Chapter 377 Lies
"I'm her boyfriend. Got a problem with that?"
George took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Can you tell me where she went? Or at least pass on a message about Emma..."
"George," Kirk's tone suddenly sharpened, "How dare you come to Emma and Mia after causing them so much trouble? Every time Mia mentions you, she's furious. Do you know how many sleepless nights she's spent comforting Emma after you hurt her?"
George was momentarily speechless, taken aback by Kirk's hostility. "You misunderstood. I need to talk to Mia about Emma's safety. Michael might be manipulating her memory. I have proof..."
"Enough!" Kirk interrupted coldly. "Not this conspiracy theory again. Do you really think I'd believe that? Michael would never do such a thing. Everyone can see how good he is to Emma. But you, you've hurt her time and again, and now you want to play the hero?"
George clenched his fists, struggling to keep his anger in check. "I don't need you to believe me. But since Mia isn't here, can you at least tell me where she went? This is important."
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Kirk sneered. "She went to see Emma, helping her prepare for tomorrow's wedding. What, you didn't know?"
"Wedding?" George's voice suddenly became hoarse. "What wedding?"
Kirk's tone was dripping with sarcasm. "So you really didn't know. Emma is marrying Michael tomorrow, and Mia is the bridesmaid. Looks like you're completely out of the loop. She didn't even bother to tell you she's getting married."
Upon hearing these words, George was profoundly shocked. He could barely hold onto the phone. "Impossible, it's only been a few days."
"Michael proposed today," Kirk said, not hiding his disdain. "Seems like Emma can't wait to leave the past with you behind. Take my advice, George, stop bothering her. She's chosen Michael, you need to let go."
George's breathing became rapid as his mind raced to comprehend the sudden news. "No, something's wrong. Michael must be forcing her. Proposing and getting married the next day? That's too rushed."
"None of your business! You're not part of her life anymore. After everything you've done to Emma, you'd better stay away. If you try to disrupt the wedding, I'll personally stop you."
George anxiously asked, "Tell me the wedding location."
"Are you planning to ruin it? No way!" Kirk mocked.
"I just want to make sure Emma truly wants to marry Michael. If she's willing, I'll leave her alone forever. Please, tell me, for Emma's sake."
Kirk smirked, "Do you think I'm an idiot? Tell you the location so you can ruin the wedding? Get lost!"
After hanging up, George stood by the window, staring at the distant lights, his heart churning with emotions. Emma was marrying Michael, and he hadn't known until the night before the wedding.
"No," he whispered to himself. "I can't give up like this. Emma, I have to stop you from making this mistake."
George turned to his desk, picked up his phone, and sent a message.
Mia arrived at The Stuart Villa late at night. The butler led her to Emma's room, knocked gently, and then left.
"Emma, it's me."
The door quickly opened, and Emma stood there, a tired smile on her face. "Mia, thanks for coming so late."
Mia walked into the room and saw the beautiful wedding dress laid out on the bed. She couldn't help but touch it. "Is this the dress Michael got for you? It's gorgeous!"
Emma nodded. "Yeah, he said he's had it ready for a long time."
Mia turned to Emma. "What's wrong, Emma? Don't you like the dress?"
"It's not that. The dress is beautiful," Emma shook her head and walked to the window, looking out at the night. "I just feel uneasy."
Mia joined her, gently putting an arm around her shoulder. "It's completely normal for every bride to feel nervous before the wedding."
"It's more than just nerves," Emma turned, her eyes filled with confusion. "Mia, have you ever felt like everything is perfect, but there's a voice inside telling you something's off?"
Mia frowned slightly. "Is it because of George? Are you still thinking about him?"
Emma shook her head. "No, at least I don't think so. Every time I remember George's betrayal, I'm more certain marrying Michael is the right choice. But..."
"But what?" Mia pressed.
Emma took a deep breath. "But everything is happening so fast, Mia. Michael proposed today, I tried on the dress this afternoon, and the wedding is tomorrow. It's all so quick, so it's overwhelming."
Mia held Emma's hand and smiled warmly. "Emma, I understand your worries. But Michael's love for you is real. He's been silently protecting you for years, never asking for anything in return. If anyone deserves your trust, it's him."
Emma looked into Mia's eyes. "Do you really think so?"
"Absolutely," Mia nodded firmly. "I've seen many couples, but a man as devoted and loving as Michael is rare. He knows you, respects you, and most importantly, he would never hurt you like George did."
Mia lowered her gaze, thinking silently, 'Even though he's hidden some things from you, it's all for your own good. Emma, don't blame me and him for keeping your deep love for George a secret. You've suffered enough; I just want you to be happy.'
Emma was silent for a moment, then asked softly, "Do you think we're rushing into this marriage?"
Mia chuckled. "Maybe for others, it's too fast. But for you two, this wedding is long overdue. Emma, look at how old Seraphine is. It's quite a slowdown to have your child at your wedding!"
Emma looked at Mia's sincere eyes, and her unease seemed to lessen. She smiled and nodded. "You're right. Thank you, Mia. With you here, I feel much better."
Mia pulled her to sit on the bed and pointed at the wedding dress, teasing, "You have such a beautiful dress, but what about my bridesmaid dress? Is it ready?"