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Chapter 5 The First Time She Defied Him

Not long after, Matthew Moore, the logistics director, came out looking for everyone and announced that the games were about to kick off. He asked everyone to gather in the back hall of the dining room.

The area had been transformed into a mini game park. Colorful balloons were strung up on the walls, and a long table was loaded with all sorts of game props, from board games to puzzles.

When Emily and Joseph showed up, the other teachers were already diving into the games in groups. The two of them got assigned to a team-building game that had them tackling a series of challenges together to test their teamwork.

First up was "Speed Escape." The teachers split into groups, and each group had to solve a bunch of puzzles to "escape" from a locked room. Emily and Joseph were a dream team, with one finding clues and the other cracking puzzles. They quickly pulled ahead of the other teams.

Next was "Memory Master." Participants had to memorize a series of complex patterns in a minute and then reproduce them accurately. Emily's memory was off the charts. She nailed all the patterns while Joseph cheered her on.

The final game was "Silent Coordination." Participants had to convey information to their partners without speaking to see who could guess the correct answer the fastest. Emily and Joseph had great chemistry; they nailed it with just a few simple gestures.

The dining room was filled with laughter all evening. Emily found herself having a blast; she hadn't relaxed like this in ages. Joseph's sense of humor and laid-back vibe made her feel at ease, and she started to really enjoy the gathering.

John was there with Sophia, but for some reason, he didn't join in the games with her. He just sat in a corner, quietly watching Emily and Joseph interact. Seeing Emily's smile, a wave of jealousy washed over him. He felt like something that was his had been taken. But he didn't react; he just played with his wine glass, expressionless. After a while, he got up and left.

During a break in the games, Emily looked around but didn't see Sophia and John, assumed they had left, and happily went back to solving puzzles with Joseph.

When the gathering wrapped up, Emily and Joseph tidied up the game props together. Joseph shook the first-place prize in his hand and said, "Emily, you were awesome tonight. So lucky to have you here."

Emily smiled and replied, "Thanks, Joseph. I had a great time too."

Joseph had planned to drive Emily home since it was late, but they lived in completely opposite directions, so Emily turned down his offer. Reluctantly, Joseph saw her into a taxi at the restaurant entrance, and they waved goodbye, each heading home.

The city lights were dazzling at night, but Emily's mood was far from bright like the neon lights outside her window. The laughter and games at the gathering had temporarily made her forget her troubles, but John's presence still lingered in her mind.

Her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. It was a text message, short and to the point: [1:30.]

Emily's finger hovered over the screen; she knew it was from John. Her heart raced for a moment but quickly calmed down. She didn't reply and deleted the message without a second thought.

The car stopped at the entrance of her apartment complex. Emily got out, her steps heavy as she walked towards her building, thinking about taking a long bath to relax once she got home.

But as she entered the hallway and was about to head upstairs, a figure stepped out from the shadows.

It was John.

He stood there, blocking her way. His face was partly hidden in the dim light, but the determination in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Emily, we need to talk," John's voice was deep, carrying an undeniable tone.

Emily stopped, a mix of emotions rising in her heart. She didn't want any more entanglements with John, but she knew avoiding him wouldn't solve anything.

"John, I don't want to talk to you," Emily's voice was calm, with a hint of determination.

John took a step closer, his gaze locked on her. "You don't have a choice, Emily. You are mine, and your fate is tied to mine."

Emily's heart skipped a beat, feeling the dominance and control in John's words. She knew breaking free from him wouldn't be easy, but she was no longer the Emily who could be easily manipulated.

"John, I am not yours," Emily's voice was firm as she looked directly into John's eyes. "I control my own fate."

Hearing her words, John's face darkened, unable to accept Emily's defiance. He reached out and grabbed Emily's arm, the force causing her pain.

"Don't forget who is paying for James's treatment," John's voice was cold, his words like a sharp blade piercing Emily's heart.

A hint of pain flashed in Emily's eyes. She knew John was telling the truth, but her pride and self-respect wouldn't let her just give in.

"I will find a way," Emily's voice trembled slightly, but her gaze remained steadfast.

John released his grip on Emily's arm, a complex emotion flashing across his face.

He didn't say anything more, just cast a meaningful glance at Emily before turning and disappearing into the night.

Emily stood there until John's footsteps completely faded away. She then slowly walked up the stairs and returned to her apartment.

Her heart was racing. The confrontation had left her feeling both tense and exhausted. She knew John wasn't someone who would easily give up, but his letting go tonight surprised her.

Emily walked into her room, leaned against the door, and took a deep breath to calm herself down.

She walked to the window and watched as John's car slowly drove out of the complex until it disappeared around the corner.

She was confused about what John would do next but knew she had to be prepared.

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