Deceive

As they left the college garden, Xavier once again witnessed Kai picking Emma up to take her home. Outside, Kai waited patiently and took Emma's bag from her shoulder before they headed towards the parking lot. Albie and Mason glanced at Kai as he walked away with Emma, hoping for some explanation from her. However, Emma simply said, "My friend is here to pick me up. I'll head off now. I'll let you know if there's any trouble. Thanks."

Albie and Mason nodded silently, holding back their questions for another time.

Xavier watched Kai and Emma leave together. Despite seeing this routine play out repeatedly, he couldn't suppress his frustration. He had hoped to grow accustomed to it, but seeing Emma so comfortable with Kai only made him clench his teeth in irritation. Deciding to distance himself from these conflicting emotions, he admitted to himself that he couldn't find an answer to his own feelings.

Albie and Mason exchanged looks and sighed. While they didn't fully grasp Xavier's emotions, they sensed his frustration. They were also curious about Emma and Kai's relationship but didn't let it overshadow their acceptance of seeing them together. With resigned sighs, they opted to leave the matter unresolved for now.

---

Back in her bedroom, Emma wasted no time delving into her assignment, carefully studying documents and published papers relevant to the topic. This time, she felt a calm she hadn't experienced before. In the past, the pressure to excel independently had always weighed heavily on her during assignments. Now, collaborating with Xavier, Albie, and Mason, she felt a sense of relief and confidence. She knew they were experienced and dependable, allowing her to trust in their abilities and easing her worries about the project's success.

Emma was deeply engrossed in her assignment when she heard a double knock on her bedroom door. Assuming it was a maid with her evening milk, she called out, "Come in."

The door opened, and to her surprise, it was Dylan standing there with a glass of milk in hand. Startled, Emma's eyes widened in horror. She hadn't expected her brother to come bearing milk, and her initial instinct was to continue working on her assignment, pretending everything was normal. After all, being homeschooled meant she didn't have any assignments to prepare for regular schooling.

"How come you're here today?" Emma asked nervously, trying to hide her discomfort.

"Oh, I happened to pass by and saw the maid bringing you milk," Dylan replied with a gentle smile. "I thought I'd surprise my little sister today."

Emma felt a pang of guilt for deceiving her family. She pursed her lips, considering how to respond to Dylan's unexpected visit. With a sigh, she decided to fabricate another excuse. "Hmm, we have internal assignments to prepare for," she said, avoiding his gaze.

Dylan looked at her intently, his expression filled with understanding and affection. "Good, you're working hard. I'm sure you'll top the exams as always," he said warmly, handing her the glass of milk.

Emma drank the milk quickly, feeling uneasy under her brother's caring scrutiny. "Thank you, Dylan," she replied softly.

"Although it's commendable to work hard, remember to take proper rest," Dylan advised gently.

"Yes, brother," Emma nodded obediently, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt.

Dylan brushed her hair affectionately, a hint of concern in his eyes. "I've ordered a beautiful dress for you. It's exquisite and truly unique. You'll look like an angel in it."

Emma smiled genuinely, touched by her brother's thoughtfulness. "Thank you, brother," she said sincerely.

"What are brothers for if not to spoil their little sisters?" Dylan chuckled softly. Then, hesitantly, he added, "Um, do you want me to talk to father about inviting Kai over?"

Emma's heart skipped a beat. She knew brother meant well, but the thought of her father getting angry she replied quickly, trying to sound casual yet firm. "No, brother that's not necessary,"

Dylan nodded understandingly, sensing her discomfort. "Alright, just thought I'd ask," he said with a reassuring smile. "Focus on your studies, Emma. I'll leave you to your assignment now."

Emma sighed inwardly with relief as Dylan left the room. Returning to her assignment, she couldn't shake off the guilt of deceiving her brother, but...