Chapter 7 Only The Loser Is Afraid

Emilee observed the dance of flames atop the small cake, stealing a glance at Brennen's unassuming countenance.

She found herself unable to contain the tears that surged in her eyes.

A blend of injustice and vulnerability coursed through her, tinged with a hint of sentiment.

As Brennen settled into his seat, he quipped, "With those shoulders coveted even by international runway stars, lean on them for a bit, my friend!"

Emilee embraced Brennen, and tears traced a delicate path down her cheeks.

After a while elapsed, Brennen tenderly tapped Emilee's back, remarking, "There, there. Stop the tears; the food is growing cold!"

A couple of comforting pats later, unexpectedly, the hooks of Emilee's bra accidentally burst open.

A faint blush tinted Brennen's cheeks.

Emilee, too, stood motionless.

She swiftly released her grip on Brennen, casting a cautious glance.

Brennen offered an awkward smile, saying, "That wasn't intentional, I promise!"

Emilee shielded her chest, a faint blush coloring her face and even tinting her petite ears. "Close your eyes!"

Brennen complied, shutting his eyes and catching only the soft sound of Emilee fastening her bra.

After a moment, Emilee still had not instructed him to unveil his eyes.

When Brennen eventually peeked, he found her immersed in a meal, her gaze fixed upon him.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Brennen lifted his glass, taking a refreshing sip of water.

"Who's staring at you?" Emilee averted her gaze, steering clear of making eye contact with him.

Following a momentary hush, Brennen inquired, "So, what's your plan now?"

Emilee seemed to relish the meal wholeheartedly, shedding any pretense of sophistication as she immersed herself in the flavors, heedless of Brennen's words.

After savoring the last spoonful of soup, Emilee delicately wiped her mouth.

Brennen, rekindling the candles, remarked, "It's nearly midnight; make a wish before it's too late."

Emilee dutifully shut her eyes, hands clasped together.

Upon opening her eyes, she extinguished the candles.

Brennen, posing the familiar question, asked, "What are your plans for the future?"

Emilee glanced at Brennen, responding, "Didn't you promise to take care of both of us?"

Without much contemplation, Brennen agreed, "Sure."

Emilee couldn't shake the feeling that the delivery guy was an audacious commoner.

With bated breath, she inquired, "So, are we destined to remain in this undefined state?"

"Are you proposing we tie the knot?" Brennen, straightforward as ever, declared, "Sure, let's go for it!"

Emilee scoffed. "If we walk down the aisle, both the Patel and Lewis clans won't let you, a mere delivery guy, off the hook. Do you have the guts for that?"

Brennen cleared the tableware, asserting, "Nothing to fear. Do you have the courage to marry a powerless delivery guy like me though?"

Emilee, in a sort of sulky demeanor, retorted, "Yes! Why not? But mind you, my standards are high. If you can't sustain us, I won't hesitate to remarry immediately!"

Brennen extended his hand to wipe Emilee's mouth.

In response, Emilee dodged, but Brennen closed in, gently wiping her lips and playfully pinching her delicate cheeks.

"You're a little troublemaker!"

Emilee regarded the delivery guy before her and surprisingly found him not the least bit annoying.

"Are you backing out?" she challenged.

Brennen checked the time, stating casually, "Let's get married first thing tomorrow morning."

Observing Brennen tackling the dishes, Emilee obstinately retorted, "Fine! Only the timid hesitate! Hope you won't back down then!"

Brennen simply chuckled, his phone buzzing in his pocket. Retrieving it, he noticed the name "James" flashing on the screen.

Sauntering to the balcony, he answered the call. "What's up?"

A youthful voice emanated from the other end. "Boss, are you still in Enceridge?"

Brennen inquired nonchalantly, "Yeah, what's going on?"

"I received intel that Viper, the fourth-ranked assassin on the Hitmen List, is en route to Enceridge to eliminate you."

Brennen arched an eyebrow, a hint of contempt in his reply, "For real?"

"Yeah! Solid intel! Boss, Viper isn't a powerhouse in combat, more of a crafty strategist. Stay vigilant," James cautioned.

Brennen took a long drag of his cigarette, dismissing it casually, "No big deal, don't worry. Just help me track him down; I'll handle him tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Emilee observed Brennen on the balcony.

Her phone incessantly buzzed with calls from Dolores and Draper.

Emilee opted to block both numbers and contemplated turning off her phone.

Just as she was about to do so, Clare's call came through.

Emilee answered, "Hey, Clare! What's up?"

"Happy birthday, darling!"

Emilee responded with a knowing smile. "Thank you."

"I've been so busy today, almost forgot it was your birthday," Clare apologized.

"It's okay." Emilee rested her chin on her hand, stealing occasional glances at Brennen, absorbed in his call on the balcony.

The man seemed surprisingly captivating in his contemplative state.

"Am I the first one to wish you a happy birthday?" Clare inquired.

"The second one actually," Emilee replied, taking a bite of the cake.

"What? Who was the first one? Don't tell me yet, let me think. Your mother, right?" Clare speculated.

Emilee smiled bitterly and said, "No."

"Your dad?"

"Also, no."

"Surely not that damn pig, Cary, right?" Clare interjected with suspicion.

"Nope, it's Brennen." Emilee cut straight to the chase.

"Brennen?" Clare initially seemed unfazed, but in a matter of moments, a string of expletives escaped her lips. "You mean the delivery man?"

Emilee savored another forkful of the delectable, not-too-greasy cake, sporting a placid smile. "Indeed."

"Oh my heavens! You, my friend, you! How on earth did you end up entwined with the delivery guy once more?" Clare's voice hit a higher octave.

Emilee nibbled on her fork. "We're getting hitched officially tomorrow."

"Good grief! Are you out of your mind? Marrying a delivery guy? Come on, Emmie, snap out of it! You come from affluence! He's just a delivery man! Not even fit to run errands for you!" Clare struggled to come to terms with the unfolding scenario.

Anxiously, she implored, "Emmie, it's preferable to embrace solitude than settle for someone beneath your standards! I understand the financial blows the Lewis family has faced, but surrendering isn't the solution!"

Growing increasingly uneasy at Emilee's silence, Clare voiced her concern. "Where are you?"

"At his place."

Clare stood in shock, inhaling deeply before she spoke up again. "Emilee, take a moment to center yourself! Wait for me; I'll find a solution for you. The key to resolving the Lewis family's predicament lies in that upcoming project in the new district.

My grandpa has connections with the heavy hitter who clinched the bid. Girl, grant me some time! I'll personally approach this individual and implore him to collaborate with the Lewis family on the project. You deserve a superior option, not a hasty union with a delivery guy!

Trust me! I'll do whatever it takes to beseech that man for assistance during this tough period! I'm going to plead with him right away!"

With those words, Clare abruptly ended the call.

Emilee stared at her phone's call log, profoundly moved.

On the balcony, Brennen extinguished his cigarette and said into the phone, "Wyvern Villas, A6? Got it."

"Boss, there's something else I think I should mention," James Harvey nervously interjected.

"What is it?" Brennen inquired, toying with his lighter.

James chuckled awkwardly and said, "Elsie Walton asked about your whereabouts the day before yesterday."

Thud!

The lighter hit the ground. Brennen, surprisingly anxious, retorted, "You didn't spill the beans and tell her I'm in Enceridge, did you?"

James laughed awkwardly. "You're well aware of her temper. She had me cornered that day. If I hadn't spilled the beans on your location, she might have really castrated me."

"Well, you shouldn't have betrayed me! We're practically brothers from different mothers!" Brennen exclaimed, visibly agitated.

"Hey, Elsie comes from a powerful background. She's a prominent figure among Sotrith's elite youth, and her family wields influence in both legal and shady dealings. She's gone to great lengths to win you over. Why not consider being with her? Enjoy the good life on her dime."

"Dude, take a hike!"

"Alright then!"

Brennen paced agitatedly on the balcony.

A vision of a pony-tailed woman with a bold, fierce spirit and a mischievous smile danced in his thoughts.

Even Viper, the formidable fourth-ranked hitman, hadn't rattled Brennen as much as she did.

As he pondered how to dodge this persistent woman, his phone vibrated.

An unknown number lit up the screen.

Brennen hesitated, watching as the call rang for several seconds before the other party hung up.

Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, his phone vibrated again.

This time, it was a text message.

He opened it to read.

"Hello, sir. This is Clare Ward, granddaughter of Archie Ward. I apologize for reaching out at this hour, but I'd like to discuss the new district project with you. I have an idea that I think will catch your interest. When would be a convenient time for you?"