Emily Williams was twenty-five, living with her brother Jack and sister Stella in Los Angeles. By day, she worked as an HR manager at one of NK Group's branches; by night, she often dreamed of a future filled with love, marriage, and stability.
That evening, she was curled up on the couch, half-watching TV, when the doorbell rang. Rising with a curious smile, she opened the door—and her lips curved wider.
"Noah," she whispered, just before he leaned in and kissed her.
The kiss was urgent, stealing her breath. When they finally pulled apart, Emily laughed softly.
"Today no one's home," she murmured, tugging him inside.
Moments later, they tumbled into her bedroom, kisses deepening until they collapsed in each other's arms. Sleep came quickly.
The shrill buzz of Emily's phone dragged her from her dreams. Messages from Mia lit up the screen—Call me. Urgent. Careful not to wake Noah, she tiptoed downstairs and dialed her best friend.
"Mia? What's wrong? Do you know what time it is?"
"Emily, are you at home?" Mia's voice was sharp, almost frantic.
"Yes, of course. Why? You sound furious."
"Listen to me carefully." Mia's tone dropped, heavy with emotion. "In our ten years of friendship, I've never begged you for anything—but I'm begging now. Leave Noah. He's not the right one for you. Please, Emily."
Emily froze, staring into the darkened living room. "Mia… what are you even saying?" Her thoughts spun wildly, searching for meaning in Mia's desperate warning.
"Emily! Are you even listening?"
A voice behind her made her flinch.
"Emily?"
She turned to see Noah, standing at the foot of the stairs. Mia must have heard him too—her temper now crackling through the phone.
"Was that Noah?"
Emily swallowed hard. "It's Mia," she told him quickly. "She's just checking if I'm safe while I'm home alone. She doesn't know you're here."
Noah's expression shifted—surprise, then something unreadable. "Did you tell her about us?"
"Of course. She knows we're together."
His jaw tightened. "I told you not to tell anyone."
"Why are you so angry about such a small thing?" Emily asked softly.
After a tense beat, his shoulders eased. "You know I like to keep my private life… private. I'm not comfortable with Mia—or your other friends—knowing."
"Not a problem. I'll handle it." Emily tried to smile, though unease lingered in her chest.
Gathering her courage, she asked the question that haunted her for years. "Noah… it's been three years. Don't you think it's time we told our parents? Time to talk about marriage?"
For a moment she feared an argument, but instead Noah leaned down and kissed her gently.
"Yes, baby," he whispered. "We'll marry soon. I'll tell my parents about you. Actually… I wanted it to be a surprise. I was going to bring them to meet you. But I guess you don't trust me."
Relief flooded her, mixed with guilt. How foolish I am.
"No, no, of course I trust you," she said quickly. "I only wanted to remind you. That's all."
His smile returned. "Then wait a little longer. I'll bring my parents to you. Soon."
Happiness bloomed in her chest. For two years she had dreamed of this moment, and now it felt real. She would finally be his bride.
Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed his voice again.
"Emily… I need a favor. Some money. Not for me—my friend's daughter is in the hospital. I promised to help with the bill. He'll pay me back soon."
Without hesitation, Emily nodded. Anything for Noah. She slipped upstairs, retrieved the money, and pressed it into his hand.
"You're the best," he said with a smile, before leaving her home.
Emily stood at the door, heart swelling with love, blind to the shadow Mia's warning had cast.