Chapter 8 He Came

After a quick nap in her van, Emma woke feeling much better, allowing the afternoon shoot to go smoothly.

As the second female lead, she didn't have many scenes scheduled for the week ahead, as the focus would be on the lead actors. Seizing the opportunity, she decided to take a break and return to Ecatin.

Wanting to surprise Nicola, she bought a variety of her favorite snacks and headed to the hospital, only to discover that Nicola had already been discharged.

Unwilling to waste the thoughtful gesture, Emma arranged for the snacks to be delivered to the Cooper family's home instead. Shortly afterward, her longtime friend, Jenifer Howard, extended an enthusiastic invitation to a high school reunion.

Unable to refuse Jenifer's warmth, Emma agreed.

Emma couldn't help but wonder if Ricky had also been invited, since they had attended the same high school.

The idea lingered after she hung up the phone.

At seven that evening, Jenifer arrived at the Jenner Mansion on time.

Emma kept her look understated, opting for a simple dress layered with a long trench coat, a beret, and a mask before heading out.

The reunion was held in the private dining room of a hotel restaurant, the space abuzz with laughter and chatter.

As Emma and Jenifer stepped inside, their former classmates recognized them immediately, crowding around Emma in excitement.

By seven-thirty, nearly all forty-plus students from their class had arrived. Emma sat beside Jenifer, yet her attention wandered to the conspicuously empty seat on her other side. It felt as though the space had been deliberately left for Ricky.

The event continued, and by eight o'clock, there was still no sign of him.

He was probably not coming.

Emma thought the realization would bring relief, yet a faint sense of disappointment settled in her chest.

Pushing aside the thought, she accepted a few more drinks. She wasn't a strong drinker, and before long, her cheeks were flushed and her head felt light. Jenifer leaned closer, her tone cautious. "Emma, maybe you should stop drinking now."

Emma dismissed the suggestion with a wave of her hand, her voice soft but insistent. "It's fine. I'm happy tonight."

Jenifer's gaze lingered on her knowingly.

"Are you?" she asked, her voice gentle but laced with concern.

......

After finishing a business dinner, Ricky left the private room with Skyler following closely behind. "Mr. Jenner, are you planning to attend the high school reunion?" Skyler asked hesitantly.

"What time is it?"

"Nine o'clock."

"Where's the reunion being held?"

"On the third floor of this hotel."

Ricky stepped into the elevator, his gaze fixed on the row of buttons as the doors slid shut. Skyler reached out to press the button for the first floor, but Ricky's voice broke the silence. "To the third floor," he said coolly.

The elevator descended at a measured pace, stopping with a soft chime at the third floor.

"Room Six, Mr. Jenner," Skyler said.

Ricky nodded briskly. "You can go home now," he said, stepping out.

Skyler paused, offering a slight bow before watching Ricky walk down the corridor and enter Room Six. Only then did he turn and leave.

Inside the room, the air hummed with lively chatter as four tables of former classmates reminisced and laughed.

Ricky scanned the crowd with a quick, practiced glance. His gaze caught Emma, and he paused momentarily, a flicker of surprise crossing his otherwise impassive face.

He hadn't known she would be here.

While the others laughed and mingled, Emma was drinking alone, her cheeks flushed a deep red.

Without a word, Ricky strode over and took the glass from her hand.

"Ricky!" a voice called out excitedly, breaking the moment.

"Ricky's here!" another classmate exclaimed, his tone tinged with awe and enthusiasm.

All eyes shifted to Ricky and Emma.

Though Emma had drunk quite a bit, she remained somewhat aware. Her shimmering eyes turned toward the towering figure beside her.

"You came," she said.

Ricky's expression hardened slightly as he slipped an arm around her to help her stand. Emma swayed, unsteady on her feet, and stumbled into his chest, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck. Her warm breath brushed against his skin, carrying the faint scent of alcohol, sending a barely perceptible shiver along his spine.

"You're drunk," Ricky said.

Emma lifted her face to meet his gaze, her voice lilting and soft. "No, I'm perfectly sober," she murmured, though the haze in her eyes told a different story.

Ricky's eyes swept the room, taking in the curious stares of their classmates. His voice remained even as he spoke. "Sorry, she's had too much to drink. I'll take her home. Enjoy the rest of your evening."