Emma's Redemption

one she could rely on without hesitati

o. He was a quiet presence, a person who didn't ask for anything from her but

de, had immediately made her feel like she wasn't invisible. Over time, their friendship had b

was strong. But despite the loyalty he had to Jean, Justin had never judged Emma, never qu

rself alone with him, the words she spoke f

o this," she said, her

e her, his gaze

I don't know how to love him. I

ake. Justin didn't push her. He didn't try to make her feel better with empty

only friend. He was the only person who made her feel seen-who mad

mething in the way he looked at her, something that began to chip

t a new job offer, but Emma wasn't really listening. She was focused on the way his hand rested on

first time, something inside her stirred-some

ymore," she heard herself say,

d, leaning in slightly

she admitted. "Pretend like I'm oka

expect him to fix anything, to tell her it was going to be all rig

stin said quietly. "You're n

. But she didn't. Instead, she leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his b

her shoulder, but it escalated quickly.

pressed against him, feeling the heat of his body agai

was a moment of weakness-one she couldn'

idn't wan

-