The night was slowly descending.
Emily leaned against the balcony with her laptop on her lap, engrossed in coding for the company's new project. Each time she delved into her work, it became the most relaxing time for her.
Suddenly, a barking sound echoed outside the window, and a chorus of dogs in the neighborhood joined in.
Opening the window, Emily frowned as she observed a few additional stray dogs in the vicinity. The barking intensified, fueling her irritation.
Spotting a fruit knife on the coffee table, she walked over to pick it up, ready to throw it at the noisy dogs.
However, her fingers froze, questioning the darkness of her thoughts. How could she entertain such a violent idea?
"Get rid of the wild dogs, you guys!" commanded the butler, instructing the servants to deal with the four or five strays.
Finally, the dogs ran away, and Emily felt relieved.
Derek entered, witnessing Emily's furrowed brow and cold gaze. His heart sank, knowing the barking had agitated her. Softly, he suggested, "The moon is beautiful tonight. Let me take you out for a walk."
Unable to return to work, Emily nodded, gathered her belongings, and agreed, "Okay, let's go for a stroll."
The children were already asleep and walked hand in hand to the yard.
Perched halfway up the hill, their villa overlooked an artificial park. Standing at the park's fence, they enjoyed a view of half the city and the sea. Starlight twinkled, and neon lights adorned the city, making the night scenery of the city endlessly beautiful—an international metropolis that never slept.
Emily's gaze lingered on the breathtaking sight. Her hand grazed the fence, and a peculiar thought crossed her mind: how beautiful it would be to jump from here.
"Emily, let's go over there."
Derek spoke up, interrupting her wandering thoughts. The two of them strolled down the winding mountain road toward the hill's base; this side of the mountain was serene and affluent.
Derek's large hand enveloped Emily's smaller one, placing it gently in the pocket of his coat. Despite the windy night, Emily felt remarkably warm. She and Derek rarely traversed the road like this, and it was an enchanting experience.
As the night deepened, Derek held Emily's cold hand during their descent down the winding mountain road.
It was only after a considerable amount of time that Emily spoke up, "Derek, I've come to realize that I'm losing control of my emotions, so I'm planning to see a doctor tomorrow. I've already consulted with doctors numerous times and taken various medications, but my symptoms have not improved in the slightest."
Her voice choked up as she continued, expressing her confusion about why life had become so complicated.
Despite reuniting with Derek, the threat from Gimson forced her to ingest an unknown drug. While it led to Gimson's demise, the effects of the drug persisted, making her question her ability to be a competent mother if she continued to be irritable.
"Emily, I'm here. It's okay," Derek reassured her, putting his arm around her shoulders.
Emily lay on Derek's shoulder and softly sobbed. "Derek, what am I going to do?" she cried emotionally. "I feel like I'm losing control. Ever since I was forced to drink that unknown drug Gimson gave me, I can feel myself changing, but I don't know what that drug is. I don't know what to do."
"Emily, don't be ridiculous," Derek reassured her. "I have people looking into it. Just trust me, okay? I'll find out what that drug is, and this will all be resolved soon."
Emily expressed her concern, fearing that Derek might think she was emotionally out of control and violent. However, Derek assured her, "No matter what personality you've become, you're the one I love. Whatever happens, I'll be there for you. Look, me, holding you now, having you so real, how could I ever leave you?"
Hearing what Derek said, Emily's heart then began to settle down.
The next day, Derek took a special leave to be with Emily at home.
After lunch, Emily retreated to her room. Derek, having dealt with the company's business in his study, rubbed his forehead, got up, and headed toward their room.
He knocked on the door, and within moments, Emily opened it.
"Let's take a walk out."
Derek put his arm around Emily and whispered in her ear. Emily shook her head, saying, "Kind of tired, I want to take a nap." She yawned, and before she could get up, Derek carried her into the bedroom.
As soon as the door closed, Derek's kisses landed. Panting, Emily put her hand against his chest and said, "The kids may break in..."
"They won't," Derek reassured, holding her waist gently. "You seem a bit sleepy lately."
"A little tired indeed," Emily nodded honestly.
Actually falling asleep quieted her world, preventing sudden outbursts. It was a way for her to protect herself.
"If you're tired, get some rest, and I'll sleep with you." Derek placed her on the bed, tucking her in.
Emily's dark hair spread out on the pillow, making her face appear palm-sized. Her face was pitifully white and there were dark circles round her eyes.
Derek knew she hadn't slept well for many nights, tossing and turning until three or four in the morning.
"Get some sleep," he urged softly, his voice akin to the gentle plucking of a cello's strings or the rustle of a spring breeze through treetops.
Emily felt the breeze blow over the lake of her heart, and her whole being changed. She raised her eyes, and she hooked her arms around Derek's neck. Her scarlet, soft lips kissed Derek's chin, then moved upward, blocking his lips.
The hot torrent swept up from the small of Derek's back, and he turned passive into active with a roll, kissing fervently from Emily's lips to her collarbone. Dazed by the kiss, Emily's body softened, her breathing becoming ragged.
Derek stopped in time, his voice hoarse: "Emily, we can't..."
"Don't talk. Just feel it..." Emily interrupted Derek, then hooked her arms around his neck, her fingers unbuttoning his chest. Restless and empty, she needed him to fill her void and trepidation, her legs coiled around his lean waist.
The winter sun peeked out for a moment and then hid behind the clouds, and the afternoon passed at a leisurely pace.