The following day, Emily was at a community function that Parker Enterprises had arranged in an effort to showcase their charitable side. She was not particularly excited about being there because it was just another required appearance to maintain the family's public image. With a kind but detached smile, she strolled around the busy grounds, mingling with the press and organizers..
She turned her head to see someone she recognized standing next to some kids in the other side of the garden. It turned out to be Ethan Walker. His kind demeanor immediately distinguished him from the rest of the group as he bent down to speak with the kids and appeared to be lending a hand.
Emily looked surprised to see him. Her heartbeat quickened, and she experienced a mixture of curiosity and unease in her chest. A part of her desired to stay away from him and treat their meeting at the gala as a passing incident. However, she could not help but be drawn to him and feel compelled to find out more about him.
Before she could make a decision, Ethan looked up and their eyes met. With a wave of his hand and a smile, he let Emily know that it was too late to turn back.
With a sincere and open expression, Ethan walked towards her. "Nice to meet you here, Ms. Parker," he smiled teasingly.
Struggling to keep her cool, Emily raised an eyebrow. "I can say the same thing about you. What draws you to an event like this?" With a purposefully detached tone, she questioned.
Ethan made a gesture toward the children around them. "My company is contributing to the construction of the new community center. I decided to come see the impact firsthand." He stopped, staring at her with a softening gaze. "And you? I do not think you are the kind who goes to events like this for attention alone."
Emily became defensive and stiffened. "What is that supposed to mean?" she shot back.
Ethan maintained a calm expression and did not flinch. It implies that you may be here because you care more than you appear to.."
His words struck a chord deep within Emily, rendering her speechless for a brief moment. She had always worn a mask of indifference to protect herself from the pressures and expectations that came with being a Parker. She hardly knew this man, but here he was, clearly seeing through her mask. It left her feeling exposed, which she did not like.
"You think you know me?" was her final, piercing response. "You have no idea who I am."
Despite her defensive tone, Ethan continued to stare at her. "No, I don't, but I really want to."
Emily's heart skipped a beat when she heard his words. She was not used to having people want to know her, or at least not the real her. The majority of those in her vicinity were drawn to her name, her wealth, and her influence. But there was something about Ethan that gave her the impression that, despite all of her obligations and expectations, he really wanted to know her.
She thought for a second about turning away, withdrawing as she always did. She ended up nodding instead. "Fine," she said, surprised at herself. If you are interested in getting to know me, please assist me with this project. Let's see if you can keep up."
A gleam of excitement appeared in Ethan's eyes as his smile grew. "I accept the challenge."
The remainder of the afternoon seemed to fly by. They worked together to paint the walls, arrange the supplies, and even make the kids laugh a little. Emily discovered that she was enjoying the work more than she had anticipated, and she was also enjoying Ethan's company. He had no pretenses and no ulterior motives, making him an easy person to talk to. She realized how much she had been missing out on real connection in her life, and it was refreshing.
Emily and Ethan stood side by side, appreciating their progress on the community center as the sun started to set. Emily felt, for the first time in a long time, that she had accomplished something that genuinely mattered.
Just as she was about to thank Ethan for his assistance, her phone vibrated in her pocket. As she took it out, the caller ID, Liam, made her heart sink.
Emily's fingers tightened around her phone as she looked at Ethan. "I have to accept this," she uttered in a clipped voice, the warmth she had just felt giving way to a sudden cold.
Ethan's smile faded, and concern flashed in his eyes. Emily forced a smile that did not quite make it to her eyes. "
Emily gave a forced smile. "No worries," she reassured him before turning away to answer the phone.
She was thinking nonstop as she was leaving. Why was Liam making this call right now? And what exactly was he looking for?