Chapter 123 - Haili...Halia...

As soon as Emerson and Amelie returned, Jackson wrapped his arm around Amelie's shoulder and asked with a doting smile, "What were you talking about?"

Amelie was a little surprised by this sudden gesture but quickly replied, "I was telling him about how we met."

Emerson looked at the couple and smiled. He then walked over to Halia and copied his older brother by wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

Jackson's eye subconsciously twitched when he saw this.

"So, how did we meet? I forgot. Why don't you tell me as well?" Jackson said as he looked at the woman beside him.

Amelie smiled and started explaining, "We actually met 5 years ago. I was your Boss' girlfriend at that time and you were asked to be my bodyguard. You ended up saving my life a few times and I secretly fell in love with you, but I was too afraid to leave your Boss. Then, we got separated for a bit when you went to China and your Boss died. But, as fate had it, we met again in France recently and I finally got the chance to repay the debt I owed you by saving your life in return."

"Yes, when I woke up, you were the first person I saw. You were by my bedside the entire time and I was touched by the way you took care of me. That's why I asked you to be my girlfriend and to return to Hong Kong to meet my family as well as keep me company while I rediscover my past," Jackson added.

Halia stared at the couple and felt her heart sink. This was too difficult to watch. Was this man deliberately trying to make her jealous? Or was he trying to make her give up? Either way, he needed to explain things properly to her.

After waiting for an entire month, she wasn't giving up so easily.

"Oh, by the way, while we were walking to the bathroom, I saw a really beautiful infinity pool. Let's go there and relax for a bit," Amelie suggested.

"Yes, we have a poolside bar that serves really good c.o.c.ktails too," Emerson agreed as he grabbed Halia's hand and started leading the way.

The pool was only a short walk away, but it was hidden behind the sunflower garden and some bushes, making it quite private. 

At this time of night, there were only a few couples sitting beside the pool, so it was really quiet and had a romantic vibe to it. Just like the pool at Emerson's home in Hong Kong, this was an infinity pool, so it appeared as though it fell off the edge of the casino building. As they were on the rooftop, there was a beautiful view of the casino strip below. Macau was often nicknamed, 'Vegas of the East', and from up there, it was obvious how it got its name.

Halia walked over to the edge of the pool and glanced down at the reflection of the moon and stars that twinkled on the surface of the water. A sudden sense of nostalgia swept across her. This reflection reminded Halia of the beautiful Houhai Lake in Beijing where she and Jackson first became friends. 

It felt like so long ago...

While Halia was deep in thought, she suddenly felt a jacket cover her shoulders. She subconsciously gripped the jacket close to her body and felt her hand brush up against another hand. This was exactly what Jackson used to do! He used to always cover her with his jacket! 

With a big smile, she immediately turned around.

But, to her surprise, the man behind her was not Jackson, but his younger brother, Emerson.

Yes, of course. She was so consumed in her memory that she forgot Jackson was now Amelie's boyfriend. Why would he be giving her his jacket?

As she lowered her head, Emerson suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to his body.

Halia looked up in surprise. The man's face was so close to her that she could hear his nervous breathing.

"Haili, I've been wanting to ask you something all night. I'm so happy that you came to look for me here in Macau. Does this mean you changed your mind? Will you be my girlfriend?" the man asked as he looked into her eyes.

Halia stared at the man awkwardly. He had completely misunderstood her reason for being here and she didn't know how to explain things without hurting him. He was a great guy. Unfortunately, he was Jackson's brother and his timing was off. Perhaps, in another time and place, she may have accepted this guy, but not here and not now.

"Emerson...I..." Halia stuttered a little.

Not too far away, Amelie and Jackson watched as Emerson confessed to Halia. They couldn't quite hear the conversation, but it was obvious what was happening.

"Your brother really likes her," Amelie commented as she looked at the two.

Jackson stared at Emerson and Halia and clenched his fists, trying to remain calm.

Amelie observed Jackson carefully and sighed with a slight smile, "Haili...Halia...those two names sound very similar..."

Jackson turned and looked at Amelie in surprise. How did she know the name Halia? He never mentioned Halia's name to her before.

"She's the one, isn't she?" Amelie asked.

Jackson tilted his head questioningly.

"The woman you said was much better than me..."

"The one you were calling for when you were lying in a pool of blood..."

"The person you called out when you first woke up..."

"Halia..."

"...your girlfriend..."