Kairi Hamilton led Emmie Stewart to the guest room on the first floor to help her prepare for the evening. After changing into a Victorian-style dress, Emmie sat at the vanity while Kairi expertly applied a light touch of makeup, understanding the importance of Emmie's appearance and catering to Finley Thomas's refined taste.
"With this look, you'll easily catch Finley Thomas's eye," Kairi admired her own work with a satisfied nod.
The word "charm" struck Emmie's heart. She had no comeback for Kairi's comment, aware that Kairi's father intended for her to captivate Finley to further his own secretive plans.
As Emmie walked out, she lifted her dress slightly and glanced back at Kairi, who was now lounging on the bed, her phone in hand, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Emmie's off to meet Dad. What's your secret plan you won't reveal to me? I've helped you out, so how do you plan to thank me? Haha, I always knew you were the best."
At the Hilton Hotel, Kairi's father offered Emmie a few words of encouragement regarding her interaction with Finley Thomas. Emmie, however, remained composed, her face giving no indication of whether his advice resonated or if her thoughts drifted elsewhere.
The door swung open, and two men walked in. Kairi’s father quickly donned a welcoming smile and stood to greet them. Emmie recognized Martin Thomas and his son, Finley. She took a deep breath and regarded them carefully.
Martin Thomas embodied the spirit of a successful businessman, his hair neatly parted, and he seemed a bit younger than Kairi’s father. Finley, despite his youthful appearance, radiated a mature allure, in line with how the media portrayed him as the ideal bachelor.
After introductions, Martin turned his smile toward Emmie, who stood with an elegant poise that matched his expectations for a future daughter-in-law, easing his initial concerns.
"This must be Emmie?"
"Yes, Mr. Thomas, this is my daughter, Emmie," Kairi’s father said, glancing at Emmie with an unspoken understanding meant only for her. She extended her hand with a gentle smile, "Hello, Mr. Thomas."
"Emmie, you are truly stunning. Kairi, why haven't you brought her to events before?" Martin commented, his background research ensuring no surprises upon meeting her.
"Emmie lived with her mother until recently. She's been through much hardship, but I intend to make up for it," Kairi’s father explained smoothly, his warm expression concealing ulterior motives.
Emmie's brow furrowed slightly. She hadn’t expected him to use her past challenges as a bargaining chip with Martin. It was somewhat amusing.
"I'm Finley Thomas."
Seated opposite her, Finley watched Emmie with a steady gaze, a touch of sadness in his eyes, yet his smile radiated warmth. His lips curled as if lost in pleasant thoughts.
"Hello," Emmie replied softly, focusing on her plate and cutting her meal with deliberate care, her eyes avoiding his.
"If you don't look at me, how will we get along?" Finley set down his fork, his gentle eyes fixed on her, puzzled by her lack of recognition.
At his comment, Emmie met his gaze. "Is this better?" she asked, feeling a vague familiarity with his face, as if it were a distant memory.
Sensing the need for privacy, Kairi’s father and Martin left the room, mentioning other matters that required their attention. Alone, Finley closed the door, laughing softly, "Your personality hasn't changed at all!"
"What?" Emmie was confused. Had they met before?
He playfully flicked her forehead and smiled, reminiscing, "You really don’t remember me?"
"Have we met?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.
"At your school’s sports field…" Finley prompted, hoping to jog her memory.
School sports field? Emmie searched her memory until an image emerged: a boy had once cornered her there, asking her to be his girlfriend, and had impulsively kissed her, later taking her to a hotel under the guise of a date.
Could it be… Could Finley be that boy?
"You’re that…"
"So you’ve remembered. Yes, that was me." Finley leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her lips. "I never thought you'd become my wife," he smiled.
"You… I never imagined…" Emmie downed her glass of wine, avoiding Finley's gaze.
Finley refilled her glass, raising his own in a toast, "To old acquaintances meeting again."
"Yes, cheers," Emmie mused inwardly. Old acquaintances? Could that be true when she hadn't even recalled his name?
As the evening wore on, the wine disappeared quickly. Emmie felt a slight dizziness and, squinting at Finley, began to laugh softly, her vision blurring. Concerned, Finley asked, "Emmie, are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine, just a bit light-headed," she brushed off his worry. Why fret over a little inebriation? She requested more wine, determined to continue the toast. Alcohol truly dulled the nerves, she thought, as everything seemed trivial now.
"More? I think you've had enough. Let me help you lie down," Finley said, moving his chair closer to assist her as they left the room, arranging a guest room through the hotel staff. He laid Emmie carefully on the bed and pulled up a chair, observing her as she slept.
Her long lashes were slightly damp, a solitary tear glistening on her cheek. Finley hesitated, then wiped it away, his hand lingering on her smooth skin. Drawn to her, he leaned in, tasting her lips, the flavor intertwined with the wine.
Sensing movement, Emmie opened her eyes swiftly. Startled by his proximity, she pushed Finley away and sat up. Spotting the door, she seized the moment and escaped, even as his apology followed, "I'm sorry, Emmie."
A bit tipsy from so little wine, she chastised herself inwardly. What if she hadn’t woken up? She would have truly been swept away by Finley. Who ends up in bed with someone upon their first encounter?
Run! Emmie quickened her pace as Finley followed, apologizing. She turned sharply, opening an arbitrary door to hide, shutting it behind her.
Finally catching her breath, she was face to face with a man clad only in a towel, surprise etched on his face. She was momentarily speechless.
"Who are you?" he asked, stepping closer. Just then, a knock sounded at the door, causing Emmie to glance between it and the man, wordlessly asking for assistance. He reached out, pulling her onto the wide bed, covering them both with the sheets. Stifling a scream, he muffled her with his hand. When the door creaked open, he released her and turned to smirk at the newcomer, "What brings you here? Got caught in the act, did you?"
