Chapter 292 Photo
Emma never thought it would be so easy to get shares in the Russell Group. It turned out that when George loved someone, he was incredibly generous. He had been that way with Anna, and now he was that way with Emma.
But once that love was gone, he tossed them aside like they meant nothing. She had been abandoned once before, and this time, she couldn't afford to lose.
Emma didn't feel like going back to work. She wandered aimlessly down the street. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and a gentle breeze blew, but her mood was as gloomy as a stormy sky.
At a corner, Emma discovered a large photography museum. Out of curiosity, she decided to go in. The museum displayed many exquisite photographs, with walls covered in various pictures showcasing different themes and styles.
She strolled through the galleries, admiring the works, gradually getting absorbed by the artistic atmosphere. Each photo told a story, capturing moments of beauty and emotion.
As she reached one section, a large photo caught her eye. It was a warm family portrait of her, Sophia, and Henry, with a joyful amusement park scene in the background. Sunlight lit up their faces, and their smiles were radiant.
Emma's heart skipped a beat, and she stopped in her tracks, staring at the photo with a mix of emotions.
She remembered the day she had gone to the amusement park with them. Those happy times filled her with nostalgia and warmth.
But then, she was overcome by a deeper sense of loss.
Such beautiful moments could be washed away by time, becoming distant and unreachable. A wave of bitterness surged in her heart, her thoughts in turmoil.
Emma thought to herself, 'How did this photo end up here?' She didn't recall ever taking this photo.
Perhaps she had lingered in front of the photo for too long, as the photographer who took it approached. He stared at the photo for a moment, then turned to Emma with a look of surprise on his face.
"It's you?" The photographer recognized her. "I'm sorry for using your photo without permission. I loved it so much that I just couldn't resist. After I took the photo that day, I wanted to show it to you, but when I turned around, I couldn't find you. I never expected to meet you here again. It must be fate."
Emma was taken aback for a moment, then nodded. "What a coincidence. Are you the photographer of this picture?"
"That's right, I took this photo." The photographer smiled, his eyes gleaming with joy. "I've been looking for you, wanting to invite you to dinner and discuss the photo's rights and royalties."
Emma smiled slightly and shook her head. "Thank you, but I don't need any royalties or fees. I just want to buy this photo."
The photographer was a bit surprised but then showed an understanding expression. "I get it. This photo means a lot to me too, capturing such a beautiful moment."
"Those happy times are gone, but the memories and the photo remain. That's enough for me," Emma said, her voice tinged with sadness.
The photographer nodded. "No need to buy it. I'll give it to you as a gift."
"Thank you."
"But I'll need to wait until the exhibition ends to take it down for you," the photographer said, checking his watch. "The museum closes in an hour. Can you wait? Or maybe leave me an address, and I'll send it to you."
"I can wait," Emma replied, finding a quiet corner to sit down, facing the large photo.
Sophia and Henry were her parents. Could she really be so heartless as to abandon them?
Emma didn't have no idea. Maybe she could, but why did her heart still ache with bitterness?
As Emma was lost in thought, Sophia also entered the photography museum. She had come specifically to see the exhibition, hoping to find some inspiration. As she wandered through the galleries, her eyes were drawn to a large photo.
The warm family photo stood out, and Sophia's heart skipped a beat. She was deeply attracted to the photo.
The photographer was about to explain the photo when Sophia quickly asked, "Hey, did you take this photo? I'd like to buy it."
The photographer shook his head, his tone regretful. "Sorry, this photo has already been sold to another buyer."
"Another buyer?" Sophia's heart tightened. Who else would buy this photo?
She had a bold idea. "Can I meet her?" Sophia's eyes showed anticipation.
"Sure, she's right over there," the photographer said, pointing in Emma's direction.
As Sophia got closer, Emma was still staring blankly at the photo. When she saw Sophia approaching, she was momentarily stunned.
"Isabella! You're here too?" Sophia's voice was filled with surprise and joy.
"Just passing by. Didn't expect to see you here," Emma smiled, though her heart felt complicated.
"Are you buying that photo? Why..."
Emma suddenly interrupted Sophia. "On a whim. If you like it, I'll give it to you. I don't care about the photo."
Sophia was caught off guard by Emma's sudden enthusiasm and didn't know what to say. She reflexively thanked her, "Thank you, Ms. Taylor. You don't mind if I put this photo in my home, right?"
"It's your home, of course, it's up to you. I have no say in it," Emma replied formally, leaving Sophia at a loss for words.
The two stood there awkwardly, unaware that someone had photographed their interaction.