Chapter 16
Chapter 16 Behind the Smile
Lisa clenched her jaw sensing that Emma was being ostracized at the hospital Ever since Emma married Luc, Lisa knew that some of their colleagues felt resentment, gossiping about her behind her back
Lisa became aware of this when she visited the hospital and overheard a group of staff mocking Emma in the restroom, hurling unkind remarks. Furious, she kicked open the restroom door, claiming that someone had splashed dirty water on her while washing their hands. She confronted the gossipers, demanding an apology, and it took secunty to separate her from them
Lisa didn’t want to cause any more trouble for Emma, so she kept the incident to herself. After paying for the medical expenses incurred during the confrontation, everything was resolved. Emma, however, had always known that Lina treated her like a sister and didn’t want to see her mistreated To
spare Emma from feeling guilty, she accepted the money for the medical costs
It was arranged by our supervisor. All my colleagues went last year, so it’s my turn this year,” Emma explained, noticing Lisa’s somber expression. She humedly added, afraid of causing suspicion.
It wasn’t that she had to go, she could say no but she didn’t want to worry Lisa.
Does Lucknow about this? Does he approve?“Liss asked.
“Why does it matter if he approves of my decisions?” Emma replied, imitated. Why was everyone so concerned with Luc’s opinion? Mayline had said the same thing. Just last time, when Fred spoke to her, she had turned down an opportunity to assist in the West just for Luc
Back then, Fred had shaken his head and solemnly told her, “Emma, a woman can’t always revolve around a man. You should have your career. A partner is
just one part of your life, not your entire existence. The more you care about a man, the less he will care about you. It’s like sand in your hand: the tighter
you hold it the faster it slips away.”
Thinking back to those words, Emma smiled faintly. Why hadn’t she seen it before? Everyone around her had tried to warn her, yet she had blindly walked
into darkness
“No, Emma haven’t you always revolved around him? With how deeply you love Luc, could you decide to go without discussing it with him?” Lisa raised an
eyebrow, trying to read her like an open book.
Emma turned her gaze toward the traffic light. “The light is green, let’s move”
Her tone was cool and unyielding. If I told you I don’t love him anymore, would you believe me?”
Emma wanted to test Lisa’s reaction. The last time she deleted her social media account, Lisa had chosen to believe it was hacked rather than suspecting
it was her choice
Lisa’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What? Emma, are you feeling okay?”
“What’s so hard to believe? I’ve never been in a serious relationship before. I thought love was utterly beautiful, but over time, even the most beautiful love can turn sour, And as for manage…I used to think it would be sweet if I married the man i loved, dreaming of a perfect life. But once the initial passion faded and everything settled into a routine, I realized that was not the life I wanted.”
As Emma spoke, her eyes revealed a depth of sorrow and despair that felt genuine yet surreal, making it hard for Lisa to accept that the Emma she knew
could express such feelings.
“You’re newlyweds, right? If you want to make excuses, at least come up with a good one! Tell me the truth–doeone else?” Lisa’s intuition
was sharp, almost detective–like
Seeing Emma’s silence and her averted gaze, Lisa was almost certain of her guess. Did I get it right?”
“No!” Emma snapped. She didn’t want Lisa medding in her affairs. If she did, who knew what chass might ensue? Emma just wanted to end this mass quickly and never see Luc again. He could go his way, and she would go hers. Live and let live
“Emma, explain this to me!” Lisa suddenly pulled over the car, yanking the handbrake.
“There’s nothing to explain, Lisa Don’t be so sensitive. Im just tired of it; this isn’t the life i envisioned. Besides, why didn’t you advise me before I got married? You should have told me to explore the world first. If I had seen enough, maybe I would have realized how insignificant love is and wouldn’t have
rushed into marriage.”
is it a half? I suppose it can be for those who truly love each other. But for those who don’t, it might as well be a grave!”
Really? Did his family upset you again? You came from the Taylor mansion today, didn’t you? Were you unhappy?” Lisa tried to read Emma’s expression, puzzled by how much she had changed in just a month.
Emma didn’t want to share all the pain she had endured with the Taylor family. Instead, she replied coolly, “I used to think marriage was just between two people. I never considered that it involves two families. It’s exhausting!”
To others, their families seemed mismatched, a classic case of social dispanty.
Lisa stared at her intently, trying to understand what was happening. Yet, Emma calmly accepted her scrutiny. Lisa could find no useful information
leaving her questioning–was this t
the Emma she knew?
3 Vouchers
After a moment, Lisa laughed and said, “Emma, you’ve changed so much that I hardly recognize you.” Her laughter was mixed with emotion, but there was genuine happiness for her friend.
Hearing this, Emma laughed softly, a quiet and liberated laugh. It wasn’t that she had changed; it was more like she had metaphorically died and been reborn, finally gaining clarity.
“But I like you better this way! This is you
true
je selfr
as if under a spell
This was indeed the real Emma, but after meeting Luc, she had given him her whole heart, losing sight of
t of her identity, a For this reason, Lisa had once teased her, Who would have thought that even the usually aloof Emma would become a pitiful sycophant?
The power of love was indeed profound, capable of transforming even someone as reserved as Emma into a humble figure in front of Luc. Sis, you’re finally back!” Lisa exclaimed, stretching out her arms for a hug, and patting Emma’s back.
he didn’t see the sadness and loneliness hidden behind Emma’s smile….
birth was truly a wonderful thing! Especially after experiencing heart–wrenching pain that made one stronger!
