Because I Was an and He Threw Away 56

Chapter 56 Liquid Courage 

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Aaron sat through the meal with apt attention, stealing, furtive glances at Emily every now and then. On one of those glances, he’d reach over and scoop up a forkful of food for her, 

Emily watched Aaron indulging in the drinking and chatting, He seemed to be having a good time, so she didn’t want to ruin it. Instead, she just let the family’s little party roll on. 

The meal stretched on. Molly was fighting sleep, while Henry and Aaron were still knocking back the booze. 

Ryan noticed his daughter’s droopy eyes, so he got up, scooped Molly into his arms, and decided to speak up, “Dad, you’ve had enough. Don’t go overboard.” 

Henry just waved him off. “Got it,” he mumbled. 

Ryan didn’t press the issue. He carried Molly upstairs, and Chloe trailed after them. 

With Aaron still at the table, Emily stuck around to keep the him 

company, 

It was half–ten before Linda managed to pry the bottle away from Henry. 

They’d split two bottles of wine. Aaron was holding his liquor well, but Henry, who was over fifty, threw up and had to be 

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helped to his room by the maid. 

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Worried sick about Aaron, Emily scurried to fetch him a glass of warm water. “Here, take a sip,” she offered. 

The glass was gently taken from her hands by Aaron, who then responded with a tender smile, “Your dad made it sound like you’ve had a tough time,” he remarked. 

Emily remained tight–lipped, allowing the silence to fill the space between them. 

Earlier, as the alcohol loosened Henry’s tongue, he started spilling Emily’s sob story. 

She tried to hush him up, but he was on a roll, going on and on about how tough she’d had it. 

Noticing Emily’s unease, Aaron didn’t press for more details. After taking a few sips of water, he declared, “I should leave.” 

Up from her seat, Emily sprang. “Let me see you off,” she firmly stated. 

Aaron tried to wave her off. “It’s all good. I’ll call a driver,” he said. 

But Emily wasn’t taking no for an answer. “I’ll just walk you out and wait till the driver gets here,” she said. 

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Aaron eyed her feet, about to protest, but she cut him off. 

“Let’s go,” she said, leaving no room for argument. 

Once outside, the cold wind whipped at their faces. Aaron turned to look at Emily. 

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Her makeup was understated, and her long hair was a mess in 

the wind. 

After hearing Henry’s tales, Aaron’s heart ached for her. “Emily, 

I…” 

Aaron had had a fair amount to drink, but he was far from drunk. His mind was as sharp as a tack. 

Maybe it was the liquid courage, but he suddenly wanted to tell her how he felt. 

Just then, Emily’s phone rang. 

Emily was secretly grateful for the interruption. 

She wasn’t sure what Aaron was about to say, but she had a sneaking suspicion. 

They were old schoolmates, but it was clear as day that Aaron had more than friendly feelings for her. 

Sometimes, it was best to leave well–enough alone. 

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She glanced down at her phone and saw it was her hospital leader calling. 

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However, Emily ignored it because the driver had pulled up. 

“Aaron, hop in. Text me when you’re home,” she said. 

Aaron looked at her, his lips parting, but then he thought better of it. 

He swallowed his words. 

After all these years, he still remembered the first time he’d laid eyes on Emily like it was yesterday. 

Hopping into the car, Aaron took a seat in the back. He then turned to Emily and said, “Get back and rest up, okay?” 

“Sure, you, too,” Emily responded with a nod. 

A gentle smile spread across Aaron’s face as he replied, “Alright.” 

After watching the car drive off, Emily slowly made her way toward Carter Manor. 

Just then, a hand reached out to support her. 

“Chloe?” Emily’s voice was laced with shock and surprise. 

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“Ryan sent me,” Chloe explained. 

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Tears welled up in Emily’s eyes as she expressed her gratitude, “Thanks, you guys.” 

Then, Chloe brought up, “Ryan is also curious about what you think of Aaron.” 

Taken a bit aback, Emily paused before speaking, “Chloe, my divorce from Ethan isn’t finalized yet. Remarriage is currently out of the question. I’m a divorced woman, and who would be interested in me? I’d prefer to concentrate on my job. Once I secure that promotion and the divorce is over, I’ll consider other matters.” 

Like anyone in the real world, Emily hadn’t completely dismissed the idea of remarrying. 

But she knew she needed to be self–sufficient first. 

Marriage might not offer security, but her career could. 

Chloe didn’t try to influence Emily’s decision. Instead, she softly laughed and said, “You’ve really grown up.” 

“Years of disappointment have taught me a lot.” Emily lowered her eyes. 

Chloe gave Emily’s shoulder a gentle pat and said nothing more. 

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Once in her room, Emily called Shirley from her department. 

“Emily, there’s a new assignment. You’re going to the countryside tomorrow,” Shirley informed her. 

“Why?” Emily was stunned. 

Shirley sighed, “It’s an order from above. I can’t refuse.” 

From above? 

Emily realized what was going on and didn’t argue further. She knew it was Ethan behind it. 

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