The next morning, after adjusting the car navigation system and starting her car, Emmeline set off for Sandwell alone.
To her surprise, she arrived in the evening around 7 p.m., completing a journey of over 559 miles.
She felt a great sense of accomplishment. It was her first time driving alone on such a long trip after obtaining her driverâs license.
When she suddenly appeared in front of Paul, he almost jumped up from behind the tea counter.
âEmma!â he called out as he looked behind her. âWhy did you suddenly come here?â
âI wanted to surprise you. Emmeline smiled. âNo need to look at my back. Itâs just me.â
âWhat about Abel?â Paul asked. âWhy are you alone?â
âAbel doesnât know Iâm here. Emmeline chuckled and added, âI drove here by myselfâ
âWhat a surprise!â Paul exclaimed, almost dropping his eyes. âYou came all this way; itâs more like a shock.â
âBut Iâm fine, arenât Emmeline laughed. âDonât worry, Paul.â
Paul wiped the sweat off his forehead as he said, âAs long as youâre safe. Let me take you to dinner first.
The two of them went to a small restaurant. He ordered Emmelineâs favorite vegetarian pasta for her.
Paul had already eaten his dinner. While Emmeline was enjoying her meal, he called Abel, âWhat?!â Abel gasped as he stood up from the sofa. âShe drove to Sandwell by herself?â
âYes, and sheâs having a meal with me now,â Paul replied. âI just wanted to ask you about the situation.â
âI really donât know,â Abel said. âSheâs incredibly bold. But this doesnât make sense. What about Luca? I assigned him as her chauffeur. Where did he go?â
Abel hung up with Paul and called Luca, Luca was still at the hospital taking care of his mother. When he heard that Emmeline had driven to Sandwell by herself, he was also shocked.
After ending the call with Luca, Abel called Paul again.
âPaul, could you please keep an eye on her? She might have the courage to drive there, but she might not be able to find her way back. If anything happens, I donât think I can bear it.â
âWhatâs the plan?â Paul asked. âDo you want to come here, or should I send a chauffeur for her?â
âIâll come over, Abel replied. âSeeing her will put my mind at ease.â
âAlright,â Paul said. âIâll keep an eye on her for now. Hurry up and come over.â
âIâm booking train tickets now,â Abel said. âIâm not sure when Iâll arrive. Just make sure you keep an eye on her; donât let her return alone.â
The next day, Emmeline packed her backpack and went to the Clothing Wholesale Market to check the goods.
As the morning passed, she hadnât even covered half of the market.
At lunchtime, she called Paul to inform him that she wouldnât be going back for lunch. In this case, she didnât need to waste time in the afternoon.
Paul gave her a few safety reminders. He had no choice but to go along with her. After all, she couldnât just leave without her Ford Focus, which was now with him.
After a quick lunch, Emmeline continued to walk along the streets of the wholesale market.
She had successfully ordered her selections for womenâs clothing. Now, she needed to inspect several secondâtier and thirdâtier menâs clothing brands.
At 5 p.m., the streets were still crowded with people. Each storefront was bustling.
Emmeline walked while observing the surroundings.
Suddenly, she bumped into a solid chest.
Feeling startled, she quickly jumped back and said, âIâm sorry.â
The person in front of her didnât move or speak. He looked down at her from a higher vantage point.
Emmeline looked up at his black trousers and a black Tâshirt.
After a few moments of confusion and uncertainty, she smiled, showing her small tiger teeth.
âYou look like someone I know,â she said while tilting her head.
The person in front of her asked, âWho?â
She replied, âAbel.â
Abel lowered his head to look into her eyes. Then, he said in a deep, gentle voice, âThen can you consider me as him?â
Emmeline threw herself into his arms and held onto his neck. âAbel, youâre so annoying!â she murmured.
It had been nearly a month, and her soft body was finally back in his embrace.
Abel held her tightly. While caressing her head, he said, âSilly girl, why did you drive all this. way by yourself? You scared me half to death. Are you determined to never give up?â
âI also wanted to take a chance, Emmeline said softly. âI wanted to see if I could win.â
âWho are you gambling with?â Abel asked in confusion. âWhat are you gambling on?â