Chapter 10 Going Home

"Home" was a word that hit Emily right in the feels, bringing both comfort and a bit of heartache. She felt like she was back in the days when Ava was alive, picking her up from school, reaching out her hand, and smiling as she took Emily's backpack. "Let's go home, Emily."

Right now, James and Michael were standing at the living room entrance, looking at her the same way.

Emily just lost it, tears streaming down her face, unable to say a word. It had been forever since someone told her to go home. All the grudges, the pain on her cheeks, and the fights with those people suddenly seemed trivial. None of it mattered; she had a home again.

Seeing Emily quiet for so long, tears in her eyes, James felt a pang of guilt. He was the one who pushed her out of the Smith Family, thinking her family would treat her better because of all the help he had given over the years. He never expected Emily to be treated so poorly when she got back, without even a place to stay. What had she gained from all her heartfelt help to the Johnson Family over the years? Emily was truly not smart.

With a sigh, James felt a mix of emotions. He bent down, scooped Emily up, and for once, his expression was gentle.

"You can't walk? I'll carry you out." With that, he ignored everyone else's reactions and carried Emily out of the Johnson Villa. Michael, on the other hand, turned around and glared at Aiden and the others before following them step by step.

The sunlight outside the villa filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. Emily was forced to look up, and James's face appeared particularly clear in the sunlight, with his chiseled features and deep eyes showing a rare gentleness.

James's actions were gentle yet firm. Emily's heart raced, her cheeks flushed slightly, and the corners of her mouth lifted unconsciously. At this moment, she felt an unprecedented sense of peace and warmth, as if as long as James was there, all the storms would no longer be frightening.

Anyone who saw this scene would say it was an enviable family of three. Happiness seemed within reach.

Emily didn't even dare to breathe as she wondered whether James liked her a little too.

Emily's soft body and familiar scent made James want to kiss her, especially when she looked at him with those frightened eyes while hiding in his arms, making him want to tease her and squeeze her soft spots.

"What were you looking at?" James asked irritably after they settled in the car.

Emily finally snapped out of it. "I..." She was at a loss for words, too shy to say that she was mesmerized by James's appearance just now.

Fortunately, Michael quickly climbed into the car from the back, but squeezing between the two of them. "Mommy, I missed you so much. You don't know how worried I was after you left. When I found out today was your birthday, I immediately dragged Daddy over. Actually, he really wanted to celebrate your birthday too; he was just too shy to say it."

James, whose name was mentioned, felt slightly embarrassed. He had just asked for a divorce last night, and today he brought Michael over and now wanted to take Emily home. Even though he never thought he was wrong, he felt a bit embarrassed at this moment.

But seeing Emily, who had spent eight years with him, getting treated like that by her family, James couldn't just sit back and do nothing. So he put on a stern face. "Michael, sit back in the seat."

Michael glared at James, thinking, 'Daddy clearly wants to see Mommy too, but he's making her sad. I swear I'll never be such a hypocrite.'

"Mommy missed you too," Emily smiled, already thrilled that James came to celebrate her birthday. She didn't dare to ask for more and just hugged Michael before he went to the back. She almost thought it would be ages before she could see Michael again.

Michael was quiet in the back seat for a few minutes before rummaging through his little backpack. "Dad and I got you a gift!"

In a few seconds, Michael pulled out a beautifully wrapped gift box and handed it to Emily like it was a treasure. "Mommy, this is from Daddy and me. Open it and see."

In the driver's seat, James pursed his lips, feeling inexplicably nervous.

Emily carefully unwrapped the box until she saw a sparkling blue sapphire and exclaimed, "It's so beautiful, but it's too precious."

Anything James gave was always top-notch, but they were divorced now, and it felt a bit off.

"Take it," James said, noticing her hesitation. Before she could refuse, he added, "Michael asked for this a long time ago. If he got first place in his grade for the final exam, I'd buy it for him to give to you as a birthday gift."

"Mommy, I've wanted to give this to you for a long time. Can you wear it for me to see?" Michael's hopeful eyes made it impossible for Emily to refuse.

"Help me put it on, Michael." The blue sapphire looked stunning against Emily's slender neck, and James couldn't help but think of the marks he had left on her delicate skin before.

James felt a bit dry-mouthed and quickly focused on driving, ignoring the playful two beside him.

Back at the Johnson Villa, the mood was sour. With the birthday party ruined, Isabella angrily overturned all the tableware. The expensive utensils scattered all over the floor, the water reflecting Isabella's twisted face.

Isabella's fingers gripped the edge of the table tightly, her anger almost driving her to madness. "Why does Emily deserve this!"

"Because she gave birth to the heir of the Smith Family and has won James's heart." For the first time, Aiden didn't comfort Isabella but looked at her and Mia with an unprecedentedly cold gaze.

Isabella's heart trembled, as if seeing Aiden's true nature for the first time, and she couldn't lose his favor!

"Dad, it's my fault for being too impulsive just now. I didn't expect today to be Emily's birthday. I'll apologize to her later." Isabella forced a pitiful expression, shedding a few tears. "It's all my fault for making Emily and James so angry. Dad, don't be mad. Please try to relax."

Mia chimed in, "Aiden, Emily is also at fault. She came back without any notice, divorced, then went back with James, and acted all high and mighty at home. You can't blame Isabella for being angry."

The guilt that had just risen in Aiden's heart vanished, and his face turned sullen. He waved his hand, saying no more.