7
The media briefing ignited a storm of debate. My folks inundated me with phone calls, bewildered by what they perceived as my irrational choice to terminate my pregnancy. They pressed me to work with Anderson’s crisis management team, seemingly more concerned about damage control than my own welfare.
I was stunned. As their sole offspring, I had forsaken numerous chances over the years to remain close to them. I once believed parental love was unconditional, but now I’ve come to a harsh. realization: some parents simply lack that capacity for selfless.
affection.
They brought me up, yet I never experienced the kind of unquestioning love I had anticipated from them.
Moving forward, I’ll merely fulfill my financial duties to them. Subsequently, I’ll be at liberty to discover the world–its breezes, oceans, and peaks.
This public image crisis is enormous.
Anderson’s shares have plummeted to record lows for several consecutive days.
I’m unsure if this brings me joy, but I do sense a kind of liberation.
I’ve scheduled my departure for two weeks from now.
It’s time for me to finally prioritize myself, shed the burden of others‘ anticipations, and forge my own course.
20%
7.07
I enrolled in an English course, hoping it would occupy my time. and aid in moving forward. Given the circumstances, I assumed Michael wouldn’t seek me out again. However, just seven days later, as I exited the class, I was astonished to see him waiting outside.
He appeared visibly slimmer, and I couldn’t help but notice the brown neck warmer he wore. It was the same one I had hand–knitted for his birthday the previous year. In the past, I would spend half my earnings on presents like timepieces and waist belts, believing they were meaningful. But I eventually realized that these gifts, which seemed so significant to me, were often the least expensive items in his collection.
So last year, I saved for a quarter of a year and devoted time to learning knitting, thinking a handmade scarf would demonstrate my affection. However, when I presented it to him, he barely acknowledged it and tossed it into his wardrobe corner. I longed for him to wear it, to value my effort, but he just frowned at my roughened hands and said, “You didn’t actually knit this yourself, did you? That seems so tedious for you, Emma.”
Those words were painful to hear. It felt as though my efforts went unappreciated, and I questioned whether he truly comprehended how much he meant to me.
I swiftly tucked my hands into my sleeves, lowering my gaze as I mumbled, “Of course not.”
Noticing where my eyes were focused, Michael raised the scarf to display the white bird embroidery featuring his name.
“Emma, doesn’t it look nice?” he inquired, with a hint of optimism in his voice.
10
< 7.07
I responded coldly, “I assumed you had discarded it long ago.
I walked away, heading for my hotel.
Michael Anderson trailed behind me into the cramped entrance area, pausing before he spoke. “You’ve just lost a baby. Why are you staying here? I can provide financial assistance if needed…”
I interrupted him, feeling annoyed. “Don’t you remember? I terminated your baby, sabotaged Anderson’s.product release, and caused problems for you and Sophia Rice.”
“Emma, I’ve considered everything. I’m to blame. You’re not responsible for any of this. Please return with me and say sorry to my parents. I swear you’ll be my one and only wife, and we can start a family again.”
His words nearly made me chuckle. I had just ended a pregnancy, yet he still believed I wanted to be his wife?
“You’re not understanding,” I said resolutely. “The fact is, I no longer want you.”
“I can’t go back and apologize with you,” I stated firmly.
He clenched his jaw, his eyes welling up with emotion. He wanted to embrace me, but my icy stare kept him at bay.
“Emma, you’ve never spoken to me like this before. You’re just upset, aren’t you? Let me explain,” he begged.
As he talked, he retrieved a bundle of photographs from his coat.
I disregarded him, busying myself with heating water for tea and removing my cosmetics.
<
7 07
He persisted, continuing to speak. “This kissing picture was Sophial Rice’s doing. She took a big chance, and it was a mistake. There were too many onlookers, and I couldn’t stand to see her
exploited.”
“This one is from a rainy day when my clothes were drenched. At the hotel, a sudden storm frightened her, causing her to leap into my arms, so we held each other tightly…”
He kept on, showing me more pictures as if they would sway my
decision.
The kettle’s contents went from scalding to frigid, yet he still had
more tales to share.
His voice became quieter, strained with feeling, and I could sense his growing despair.
I looked at him and asked, “Do you really want to continue talking?
He gripped the photo tightly, anguish evident in his eyes. “The arranged marriage between our families was never my desire. I fell for you, and when Sophia Rice expressed her feelings, I rejected her. That angered her. When I left the country, everything went
awry.”
“Emma, we have a debt to her from the past, but I promise I won’t let you face any unfairness from now on. You understand, don’t
you?”
His statement caught me off guard.
I recalled my first encounter with Michael Anderson in college during a literature performance. My parents were strict with finances, and as a freshman, they cut off my allowance. Despite
working every possible shift, I could barely afford food, let alone costume fees. Just when I felt hopeless, Michael Anderson offered me his performance attire, saying he didn’t want my situation to impact the entire class.
That was when I started to notice him. But Sophia Rice was always nearby, so I kept my feelings hidden. I never imagined he might have liked me back then.
Now, a surge of conflicting emotions washed over me, leaving me feeling only revulsion.
Send Gifts
