Three Year To Love (Emma Johnson and Ethan Carter)

"Ethan, is something wrong? You seem a bit distracted," Olivia asked softly, a hint of concern in her voice as she gently bit her lip.

Ethan Carter usually kept his emotions tightly under wraps, but thoughts of the previous night's events began to seep into his demeanor. He raised an eyebrow, grasping for an excuse. "It's nothing. Just contemplating some business matters." If Olivia ever found out what had transpired last night, she would surely freak out!

"Alright, but if something's bothering you, please tell me. I want to share your burdens." Olivia said sweetly, leaning her head against his shoulder, maintaining that familiar understanding that always characterized their friendship. Meanwhile, after finishing her design work, Emma Johnson found herself with some free time. She had planned to relax at home over the weekend but was suddenly interrupted by a call from her good friend, Summer Thompson.

"Em, it's Sunday! Let's go shopping! I heard a new Cantonese restaurant opened at Mansion Square, and they say it's fantastic. We should check it out together!" Summer's excited voice echoed through the phone.

Despite their frequent outings, every weekend, without fail, she always invited Emma along.

"Sounds great!" Emma replied without hesitation, excited to spend a delightful weekend with her friend.

"Awesome! It's settled then!" Summer chirped before hanging up, the joy evident in

her tone.

As dusk fell, Ethan sat in his study, his gaze troubled as he stared out into the quiet darkness. He couldn't help but recollect that night spent with Emma, feelings stirring within him. Yet, he was jolted back to reality by the memory of Emma resolutely taking that contraceptive pill in front of him.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Her eyes had been so determined yet icy, conveying a clear message of not wanting to have any ties with him. It left him breathless, the weight of it all pressing down hard.

have

any ties with him. It left him breathless, the weight of it all pressing down hard.

He picked up his phone, staring at the chat interface with Emma. Other than their professional interactions, she had never indulged him with any personal remarks.

He opened the chat, his expression conflicted. A minute passed, and he eventually set the phone back down, the hesitation masking his heart slowly faded away, leaving only emptiness and coldness...

The next morning, Emma tidied herself up quickly before heading out.

"Em, I got your favorite coffee!"

As soon as she entered the mall, Summer popped out from seemingly nowhere, holding two steaming cups.

"Thanks, babe!" Emma beamed, her genuine smile shining brightly when she was

around Summer.

"Em, T.H. just released their new collection; let's go check it out!" Summer exclaimed, wrapping her arm around Emma's, excitement palpable in her demeanor. T.H. was a clothing brand beloved by both, and they always snatched up new releases without hesitation. "Absolutely!" Emma replied enthusiastically, and the two dashed towards T.H., ready for a shopping spree.

"Look, Em!"

As they ascended the escalator, Summer's eyes widened in shock, almost as if she had just discovered treasure. "Over there!" she pointed, her voice electrified with surprise. Emma turned in the direction she was pointing, spotting a familiar figure emerge into view. Next to him stood a stranger-a man Emma didn't recognize. Her brow furrowed slightly, uncertainty flashing in her eyes.