Chapter 28

Emily didn't shed a tear when she was bullied at the research institute or when Marlon swooped in like a knight in shining armor.But Patrick's hurtful words kept replaying in her head, making her feel more and more wronged.

She drove with tears streaming down her face, feeling utterly miserable.

If it weren't for The Rivera Group, why would she have gone to such a remote place to endure harassment from that old creep?

Patrick didn't comfort her but instead spew venomous words. Didhe ever worry about her, even a little?

His mind was probably filled with thoughts of Shirley. How could he possibly care about her?

Emily shook her head, trying to stop the tears and keep her vision clear, but the more she wiped, the more tears fell.

Looking at the bustling traffic around her, a dark thought flashed through her mind for a moment. Thankfully, thinking of her mom and brother helped her suppress the impulse.

On the highway, the signs kept passing by, and the name Silverbrook came into view. At this moment, Emily desperately needed comfort,and it felt like a divine sign pointing her to Silverbrook, where someone who could console her lived.

Back in college, Emily was burdened with family debt and worked

multiple jobs, often disappearing from sight. Melissa Clark. a younger student, was frail and often engaged in quiet activities like painting.

They both belonged to the art design club, as Emily was pursuing a double major and the club frequently held events. Once, they needed to design a diverse poster incorporating traditional art elements.which stumped Melissa. who stayed late in the classroom.

Melissa, her mind full of poster designs. bumped into Emily. who was returning from work. Melissa, being introverted, usually didn't ask for help and was about to leave after a brief greeting.

Emily took off her helmet and noticed the colorful design drafts in Melissa's hands. For some reason, she felt compelled to offer suggestions and shared some vector graphics libraries for reference.

To Melissa, Emily was the first person to reach out to her. "If you add the totems of bells and flowers here. it might look a bit abrupt.How about adding them here instead..." Emily said, holding the draft and thinking seriously. This scene often replayed in Melissa's mind,and she regretted not taking a photo to remember it.

Since then, Melissa often pestered Emily to look at her work, and Emily accompanied her to museums to gather materials.

When Emily returned late from work, Melissa would prepare meals for her. Emily, in turn, shared interestinng stories with her, and their bond grew stronger over time.

After graduation, Emily got into Starlight University for her master's,while Melissa, three years younger, dropped out and disappeared for

a long time.

Years later. Emily found out that Melissa had moved to the countryside in Silverbrook for therapy and had opened a café. With her hectic work schedule. Emily hadn't visited in a long time.

Emily thought to herself, 'Instead of staying here and being mistreated. why not take a break and relax for a couple of days?' The project was already completed, and she didn't care whether Patrick approved or not.

With this thought, Emily felt a sudden clarity and determination.Despite the heavy traffic on the highway, she felt an unusual calmness inside. She turned on the car's music and let the melody lift her spirits.

As the scenery outside the window changed, memories of her time with Melissa flashed before her eyes like a slideshow. After graduation, Emily joined the Rivera Group and had a packed schedule, while Melissa stayed in Silverbrook, and their contact gradually lessened.

Driving into Silverbrook, the familiar yet strange atmosphere brought warmth to Emily's heart. The peaceful and beautiful town wasn't a place to stay for long.

Standing outside Melissa's café, watching her seriously grinding coffee beans, Emily's eyes welled up.

Emily gently pushed open the door, and Melissa looked up, her face instantly lighting up with surprise. "Emily, oh my God! What are

you doing here?"

Melissa shouted as she ran over and hugged Emily tightly.

"I missed you, so I came to see you," Emily smiled, hugging the frail Melissa, feeling a sense of peace.

Without saying much. Melissa grabbed two to-go coffees and cakes from the counter. walked over to the only two customers, whispered a few words, and they left happily with gift bags.

"You didn't have to clear the place out for me, did you?" Emily teased, crossing her arms. She hadn't expected the exclusive treatment she couldn't get from Patrick to come from her best friend, warming her heart.

"Why are you here alone? Where's Patrick?" Melissa asked,looking around after closing the shop.

"Don't bother looking, it's just me," Emily smiled helplessly.

"That's weird! Ever since you started working,your focus has been either on work or Patrick. You didn't even have time to call me. How come you have time now?" Melissa asked seriously.

"That's because I gave myself a vacation!" Emily laughed. "You're not happy to see me?"

"Of course, I'm very happy!" Melissa asked, "How long are you planning to stay?"

Emily thought for a moment. "Well, that depends on my mood!"

They laughed and joked for a while before Melissa closed the shop and led Emily back to her place.

In the bathroom, the scent of bath oils filled the air. Emily layin the large bathtub, closed her eyes. and let the warm water envelop her body,quietly enjoying the long-lost tranquility and comfort.

She wondered if Patrick had seen her resignation letter. He was probably having dinner with Shirley right now.

In Patrick's eyes, she was probably just a doormat. someone to call upon and dismiss at will.