A Call That Changed Her Entire Life

Sean accompanied Emily and Beryl to the restaurant, and the atmosphere between them was harmonious.

The waiter went to them and said, "Sir, madam, and lovely little lady, may I take your order?"

Obviously he considered them as a family of three. Sean's mood brightened considerably upon hearing that, but Emily immediately denied it.

"Sorry, we're not a couple," she told the waiter.

Sean's face fell and his eyes turned gloomy in an instant.

The waiter was puzzled about their relationship, but he knew he shouldn't ask more questions.

Emily ordered several dishes, pretending that she hadn't seen her brother's unhappy face. She had deliberately explained to the waiter that they were not a couple.

Though she could not always tell what attitude Sean held towards her, she had hoped that he would give up on pursuing her. He said he would, but the ambiguity he showed from time to time made her doubtful.

If he still craved taking her as lover, then she couldn't figure out why at other times he treated her as his sister.

Instinctively she knew that she had to demarcate their relationship as that of siblings, so that he could clearly understand her position on it, and that he could believe her standpoint to be set.

Although the two adults were wrapped up in their own pensive moods, they were careful not to show any signs which might confuse Beryl. The child innocently continued enjoying her meal.

After the meal, Sean treated them with a visit to the amusement park. To the undiscerning viewers they were a happy family of three enjoying the attractions.

He even insisted on buying a family package to enter the amusement park.

Emily watched him having a good time with Beryl, and though she took pictures of them, she was concerned as he was acting out of character today. Confused by her emotions and the awkward situation, she was somewhat distracted.

But she could not determine what was different about Sean and his unusual behavior.

Feeling uneasy, she thought of Jacob, who was still in the laboratory.

for Sean to lie to

told him that I would not live if Jacob died. He would not risk my life to hurt

thoughts calmed her fears a little, but she

mommy!" Beryl ran to her side and grabbed her hand excitedly, "Let's go and ride on the Ferris Wheel together.

Emily was about to answer, when suddenly Sean slipped his arm tightly around her waist. Before she could protest, she was lifted

in surprise and, fearing the sudden loss of contact with terra firma, she clung to Sean's

chuckled softly and said, "You grabbed me so tightly. Are

what are you... Please put me

listen to her and instead hugged her even tighter, "If

a similar thing happened a year ago. If he hadn't let her go to Z

to run away. Put me down. We can't be seen like this!" Embarrassed she struggled in his

or I'll do something even more outrageous later!" He

"Sean!" she shouted.

kiss you,"

at him angrily, "Sean!" Her

embraced her delicate body almost greedily. Suddenly he noticed that Beryl was looking at them with large, puzzled eyes. He quickly explained, "Mommy is not listening to me, and

her uncle acting a little

to Beryl, and not wanting to quarrel with Sean in front of her, Emily chose to remain

hand and carried Emily into

you let me go now?" She asked demurely, gritting her teeth in frustration at having had to put up with his violation of

far, he let her out of his arms, and pointed out the scenery below the Ferris wheel.

looked out over the vista with earnest excitement. "Wow, it looks amazing!" she cheered. Emily was however not interested, and stared off into space,

Sean continued chatting, oblivious to her distress and gently caressed Beryl's head while lovingly telling her, "In fact, the view at night is even more breathtaking. Then you have the twinkling stars above and

Beryl answered sweetly, "Can we bring Daddy here with us, next time? I

he agreed calmly. Then he shifted the topic cleverly, "Beryl, do you know that there's a legend

beautiful eyes were bright with curiosity, "What legend? Tell me! Tell me please!" she

rises to its highest point, the people sitting