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 security to separate her from them
Ladid’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 Liss 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
In this year” Emma
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?” Lisa asked 1
explained, noticing Lisa’s somber expression. She hurriedly added, afraid
“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 burned 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 sips away.” Thinking back to those words, Emma smiled faintly. Why had sheen 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. I
Emma turned her gaze toward the traffic light. “The light is green, let’s move
Her tone was cool and unyielding 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 3
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 marriage. 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 wamed
As Emma spoke, her eyes revealed a depth of sonow and despair that felt genuine yet sumeal, making it hard for Lisa to accept that the Emma she knew could express such
“You’re newlyweds, right? if you want to make excuses, at least come up with a good onel Tell me the truth–does he have someone else?” Lisa’s intution was sharp, almost
Seeing Emma’s silence and her werted gaze, Lisa was almost certain of her guess. “Did I get it right?”
I
*Not Emma snapped. She didn’t want Liza medding in her affairs. If she did, who knew what chaos might ensue? Emma just wanted to end this mess quickly and never se 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 cac yanking the handbrake
“There’s nothing to explain, Lisa. Don’t be sensitive I’m just tired of it, this isn’t the life visioned. 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 mariage.”
“Is it a hall? I suppose it can be for those who truly love each other. But for those who don’t, it might as well be a gravel’s
“Really? Did his family upset you again? You come 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 used to think marriage was just between two people. I never considered that it involves two families. It’s exhausting!
To others, their fame seemed mismatched, a classic case of social desparity
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 the Emma the knew
After a moment, Lisa laughed and said, “Emma, you’ve changed so much that I hardly recognize you” i for her friend
Her laughter was mixed with emotion, but there was genuine happiness
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 like you better this way! This is your true selfi
This was indeed the real Emma, but after meeting Luc, she had given him her whole heart, losing sight of her identity as if under a spell
For this reason, Lisa had once aed her. Who would have thought that even the usually aloof Emma would become a pitiful spoophant?
The power of love was indeed profound capable of transforming even someone as served as Emma into a humble figure in front of Luc. “Sis, you’re finally back! Usa exclaimed, stretching out her arms for a hug, and patting Emma’s backl
She did see the sadness and loneliness hidden behind Emma’s smia.
Bebirth was truly a wonderful thing! Especially after experiencing heart–wrenching pain that made one stronger!
