Chapter 29
Chapter 29: Life without her is a bit messy
With Luc now married, wasn’t this his chance? Why wasn’t he brave enough to express his feelings? He couldn’t respect a man caught between a rock and a hard place, unable to stand up for himself.
“Alright, tomorrow night then” Luc initially wanted to decline Greg’s invitation, but considering that his mother and sister were at be a good idea to get out for a bit.
“Great it’s a deal?
Delighted. Greg hung up the phone, eager to share photos of their pool game online to irritate Jake.
home, he thought it might
After work, Emma took the subway back to Brookline. As she approached her building, she spotted Martha downstairs, taking out the trash “Oh, it’s Emmal Just got off work?” Martha called out.
Emma smiled politely, Hello, Martha Yes
Martha knew Emma had been staying at her parents‘ house recently. Last time, she hadn’t seen Luc pick her up after he showed up unexpectedly, which piqued her curiosity “Oh, Emma, your husband came looking for you the other night, and he seemed a bit off. Did you two fight?
Thank you for your concern, Martha,” Emma replied, avoiding the question as she prepared to head upstairs
Not receiving any juicy gossip, Martha forced a smile. “Oh, Emma, don’t take it the wrong way. The Taylors are a prestigious family. You worked hard to marry into it, just make sure your mother–in–law doesn’t look down on you.”
Jealousy fackered in Martha’s eyes. She felt bitter; her daughter, Natacha, had stopped studying after high school and was now marned to a construction worker. How did Catherine’s daughter deserve to marry a wealthy, powerful bachelor in Boston?
In terms of looks, how was Natacha any less attractive? Emma had merely gotten into medical school. Weren’t her parents also working–class folks living in this old neighborhood?
up thought?
Unexpectedly, a golden phoenix had flown out of a chicken coop–who would have
Now, the neighbors were envious Catherine strutted around the community, proud that her son–in–law was a doctor who studied abroad, a talented young man from a distinguished medical family. Everyone wanted to flatter Catherine, while Martha, once the belle of the town, found herself overlooked. “They’re all a bunch of opportunists!” Martha thought bitterly
Emma didn’t miss the jealousy hidden in Martha’s words. She didn’t want to engage with such people. If she didn’t respond, they could easily stir up trouble in the community, twisting the truth to satisfy their desires.
How boning must life be to focus all your attention on others? Excessive scrutiny of others only leads to unhappiness!
Thank you for your concern, Martha. I know you’ve been there. I understand it was tough when you married Martinez. But now that you’re a mother–in–law, you should cherish your happiness
With that, Emma headed upstairs, leaving Martha stunned. It took her a moment to process Emma’s words, Grinding her teeth, she muttered a few curses and went back downstairs
When Emma got home, Catherine was surprised. “Emma, aren’t you going to Back Bay? Why did you come back here?”
Luc had bought a villa in Back Bay for its proximity to the hospital Living there would make sense for his work. So why hadn’t he returned home after
work?
Catherine was n
was now sizing up Emma, wondering if they hadn’t reconciled after their argument. Emma’s father approached, feeling sorry for his daughter. If she didn’t want to return to Back Bay, she could stay at the hospital dormitory.
“Mom, Emma just got back. Let her rest; don’t question her,” he said, noticing how tired she looked.
Emma took off her shoes and coat, heading to the washroom to freshen up.
Seeing her daughter ignore her, Catherine turned to Sam again Johnson, the two must be fighting Why hasn’t Emma returned to Back Bay?”
“it’s normal for young couples to argue. Why worry so much? Go wash the vegetables, dinner is almost ready.” He wanted to keep her busy so she wouldn’t pester Emma with endless questions.
Emma had come to terms with it. Divorcing Luc was inevitable. Why continue fretting?
Catherine wanted to hover near the bathroom door to ask Emma, but Sam pulled her into the kitchen to help.
As Emma freshened up in the bathroom, she considered staying at a motel for a few days. She would be heading west soon anyway and could stay at the hospital staff quarters for a couple of days. If she stayed too long, her colleagues might grow suspicious, and rumors could start. Before their divorce agreement was finalized, she didn’t want to be the subject of gossip at the hospital. She preferred to ext quietly and wait for the right moment to reappear
Early the next morning, Emma packed a few clothes and told her father she’d be staying in the hospital staff quarters, In reality, she found a motel near the
hospital. She managed two days there before staying at the hospital for another two days, then heading to Lisa’s place for a classmate gathering Sher could use that as an excuse to say she was heading west anyway
The plan was solid, and her busy work schedule helped her forget about Luc.
But life without Emma didn’t seem so great for Lue
These past few nights, when he returned home, he found his mother and sister on the couch, discussing fashion brands and the latest trends, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume. There was no warmth in the home.
Gone were the days when Emma would wait for him on the couch, cook for him, greet him at the door, and serve him nourishing soup at the dining table.
It had been a week without a single text or call from Emmal
Did she forget him completely, or had she learned from Mayline that his mother and sister were in Back Bay, making her avoid coming back?
“Will she only return when they go back to Quincy?”
With that thought in mind, he walked into the living room.
“Luc, you’re back! Come help Soraya with this. Isn’t this CHANEL gold chain bag fashionable? It suits her perfectly! It’s a limited edition”
“Big brother, doesn’t it match my style?” Soraya asked, trying on the bag.
Luc nodded, though his response was insincere. “Hmm, Soraya, everything looks good on you.”
“I told you, didn’t I, Soraya? Mommy has a good eye!”
Soraya beamed at Jane. “Thanks, Mommy!”
Massaging his temples, Luc felt a headache coming on. Unsure how to approach his mother about their situation, he finally spoke up, “Mom, when will you..
return to Quincy?”
“There’s no rush!” Jane replied casually, holding up a dress to check it against herself. But she quickly caught on to his underlying message and looked at him in surprise. Luc, are you trying to rush me and Soraya to leave?”
