Page 48 of Obsessing Over His Favorite

Emily panicked. Words spilled before she could stop them. “You and I… are having a secret affair?”

He groaned loudly and dragged both hands down his face, rubbing his temples as if her answer physically hurt him.

He turned toward her fully now, breathing deeply to calm himself. “Emily, are you in shock? What’s happening to you? Is this because of the rumors—about Lucas and Amelia? Did he dump you and now you’re losing your mind?”

“Iproposedthe breakup!” she snapped, cutting him off. Her voice rang out sharp and furious. “I’m the one who ended things!”

He blinked, stunned by her tone. “You’re lying.”

“I’m not! I just walked out of his company too—just now. I quit!”

For a moment, silence stretched between them.

And then he burst into laughter.

Not mocking. Just… stunned.

Disbelieving.

The sound filled the car, sudden and raw. He laughed so hard his whole body shook, shoulders rising and falling as if the absurdity of everything had finally broken him.

Emily stared at him, unease crawling over her skin. She glanced toward the driver, who remained quiet, eyes fixed ahead. Her hand reached for the door handle, ready to escape at the first sign of danger.

“Who are you?” she asked, her voice low.

Then, slowly, his laughter died down. He wiped at his eyes, exhaling hard, and straightened in his seat.

“I’m Jacob,” he answered. “Jeremy’s brother.”

Emily froze. Her breath caught as she turned to look at him again—this time more carefully.

“Oh…” she muttered, her eyes narrowing. “You’re… Jacob?”

Now that he said it, she did remember. Vaguely. A name tossed around in old conversations, a face in one or two photos. But it didn’t make sense. Jeremy had been her best friend—her closestperson for years. She’d known everything about him. Every heartbreak, every inside joke, every piece of his past.

So why hadn’t she remembered Jacob immediately?

Her brows furrowed. ‘How could I forget his brother?’

It didn’t sit right.

Was Jacob also somehow tied to Lucas? Was that why her memory felt hazy? Why did all the gaps in her mind seem to revolve around Lucas—like he had pressed his fingers into her memories and smudged the edges?

Before she could untangle the thoughts, the car rolled to a smooth stop.

Emily blinked and glanced out the window. Relief washed over her when she saw the towering silhouette of a massive, elegant skyscraper.

Not an alley. Not a forest. Not a trap.

Her grip on the door handle loosened just slightly.

“Come with me,” Jacob said, already stepping out of the car.

Now that the initial tension had faded and she sensed he wasn’t a threat, Emily pushed open her door and followed him without a word.

“Quickly,” Jacob urged, reaching back to gently grab her arm and guide her toward the building’s entrance. His grip was firm but not rough, like he was afraid she might bolt if he let go.

They entered a gleaming lobby—floors polished to a mirror shine, walls of soaring glass that flooded the space with light. The air smelled faintly of leather, fresh florals, and something cold and expensive. Luxury coated every inch of the building.