Hearts Laughing in Sweet Love

"Sorry, Ms. Bennett, I can't make it to the company dinner. I'm meeting my boyfriend's parents that night."

"A gift? Please hold it for me, and thank Mr. Harrison for me, would you?"

After hanging up, I sat down, shivering from the cold.

Outside, the breeze teased the goose-yellow forsythia.

It reminded me of the scene near the playground at Liberty High back then.

Those lonely nights, Lucas Harrison would kiss me passionately under the blossoms, over and over.

Whenever I was frightened and tearful, he'd soothe me endlessly, "Emma, we'll marry someday. Don't worry, I've got you."

I, the gullible Emma Bennett, hung on Lucas's every word.

Liberty High's playground, the empty classrooms, Lucas's posh downtown apartment— they all were imprinted with our youthful zeal.

In retrospect, they all testified to my youthful gullibility.

Lucas stepped out of the stretch Lincoln, welcomed by the VP and senior executives at the hotel entrance.

Silence enveloped the ballroom.

It was the corporate gala welcoming the future owner.

Every department member was in attendance.

Lucas's assistant distributed gifts individually.

"Emma couldn't be here tonight, hold onto hers for now, please?"

When Emma's name was announced, the manager promptly approached.

Lucas narrowed his eyes subtly, maintaining a poker face.

Emma Bennett.

Her soft, delicate features somehow flashed before him.

Her lashes long, her quick glances away whenever he caught her eye—it intrigued him.

That was how Emma had trapped him in her allure.

She fiddled his heart but kept him from going down there with tears and sobs.

He had to say such words that even were repulsive to himself to get into her pants.

Eight years later, those memories still made Lucas smirk.

"Manager, what is Emma's highlight tonight?"

A coworker asked, intrigued.

"She's meeting her boyfriend's parents for the first time."

"Is Emma getting married?"

"Probably this year. Emma's not getting younger; it's high time she settled down."

With a wine-induced headache, Lucas rode home.

Leaning back, eyes closed, he chuckled recalling Emma's naive reaction.

The first time he kissed her, she was terrified, crying out, "Lucas, this isn't right, we're too young for puppy love..."

Puppy love? He had laughed inwardly.

He hadn't planned on a serious romance.

He merely wanted her, to experience her soft, fair skin.

"Don't be scared, Emma. I'm here, I won't let you down."

"Just one kiss, just this once."

She spoke and obediently closed her eyes.

Back then, she still had that hint of baby fat, her curves not yet defined.

Pursuing an ordinary girl like that had been sheer madness, even for Lucas.

The driver opened the car door, and Lucas stumbled out.

His lady companion called his name playfully and rushed over, enveloping him in a warm embrace.

Lucas frowned and gently pushed her away, her perfume lingering in the air.

She pouted, her eyes welling up, "Lucas, I've waited so long for you."

Lucas reached out and gently pinched her chin.