Chapter 25
Emmitt was in a foul mood, all thanks to the drama with Mirabella. Even chatting with Summer became a half–hearted. affair.
After polishing off a hearty dinner, Emmitt drove Summer back home without much conversation. As they pulled up to the grand entrance of the Gilbert family estate, Summer unfastened her seatbelt and turned to Emmitt. “Hey, Emmitt why don’t you come in for a bit? My dad’s been asking for you and told me to invite you over several times.”
Emmitt’s hand rested on the steering wheel as he cast a nonchalant glance toward the impressive mansion just beyond the car window. He shook his head. “Nah, it’s late, and it doesn’t feel right. Maybe some other time.”
A flash of disappointment flickered in Summer’s eyes, but she maintained a genteel smile. “Alright then, Emmitt. Drive safe. I’ll see myself in.”
She paused as it a thought had just struck her and playfully winked at him. “Oh, and don’t you forget about our date tomorrow, Emmitt.”
Emmitt blinked, momentarily thrown off.
“You promised to personally take me to school on the first day, remember? Or did you forget?” Summer clasped her chest, feigning heartbreak.
Regaining his composure, Emmitt chuckled and shook his head. “I haven’t forgotten.”
Relieved. Summer beamed. “Good, then. You better head home. I’ll hop out now. See you tomorrow!”
With a soft “hm,” Emmitt watched Summer push the car door open to step out. But just as she was about to leave. Mirabella crossed his mind, and he called out almost instinctively, “Summer.”
She turned back, her expression one of confusion, “Yeah?” Her clear eyes shone with Innocence, and her beautiful face had a soft understanding look to it.
Emmitt smiled wryly, shaking his head again. “It’s nothing. I just forgot to ask what time we should head to school. tomorrow.”
you were about to
Summer let out a relieved sigh, half–joking, “You scared me for a second there. Emmitt. I thought you bail on me for tomorrow.”
His eyes flickered, denying any such intention. “No, not at all.”
subject.
“Alright then, let’s make it eight o’clock tomorrow,” Summer swiftly changed the subled
“Sure,” Emmitt replied.
She waved goodbye and bounded out of the car, heading towards the mansion. Emmitt’s gaze lingered on Summer’s retreating figure until she was out of sight. He then slowly retracted.
Il Mirabella didn’t need him to take her to school, there was no reason for him to decline Summer’s request, especially since she was like a sister to him. With that thought, any lingering guilt in Emmitt’s heart faded away.
Soon after, he started the car’s engine and turned, leaving the Gilbert family behind.
As Summer stepped through the door, her mother, Mandy, lounging on the living room sofa, looked up and asked, “Who’s keeping you out so late, honey?” Her tone was gentle, devoid of any accusation.
Summer strolled over and began to massage Mandy’s shoulders with practiced ease, “Oh, it was just Emmitt. He needed to talk.”
“Emmitt?” Mandy’s brows furrowed at the mention of the name. “That boy from your foster family again?”
Summer knew Mandy looked down on the Davis family and simply hummed in acknowledgment.
“I
“Didn’t I tell you to keep your distance from the Davis folks?” Mandy spoke earnestly, “I know you’ve got a big heart,
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Chapter 25
you get to them.
but those people, especially those so–called brothers of yours, are not the best company. The closer y the more they might try to take advantage of you someday.”
Summer’s gaze fell slightly, thinking it was Mandy’s prejudice and short–sightedness speaking. Mandy would never understand the true potential of the Davis family.
