Chapter 226 - 12: First Priority
What Killian dreaded the most finally came. So, Emily did not forget. He looked down at his half-empty glass of wine, letting Emily’s words sink in.
Perhaps, Emily already knew what her best friend’s answer would be. She stared at the dishes half-eaten before them.
"Ian..." Emily said softly, her voice wavering as she stared at her hands. "I remember what I said. Gosh, this is nerve-wracking. Confessing to my best friend of many years, I meant." Emily tried to lighten the mood by laughing lightly, but it only sounded forced.
She cleared her throat afterward. "So, you see, I’ve...liked you for a long time now. I just never had the courage to tell you before. I thought maybe... just maybe, you felt the same way."
Killian sighed, putting down his glass. He hated that he had to hurt her, especially after everything they had been through together. But he knew he couldn’t lie to her, not about this matter, not when it comes to her feelings.
However, no matter how much he opened his mouth to speak, words won’t just come out. It frustrated him. The situation scared him.
Emily might have noticed his hesitation, so she tapped the table and frowned. "Killian Arden. I know you have an answer for me already. So, if you’re going to reject me, say it already. That way I can move on."
Killian stared straight at Emily. He was in awe at her bravery and bluntness. A small smile tugged on his lips after he inhaled deeply and broke his best friend’s heart.
"Emily, I don’t want to hurt you. I...only see you as a sister. You’ve always been there for me, and I care about you deeply, but... not in a romantic way." He met her eyes, his expression sincere yet pained. "I’m sorry."
Emily’s face remained calm, but her eyes betrayed the pain she was trying to hide. She forced a smile, even as her heart clenched. "I understand, Ian. Really, I do." She glanced down at her lap, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just needed to hear it, I guess. Well, that’s it. This way, I can finally stop hoping that you’d fall for me one day."
An awkward silence settled over the table.