Chapter 4

I stayed in the hospital until noon the next day.

Jack only sent me one message during that time:

“Emma’s apartment ceiling is leaking, so I’m bringing her home to stay~”

I knew right away that Emma had sent it from Jack’s phone.

When I got home, the door code was wrong.

I tried again, but before I could enter a second time, the door swung open from the inside.

Emma poked her head out, wearing my apron.

“Lily, you’re finally back!” she chirped.

“The old password was too complicated, so Jack changed it to my birthday. I’m terrible at remembering numbers!”

She stepped aside, motioning for me to come in. “Have a seat! I’ll get you some water.”

The smell of food drifted from the kitchen. Emma turned and excitedly called out,

“Jack, Lily’s back!”

Jack emerged, wearing an apron that matched hers.

It was the one I had bought for him, the same one he once said was too childish and refused to wear. But now, seeing him in it, I just thought it looked ridiculous.

He barely glanced at me before turning to Emma. “Go back to the bedroom, okay?”

Emma obediently nodded and walked off, clutching a bag of peanut snacks, as if she had lived here all along.

Now, it was just Jack and me in the living room.

He crossed his arms. “So you finally decided to come back?”

I ignored the reprimand in his voice and asked, almost absentmindedly, “Is Emma… eating peanuts?”

Jack frowned. “What?”

I studied his expression. He had no idea what I was talking about.

I didn’t bother explaining. “Never mind.”

He let it go just as easily. Instead, he gave me a once-over and said, “Go put on some makeup and get ready. Tonight’s Emma’s birthday. I booked a private room at the karaoke lounge.”

Then, after a pause, he added, “Light makeup is fine. Don’t try to steal the birthday girl’s spotlight.”

I didn’t even hesitate. “I’m busy. You two go ahead.”

Jack’s face darkened. “Emma already told her friends that her brother and sister-in-law are hosting the party. If you don’t show up, what does that make her look like?”

He sighed in frustration. “I know you’re jealous that she’s younger and fertile, but it’s not Emma’s fault you can’t get pregnant. Why do you always have to compete with her?”

He softened his tone, as if offering a generous compromise. “How about this? You come tonight, and I’ll grant you one wish another day. Any trip you want to take, your choice.”

I stared at him for a moment, then smiled.

“Alright.”