Chapter 21

• As I looked at Mr. Anderson, my mind struggled to absorb the surreal turn of events. His kiss on my forehead and the tightening grip of his hand offered a strange sense of comfort amid the bewildering circumstances. Emily nestled in his arms added an unexpected dimension to the unfolding scene.
• Together, the three of us ventured away from the bewildered crowd, leaving a trail of shock and astonishment behind us. The realization that Mr. Anderson had just labeled me as his woman lingered in my mind like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
• He opened the back seat and gently laid Emily there before guiding me to the front seat. Glancing back, I saw Emily already sleeping peacefully. As Mr. Anderson drove, I couldn't shake off the mix of confusion and curiosity swirling within me.