Chapter 63 Returning to Serenity Manor

"James! You're being totally unreasonable!" Emily shot daggers at him from across the car, her lips still swollen.

James just shrugged, acting all high and mighty. "Unreasonable? Yeah, whatever," he snorted, then went silent.

The tension in the car was thick enough to cut with a knife. They didn't say another word as they pulled up in front of the kindergarten. James was there to pick up Michael and take him to Serenity Manor to see Sophia.

Before stepping out, Emily took a deep breath, trying to keep her cool. She didn't want Michael to see her upset, so she plastered on a smile and got out.

James followed, his tall, handsome figure turning heads.

"Wow, he's hot," someone whispered.

"Forget it, that's his wife up front, and she's gorgeous too. They're here to pick up their kid."

"Ugh, why are all the good ones taken?"

The kindergarten gate opened, and kids started filing out. Emily quickly spotted Michael at the front, grinning from ear to ear.

"Michael!" she called, her voice soft.

Michael's face lit up, and he ran straight into her arms. Emily hugged him tight, feeling his warmth melt away some of her gloom.

"Mommy, why are you here today?" Michael asked, looking up at her with wide eyes. He hadn't seen her in a while and clung to her like a lifeline.

"Because I missed you," Emily said, stroking his hair.

"I missed you too, Mommy," Michael murmured, then noticed James by the car. "Did Daddy come too?"

"Yep, Daddy's here. We're all going to see your great-grandma today, okay?" Emily replied.

James watched them, feeling a weird mix of emotions. Scenes like this were rare, even before the divorce. Michael was the only thing still connecting him and Emily.

Trying to shake off the odd feeling, James forced a smile and crouched down. "Hey, buddy. Did you have a good day at school?"

"Yeah! If you and Mommy picked me up every day, I'd be even happier!" Michael said, tilting his head innocently.

James and Emily exchanged a look but didn't say anything. James opened the car door for Michael, and then turned to Emily. "Let's go. Think about what I said."

Emily turned away, too annoyed to respond. She couldn't let Michael see any tension between them, especially with Sophia waiting. With a sigh, she got into the car.

The car rolled slowly towards Serenity Manor. In the backseat, Michael held Emily's hand with one of his and James's with the other, his face lit up with pure joy.

When they arrived at Serenity Manor, Emily and James exchanged a look. Despite their earlier argument, they knew they had to put on a united front for Sophia's sake. She was old and frail, and they didn't want to upset her with their divorce.

They walked through the courtyard and headed to Sophia's bedroom. Every time Emily came back to Serenity Manor, she felt a wave of peace wash over her.

The housekeeper nodded at them as they approached the door, and the three of them stepped inside.

"Great-grandma!" Michael dashed to Sophia's bedside. She patted his head lovingly, her eyes full of warmth.

"Michael! Emily, James, you're here," Sophia said, holding Michael close and smiling at them. She gestured for them to sit.

It felt like old times, before the divorce. James nodded and took a seat, trying to act like nothing had changed.

Emily and James sat across from Sophia, forcing smiles and trying to seem natural.

Sophia seemed to sense something was off but didn't press the issue.

"Grandma," Emily's eyes welled up, her voice shaky. "Are you feeling better?"

Sophia had lived a tough life, balancing gentleness and strength. Even now, bedridden and frail, she carried herself with dignity. Emily had always admired her.

"Seeing you all makes me feel much better," Sophia said kindly. "Emily, how have you been? Has James been treating you well?"

"Yes," Emily smiled, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. She glanced at James.

"If James ever gives you trouble, just let me know. I'll handle him," Sophia said with a wink.

"Grandma," James sighed, exasperated.

"What are you sighing about? I was just about to ask if you're still swamped at work. No matter how busy you are, make sure to have good rest and meals," Sophia turned to James.

"I know," James nodded.

Emily and James played their parts, trying to keep Sophia from sensing the tension between them. But inside, Emily felt a deep bitterness. The act was exhausting.

The loss of her child and James's harsh words in the car weighed heavily on her heart. She wanted to confide in Sophia like she used to, but she was no longer part of the Smith family, and Sophia's health was too fragile for such burdens.

Sophia seemed content with their answers and didn't probe further.

Just when Emily and James thought they could wrap up the visit without a hitch, they heard hurried footsteps outside the door. The door swung open, and Grace walked in with a young woman.