Chapter 135. The Trip: pt. 1

“Good morning, Emma,” Ricard said, his deep voice warm but still distant. “Are you ready?”

Emma looked at him and smiled lightly. “Good morning, Ricard. Thank you for picking me up.”

She glanced at the backseat door that was already open, but she felt uncomfortable sitting in the back like a typical passenger. She wanted to see the road, to feel like she had control over the situation. Blinking, she gently asked, “Could I sit in the front seat? I’m not used to sitting in the back.”

Ricard looked slightly surprised but quickly nodded. “Sure, hop in the front.”

Without hesitation, Emma stepped into the front seat and sat down. The tension in the car was palpable, but she didn’t let it bother her. She wanted to make sure she could observe everything clearly.

As the car began to move, Emma stared out the window, her mood becoming heavier. She knew she was stepping into a challenging phase—not just because of the trip but because of the personal relationship