Emma's POVMy day began with a throbbing headache and muscles that felt like they were on fire. After a quick glance in the mirror, I picked up my phone and dialled Nicholas's number."Nicholas, it's Emma," I began, my voice sounding weaker than I intended. I'm not feeling well. My head is pounding, and my muscles ache. Would you mind if I took the day off?""Of course, Emma," Nicholas replied in a tone surprisingly soft. "Take care of yourself. We'll manage here without you.""Thank you," I whispered, hanging up the phone before sinking back onto the couch. The TV was a black void in front of me, but even sitting idle felt unbearable. Restless energy gnawed at me, and I found myself fidgeting, unable to relax. Finally, with a sigh, I decided to check on Grace at Hope View Hospital.Getting dressed was a struggle, but eventually, I managed. The drive to Hope View was a blur, the scenery rushing past while my mind churned with endless questions—about Aaron, Nicholas, and even Lena.Arr
Emma's POVMy mind buzzed with fury as I paced outside the apartment, replaying Lena’s admission over and over. How could they deceive Nicholas like this? The man was struggling enough to cope with his injury and to be ensnared in such a vile web of lies—it was unconscionable, and after everything he had done for my family, this is how they repay him. My hands trembled, and I could feel my heart pounding against my ribs. Lena came running out the door behind me. "Emma, you weren't supposed to find out," she began, scrambling to explain. "You can't tell Nicholas. You don’t understand what this would do to all of us!"I clenched my fists, feeling my nails bite into my palms. "What I don't understand is how all of you could be so heartless, playing with his life for the sake of money. This is cruel, Lena. Beyond cruel."Lena gaped at me, her expression wavering between fury and desperation. "Look, you can't just go around judging us. You don’t know what we're facing. Dad's company is fa
**Emma's POV**The relentless pounding in my head hadn't eased since the confrontation with Lena. Sleep had been elusive, teased by thoughts that wouldn't settle and fears that refused to be quelled. My body felt hollow, drained of energy, and the mere act of standing took every ounce of willpower I possessed.Yet there was no postponing my mission. Nicholas deserved to know the truth about Lena and my father’s heartless schemes. As the morning light broke through the horizon, I forced myself out of bed and prepared for the drive to Nicholas’s estate. The cold splash of water against my face was insufficient to awaken my senses fully, but I hoped the drive would replace some of the chills with resolve.The road was a smear of colours, my vision blurred by the inner turmoil gnawing at my thoughts. At times, I had to remind myself to breathe and to steady my grip on the steering wheel. The mansion appeared through the haze, standing like a citadel of daunting choices.I parked and made
**Nicholas's POV**A piercing scream shattered the tranquil morning, sending chills racing through my veins. As Emma crumpled to the floor, her face twisted in agony, horror gripped me. Pushing myself from the wheelchair, determination overrode my physical limitations. I needed to reach her."Emma! Emma, can you hear me?" I shouted desperately, crawling the last few feet to her side. Her skin was clammy, and her breath came in ragged gasps. What the hell was happening? My mind went into overdrive, trying to recall my rudimentary knowledge of first aid. "Emma, stay with me. Help is coming," I murmured, even as my own voice trembled.Lena burst into the room, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. "What happened?" she screamed, rushing to my side. "I don't know," I muttered through clenched teeth, focusing on keeping Emma conscious. "Call 911, Lena. Now!"Lena fumbled for her phone, her hands shaking. I stroked Emma's hair, willing her to open her eyes, to show any sign that she
**Emma's POV**A blinding light seared through my eyelids, wrenching me from the abyss of unconsciousness. My eyes fluttered open, squinting against the harsh illumination that seemed to burn from every direction. I blinked rapidly as my vision adjusted, finding myself no longer in Nicholas's home but in a forest drenched in an ethereal glow. The trees around me emanated a soft, pulsating light, their leaves shimmering like fragments of fallen stars.My heart raced with confusion and awe as I pushed myself up to a sitting position. The forest was unlike anything I'd ever seen, brimming with an otherworldly magic that felt both enchanting and unnerving. "Where am I?" I whispered, my voice barely audible above the symphony of rustling leaves and distant nocturnal chirps."You're awake, my child," a soothing, melodic voice said from behind me.I turned, my breath catching as I beheld a woman of astonishing beauty. Her long hair flowed like liquid silver, catching the light with each subt
**Nicholas's POV**There are moments in life when reality becomes so overwhelming that it feels like the world is peeling away at the edges. As I wheeled myself into the hospital room, the stark white walls seemed to close in, amplifying the sterile silence. Emma's eyes fluttered open, and seeing her awake filled me with a torrent of emotions—relief, concern, anger, and something I didn't dare to name.Emma lay in the bed, her face pale and fragile against the white pillow. The sight of her, so vulnerable, stirred something deep within me. I approached her slowly, my heart pounding with unspoken words.“Emma…” Her name was a whisper on my lips, and the moment my gaze met hers, I could see the flicker of recognition and then the sorrow.“Nicholas,” she whispered back, her voice hoarse and weak.I reached out, my hand trembling as it found hers. “I'm so glad you're awake,” I said, my throat tightening. "You scared the hell out of me."She squeezed my hand weakly, her eyes glistening wit
Emma's POVThe dull hum of hospital equipment filled the room, a constant reminder of my current reality. The memories of the forest with the Moon Goddess lingered at the edges of my consciousness, blending with the sterile surroundings of the hospital room. I felt raw and exposed as if my very soul had been laid bare.The door creaked open, and I looked up to see Grace standing there, a look of concern etched on her face. She stepped inside, closing the door softly behind her."Emma," she whispered, her eyes scanning my face as if trying to gauge my mental state."Grace," I replied, unable to keep the relief from my voice. Her presence was a balm to my frayed nerves.She took a seat beside my bed, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "How are you feeling?"I hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the whirlwind inside me. "I've been better," I said finally, my voice betraying my exhaustion.Grace nodded, her expression sympathetic. "I'm not surprised, given everything that
**Emma's POV**The fresh air hit me like a tonic the moment I walked out of the hospital. Gone was the sterile, antiseptic smell that had clung to me for days. As I inhaled deeply, I felt the weight of the past few days loosening its grip on my shoulders. Yet, the Moon Goddess’s warning still echoed in my mind, an uncomfortable companion to my newfound freedom.Grace hovered beside me, her eyes scanning our surroundings with the cautiousness of a hawk. "Are you sure you want to do this?" she asked for the umpteenth time."Yes, Grace. I need to know what's going on, and this might be my only chance," I replied, my resolve firm.We reached my modest apartment, and Grace insisted on coming inside. "Just to make sure you're really okay," she said. I didn't mind her company; in fact, it was reassuring to have someone close, someone I could trust—a rare luxury these days.Inside, I sank into the well-worn couch, the cushions embracing me like an old friend. Grace busied herself in the kitch