Unexpected Love

Chapter 3 (Hard Decision)

Julia: What's going on?
Andrew: Nothing! Emma is a little confused because she's new here.
Andrew said while looking at Emma, meaning not to talk. Emma looked at him, then turned to wipe her tears. Julia walked towards them and started talking to Emma.
Julia: Hey, is everything okay? Do you need someone to talk to?
Emma looked at Andrew, who was looking at Julia questioningly, then looked back at Julia.
Emma: I'm fine! It's just been a tough day.
Julia gently grabbed Emma's arms to draw her closer.
Julia: If you ever need to talk to someone, I'm here for you. We're both girls, so don't hesitate to come to me.

Julia finished speaking and tightened her grip on Emma's arm. Emma grew nervous and smiled at Julia as she released her arms from her grip. Julia left her and turned to Andrew.
Julia: Let's go, Andrew! Emma needs to rest for a bit, (she said then turned back to Emma). Take a break, Emma! We'll call you when it's time for lunch.
Emma nodded as Julia and Andrew left the room. She sat on the bed and held the picture in her hand, tears streaming down her face. After a moment, she placed the picture on the bedside table and began unpacking her bag. As she did, she found that Danny had bought her a new phone. She smiled as she opened it and took a quick look around. Feeling exhausted, she set aside some of her things and lay down on the bed to rest.

Andrew and Julia went to his room, which was located between Emma's room and Olivia's room. Julia followed Andrew inside and closed the door behind her.
Julia: What was going on back there, Andrew? Why was Emma holding onto you like that?
Andrew: I already told you, Julia. She was asking me about life here, and I was just answering her questions.
Julia: But should you have been so physically close to her?
Andrew: What are you implying, Julia?
Julia: I'm not implying anything. I just want to remind you not to punish Emma for her father's past mistakes. And don't get too close to her, either. Girls her age are very emotional, and if they find a man who takes care of them, they might fall in love with him. And, of course, you're aware of the age difference between the two of you, right?
Andrew: Julia, please stop talking nonsense. Emma is the same age as my sister, Olivia. Do you even know what you're saying?
Julia: I'm not accusing you of anything, Andrew. I'm just saying that Emma might not understand the situation. And to be honest, I don't want to share my future husband with a child or have to deal with jealousy and bad behavior.

Andrew: Okay, Julia, that's enough. I understand what you're saying. I need to change my clothes, so please wait for me downstairs.
Julia: Okay!
Julia left the room and Andrew let out a sigh of frustration before heading to the bathroom for a shower. He then went downstairs to join his family and engaged in a casual conversation on random topics.
In Emma's room, her phone rang as she was setting an alarm. She got up and took a shower, then waited for someone to call her for lunch. She didn't want to go downstairs and interrupt if they were discussing something private.

After a short while, a maid knocked on Emma's door and informed her that it was time for lunch. Emma nodded, and the maid left. Emma took a deep breath, got dressed, and headed to the dining room. As she entered, she saw the same people who had been there in the morning, seated at the table. Emma nodded to them and scanned the room to find an empty seat. She noticed an empty chair next to Sia, where Andrew had been sitting before, but he was now seated next to Julia across from her.
"Come, honey, sit here next to me," Sia said, gesturing to the empty seat.
Emma nodded and took her seat, and they began to eat.
Mark wanted to break the silence by talking to Emma, which made Olivia a little jealous.

Mark: So, Emma! What do you intend to study in the future? I mean, we're about to finish high school, so what do you want to do?
Emma: I still don't know, but... My dad was hoping to see me become a lawyer! I was rejecting it before, but I think I'm going to do it.
Emma looked down at her plate and they all fell silent. But Emma decided not to remain quiet for long.
Emma: Can I ask something?
Sia: Sure, honey!
Emma: What did my father do to your family?
All of them looked at each other, but Andrew was staring at Emma, so she kept looking at him too.
Noah: Why are you asking, Emma?