Your Uncle, My True Love のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

The morning air in Switzerland was still cold, though sunlight had begun to filter through the large window of Emma’s small studio. Outside, the blanket of snow was melting, leaving a sheen of water that reflected soft light onto the white walls.Emma sat on a wicker chair, wearing a grey sweater and holding a cup of warm tea. Her gaze remained fixed on the phone lying on the table.It had been nearly two days since she’d tried to reach James, but there was still no reply. Her messages showed only as delivered, never read. Her heart was uneasy, yet she refused to complain. She knew how demanding James’s work could be — always requiring time, precision, and focus. Still, beneath her quiet patience, a longing had been slowly building in her chest.When the phone suddenly lit up and James’s name appeared on the screen, Emma’s heart skipped a beat. She immediately answered.“James?” Her voice was soft, almost trembling.“Emma…” His voice on the other end sounded weary, as if he hadn’t sle

Night descended slowly over London.In his quiet apartment, James sat at the edge of his bed, staring at his phone screen where one name glowed — Emma.His fingers hovered above the screen for several moments, hesitating, before finally pressing the call button.The dial tone rang on and on. James’s heartbeat turned uneven, like a man waiting for something he both longed for and feared.“James?”The soft voice finally came through, slightly hoarse — as if she’d just woken up.James smiled faintly, though she couldn’t see it.“I’m sorry if I’m disturbing you at this hour.”“No,” Emma replied quickly. “I wasn’t asleep yet. I just finished checking a few sketches for the exhibition.”Silence.Both seemed to be searching for words to break the awkwardness hanging between them.Only the sound of their breathing filled the space — quiet, but unmistakable.“I… didn’t get the chance to explain earlier,” James said at last, his voice low and calm. “There was some chaos at the office, and—”“I

The Zurich sky that afternoon looked pale, mirroring the color of Emma’s heart—still wrapped in unease. The exhibition hall was already crowded with guests, journalists, and fellow designers from different cities. Soft music drifted from the speakers, while the scent of white roses decorating the entrance lent an air of quiet elegance.Emma stood beside one of her works—an enormous textile installation titled Home of Memories, a piece she had poured her soul into. It was inspired by pain and recovery, by the wounds she had lived through and the healing that followed. She wore a simple ivory gown, her hair neatly pinned up. Outwardly she appeared composed, but behind that calm smile a storm quietly stirred.She had been waiting for word from James. His phone was off, her messages unread, and no news had come from London. Emma had tried to think positively—perhaps James was busy, perhaps there had been an unexpected meeting, perhaps... anything but the idea that he had chosen to disappe

The morning air in Zürich was still damp from last night’s rain. In the living room, Emma slipped on her long coat, checking her small bag one last time to make sure all her medical documents were inside.From the kitchen, James appeared carrying two steaming cups of hot chocolate. He looked unusually relaxed today—his white shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his hair slightly tousled from rushing.“Ready?” he asked, handing her one of the cups.Emma nodded with a small smile. “A little nervous, but ready.”James gave her a gentle look. “We’re only going for a check-up, not a job interview.”Emma chuckled softly. “Still, it’s the first time I’ll see the baby since I felt the kicking. I… I don’t know how I’ll react.”James studied her face for a moment before replying quietly, “I’m sure you’ll smile.”They left together soon after. James’s black car glided smoothly along the slick streets, passing rows of shops and classic Swiss houses. Neither spoke much during the drive—not out o

Emma sat on the sofa, a thick blanket draped over her shoulders. James sat across from her, watching in silence. Neither of them spoke, yet the air between them felt different tonight — quieter, but closer.After a few minutes, Emma looked up with a small smile.“You know,” she murmured, “I never thought I could feel this safe… again.”James didn’t answer right away. He studied her face — soft, warm, yet still carrying traces of pain that time hadn’t erased. He knew Emma was still haunted by guilt, by memories that made her afraid to be happy.“Emma,” he said gently, his voice barely above a whisper, “you don’t have to keep punishing yourself for the past. Everyone deserves a new beginning.”Emma lowered her gaze, her fingers clutching the edge of the blanket.“I’m just afraid… that I’ll end up hurting someone again.”James shook his head slowly. “You don’t hurt anyone by choosing to live again.”The words were simple, but to Emma, his voice seemed to pierce through the deepest layer