By admin A Romance In Passing Chapter 23
In the kitchen, Emily carefully pulled a sponge cake from the oven. The scent of vanilla and sugar filled the air. Arthur stood at the stove, pan–searing steaks to a perfect medium rare.
Keith sat chatting comfortably with Teresa in the garden. At the sound of movement from the kitchen, he got up and walked inside.
“Need a hand?” he asked, his voice low and tinged with amusement.
Since their interview, theit relationship had officially blossomed into something more. Upon hearing the news, Arthur and Teresa were delighted and warmly invited Keith -once the persistent admirer waiting beneath their daughters‘ window–to their home for dinner.
“There’s no need.” Arthur chuckled. “You go sit and relax.”
But as he caught the way Keith looked at Emily—with a soft, almost reverent gaze- he smiled helplessly.
“Though, if you’d rather stay and talk to Emmy, I’ll leave you to it.”
With that, he carried the finished steaks out to the dining room, leaving the couple alone.
Emily watched him go, her eyes dancing with laughter. When she turned back, she found Keith leaning lazily in the doorway, the sleeves of his white shirt rolled to his elbows, revealing his toned forearms.
She caught herself staring, checks instantly flushing with heat. How could Keith look this good doing absolutely nothing?
Keith walked inside and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
“Stop,” she whispered, flustered, “My parents are right outside.”
He didn’t let go. Instead, he gazed at her intently and reached up to brush a smudge of flour from her cheek.
“Silly goose. You didn’t even notice you had flour on your face.”
Her blush deepened. She elbowed him lightly in the chest. “What were you and my mom talking about?
He grinned. “She was telling me stories about you as a kid. Apparently you used to bully other kids and wet your pants in preschool.”
“Lies!” she shrieked, grabbing a utensil to hit him, which only made him laugh harder.
Amused, he caught her wrist mid–swing. “Relax. I was just teasing.”
Their eyes met and lingered, exchanging many unspoken emotions. Words were no longer necessary. He leaned down and kissed her.
At the dining table, Arthur and Teresa watched them and exchanged knowing smiles.
Over dinner, the conversation flowed easily. Arthur and Teresa soon learned that it was Keith–the cheerful, earnest young man beside him–who had helped their daughter break free of her emotional abyss when she first arrived in Fremoria. He had given her the strength to begin again.
“Thank you, Keith. If it weren’t for you… I don’t know how long Emily would’ve stayed stuck in that heartbreak.”
“It was nothing,” Keith replied, glancing at Emily and squeezing her hand. It’s because Einmy’s incredible. She’s worth every effort.”
Arthur and Teresa exchanged another glance, the kind that only loving parents share. They knew they could trust Keith.
Just as Arthur took a sip of wine, preparing to ask Keith about his upcoming photography exhibition, the living room TV suddenly erupted with the news anchor’s voice.
“Breaking news. Silverstein Group CEO William Silverstein had been taken into custody for the suspected murder of Aria Rayburn. He has confessed to all charges.”
The knife in Emily’s hand slipped and clattered against the floor with a harsh, metallic ring.
Startled, Keith immediately put down his utensils and wrapped an arm around her shoulders to steady her.
On the screen, footage showed William in handcuffs, being forced into a police car. The once–commanding businessman looked nothing like the man she remembered his eyes were bloodshot, his face pale and gaunt.
Teresa covered her mouth in shock. “Oh my God… That’s really William… If Emily was still dating him…”
She trailed off, horrified.
Emily stared blankly at the screen. Her legs felt like jelly.
Memories of William–his gentleness flashed before her like a broken slideshow. The man who had once brought her to her knees was now a murderer?
And Aria–the woman who had hurt her so deeply–was actually dead?
Keith held her cold, trembling hand in his own, his touch warm and grounding. “It’s okay. I’m here.”
“I’ll turn off the TV.” Arthur offered, already rising from his chair.
“No, it’s fine, Dad,” Emily said, stopping him.
She took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down. “I’ve already moved on. Just knowing he’s finally paying for what he did is enough.”
The family sat in solemn silence, finishing the rest of their meal with heavy hearts.
That evening, Emily offered to walk Keith out. The cool breeze ruffled her hair as they strolled. He slipped his jacket over her shoulders.
Noticing the storm beneath her quiet demeanor, he pulled her into a warm embrace, resting his chin on top of her head.
“It’s all over now,” he whispered.
Emily nodded softly, tucking herself closer into his arms. “Like you once told me, some people are only meant to stay for a little while in our lives. At least now… I’ve found you. And that’s more than enough.”
Keith looked at her, eyes filled with tenderness. He kissed her on the crown of her head.
“Meeting you,” he said quietly, “has been the greatest gift of my life.”
He thought back to the first time they met. Life, after all, was full of surprises.
Somewhere near the Selene River, a street musician played a wistful melody on the violin.
Under the soft glow of the night, the two held each other close–as Emily entered into a new beginning.
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