Chapter 71 Emma

I strolled into Katie’s bookshop, the familiar scent of old books and coffee wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. Katie, perched behind the counter, looked up and broke into a wide grin as I approached.

"Em! Spill everything about Seattle!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I leaned on the counter, lowering my voice even though the shop was empty. "Let's just say meeting Liam's parents was... an experience. And the whole pretending-to-be-engaged thing is getting weirder by the minute."

Katie's eyebrows shot up. "Oh? Let’s hear it!”

I glanced around to ensure we were still alone before continuing. "Well, his parents are... intense. And the whole evening was like walking a tightrope. I think I did okay, but it’s hard to tell with rich people."

Katie chuckled. "I can only imagine. But come on, what about you and Liam? Any real sparks flying amidst all this fakery?"