Chapter 12: First Priority

What Killian dreaded the most finally came. So, Emily did not forget. He looked down at his half-empty glass of wine, letting Emily's words sink in.

Perhaps, Emily already knew what her best friend's answer would be. She stared at the dishes half-eaten before them.

"Ian..." Emily said softly, her voice wavering as she stared at her hands. "I remember what I said. Gosh, this is nerve-wracking. Confessing to my best friend of many years, I meant." Emily tried to lighten the mood by laughing lightly, but it only sounded forced.

She cleared her throat afterward. "So, you see, I've…liked you for a long time now. I just never had the courage to tell you before. I thought maybe… just maybe, you felt the same way."

Killian sighed, putting down his glass. He hated that he had to hurt her, especially after everything they had been through together. But he knew he couldn't lie to her, not about this matter, not when it comes to her feelings.