Winning Her Heart Back

 Would Never Want You To Hate Me

Emelie remained expressionless.

After all, there was no point in risking her health by staying in wet clothes. Since William wanted to play the hero, Emelie would let him.

Even if he ended up falling ill, it would be his own doing. Emelie felt no guilt or gratitude towards him. She took off her wet jacket and changed into William's.

The moment Emelie put on his jacket, she instantly regretted it, the jacket carried his scent. She frowned in annoyance.

Emelie had to spend the next few days with William in the same house. At the thought of that, she grew even more frustrated.

What a nightmare. How could they have found themselves in this situation?

William pulled a chair to the fireplace and spread out Emelie's damp jacket, using the heat to dry it.

"Is there any food here?" Emelie asked as a realization dawned upon her. They would be stuck there for several days. No way they could survive on water alone.

William grabbed three disposable cups and added some tea leaves to each. "I have some instant food in my car. It was meant for the lab staff. Looks like we'll have to make do for ourselves."

Emelie was skeptical upon hearing William's words. "Mr. Middleton, you brought in supplies for a work inspection?"

William explained, "The lab is on the outskirts. There are no grocery stores or markets nearby, and it's a hassle to get food. I brought a lot of supplies and kept them in the fridge. The last time I visited, I noticed the staff were eating poorly. So I decided to prepare some for them this time."

Emelie scanned him silently, her face clearly displaying her doubt.

Was it really just a coincidence? What were the odds that a heavy snowstorm would block the roads? That they would cross paths, that he would have a house nearby, and that he would bring food?

Was it really just a coincidence?

William sensed her scrutiny as he poured hot water from the kettle into the cups. The tea leaves swirled at the bottom.

"Are you suspecting me? You think I knew about the snowstorm and the roadblocks but didn't tell you so I can keep you here with me? You think that's why I had the house and food ready?" William asked.NôvelDrama.Org © content.

Emelie indeed had her doubts.

William lifted his gaze, the steam blurring his eyes. "Angel, if I were that crafty, then I wouldn't have let things fall to this point. I would never want you to hate me so much."

Emelie's voice turned sharp. "Call me 'angel' again and I'll cut out your tongue. You're here alone, Mr. Middleton. No one's going to know if you're dead."

William placed a cup of tea in front of Emelie. "Here. Use it to warm up."

Then, he handed the other cup to Jodie, who was unsure whether or not to thank him. Ultimately, she remained silent.

Emelie utterly disliked unexpected situations. Being trapped for no reason had made her increasingly agitated.

"Jodie," Emelie said.

Jodie responded immediately, "Yes, ma'am."

"Keep an eye on the road conditions. As soon as it's clear, we're leaving," Emelie instructed.

"Got it," Jodie replied.

Emelie didn't want to continue the conversation with William. She lay down on the couch and closed her eyes to rest.

With Jodie keeping watch, Emelie knew that even if she fell asleep, William wouldn't be able to get close to

her.

William understood how much Emelie dislikes him, seeing her fall asleep with a furrow.

He remained silent as he checked her jacket. He noticed that the front was already dry, so he flipped it over to dry the back.

The living room was quiet, with only the occasional crackling of the fireplace. Emelie soon drifted into a deep sleep.

William sat in silence for two hours. After he felt the jacket was dried, he walked over, intending to cover Emelie with it.

However, before he could get close, Jodie stepped in and blocked his way.

"Mr. Middleton, ma'am has been traveling between several cities over the past few days. She's exhausted and finally can get some rest. Please don't disturb her," she said in a low voice.

William spoke softly as well, not wanting to wake Emelie. "I know you're skilled and well-trained. With you by her side, she's probably safe from harm these past few years, right?"

Jodie wasn't entirely sure what William meant by his words. "As long as I'm with ma'am, nothing will happen to her."

William gave a faint smile. "That's good to hear."

He handed the jacket to Jodie and returned to the couch across from her.

Jodie touched the jacket, which was now warm and dried. She glanced at William and then gently placed it over Emelie.

Emelie slept for three hours, eventually waking to the sound of wind howling outside.

She blinked groggily, feeling hazy.

"You're up?" William asked.

Emelie looked at him and saw the tablet in his hand. She thought he must be dealing with work.

She scanned the surroundings and couldn't find the third person in the room. She instantly sat up.

"Where's Jodie?" she questioned.

William knew Emelie was being cautious of him.

"She must've gone to the bathroom," he explained.

Emelie took off William's jacket without hesitation after seeing her jacket completely dried. She tossed William's jacket back to him and changed into her own.

William caught the jacket and chuckled with a hint of amusement. "Using me and then casting me aside, I

See."