Chapter 24. Ethan's Apology

"Em, you have to try this strawberry ice cream! It's so good!" Iris's voice snapped her back to reality as she slid a bowl of strawberry ice cream toward Emerald.

Emerald's gaze fixed on the bowl of strawberry ice cream. The bright red strawberries reminded her of the nosebleed she had that day—vivid, red droplets splattering onto the hot ground. Though time had passed, she still recalled how that bite of ice cream had sent a chill through her heart.

Now that she was older and independent from her mother's control, the trauma from that seemingly innocent treat lingered like a deep wound. Emerald pushed the bowl away. 

"No, thanks. I'm not really into sweets," she lied, despite her mouth watering at the sight of the ice cream. She forced a smile at Iris, but Alaric could see the sadness in her eyes. At that moment, Emerald resembled a delicate porcelain doll, vulnerable and fragile.

The dinner ended with Emerald speaking little. She mostly listened to Yvo and Ir