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Chapter 4 Welcome Party

The welcome party at Sun High School was a big deal, especially for new teachers. It was also a chance for single teachers to meet someone special. The party had all sorts of games that needed a partner, and it wasn't just for the staff—everyone could bring their family or friends.

When Emily heard about it, her first thought was to skip it, but Robert convinced her otherwise. "You missed last year's party because of family stuff. I know you were busy with graduation and your brother's rehab, and I let it slide. But this year, you can't dodge it, Emily. I've seen you grow up, and James is doing better now. It's time you think about your own life. Even if marriage isn't on your mind, you can't keep skipping these events."

"Alright, I'll go," Emily reluctantly agreed.

"Good," Robert said, satisfied, and walked away.

Sitting in the school infirmary, Emily remembered that last year, John had heard about the party and called her to his place right after school. That night, he kept her with him, whispering, "Am I not good enough for you? Why do you want to go to these social events? Don't you remember you belong to me?"

Snapping back to the present, Emily glanced at Sophia and then out the window, wondering if John would show up tonight. She really didn't want to see him again.

But luck wasn't on her side. That evening, Sophia arrived at the party with John on her arm. That's when everyone found out that the new teacher, Sophia, was already engaged.

Seeing everyone so happy for Sophia and John, Emily felt a sharp pain in her heart. She slipped out to the garden to get some air and found Joseph Miller on a swing.

Joseph had started at Sun High the same year as Emily and was two years younger. He was super energetic, probably because he was a PE teacher, and he and Emily had talked quite a bit. He was one of the few people she felt comfortable around at the school.

Joseph spotted Emily and waved her over. "Emily, you couldn't handle it in there either, huh? Come on, join me on the swing."

He was sitting on a big double swing and eagerly invited her to sit with him. Even after they sat down, there was still some space between them. As they gently swung back and forth, Joseph started sharing funny stories from his childhood about his swing-related mishaps. His humor slowly lifted Emily's spirits.

Inside, John noticed Emily was missing. Using the excuse of taking a phone call, he stepped out onto the balcony. He was about to call his assistant to find out where she went when he saw her on the swing with someone, laughing and chatting.

John looked away, his face blank, but the tight grip on his wine glass gave away his true feelings.

"Hey, Emily, can you be my partner for the games later?" Joseph suddenly asked.

"What?"

"Come on, Emily, don't leave me hanging. You know, single folks get randomly paired up, but if you don't find a partner, you have to wear a turtle costume and dance. It's super embarrassing. Do you already have a partner?" Joseph gave her a pleading look.

"Turtle costume? Dance? What are you talking about?" Emily asked, confused.

Joseph scratched his head. "Oh right, you missed last year. So, during the social part of the party, everyone gets to know each other and pick game partners while eating and mingling. If you're left alone, you get punished and then randomly assigned a partner for the games."

Emily felt a bit lost and asked, "Can't I just skip it?"

"Nope, if you skip out, you lose your perfect attendance bonus, and it goes into the department's activity fund. You really didn't know that?"

Emily thought for a moment and realized he was right. Last year, she had taken leave and didn't participate, and her perfect attendance bonus was indeed deducted. But now she had just cut ties with John, and James was about to have a follow-up exam. Every penny counted. Playing some games seemed like a small price to pay.

"Alright, I'll be your partner to save our perfect attendance bonus," she agreed.

"Awesome!" Joseph shouted, clearly thrilled.

Seeing his excitement, Emily couldn't help but laugh. She thought, 'I really hope James can recover and be as cheerful as Joseph someday.'

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