Everyone was cleaning up from the festivities. Emily felt horrible about Jake and intended to send supper to his study to apologize.
Meanwhile, Aunty Ofelia returned Aiden to his room so his mother could speak with Jake Lewis.
Emily joyfully brought a platter full of food and cold beverages to take in the study.
She wanted to speak with Jake about their contract and inquire about Aiden's legal guardianship, Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez, and Grandmother Moore. Her sole responsibility was to ensure their safety and financial security when she was no longer in the world.
Her emotions were high, and she was still grinning from the happy moment they had shared a while ago.
But as Emily opened the door to the study and walked inside, the warmth rapidly faded.
Her arrival was met with immediate silence. She noticed the tension in Jake's posture and the tightness in his expression.
Emily, mid-laugh to greet him, her eyes scanning the room with a mixture of surprise and displeasure.
"Jake, can I come in?" Emily spoke, her grin fading as she observed the wrath developing in his eyes.
"Yes," Jake said, his tone tight. He took in the image before him.
Emily stood at the threshold, holding a tray. He was unsure whether he should be glad or not.
He could still picture how happy she was earlier at the table, surrounded by the domestic workers and enjoying a meal as if they were one huge, happy family.
It was a picture that should have made him happy, but instead, he felt a searing ache of envy, a sensation of being left out of something very personal.
But he doesn't deal with anything personal. So, why is he upset? Jake had to shake his head to clear his mind.
Emily entered swiftly, sensing his anxiety, and placed the tray on the end table. "We were just spending some quality time together. It's been a hard week, and I thought everyone might use a little treat."
Jake's gaze shifted to the table with the food, wondering what she had brought with her.
It was a feast of delicious burgers, spaghetti, chicken, cheesecake slices, and milkshakes. He tried a grin, but it did not reach his eyes.
"Thank you, but..." He considered declining, but then his stomach made a noise, which Emily noticed. He was ashamed and unsure of what to say.
Feeling the tension, Emily quietly began to excuse herself. As she was about to pivot, she heard Jake speak with a polite smile. "Stay, keep me company while I eat. Thank you for the food."
Emily didn't notice Allan standing in the room's far corner. After hearing what Jake had asked Emily, he quickly excused himself so that he could also eat.
When the door closed behind him, the stillness was nearly suffocating.
Emily turned to face Jake, who was resting against the sofa's backrest, arms crossed and an enigmatic look on his face.
"I'm sorry if you felt left out," Emily said, attempting to bridge the distance that had abruptly emerged between them. "I did not want for it to be like that. I tried to do something kind for everyone."
Jake's gaze softened somewhat at her words but jealously remained. "Emily, it is not about being left out. It's... It's that I come home and see you laughing and having fun with them. And I feel like an alien in my own house.
His words tore Emily's heart. She approached and sat alongside him, laying a comforting hand on his arm.
"Jake, don't feel like that. This is your home; I will always be the outsider, not you. "Do you understand?" Emily couldn't tell Jake the truth about her cancer and how much longer she had to live.
Jake breathed, uncrossing his arms but not entirely giving up his dissatisfaction. "I don't know, Emily. Recently, I've felt like I'm on the outside looking in. I don't feel like I'm a part of this, whatever it is."
Emily could see the sorrow in his eyes, the vulnerability he never showed. She wanted to comfort and make him feel like he was the most important person in her life. Unfortunately, Aiden is the most significant person in her life; the others arrive after.
Without thinking, she moved to the table and took the plate of food." Here," she said, giving the dish to him. "You must be hungry." Let's eat together."
Jake shook his head and carefully moved the dish aside. "It's not about the food, Emily," he said, his voice softening and almost begging.
He could not find the words to explain his thoughts.' It's you. I need you. Ever since you showed up, I can't seem to get you off my mind.'
He reasoned that he didn't want to feel like he was competing with others for his attention.
Emily had only been in his life for a few days, yet he craved her company and wanted to keep her close. This was unacceptable; he couldn't let his emotions take over, nor could he enable that elderly guy or his gone parents to triumph.
Jake was also concerned that if he had spoken similar things at the end of the year, she might not have decided to divorce him. He cannot let that happen. He has to remove himself.
Emily laid the plate down, her gaze fixed on his. She realized now that it wasn't simply about the dinner or a simple misunderstanding. This was about them, their relationship stressed by time, obligations, and life.
She could only apologize. "I'm sorry, Jake," she whispered, moving closer and touching his arms.
"I hadn't realized... I didn't know how much this was affecting you. I'm not moving anywhere till our one-year deal is over.
Jake stared down at her, his gaze softening as he saw the truth in her remarks. He clasped her hands in his arms and drew her close, longing to experience the connection they shared four years ago.
"I just want to get to know you, Emily," he said softly into her hair.
Emily gently pulled him away, her hands resting on his chest. "Jake, we have not signed the contract yet. If you wish to... Do you understand what I mean? We need to sign the contract first.
Jake was astounded to hear what she said. What is she thinking? And she's willing to sign that damn stupid contract? Gosh, she's so innocent...-- He thought, laughing inwardly.
But then...he said," Okay, let's sign the contract."