The Forbidden Throb

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g hour. This wasn't how things worked between us. Emma always called first. She always texted. She always made the effort when I was busy. Yet here I was, staring at my

r than usual. Daniel's doing, no doubt. My perfect older brother, the golden child of Prescott Medical Dynasty, ha inexplicably decided to cut my allowance. I couldn't figure out what bug had cr

drive her home from the charity gala that night, she'd been acting weird. This wasn't like Emma at all. Before, she never caused problems-always understanding when I canceled plans, never quest

teen minutes, but my mind kept drifting back to Emma's inexplicable behavior. 'So then I told Professor Harrington that his investment strategy was outdated, and the whole class just

e was always packed, a testament to its popularity. Yet all this commotion barely registered as my eyes kept scanning the entrance, my mind elsewhere. "You're distracted," Tom said, pointing his f

shoe. "Excuse me," I said, standing abruptly. I intercepted them before they could reach the salad bar, positioning myself directly in Emma

id you need something?" she asked, her voice flat and detached. Her tone caught me off guard. Where was the warmth? The eagerness to please? This cold indifference felt like a personal

reatment is childish, Emma. I thought you were more mature than this." Emma raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. In all the time we've been together, I've never asked you for

you kissing her." I felt my body go rigid, completely blindsided by her words. My mind raced, desperately trying to recall what happened that night. The drinks had been flowing freely

ropped. So that was Emma at the door that night? The mysterious knock we'd ignore, thinking it was just staff-it had been her all along. Now everything made sense: her sudden coldness, the ignored

what about telling your friends how boring I am? How are you only with me because of family expectations? I stared at her, momentarily speechless. She'd overheard that, too? Yes, I'd said tho

m of yours, but it's getting tiresome." I expected her to back down, to retreat into that quiet, accommodating persona she always wore. Instead, her eyes hard

done, Ni