After that night , she picked up her books again . Back then , she didn't think too deeply about it - she just needed something to cling to , a secret purpose to fill the emptiness of her life . If she kept herself busy , maybe she wouldn't keep replaying those painful words in her mind . Who could have guessed that what once felt like a private comfort would , in the end , become her salvation ? Tomorrow's exam was her chance . She needed to do well . She had to leave this place - far away , as far as possible . Even so , her heart still ached , sharp and persistent . She couldn't even tell if the pain was because of him , or if it was five years of giving her heart to the wrong person . But that didn't matter anymore . What mattered was that she refused to drown in this pain any longer . Even if it lingered for a long time , she would take charge of her own rescue . She ordered takeout - a light dinner and some disposable clean clothes . She called down to the front desk and asked for a wake - up call the next morning . Then she forced herself to sleep . Maybe it was because she hadn't slept at all the previous night , but this time , she actually managed a decent rest . The next morning , she woke up on time and turned her phone back on . A flood of messages crashed in , her phone buzzing nonstop - all from one person : Theodore . She didn't read any of them , afraid they'd ruin her focus for the exam . She had a little breakfast downstairs , made sure she had everything , and set out for the testing center . The hotel was only a five - minute walk from the IELTS site . But just as she stepped outside , her phone started vibrating in her hand . 1/3 11:47 Chapter 9 Theodore was calling . Startled , she nearly dropped the phone . She quickly declined the call , then , after a second's hesitation , powered the phone off again . When she finally walked out of the exam room , her heart was still pounding . But this time , it was with happiness . She thought she'd done well . During the speaking section , the examiner kept smiling at her . She understood nearly everything in the listening , and finished both reading and writing without a hitch . She didn't dare guess what her score might be , but at least - she'd completed it all ! She wasn't as hopeless as she'd feared . She walked alone along the sidewalk , head down , replaying every detail of the test in her mind - until a pair of polished shoes appeared in front of her . She hadn't expected anyone to block her way , so she didn't stop in time and bumped right into them . She would have fallen if he hadn't caught her . And that person was the last one she wanted to see . Theodore . " Emma ! " She could see he was angry , but he was making a real effort to keep it in check . " Emma , why won't you come home ? " He gripped her shoulders , voice softening , gentle and kind - just like always . All she could think was , You really don't know why I won't go back ? But she didn't have the energy to argue . When she'd bumped into him , her bag had slipped to the ground and popped open . Her IELTS pen poked out just a bit . She didn't want him to know she'd come to take the IELTS . She shoved his hand away , dropped to a crouch , and hurriedly stuffed the snapping the bag closed . pen back in , " What was that ? " He looked down at her bag . " Nothing . Just a pen , " she replied , feigning calm , her knuckles white from clutching the straps . 2/3 11:47 Chapter 9 " Let me see it , " he said . No. She couldn't let him see . She clutched the bag tighter . " Why do you need my pen ? " " Give me your phone ," he demanded . She hesitated , then fished out her phone and handed it over . It was still powered off . He glanced at it , then passed it back. " I called you so many times . Sent so many messages . Why didn't you answer ? Are you still mad at me ? " Chapter 10 Chapter 10