Chapter 485 Fake Concern
As Emma approached the water fountain, she overheard two nurses whispering in the corner. They seemed oblivious to her presence and began gossiping freely about the Russell family.
"Can you believe it?" one nurse said with a sneer, her tone dripping with disdain. "Charles is something else. He forced Emma, such a sweet girl, to marry George, completely ignoring her feelings."
The other nurse quickly chimed in, "Right? He acts like he cares about Emma, but it's all for George. Anyone can see through that fake concern."
"He's not caring for Emma at all," the first nurse scoffed, her voice full of sarcasm. "He's using her. He knows George abuses her but turns a blind eye, letting it all happen."
"Emma didn't even have a choice. Charles used his so-called care and love to tie her to the Russell family, treating her like a pawn."
"Charles is the worst! He acts all kind and gentle, but he only cares about George. He doesn't give a damn about Emma's feelings. Such hypocrisy is disgusting!"
Emma stood frozen, as if struck by lightning. Every word from the nurses felt like a dagger, piercing her heart. Their words shattered her last illusions.
In that moment, she realized so much. Charles's concern was nothing but a carefully crafted scheme. He only ever cared about George, and she was just a pawn to be moved at will. Those warm looks, those seemingly caring gestures, were all a facade.
Tears silently streamed down her pale cheeks, leaving a trail of coldness. The last bit of warmth in her heart was frozen over.
In all of Lakeside Haven, only Michael truly cared about her. This city, this family, was nothing but a cold, unfamiliar world to her.
Emma's hands trembled as she set down the water jug. She could no longer look at Charles with the same gentle eyes. The eyes that once made her feel warm now appeared cold and emotionless.
The last bit of warmth in her heart shattered completely.
Her hands shook, and bitterness welled up inside her. The jug wobbled in her grip as the nurses' sharp, merciless words echoed in her mind, each one stabbing at her heart. She was already broken, unable to bear the pressure. As she walked down the hallway, she stumbled, and the jug fell to the cold floor with a sharp crash, the sound echoing loudly in her ears.
The sound of shattering glass was jarring in the quiet hallway, and water quickly spread across the floor. Emma stood there, her mind blank, as if the world had gone silent, leaving only the sound of her heartbeat.
She began to back away, as if trying to escape something terrifying.
What was she trying to escape?
Perhaps it was the indescribable pain and oppression.
Eventually, she fled the hallway, tears streaming down her face, dripping onto the polished floor like her shattered hopes and disappointments.
In a secluded corner of the hospital, Emma could no longer hold back her emotions and collapsed to the ground, sobbing. Her cries were muffled and desperate, as if she was pouring out all her grievances and sorrow, letting each tear carry away her endless misery and unspoken pain.
"Emma." Michael's familiar voice suddenly came from behind her.
She instantly stopped crying, turning her back to Michael, unwilling to let him see her vulnerability.
"What happened?" Michael approached slowly, trying to comfort her with a gentle tone. "Emma, I'm here. You're not alone. You can tell me what's bothering you."
Emma kept her head down, not responding. Michael continued, "I know you're hurting right now, but you have to believe that I'll always be by your side. If you need my help, you can tell me anytime. That's why I'm here."
Emma's heart trembled slightly. Though she still felt helpless, she also sensed a faint warmth. Hearing his comforting words, she couldn't help but want to rely on Michael. Despite her grievances, his concern made her feel safe and secure.
Michael smirked, his inner satisfaction growing. He knew exactly what had happened—everything was part of his meticulous plan. The nurses' conversation was orchestrated by him, specifically for Emma.
His goal was simple: to make Emma completely despair of the Russell family, to willingly leave them and run away with him, forgetting George forever.
Emma's increasing dependence on him was an unexpected bonus, bringing him immense pleasure.
Her pain and vulnerability surged, and Michael knew how to capture her emotional reliance. He slowly stepped forward and embraced her. The warm, solid hug made Emma feel a deep sense of security, her body and mind sinking into this moment of warmth, as if all her grievances and sadness were kept at bay.
"Don't be afraid," Michael whispered, his voice gentle. The deep, magnetic tone carried a sense of stability, calming Emma's heart slightly. Michael loosened his hold a bit, ensuring she didn't feel confined. Her cheek rested lightly on his shoulder, feeling his familiar scent mixed with a faint cologne and warm body heat, almost intoxicating.
"No matter what happens, I'll be here with you." Michael gently patted her back.
Emma felt a surge of warmth, her tears flowing more freely, like a silent confession.
She realized she had never relied on anyone like this before. This dependence made Michael feel a rush of satisfaction, enjoying the control he had over her emotions.
However, at that moment, an unexpected witness quietly arrived.
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