Chapter 16 Favoritism
Emma barged into George's office, clutching the video like it was her lifeline. Her heart was pounding like crazy. She took a deep breath, trying to keep it together, and said, "George, I got proof I didn't swipe that bracelet!"
George didn't even bother looking up from his papers. "What proof?"
"Check out this video!" Emma fumbled with her phone and played the clip. It showed Anna and Mrs. Brooks chatting and Anna slipping the bracelet into Emma's pocket.
But George didn't react the way she hoped. No surprise, no relief. Just a cold, "Where'd you get this video?"
"A stranger sent it to me. I have no clue who it is," Emma stammered, feeling a knot in her stomach. "George, you gotta believe me, I didn't steal anything!"
"And why should I care?" George's voice dripped with disdain. He swiped his hand and deleted the video.
Emma was floored. She lunged for the phone, but it was too late. The video was gone.
"George, why'd you do that? Do you know how many people are trashing me online? That video was my only shot at clearing my name! Why are you doing this?" Emma's voice cracked, tears welling up. "This is about my innocence!"
"What does your innocence have to do with me? As long as Anna's happy, nothing else matters," George's voice was ice-cold, showing his blatant favoritism towards Anna.
Emma felt like she'd been punched in the gut. All her hopes and love shattered in that moment. Tears streamed down her face. "George, even if I died, would you still not care?"
"Are you dead yet?" George's tone was indifferent as he turned back to his work, like she didn't even exist.
Emma's heart broke. She bolted out of the office, tears blurring her vision. She felt humiliated and crushed, wishing she could just disappear.
"George, I hope when that day comes, you can stay as cold as you are now," she muttered to herself, feeling utterly helpless and despairing, like all her efforts and sacrifices were a joke.
Just as she stepped out of the building, a car came out of nowhere and hit her. She didn't even have time to react before everything went black.
Emma woke up in a hospital bed, her head pounding. She struggled to open her eyes and saw white walls and bright lights.
"You finally woke up, Emma." A warm voice said. She turned her head and saw Ethan Martinez, her old college buddy, sitting by the bed with a worried look. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay," Emma tried to smile, feeling a wave of warmth.
George was her husband, yet he was so cold; Ethan was just an old classmate she hadn't seen in years, yet he was so kind. What had all her years of love and loyalty been for?
Ethan sighed in relief and then asked, "It's been a while. Can I take you out for a meal?"
"Don't bother," Emma hesitated, not wanting to seem too needy.
"Consider it my apology," Ethan said firmly, his eyes warm. "If you don't agree, it means you don't forgive me."
Emma had no choice but to agree. The light-hearted atmosphere between them made her forget her troubles for a while.
After dinner, Ethan offered to drive her home. Emma nodded, feeling a mix of unease and gratitude.
As the car stopped in front of the mansion, Ethan suddenly asked, "The doctor said you're pregnant? Does George know?"
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