Chapter 19

For a moment, Emelie was stunned. She hadn't expected to find another place, besides the Horton family home, with so many photographs of herself.

“You…” Her gaze toward Tyler was complicated.

Realizing her thoughts were straying, Tyler gently touched her head. "Silly," he said. "One instance of love at first sight means little. We Vaughns are always discerning in choosing a partner. I didn't even admit my initial feelings, but after many coincidental encounters, I finally acknowledged them."

He paused, the deep affection in his eyes unmistakable. Emelie instinctively looked away, nervously licking her lips. "And after that?" she asked.

"After that…" Tyler reflected on the countless chance meetings and his unsuccessful attempts to get closer. "I didn't know how many accidental encounters it would take, but I knew your three childhood friends were always at your side, and your eyes showed how much you cared for them. So, I stopped trying to confess. Luckily, after the ninety-ninth encounter, I got out of the car and asked you to marry me."

As Tyler spoke, fragmented memories surfaced for Emelie. If she had encountered someone as remarkable as Tyler so many times, she surely would have noticed him. But each time, Anthony, Marcelo, and Connor subtly shielded her view, ensuring her gaze fell only on them. Someone had been loving her from the shadows, unbeknownst to her.

Deeply moved, Emelie threw herself into Tyler's embrace, holding him tightly. "We'll never be apart again," she whispered.

"Never again," he replied, his smile radiant.

Far from their warmth, a chilling quiet hung over the Horton residence. Anthony, Marcelo, and Connor remained in Emelie's room, the silence heavy. Surveying her simple room, they realized how much they had neglected her. The princess they once cherished had fallen, and because of them, had risen and left them behind. They were at a loss, unsure how to mend things, unsure what they had done wrong. Hadn't they repeatedly explained their feelings for Melissa were gratitude and pity? Why was Emelie still jealous?

The doorbell rang repeatedly downstairs. Irritated, Connor ran a hand through his hair and went to answer it. "Mel? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the hospital with Stephanie?" Though impatient, he stepped aside to let Melissa enter.

Melissa's words were hesitant. "My mother's fine. I was worried about you. You were in such a bad state the other day. You haven't rested properly, have you? I'm here to make sure you eat and sleep so you'll have the energy to apologize to Emelie."

She naturally moved into the kitchen, beginning to cook. Having grown up with Stephanie, Melissa was a skilled cook, but this visit was about more than a meal.