Chapter 806

Andrew Lane’s voice was low and intimate, almost like a lover’s whisper.
Emily Blair met his gaze, his eyes so close she could see the flecks of gold in them. Her heart tightened, her throat constricting.
She raised a hand and gently pushed him away.
Taking a steadying breath, Emily asked, “Is this why you called me here? Just to say all this?”
There was a confusion in Andrew’s eyes-innocent, almost childlike—like a student desperate for an answer from his teacher. “I want to know why,” he said quietly.
Why did these dreams feel so real, as if they’d truly happened?
He’d flown into the city on business, and on his very first day, with deadlines looming, he’d come here. He’d stood in this place alone for what felt like an age.
As he’d feared, that night, the dreams returned.
Each one left his heart pounding, his emotions in turmoil, impossible to shake off.
He truly couldn’t make sense of it, and before he left, he needed answers from Emily.
“Just a few days ago—on the day you had your accident—I dreamed it again,” Andrew admitted, exhaustion etched in his features.
Emily, now composed, looked out over the ocean. Her voice was calm. “We dream about what’s on our minds. Maybe, subconsciously, you’re upset with me, and that’s why you keep dreaming about me jumping into the sea.”
Andrew’s tone was almost a whisper. “Is that really it?”
He seemed to be asking himself as much as her. “Am I upset with you?”
Emily let out a soft laugh. “Have you forgotten everything that happened these past few years, Mr. Lane?”
She spoke without bitterness. “If it weren’t for work, we’d have drifted apart long ago, wouldn’t we?”
Andrew fell silent for a moment before he finally said, “You’re right.”
“But I still don’t believe that’s the real reason,” he added, his voice thoughtful.
Emily brushed her hair from her forehead, her expression tranquil. “There’s another saying-dreams mean the opposite of reality. If you keep dreaming of me ending my life, maybe it just means I’m doing well. I’m healthy.”
Andrew looked at her. “Do you really believe that?”
She smiled, a little sadly. “It’s your dream, Mr. Lane. Shouldn’t you be asking yourself? Or maybe go see a priest for a little dream interpretation.”
She shrugged. “It’s your mind, not mine. I really don’t know why you keep having these dreams, and you won’t find your answer with me.”
“Maybe you should see a therapist. Who knows? Maybe they’ll have answers for you.”
Andrew studied her for a long moment, then turned to stare out at the waves. “I looked into the local news about Lakeview.”
Emily’s heart skipped a beat.
He went on, “I didn’t find anything about you. And I hope I never do.”
Emily pressed her lips together in a faint smile. “You worry too much, Mr. Lane. I’m doing just fine.”
Once, she’d been haunted by thoughts of ending it all. Now, those thoughts never crossed her mind.
“Yes. You really do seem well.”
Turning, Emily flashed him a bright, genuine smile. “Anything else you want to ask, Mr. Lane? Or any other requests?”
Andrew looked at her, suspicion lingering in his eyes. Some part of him whispered that Emily knew exactly what was going on but she’d never say it out loud.
“No,” he said at last. “I’m heading home tonight.”
Emily nodded knowingly. “I’ve got a mountain of work today, so I won’t walk you out. Safe travels, Mr. Lane.”
He glanced at her. “Want me to drive you home?”
Emily shook her head, and suddenly, a real smile broke across her face—more sincere than any smile she’d given him before.