(Emily’s POV)."Oh, I'm sorry, sir, I really didn't know there was someone inside."It was the doctor who was going to examine my father. It felt like I was saved, but on the other hand, I felt disappointed that what I was thinking about, didn't work out.I don't know how Mike felt, but he looked like he was angry and upset at the doctor for not saying anything to him.I also tried to concentrate on my father during the examination, trying to focus on him because it was the only thing distracting my mind while Mike was still around."How is he? I don't want to receive bad news because you and the others were hired to bring me good news," Mike asked as the doctor finished examining my father.The doctor smiled at Mike and me in turn. "Everything is fine. If Mr. West wakes up later, you can call me because I'll check on him again."That was the best news I'd heard since I'd been in the hospital. After all the time my father had been laid up, at least now I could hear that he was going t
(Emily’s POV).“Oh ... what's going to happen?” I asked him.Even though he sounded so obviously pouncing on me with his words, and even though I probably knew what he meant, I chose to respond.Every now and then I would look at him and he would just stand there with his jaw twitching as if he was holding something inside.I also tried to act casual and didn't say anything when he ignored me. I thought I might have caused him trouble by holding something inside him that I couldn't help.When the car pulled into my driveway, we got out together and I looked at him while letting out my breath. “Want to visit for a while? Maybe some tea will make you feel better?” I asked him.He raised one eyebrow and nodded. We went inside the house and I was surprised when the maid opened the door without me opening it myself with my spare key. I thought they'd come back after cleaning the house, but they didn't. And I guess I didn't need to ask Mike because I didn't want to make him have to explain
(Emily’s POV).“For a few days, I can’t be with you. I have another business that requires me to go to London. But don’t worry, I’ll keep my eye on monitoring Ben.”Hearing that, I don’t know why I felt disappointed. Maybe because two days ago - more precisely, since he kissed me that night, we hadn’t met again. He always had an alibi not to meet me.Didn’t he realize how frustrated I was not to meet him? He usually met me every day and now, I didn’t even know for how long he would be away from me.“Alright. Please take care of yourself.” I could just say that when I wish I could ask how many days he would be there.“You should be the one who takes care of me.”Suddenly I blushed, my heart thumping faster than normal. He knew how to make me feel this and I felt crazy because of him. I gulped down and realized that he couldn’t see my expression, so I could smile freely. “You are a big man and know how to take care of yourself, Mike.”“Hmm, well. You know what, I’m waiting for you to a
(Emily’s POV).“Is it too quick to fall in love with someone new?” I asked as I was thinking about my feelings toward Mike, my husband.“It’s not bad, girl. You have the right to have those feelings. I won’t ask you who he is, but you don’t have to feel sorry to fall for him.”I sighed after hearing what Barnie said. He supported me in feeling this although he didn’t know who the man I was referring to was.“Thank you, Barnie. You know, you are a friend who always supports me.”“You know I will always support you. Although you may make mistakes, I will always be behind your back to support you.”I nodded and drank shot per shot of white wine until I felt a bit dizzy but I still felt sober. I also tried to pause the drink because I wanted to feel this moment for a while after a long time I didn’t use my single time like this.I also let Barnie do his job and left me alone. Then I checked my phone and got so many texts and missed calls that I just knew.“Oh, shit,” I cursed. It was Mik
(Author’s POV).“I found you, Emily.”Emily stared at him as her hand was held by Mike. She squinted her eyes and before she knew it, she had her arms around Mike's neck.“Oh, look who found me. My lovely husband. My powerful husband.”Mike immediately grabbed her waist and pulled her out of the bar, but Emily held him there and touched Mike's cheek.For the first time, Mike was stung by Emily's sudden touch. Since being with Emily, she had never even touched him. But with her unconsciousness now, Emily touched him.“Why don't you drink first, Mike?”Mike took the glass Emily was holding and put it roughly on the table. Then he forced Emily out by carrying her like a kidnapper. Emily even chuckled and Mike refrained from venting his emotions at that moment. He put Emily in the car and exhaled at the sight of his wife completely overpowered by alcohol.Mike carefully buckled Emily into the passenger seat, her head lolling slightly to the side as she murmured something incoherent. He l
(Emily’s POV).“This is impossible!”I had sat in the dimly lit bathroom, my heart racing as I stared at the pregnancy test. Two pink lines.“Am I really pregnant?!”The reality of it all had felt like a punch in the stomach. My mind raced with confusion and fear.Mike, my husband, had always been a distant figure in my life. Our arrangement had been supposed to be simple: a temporary marriage. He was just my hero to save my company.Yet, there I was, staring at the evidence of a life growing inside me, a life that threatened to ruin everything I had carefully planned.With trembling hands, I returned the test to its box and put it in a drawer, hoping it would disappear if I didn't look at it.I knew that Mike would never want a child. Our marriage was just a formality, a legal convenience, and I was sure that the prospect of a family was as far from his mind as it was from mine.The decision to abort the pregnancy had felt like the only viable option. I couldn't bear the thought of s
(Emily’s POV).“Are you serious with what you say, Mike?”“Why would I lie? Feel this, Emily,” he took my hand and put it on his chest. “Feel the heartbeat. It is thumping because of you.”My tears couldn't stop. I felt tears running down my face, mixing with the smudged mascara that I didn't have time to fix. I could even actually feel the rapid beating of his heart.Mike's words hit me like a wrecking ball, tearing apart every fragile part of my heart. For months, I had tried to convince myself that his actions were merely an act of compassion—an obligation to help me get my company back and rebuild my life. But now, as he spoke, everything I thought I knew came crashing down around me.“I think ... I think you never really cared about me,” I choked out, my voice trembling. “I think this was all just a big charade—something you did out of pity.”Mike's expression was a mix of frustration and seriousness.“Emily, you have to believe me. This isn't an act. I've loved you since—I don'
(Emily’s POV).“Hello, Miss Emily. Your father can go home; it was good news for you.”My heart raced because the call from the hospital was the best news I had ever waited for. After months of sleepless nights and endless worry, the news I had been waiting for finally came. My father had regained consciousness. His recovery might take some time, but the fact that he was coming home was enough to make me feel like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders.As soon as I heard that, I dialed Mike's number. He picked up after the second ring, his voice filled with warmth.“Hello, Love. What's up?”I couldn't hide my smile because of the way he called me now. We were finally truly united because of our mutual feelings of love for each other.“Mike, my dad can go home now. I'm so happy about it!” I said with a smile and tears in my eyes.“That’s wonderful news, Love!” he said, his genuine happiness evident even over the phone. “Congratulations!”I could hear the smile in hi
(Emily’s POV).Two years had passed, and our lives felt fuller and richer than I’d ever dreamed. Christopher had grown into a bright and beautiful toddler, and every day, I watched him reach new milestones with a mix of joy and awe. His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he absorbed everything Mike and I taught him, and he surprised me constantly with the way he understood and remembered the little things. I couldn’t have imagined that I would ever feel this deeply fulfilled or so endlessly proud of the life we’d created together.This life has changed me, too. Just two years ago, I would never have thought I’d find myself married to Mike—my soul mate and, yes, someone much older than me and, admittedly, the uncle of my ex-fiancé. In the beginning, our bond had been a shocking, unexpected twist that seemed almost too good to be real. But with every shared moment, every quiet evening together and every early morning with Christopher, I felt the truth of our connection. I loved him wit
"Daddy's home, Buddy!"The words spilled from my mouth with excitement I couldn’t contain as I stepped into the living room, only to find Mike already cradling Christopher in his arms. The sight of them together was enough to melt my heart. Christopher, so small and fragile, seemed to sense Mike’s presence the moment he walked through the door, and now his tiny hand clung to Mike’s shirt, his bright eyes wide with curiosity.Mike looked up at me, his face softened with a quiet joy that made my heart flutter. "I think he knows I’m back," he said, his voice filled with wonder.I laughed softly, setting my purse aside. "Of course he does. There’s no way he could miss you."I watched them for a moment, unable to look away. There was something so natural, so effortless, about the way Mike held Christopher. It was as if they were two halves of the same heartbeat, already so attuned to each other that even a few days apart felt too long. I didn’t want to interrupt, so I slipped into the k
(Emily’s POV)."I miss you."The words slipped out before I could stop myself. The moment I saw Mike step through the airport gate, every ounce of restraint I’d held over the past few days just melted away. I practically threw myself into his arms, wrapping him in a hug so tight I thought I might never let go.Mike’s hands slid around my waist, pulling me even closer, and I felt his warm breath against my ear. “I missed you too, more than you know,” he murmured, his voice low and husky. There was a rough edge to his tone, a subtle hint of all the things he wasn’t saying aloud. Before I could respond, his lips were on mine, his kiss hungry, demanding, like he was making up for every moment we’d spent apart. My hands slipped up to his shoulders, fingers clinging to the fabric of his shirt as the airport, the people, everything faded around us. It was just him and me, our unspoken longing filling the space between us until it overflowed.Finally, reluctantly, we broke apart, our bre
(Emily’s POV)."Don't cry, Boy. I'm right here," I cooed softly, bouncing Christopher lightly in my arms. His tiny face was scrunched up, cheeks flushed as he let out another wail, the sound piercing in a way that tugged at my heart.I felt a pang of helplessness, a familiar ache that surfaced whenever I couldn’t seem to calm him. Normally, when Mike was here, Christopher barely fussed. I liked to think it was because he sensed the balance and warmth that Mike’s presence brought. And now, that steadiness was gone, at least for a few days. I could only imagine how strange it must feel for Christopher to have half of his usual world missing."Shh, it’s okay. I’m here. We’re going to be just fine,” I murmured, trying not to let my own frustration leak into my tone.Despite my efforts, his cries only grew louder, his little hands curling into tight fists. I could feel my patience thinning, a creeping sense of unease mingling with the exhaustion that came from trying to soothe him on my
(Emily’s POV)."Take care of yourself, Mike. Call me as soon as you land," I said softly, feeling the weight of his upcoming absence settle over me.Mike nodded, his eyes meeting mine, as he gently cradled my face in his hands. "I will. And don’t worry, you’ll hear from me as soon as I’m down." He leaned in and pressed his lips to my forehead, his kiss lingering, soft and warm. Then, his mouth found mine, and I melted into him, letting myself be consumed by the kiss. It was longer, deeper than usual, as if neither of us wanted to let go. I could feel his unspoken promise in that kiss—a reassurance that he’d come back to me, always.The sound of his assistant’s voice cut through the air, snapping us back to the present. "Boss, it’s time to take off."Mike broke the kiss with a soft sigh, resting his forehead against mine momentarily. "I love you, Emily," he said, his voice filled with a warmth that wrapped around my heart.I managed a smile, my voice trembling slightly as I replied
(Mike’s POV)."Emily, I’ll be heading out on a business trip for a week. Want to come with me?" I asked, hoping to have her by my side for those seven days. Being away from her, from us, even for just a week, felt heavier than it used to. I just hope she wanted to come to me.She gave me a soft, apologetic smile. “Since having Christopher, I feel like I should stay around the house more,” she said, her hand instinctively reaching up to rest over her heart. “He’s so young, Mike. I don’t want him to wake up without his mom around.”I nodded, suppressing the pang of disappointment. It wasn’t as if I didn’t understand. Ever since Christopher had come into our lives, everything had changed—Emily had changed, and for the better, in so many ways. She was the embodiment of patience, grace, and care, and I was a fool to ever try and pull her away from that.“That’s fair,” I said with a grin, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “But,” I added, voice soft, “just remember, let me know if you head t
(Mike’s POV).The evening came too soon, and before I knew it, Emily and I were heading to the Johnson family home for yet another one of these "family dinners." They had never been a tradition before, at least not until Emily and I got married. Now, it felt like some unspoken agreement that we’d all gather regularly, whether I wanted to or not. The whole situation made me question things, wondering why we suddenly needed to meet so often when, in the past, we’d been perfectly fine keeping to ourselves. The irony wasn’t lost on me.Emily squeezed my hand, noticing the tension in my grip as we pulled into the driveway. “Remember, not everything needs to be faced with emotions,” she murmured gently, giving me a smile that made me feel as though we were the only two people in the world. “Tonight is just another dinner. We’ll get through it.”I nodded, taking a breath to calm myself. She was right; Emily had this calming effect on me, something I’d never known I needed until I found he
(Mike’s POV).“You aren’t mad at me? For not telling you about my visit to my father’s?”Emily’s question pulled me out of my thoughts, her voice soft yet searching as she looked up at me. I couldn’t help but smile as I shook my head, reaching to touch her cheek, letting my thumb trace the gentle curve there. Her expression held a touch of worry, but I could see something deeper beneath it—trust, maybe. A need for reassurance that ran deeper than the question she’d just asked.“Not at all,” I murmured, my voice low. Jimmy had told me she’d visited him, and, of course, I knew that meant Ben had been around. It wasn’t exactly a thought I enjoyed. There was still a part of me, small but insistent, that flared with jealousy, picturing Emily in the same space as him. But I wasn’t about to let that ruin this moment. I trusted her. She tilted her face up, catching my gaze with her eyes, which sparkled with a warmth that made everything else fade away. I lifted her chin gently, leaning do
(Emily’s POV).“Why don’t you give up, Ben?”My voice cut through the gentle hum of the garden, breaking the tranquility as I stepped toward him. Ben was hunched over, hands full of grass clippings as he tended to the flowerbeds in my father’s yard. His head jerked up at my voice, his face creased in mild surprise. Clearly, he hadn’t expected me to show up here, and certainly not to confront him.The annoyance simmered in my chest as I walked closer, a dull ache pushing me to get the words out, to speak my mind finally. Every time I saw him here, every time I knew he was just around the corner from my life with Mike, it gnawed at me like an open wound.Ben stood up slowly, straightening to his full height, wiping his hands on his jeans. “Emily,” he said, his voice calm but wary. “I didn’t think you’d come here just to see me.”“I came here to ask why you haven’t disappeared from my life,” I replied, my tone sharper than I’d intended. “After everything, why not just… give up?”He loo