel for Emily.
If he and Daniel had known Emily for the same amount of time, he might not have the confidence to compete. But he believed he had a foundational bond with Emily, especially since they’d supported each other through tough times.
Gaining confidence, James met Daniel's sharp gaze. "Daniel, I know you're strong and that I might not match you in a lot of ways. But feelings aren't about that. You don't get the days Emily and I supported each other. No one can compare to that."
"I believe that if I own up to my mistakes and fix them, Emily will choose me. Not even you can change that."
"How dare you talk to Mr. Smith like that!" York scolded.
Daniel motioned for York to stop, and he fell silent.
Daniel looked at James with a knowing expression. "You don't understand Emily. You underestimate her strength. She went through tough times as a kid and came out stronger. She won't change her mind just because you figured out you were wrong."
"I do understand her. That's why I know she won't give up easily, and she won't give up on me."
James stayed stubborn.
"York!"
Daniel glanced at James with disdain, not wanting to look at him any longer. "Seems like he needs a wake-up call. Take him to the pool for a good rinse. Maybe then he'll get it."
Daniel then got into his car.
York promptly grabbed James and started dragging him towards the house.
James tried to struggle, but York's words made him stop. "No one defies Mr. Smith's orders. The consequences would be much worse. Think carefully before you act."
James didn't dare move after that. He was then thrown into the pool by the bodyguards.
James choked on a mouthful of water as he struggled to stand. The bodyguards pushed him back under repeatedly until Daniel gave the order to stop.
Finally free, James was exhausted and looked terrible. The bodyguards carried him back to where Kade and the others were staying.
"What are you doing? Do you know who we are? We're with the Smith family. How dare you harm my son!" Kade demanded.
The bodyguards, having completed their task, ignored Kade and left without a word.
"Stop! You can't leave without explaining!" Kade shouted.
James, looking miserable, grabbed Kade's shirt. "Dad, let them go. I don't feel well. Get a doctor."
Concerned for his son's health, Kade called for the family doctor. Though James looked bad, the doctor determined he just needed rest.
Kade was relieved but still curious about what happened. James anticipated his questions and knew if he mentioned Daniel, Kade would urge him to stay away from Emily to avoid trouble.
But James was possessive and determined. Emily was his, and not even Daniel could change that.
Kade, seeing James "asleep," left for work. James immediately called Jace. "Find out where Emily is."
Soon, he learned Emily was at the clinic. He smiled and, with two bodyguards, headed to see her.