Chapter 66

Emily's eyes flickered a bit. She tilted her head and said, "James, I'll pay you back for all this someday."

James's eyes still sparkled with the fireworks' glow. He sighed. "Do we really have to talk about this now?"

Emily kissed him softly, smiled, and whispered, "James, thanks for today."

James had given her dignity when she needed it most.

James stared at her. "If you're so grateful, then give me something."

Emily playfully pinched his earlobe and asked, "What do you want?"

James replied slowly, "I want you to acknowledge me as your boyfriend in public."

Emily's hand paused. She pulled back and chuckled.

"James, that's not funny. You already called me your girlfriend today,and it's already hard to explain the real deal to my colleagues tomorrow. Plus,it'll definitely make headlines."

Emily looked a bit troubled.

James's smile faded a bit, and he said seriously, "Are you denying it? You don't want to be my girlfriend?"

Emily shook her head. "I set some ground rules when I'm with you."

"I thought you'd be really touched tonight." James gently played with her hair, his gaze dropping with a hint of disappointment.

Emily hesitated to meet his eyes and spoke softly, "I appreciate your support, but this is different. I don't want to solve one problem just to face another."

James raised an eyebrow. "You think I'm a problem?"

Emily nodded naturally. First, their backgrounds were too different.Second, she knew James had two older brothers and a sister, all with different mothers, and their relationships were strained.

These siblings held key positions in the Smith family's business empire.Their spouses were also top figures in the industry, making it a marriage of equals. Plus, their kids were only a few years younger than James and were already getting involved inthe family business.

James became CEO of Golden Birch Group with his grandfather's help,but his shares were less than his three siblings combined. They were united against him.

James was capable, no doubt. Otherwise, even with his grandfather's help,he wouldn't have held onto his position.

James also had a full brother he got along with, but his brother didn't want to be involved in the company and couldn't help him.

James might seem powerful, but it was lonely at the top. Emily didn't want to get tangled in such a complicated situation.

James kept staring at Emily, realizing she was serious. He suddenly felt a bit choked up. "Everyone else sees me as a support, but you see me as a problem,"

All the setbacks James hadI faced in his life were because of Emily. This frustrated him. Emily just smiled lightly.

James knew Emily was right. He was a problem now. Being his wife isn't an easy job. One wrong move, and she could risk her life. So, James didn't dare make promises lightly.

James lowered his head, looking at the bright and beautiful Emily in front of him, feeling a sharp pain in his heart.

In his dark life, Emily had always been his beacon of hope. He couldn't bear to see her get hurt.

He'd face all the dangers alone. No need to drag her into it.

James wrapped his arm around Emily's neck, lowered his head, and kissed her fiercely.

He pressed against her soft lips, gradually intensifying the kiss. Their lips and tongues intertwined, as if he wanted to consume her entirely.

Emily held him, looking at James seriously. His features were delicate, and when he spoke sweet words and asked for a commitment, she felt a pang of guilt.

She couldn't make eye contact. If she did, she'd give in.

It would be a lie to say she wasn't moved. But she couldn't afford to be moved again. Some promises were too heavy to bear.

They were both smart enough to know that their current arrangement was the best-no talk of emotions or entanglement of interests, just unrestrained hugs, kisses, and lovemaking.

No reservations. If one day they couldn't stand each other, they could just walk away.

James's kiss grew more intense. He wished he could merge Emily into his very being.

Amidst the fireworks, John approached from below. He couldn't hear their words, but he could see the tender, affectionate, indulgent, and inclusive look in their eyes.

When the two embraced and kissed, it felt like a knife stabbing into his heart, making it hard to breathe.

After Emily was taken away, John knew she would become his wife,so he protected and cherished her.

He gave Emily many firsts-the first time holding hands, the first time fighting for a girl, the first date.

He used to think watching movies was boring, but with Emily,everything felt natural.

Every day with Emily was fulfilling and joyful. If she was unhappy or uncomfortable, he would make her happy and help her adapt to the elite life. He would support her and lift her spirits.

However, as Emily's excellence grew, John's jealousy gradually took hold.

He hated her excellence and hated seeing countless admirers behind her.So when Veda deceived him, he didn't hesitate to believe it.

In John's mind, Emily should be vain. She should still be the insecure and sensitive girl she used to be, hiding behind him and seeking his protection.

It wasn't until today that John realized Emily had always been radiant.She never bothered to argue with Veda, let alone with anything about the Johnson family.

Realizing he had pushed Emily away with his own hands, John felt endless regret.

He was with Veda to retaliate against Emily. He wanted to see her lose control and beg him. But none of that happened. And now, it's too late.

John forced a smile. While the two were still kissing passionately, he felt his eyes getting moist.

He turned and walked away. He was an adult now and had to take responsibility for his actions.