Chapter 448 Seven-Colored Shell
"Come on, try another bite!" Emma noticed Michael zoning out and gently nudged him, pulling him back from his memories.
"Thanks," he said, accepting her offer with a smile.
"I really should thank you for everything you've done for me," he whispered, looking at her with warmth in his eyes. "Without you, I'd be stuck eating with my left hand."
"Then you better hurry up and get better," Emma replied with a grin.
"I will," Michael felt a surge of emotion, sensing Emma's genuine hope. Suddenly, this meal felt entirely different. Every moment was part of the trap he had set for George.
The meal ended quietly in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Emma gathered her thoughts, ready to say goodbye to Michael. As they stepped out of the restaurant, the air was fresh, and a gentle breeze brought a slight chill.
"Thanks for taking care of me today," Emma said with a smile, still feeling the warmth from their time together.
"I should be the one thanking you," Michael smiled. Just as he was about to turn and leave, something slipped from his pocket, first hitting his leg and then bouncing a few times on the smooth ground.
The colorful shell rolled lightly on the ground, its sheen sparkling under the lights like a fallen star, radiating a dazzling glow. Emma's attention was immediately drawn to the sudden flash of light. She looked down and saw the shell bouncing slightly, reflecting a myriad of colors like a tiny universe.
The shell finally rolled to a stop, as if all its stories were condensed in that shimmering surface.
Emma's heart skipped a beat, memories flooding back. The familiar shape brought back images from her childhood. She reached out, her hand trembling slightly, and picked up the shell, cradling it gently in her palm.
"What is this?" Her voice was low, filled with disbelief. The shell looked exactly like the one she had given to a boy at the beach when she was a child, almost identical.
Michael saw her expression change and felt a tightness in his chest. The initial joy turned complex and heavy. He wanted to explain, to tell the story of the past, but at that moment, the words seemed stuck in his throat, forcing him to confront the secret buried by time.
"What is this?" Emma repeated, her voice trembling, "Why do you have this shell?" Her emotions began to stir.
"Do you want to know? Let me tell you the story of this shell. Many years ago, after my parents passed away, I went to the beach to clear my mind. I was very lonely, and the waves couldn't soothe me. Then, a little girl gave me this shell, saying it would bring me good luck. I've kept it ever since."
As Emma listened to Michael's story, her heart began to race. Memories of that time surfaced, sometimes clear, sometimes blurry.
"Do you remember the name of that girl?" She asked tentatively, her heartbeat quickening.
"I've been looking for her," Michael's eyes showed a hint of hope. "But I later found out she was deceived and mistook someone else for me. I wanted to tell her the truth, but she had already found a new love. I was afraid she wouldn't believe me, so I kept everything to myself."
Emma's heart trembled, realizing that Michael was the boy from Dreamscape Peak. Those beautiful memories resurfaced, leaving an indelible mark—an overwhelming sense of disbelief washed over her, her hand trembling unconsciously, almost unable to believe the reality.
"Are you that boy?" Her voice was faint, filled with shock.
Michael smiled slightly, his eyes reflecting memories. "Yeah, that boy grew up and came back to find you. Emma, I'm back."
"I've always wanted to see you again," Emma's voice was trembling, her heart filled with mixed emotions. "But George said he was that boy."
"He lied to you. After gaining your trust, he planned to avenge Anna. Anna was the one he truly loved."
Emma's heart wavered. Despite her doubts about Michael's words, she couldn't deny how George's previous kindness and attentiveness had captivated her. She hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty.
"You can ask Mia, whois your best friend; she would never lie to you. Ask her what George did to you and if his favoritism towards Anna was clear from the start."
A few minutes later, Emma dialed Mia's number. As the call connected, a flood of complex emotions overwhelmed her.
"Mia, what did George do to me?"
Mia paused, then sighed. "I didn't want to say anything. I thought if you lost your memory, you wouldn't have to relive those painful memories."
"It's okay, Mia. I can handle it. Tell me."
"Alright, I'll tell you."
Mia spoke for an hour, and by the end, Emma was in tears, while Mia was also sobbing on the other end of the line.
Emma had suffered so much over the years.
George was a jerk!
Emma's intense memories were triggered, painful moments flashing through her mind like a knife to the heart.
"But he and I..." Her voice was weak, but what came out was cold realization. "He told me he only loved me."
"If someone truly loves you, how could they bear to hurt you?"
Emma felt a wave of confusion, but slowly, her heart began to lean towards Michael.
After hanging up, Emma looked up at Michael, her eyes showing a hint of certainty. "I believe you."
"Thank you, Emma," Michael's lips curved into a gentle smile, his eyes soft. He knew the seed of trust had taken root in Emma's heart.
"You said I loved you in the memories I forgot?" She asked, filled with curiosity and unease.
"Yes," Michael nodded, his gaze warm. "In Sunterra, we lived happily, and we even had a daughter named Seraphine."
At that moment, a small figure appeared at the restaurant's entrance. Seraphine stood beside the butler, her innocent eyes bright. Seeing Emma, Seraphine immediately ran forward, calling sweetly, "Mommy!"
Emma was stunned by the call, tears instantly streaming down her face, rekindling the longing she had felt for years. She bent down and hugged Seraphine tightly, feeling the closeness so real.
"Seraphine, my darling," Emma cried uncontrollably, guilt and joy intertwining, making her emotions overwhelming.
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