Eleven Years All to the Wrong Man novel Chapter 98

But Emma remembered a time when Evan had been an excellent cook. He knew how to make a wide variety of dishes, and they were all delicious. Whenever he had free time, he used to cook a huge spread for her. That happened less and less now, to the point of being nonexistent.

Hearing a noise at the entrance, Evan thought Mrs. Alvarez had arrived. When he walked out, he saw Emma changing her shoes.

“Where are you going?”

Evan stood frozen at the kitchen doorway, a ladle still in his hand, looking utterly lost as he watched Emma prepare to leave.

“Out to get something to eat.”

Emma sat on the padded bench, pulling on a pair of difficult-to-wear boots.

Evan seemed not to have processed it yet. He glanced back at the pot of soup simmering on the stove, then back at Emma. He swallowed hard before managing to speak. “But I’m making soup for you…”

His voice was a bit strained, as if he was still stunned by her decision to eat out.

“I don’t want soup. I’ll just grab a bite somewhere. Don’t trouble yourself.”

Without looking at him, Emma finished with her boots, turned the doorknob, and prepared to leave.

It was only then that Evan seemed to snap out of it. He rushed back into the kitchen, turned off the stove, set down the ladle, and came to the entryway. “I’ll go with you. Whatever you want to eat, I’ll take you.”

With Evan driving, the couple went to a newly opened brunch spot nearby.

Having not eaten all night, Emma’s stomach was completely empty. She took the menu, quickly ordered a few of her usual favorites, and handed it to Evan, who added a few more dishes.

While they were waiting for their food, a familiar face appeared.

Stephen was having lunch with a friend there and happened to see Evan and his wife. He immediately thought of his younger brother, who was still in their private room.

Justin had been abruptly called out of the private room by his brother and hadn't known what was going on. It wasn't until he saw Evan and his wife that he understood his brother’s intentions.

“Hello, Mrs. Cooper. Are you feeling alright?”

Justin smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he shook her hand.

His gaze rested gently on Emma's face, polite and modest. Having grown up in the southern region, his voice carried a soft, gentle quality, a warmth that was almost melodic.

Emma actually had no memory of her rescuer. By the time she was pulled ashore, she was already drifting in and out of consciousness.

Their hands met and parted quickly.

Evan glanced at Justin. Even though Stephen hadn’t said anything explicit, he knew exactly what was happening. Stephen had brought his brother over to take credit for the rescue.