Fading Slowly but Surely

The chatter in the private room came to an abrupt halt as soon as Isla pushed the door open.

Everyone turned away tacitly and started switching topics. They pretended they hadn't seen her.

Emmett had also picked up a glass of wine before joining the game on one of the tables. He did not bother looking up. He wore an indifferent expression.

Isla glanced at him. She couldn't help but marvel at how good his acting was.

She wasn't at all disappointed seeing how everyone had ignored her. Instead, she calmly walked over and sat down in a corner.

Everyone was busy chatting in the next hour, yet she remained seated on her own as she scrolled on her phone.

In the past, Isla would find a way to approach Emmett whenever he appeared. She would come up with all sorts of topics just to catch his attention.

Even this birthday party was something she had to pester him about for a long time. She had asked many to help her out before he finally invited her.

Logically, something so hard to come by should be valued more. However, with the way Isla had come barefaced, in sportswear, and looking carefree, she didn't seem to be taking Emmett's birthday seriously at all.

Her indifferent attitude, unlike before, made him break his cold front. He couldn't help but glance at her a few more times.

It was soon time for the gift-giving session after the birthday song and cake-cutting. Isla waited until everyone had their turn before getting up leisurely. She then took out a calendar from her back and handed it to Emmett.

Everyone stared at her in shock. The calendar was no bigger than the size of a palm, with only 30 pages in total, making it look rather shabby.

Isla disregarded their shocked expressions. She looked at Emmett and calmly said, "Starting from today, you should tear off one page every day, Emmett. When you get to the last page, there will be a surprise waiting—it's my belated birthday gift for you."

Upon hearing her words, his roommates started laughing. "It's your 100th confession, right? You're truly persistent—it's been two years, and you're still going strong. Do you really like Emmett that much?"

Influenced by their words, Emmett naturally assumed that it was a countdown calendar for her 100th confession.

He smiled briefly before catching himself. He turned expressionless once again. "I only said that I might consider it when it's your 100th time, but I've never said I'll say yes to you."

Isla knew that they all had gotten the wrong idea. She wasn't about to confess by the time he tore off the last page. It was the day she would completely disappear from his life.

She did not bother explaining. Instead, she chuckled and deliberately said, "I've pursued you for a long time, yet I never managed to move you. I really want to know what your ideal type is like."

The room fell silent after Isla's words. Everyone turned to look at Emmett with a curious look.

He stared at her intensely and stayed silent for a while. "My ideal type—"

The door was pushed open just as Emmett started talking, instantly drawing everyone's attention away.

Sadie Lynch walked in under the gaze of everyone, holding a beautifully wrapped box. She flashed him a sweet smile and said, "Happy birthday, Emmett!"

Emmett's gaze landed on her when he heard her greeting.

He tapped a finger lightly against the table and continued, "My ideal type is of course a lively and sweet girl next door."

Sadie's cheeks immediately flared red having heard such an ambiguous confession as soon as she entered.

She skipped over to Emmett and handed him the gift she had carefully prepared, urging him to open it at once.

Everyone's attention was quickly diverted, and no one brought up that topic again.

Isla did not show any signs of sadness looking at the two who were surrounded by everyone. Instead, she returned to her seat while looking indifferent.

Throughout the night, Sadie was there no matter where Emmett went. They were laughing and talking happily, taking turns to drink on each other's behalf, and sharing the same piece of cake.

Memories flooded Isla as she quietly watched their intimate moments.

Although Emmett, the campus heartthrob of Quintessa University, had countless admirers, he had always kept his distance from women. The only exception was Sadie, his childhood friend.

He would help fix her messy fringe, help her with her bag, and go to classes with her. He would even make bets and host basketball games with guys from other universities, all just for her.

Emmett's favoritism toward Sadie felt like a thorn in Isla's side.

However, it wasn't until the day Isla learned the truth that she realized it. Although Emmett and Sadie were childhood friends, they weren't close before this.

Sadie had always pestered Emmett, yet he never paid her much attention. It wasn't until Isla showed up that he started deliberately getting close to Sadie.

All his actions were just to make her jealous. He was hoping it would push her to pursue him even more.