The New Emily Hills

NORA

The waitress led me to a slightly secluded corner of the restaurant-far enough from the main floor to offer privacy, yet positioned perfectly for observation. I had a clear view of the entrance, which worked in my favor. I liked knowing who came in and who left.

I took my seat, deliberately facing the door.

I didn't know why, but an unsettling sensation crept over me, the unmistakable feeling of being watched. My gaze shifted subtly toward the private room to my right.

A one-way mirror.

I couldn't see inside, but whoever was there could see me clearly.

"Here's the menu, Ma'am," the waitress said, placing it neatly in front of me. "Once you've decided, you can press the button at the center of the table."

I followed where she pointed before nodding.

This was actually my first time dining out in the open area. I was always inside a private room before. There was a button there too-but it was built into the wall, not the table.

"No need," I said calmly. "I order fast. You can take my order now."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I scanned the menu.

My preferences were simple. Even inside Emily's body, they hadn't changed.

Seafood.

I loved seafood.

Without hesitation, I rattled off my order. The waitress wrote everything down efficiently before excusing herself.

Moments later, the dishes were placed in front of me one by one.

For a split second, I must have looked like a child staring at a pile of shrimp, practically salivating.

I slipped on the plastic gloves provided and began peeling them methodically. I haven't tasted anything yet. I preferred finishing the preparation first so I could eat without interruption.

Once I was done, I took my first bite.

"Mmm..."

A soft sound escaped me before I could stop it. I even closed my eyes. It was that good.

I took another bite, the corners of my lips lifting slightly in satisfaction.

I was enjoying myself-until I suddenly froze.

An uncomfortable itch spread across my body.

I immediately grabbed my glass of water and downed it in one go. When I set the glass back on the table, my eyes fell on my hands.

Red patches were forming.

My brows knitted together.

Damn. Is there something wrong with the food?

No.

This was my first time here as Emily Hills. Who would even think of poisoning me?

Then my chest tightened.

Breathing became difficult.

And then it hit me.

Fuck.

Emily is allergic to shrimp!

I shot up from my seat. I needed to get to a hospital, but my lungs refused to cooperate. Each breath felt shallow, forced.

My vision blurred.

My knees weakened.

I felt myself tipping forward.

The last thing I registered was the figure of a man rushing toward me-moving fast, decisively. Strong arms caught me before I hit the floor.

Then-

Nothing.

Everything went black.

****

"Shit!"

I gasped as I jolted upright, my heart pounding violently. I scanned my surroundings in alarm before realization set in.

A hospital room.

"You're awake," a male voice said.

I turned my head.

A man was sitting on a three-seater sofa across the room. I stiffened slightly but kept my reaction controlled. Still, my brows furrowed.

"Who are you?" I asked coolly.

He stood up, giving me a better look at him.

He was dressed casually-a red shirt, denim pants. A matching denim jacket was draped over the back of the sofa.

And something about him felt... familiar.

"I'm Devon," he said as he stepped closer to my hospital bed.

Just Devon.

No last name?

"I was heading back to my table when I noticed you were about to collapse. Good thing I caught you in time," he added casually.

I studied him for a brief moment before responding.

"Thank you."

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Judging by the slight shift in his expression, he understood immediately-I had no interest in knowing anything beyond that.

"The hospital contacted your parents," he continued. "They're probably on their way."

I nodded and adjusted the pillow behind my back so I could sit more comfortably.

He didn't offer to help.

Didn't even attempt to.

Did he already know I would refuse?

"Your face says it all," he said suddenly.

I frowned.

The "I don't need your help" look," he added, a hint of amusement in his voice.

That made me chuckle.

"At least you're perceptive."

"Hm," was all he replied.

"Anyway, thank you again," I said, dismissive but polite. "You can leave now. I can take care of myself. You probably have personal matters to attend to."

"I'll leave once your parents arrive."

So he was stubborn.

Before I could respond, the door opened.

But it wasn't Rod and Esmeralda who walked in.

My expression hardened instantly.

"What are you doing here?" I asked coldly.

Asher didn't even look at me. His eyes were locked on Devon.

"What are you doing here?" I repeated, this time louder-sharper.

Only then did Asher turn toward me, irritating me further when he reached out as if to touch me.

"Are you out of your mind?" he snapped. "You know you're allergic to shrimp, yet you still ate it?"

I rolled my eyes.

"You no longer have the right to be concerned about me, Mr. Bennett. Or have you forgotten that we're already separated?"

"I went to the civil registry and canceled our divorce," he declared. "There will be no separation."

For a second, my head felt like it was about to explode. I wanted to get out of bed and smash his face against the wall.

"So end whatever relationship you have with this man," he continued, pointing at Devon-who, infuriatingly enough, was smiling.

What the hell is wrong with him?

There was something about Devon that felt... strange. Unreadable. Unlike Asher, whose jealousy was practically written all over his face.

"You're delusional if you think I'll ever go back to you," I said, my voice firm and final.

He heard it. I knew he did.

"I've told you countless times-there is nothing going on between Corrine and me!" Asher shot back angrily. "When will you finally understand that?"

"Then go ahead and start something with her," I replied flatly. "I don't care. I just want to be separated from you. Don't force me to do something you'll regret, Mr. Bennett. I am no longer the Emily you once knew."

He froze.

Confusion. Shock. Disbelief.

They all crossed his face in rapid succession.

"Mr. Bennett," Devon cut in calmly.

I narrowed my eyes. I didn't like anyone interfering in matters that involved me.

"You heard what Emily said," Devon continued. "You can leave now."

"Tsk," Asher scoffed, turning to him. "You're waiting for nothing. I'm not divorcing Emily."

Devon didn't even blink.

"Do you think I care?" he said coolly. "As long as she's with me, that's all that matters."

This time-

I was the one caught off guard.

Who the hell is this man?