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Chapter 4 I Have Never Made Love to a Man

"Hey, you're still young. You've got plenty of time ahead of you," James said, trying to cheer her up.

"Yeah, and Cucumber still needs you," I chimed in, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm really sorry, you guys were supposed to be on a date. I must've ruined it."

I thought, 'Thank goodness you finally realized.'

Just then, the waiter came in with more dishes. James quickly placed a plate of sashimi in front of her and asked for another serving.

"This place has the freshest sashimi. You should try some," James suggested.

"Alright, food and love are the only things worth savoring!" Ava said, her earlier sadness fading away.

James often comforted her like this, and her tone didn't suggest she was worried I might get the wrong idea about their relationship.

Seeing me staring at her, she smiled apologetically. I kicked James under the table, and he winced, turning to look at me.

"Here's a plate of shrimp, Emily. They're already peeled, and if you add some of the special sauce, they'll taste even better!" James said, pushing the plate towards me and adding the sauce himself.

He was wearing a gray suit today, with the dark blue cufflinks I had bought him. He looked so refined and noble.

"Emily, I really envy you. He's so good to you," Ava remarked.

"If my boyfriend isn't good to me or is good to other women, it's time to break up, right?" I said with a smile. Even if we were to break up, I wouldn't go down without a few jabs.

"Emily, you're overthinking it. James takes care of me because my mom asked him to before she died," Ava explained.

"Emily, for Mia's sake, can you stop making a fuss?" James said, a bit impatiently.

He always tried to guilt-trip me, but hadn't he done anything wrong himself?

"I'm sorry," Ava said suddenly, covering her mouth and dry heaving.

James's expression changed, and I was stunned too. Was she pregnant? But her boyfriend had been dead for three years. Whose child was she carrying?

I looked at James, and Ava quickly explained, "I'm sorry, my stomach hasn't been well lately, and I'm a bit allergic to dog hair. So, I keep Cucumber in a small room with a balcony and have John help walk him. James hasn't done anything to betray you, you don't need to worry about me."

I smiled faintly, "I thought you were pregnant. I've heard that many families send their dogs away when someone is pregnant. You're quite kind to keep Cucumber at home."

"I haven't slept with any guy, so how could I be pregnant?" Ava seemed a bit anxious, and she started retching again, even knocking over a cup of tea.

"I'll ask the waiter to bring another cup and get some napkins for you." James got up and left the private room. As soon as the door closed, Ava dropped her pitiful act.

So, she wasn't pretending anymore?

Ava snorted, "Emily, you still seem as proud as ever."

"I'm just a good girl, right? What do I have to be proud of?" Proud that I had no parents?

"I'm all alone here. Without James's care, I would've died long ago. I'm sorry, but I have no choice but to ask for his help," Ava said, self-righteously.

"So you know he's my fiancé, and we're getting married soon, yet you still trouble him," I said.

"Why did you have to mention my mother? She's dead, she won't be educating me anymore! Do you have to rub salt in my wounds?" Ava bit her lip, her eyes filled with resentment.

When did I mention her mother?

The door to the private room opened, and James stood there, looking at me disapprovingly. "Why did you bring up Mia? Didn't she treat you well at home? She worked as a housekeeper for my family for over twenty years, so she didn't have much time to care for and educate Ava. You know that."

"You're my boyfriend, so are you questioning me to defend another woman?" I retorted.

James not only didn't love me, but he also didn't trust me.

Ava cried out, "Emily is right. I overstepped and affected your relationship. I'll leave now and won't bother you anymore."

"Don't go. You didn't eat much this morning. It's Emily who's being unreasonable. I apologize on her behalf. The dishes aren't all here yet, please sit down." James held her back, trying to keep her.

Ava's voice was trembling, "You can pack the rest yourselves! I shouldn't trouble someone else's boyfriend. I'm annoying, I deserve to die, I'm leaving now!"

Ava ran out looking heartbroken, and James unhesitatingly chased after her. In front of me, James still chose her.

I called out, "James! Let's break up! You clearly only care about other women!"

"She could be in danger! I need to check on her." James said firmly and continued to chase after Ava.

I sat back down, laughing at myself.

After lunch, I went back to work, no longer thinking about going home with James after work.

I went straight to Sophia's office, waiting to have takeout with her during her dinner break.

Sophia said, "By the way, I saw them last night during my night shift. They really seemed to be looking for the dog."

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