Chapter 295 - An Ambiguous Moment

Emerson looked down at the woman in his arms, her face had turned pale even though she had blush on and sweat was dripping down the side of her face and neck. He leaned over worriedly and asked again, "Are you OK?"

Avaleigh gripped onto her stomach and whispered with embarrassment, "The bathroom...carry me to the bathroom please..."

Emerson immediately nodded his head and ran straight for the private bathroom inside Macaron's change room. There was no one inside at that moment, so he gently placed Avaleigh down, made sure she could stand on her own, and quickly stepped back outside. 

"Call me if you need anything," he said as he closed the door to the bathroom.

He then ran over to lock the door on the change room as well, in case anyone walked in. He knew this may be a little embarrassing for Avaleigh and he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.

A short while later, there was a knock on the door.

"President Wu, Ava, are you guys inside? Is everything OK?" Ray's voice sounded from outside.

Emerson leaned against the door and replied, "Give us some time, Ava just needs a little bit of rest."

Ray looked at Olivia and Nana in confusion. If Avaleigh needed some rest, why was President Wu in the room with her and why was the door locked? But, they did not question too much. After all, they did not have ulterior motives like Mimi.

"Don't forget that she needs to head back on stage in about 10 minutes!" Ray reminded before she and the other girls went to fetch some water and rehydrate.

Emerson looked at his watch and furrowed his brows. Would Avaleigh be OK to perform in 10 minutes?

Filled with concern, he walked over to the bathroom door and tapped on it gently, "Ava, are you OK? Will you be able to head back on stage?"

Just as he leaned against the door to hear the woman's response, the door opened and Avaleigh stepped out.

She didn't know what had gotten into her, but everything just emptied out of her stomach. The cramps were now gone, but her body was still a little weak.

Avaleigh looked at the man with slight embarrassment, "I'm OK now. I should be fine to return to the stage."

Emerson furrowed his brows. This woman looked so weak and frail, yet she was pretending to be strong. Color was finally returning to her face, but her hair was slightly messy and a few strands were stuck to the sweat on her neck and jaw. Emerson grabbed onto Avaleigh's arm and dragged her over to a seat in front of the dressing table. He then pulled another seat over, sat down next to her and gently dabbed her face and neck with a tissue.

Avaleigh looked at the man's reflection in the mirror. He was really close at that moment. So close, she could feel his breaths against her cheek and they tickled her heart like a feather.

"I was really worried about you," Emerson said sincerely beside her ear. As he spoke, he gently spun her chair so she could face him and he continued to dab gently at the beads of sweat on her neck.

Avaleigh stopped breathing for a second. They were face to face now and she could clearly smell the man's cologne. His scent was so intoxicating, she completely forgot about the pain she was in just a moment ago.

Emerson noticed the woman looking at him and he paused what he was doing to look into her eyes.

There was something about this woman that made him want to protect her. 

"I don't have feelings for her anymore," he suddenly said with his deep, charming voice.

Avaleigh felt her heart race uncontrollably when she heard these words. Was this the answer she had been waiting for all afternoon? Why was he suddenly telling her this now?

Avaleigh bit her lip nervously, not knowing how to respond.

The man's hand had stopped on her neck and she could feel his fingers through the tissue he was holding. Even though it was an indirect touch, she felt tingles down her spine and it seemed to paralyze her.

As she sat frozen in place, Emerson suddenly dropped the tissue in his hand and hooked his fingers under her chin.

Avaleigh finally snapped out of her daze and jumped back a little in surprise, but Emerson did not let go. In fact, he pulled her chin towards him and leaned forward towards her.

Avaleigh froze again.

Next thing she knew, Emerson leaned forward even more and brushed his nose against hers. 

Avaleigh took a deep breath. Every brush of his nose teased at her heart and stirred up her desires. This man was extremely handsome, he was caring, and he was very smart. It was impossible not to be attracted to him. Avaleigh stared into the man's eyes and could not control her desirous gaze. His teasing was driving her crazy and she could not control her feelings even though she still had doubts about him.

An ambiguous vibe filled the room as Emerson's lips curved upwards slightly. He did not make a mistake this time. He was sure this woman liked him back. Otherwise, she would have pushed him away or hit him by now.

So, he closed his eyes and lifted the woman's chin gently. They had accidentally kissed twice, but he was going to give her a proper kiss this time. 

Avaleigh also closed her eyes subconsciously.

However, just as their lips were about to touch, there was some knocking on the door again. This time, it was Sue, "Ava, are you OK? Have you changed into your next outfit yet?"

Avaleigh's eyes quickly opened wide in a panic. She looked at Emerson awkwardly, backed away, and ran to unlock the door. Sue walked in and shook her head when she realized Avaleigh wasn't ready at all. In a hurry, she pushed her behind some curtains and started helping her change. She was in such a hurry, she didn't even notice Emerson sitting at the dressing table trying to calm himself down.

As Avaleigh got changed, she couldn't help but think about Emerson. They were definitely about to kiss before Sue interrupted, but there were still some questions on her mind. Did he want to kiss her because he liked her? Or simply because he wanted a free pash? She quickly changed into her outfit and hoped she would have a little bit of time to ask the man for an explanation before heading back on stage. But, by the time she stepped back out...Emerson was gone...