Xavier smirked at her determination. He could sense her desperation for those papers, but what was it all for? It piqued his curiosity.
Approaching her, he lowered himself to her eye level before stating, "Listen, girl, the world doesn't revolve around you. So you better-"
Before Xavier could finish his sentence, he looked into her eyes once more, this time very closely. Suddenly, he remembered where he had seen her eyes before.
A flood of emotions surged through Xavier's heart. His fist clenched tightly. The girl he had been searching for all these years was standing right before him. Those eyes that used to be filled with regret, guilt, and so much more were now empty, as if nothing was left inside her. Xavier remembered how they had last met, what had transpired during their encounter. He recalled everything about her and the year of desperation spent searching for Emma all over the state, to no avail.
In one instant, Xavier remembered everything. The coldness he had harbored towards this girl vanished completely. It was as if he had been transported back to the last time he had seen her eyes so closely, even closer than now. Suddenly, everything he had felt since meeting her began to make sense. He finally understood why he had felt such a sudden and intense interest in her.
Sighing slightly, Xavier looked down at the folder before passing it to Emma in frustration. "Whatever."
With that, he turned and left immediately. He had no desire to stay a second longer.
Emma looked down at her hands in confusion. The folder was back with her without further discussion. Earlier, when the other person showed no sign of forgiveness, she had almost snatched it and run away. But she hadn't expected Xavier to give in so easily.
Noticing the subtle change in his eyes, Emma checked her watch and decided to forget about it for now and head back home.
***
"Hey, I haven't heard any news from the university. Did you even submit our application form?" Mason asked.
Xavier looked down at the blue glass bottle in his hand, adorned with a ship sign. It resembled a beer bottle at first glance, but it was actually just a soft drink. Playing with the bottle, Xavier shook his head with regret.
"Is he going to answer today?" Albie asked in boredom.
"...Take care of your registration on your own," Xavier replied curtly, not waiting for their response before hanging up.
It was already late at night. In the car, Xavier silently stared at the bottle for a while before another question was directed at him.
"Young Master, where would you like to go next? Madam has instructed me to inquire if you'd like dinner at Quinn Manor."
"...Is everyone at home?"
"Yes, sir."
"Is Grandpa alright?"
"Yes, sir, but he does wish to see you."
The driver waited patiently for a response. After a minute, Xavier replied, "Take me to Eton Residence."
"...Yes, sir," the driver acknowledged and proceeded towards Eton Residence.
***
Far away at the tallest building of the city…
Far away, at the tallest building in the city, crying could be heard. The night was dark, with not a single star visible in the sky; it was a new moon. A figure stood at the edge of the building, their clothes fluttering in the air. The railing was broken.
'Sniff sniff'... Whimpering echoed in the air. Most people at such a height would be terrified, but the girl stood there just inches away from death. She tried hard not to make a sound, but her heart cried out loudly.
All she wanted was to end her misery, but thoughts of her mother's struggles to give her this life stopped her from taking another step. Her mother had sacrificed everything for her. Now, here she was, ready to end it all.
Looking at the beautiful lights of the city, one would typically feel happiness, but for the girl standing there, all she felt was regret. If only she had never insisted on that day. All she had wanted was for her family to be together, but her stubbornness had caused her mother's death.
Emma's heart was in agony, clenching so hard that she struggled to breathe. She wanted to end it all, but her heart wouldn't let her.
Despite her desire to escape, someone was stopping her—her father and brother. She couldn't bear to burden her family with more agony. She knew her father was angry with her, and he might not want to see her for a long time, but she believed he would come around eventually. After all, how could he forget about his baby girl? But at this moment, when she needed her father the most, when all she wanted was one hand to pull her out of her misery, she felt completely alone. She saw no one but herself in the midst of despair.
Her heart was still agonizing when she felt a sudden push. Her eyes widened in horror. She believed no one was there but suddenly she felt someone's presence behind her.
However, before she could turn and look at the face she was already on her way to death.
"AHHHH" Emma woke up from her DREAM.