As the words
of thanks and praise from everyone gradually subsided, Emma's gaze accidentally
met Ricard's. She felt her heart suddenly beat faster when she realized he was
looking at her with a strange expression. His deep eyes remained fixed on her.
In that moment, Emma suddenly realized she was standing in front of Ricard
looking far from her usual polished self. Her clothes were dirty from the fall
she took when saving the child, her hair was disheveled, and her hands still
had a few small scratches. Embarrassment quickly spread through her.
Emma was not
accustomed to appearing in front of Ricard this way. Normally, she always
presented herself perfectly, with every detail in place. But today, she stood
before him in a different light vulnerable, unexpected, and somewhat
disheveled. This thought made her hesitate as she intended to thank him for
saving her. Her steps faltered, and she decided to pretend to be caught up in
the crowd surrounding her.
She stood
