Do You Love Him?

"I'm here to help a friend pick out a dog. What brings you here?" Oliver Westmore asked, clearly surprised.

"Bailey is sick," Emma Hart replied, her voice tinged with sadness.

"Sick? Is it serious?" Oliver frowned, noticing that Emma looked more worn than the last time he saw her. His concern was evident as he inquired, "Have you been alright lately?"

Oliver wasn't sure if it was appropriate to express such concern, or if it might be too forward, but Emma did not seem happy to him.

"I'm fine," Emma forced a strong smile onto her face.

What reason did she have not to be fine? With Damien Sterling, she had everything a woman could desire—food, clothing, and the envy of many. What could possibly be wrong?

"But you don't seem fine," Oliver insisted, leaning in closer to Emma, his gaze unflinching.