Chapter 4 Giving her a lift

Emma was already at the reception, her heart fluttering with surprise as she saw Diana walking toward her accompanied by the Boss. "What's going on, Diana?" she whispered, curiosity evident in her voice. "He insisted on taking us home," Diana replied quietly, a hint of uncertainty in her tone. Emma blinked in disbelief, overwhelmed. "Wow... he is just so handsome," she gawked, admiration and a touch of longing in her eyes. When they reached the car, Kane walked ahead and opened the passenger door for Diana. She hopped in quickly, and he moved around to the driver's seat.

Emma stood there for a moment, feeling dazed and unnoticed. "Come on, babe, why are you still standing?" Diana called out, concern lacing her words. "Nothing, babe," Emma muttered, hiding her feelings as she slid into the back seat. Kane started the engine, and an uncomfortable silence enveloped the car. Diana spoke only to give directions when necessary. As they approached Emma's street, Diana said softly, "You can drop me off at the junction." Emma alighted from the car, whispering a soft, "Good night, babe." Diana watched her go, her heart heavy with worry. What's wrong with her? she wondered, but quickly brushed it aside, not wanting to dwell on it. "Turn left; I'm stopping at the nearest junction, sir," Diana instructed softly. "I'm dropping you at the front of your house," Kane replied flatly. Diana blinked, momentarily speechless, taken aback by his insistence. When they arrived, she pointed. "Here we are, sir. This is my house. Thanks for the ride; I appreciate it." Kane nodded and parked the car, but Diana stepped out quickly. "Goodnight, sir," she said, hurrying inside before he could say anything. Why is she always running away from me when other ladies would love to hear my voice? Kane sighed to himself, feeling a well of confusion as he started the car and drove off. Meanwhile, at Emma's house, she found her mother, Mrs. Sonia Ambrose, still awake while her younger siblings had already gone to bed. "Good evening, Mom," she greeted softly. "Welcome back, Emma. How was work today?" her mother asked, her voice tinged with emotion. "Work is fine, Mum," Emma replied, but her mind was replaying the moment when Kane had opened the door for Diana and completely ignored her. She rolled her eyes but then noticed her mum staring longingly at her late father's portrait. "Mom, don't tell me you've been crying again. It's been two years since we lost Dad. You're still mourning... You haven't been to the shop, and you hardly do anything." "Don't you want Dad to rest peacefully?" her mother asked, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry, Emma," her mother sniffed. "But I miss him. Ever since he left, I feel incomplete. He took a part of me with him." Emma walked over and enveloped her mother in a warm embrace, feeling the weight of their shared grief. "Mum, you have to pull yourself together. Be strong, if not for anyone else, then for us, your children. Please, if you don't stop crying, you'll make me cry too." "Okay, fine... I won't cry anymore," her mother said, dabbing her eyes with the edge of her blouse. "Now that's my mum," Emma teased gently, trying to lighten the mood. Afterward, Emma made her way into the kitchen, pouring herself some milk and grabbing bread. Once she finished eating, she quietly headed upstairs. She checked on Vanilla, who was fast asleep, and then Brian, who was also in dreamland. Yawning, she entered her own room, changed into her pajamas, and lay on her bed, her mind racing with the events of the day. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and she drifted off to sleep. Back at Diana's home, she was met by her mum, grandma, and dad, who were laughing and chatting in the sitting room. "Good evening, Mum. Evening, Dad. Evening, sugar grandma," she greeted them warmly. "Oh darling, welcome back! How was your first day at work? Hope there were no troubles?" her mother inquired sweetly. "No, Mum, work went well. My boss isn't as cold-hearted as I thought," she replied, a smile breaking through. "Erm... erm," her dad cleared his throat dramatically, causing a ripple of laughter among them. Diana smiled and headed to the dining area, where her mum had left her meal. She ate heartily, feeling the warmth of home surrounding her. After finishing, she took the plates to the kitchen, washed the dishes, and kissed her parents goodnight before going upstairs. Changing into something casual, she lay gently on her bed, her thoughts drifting back to her boss, and she chuckled, remembering how she had run away like a little kid. She switched off the lights and finally let herself drift off to sleep, wrapping herself in the comfort of her family and the sweet hopes of the future.