Chapter 513 Let Go
Emma's fingers fidgeted nervously. "Yeah, I just wrapped up the paperwork today."
The elevator dinged, and the man deftly found the keys in Mia's bag.
Once inside, he gently placed Mia on the couch, then headed to the kitchen to prepare a glass of warm water with honey.
"Here, drink this. It'll help." He supported Mia's neck, patiently helping her sip the honey water like he was comforting a child.
Emma stood by the door, feeling a sudden warmth in her eyes.
George had never taken care of her like this.
After making sure Mia was comfortable, the man turned and noticed Emma's dazed expression.
He handed her a cup of water. "Take a seat, make yourself at home."
"Thanks." Emma held the cup, the warmth spreading through her fingers.
"Mia talks about you a lot," the man said, sitting across from her. "She says you're the strongest person she knows."
Emma gave a bitter smile. "I'm not strong at all."
She suddenly asked, "What is love?"
The man glanced at the sleeping Mia, his voice soft. "Loving someone shouldn't hurt. True love is about acceptance, embracing everything about the other person, including their flaws and vulnerabilities."
His words felt like a key, unlocking something deep within Emma.
She remembered George's constant criticism, his hurtful words, and how she always walked on eggshells around him.
Even though George had changed, the memories couldn't be erased.
"If a relationship makes you constantly doubt yourself," the man continued, "it's time to let go."
Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on Mia's peaceful face. The man gently brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, his touch as tender as if handling a precious gem.
In that moment, Emma finally felt certain that her decision to divorce was the right one.
Watching this couple, she realized for the first time that love shouldn't be tormenting or harmful. True love should be a warm harbor, an unconditional acceptance like the way he treated Mia.
"I should go." Emma stood up, her voice much firmer than when she arrived.
The man politely offered to see her out, but she declined.
Before leaving, Emma glanced back at the sleeping Mia, a genuine smile appearing on her face for the first time in days.
The night breeze blew away the last traces of alcohol and her lingering doubts. Emma looked up at the starry sky, taking a deep breath.
Yes, she deserved better love, a love that cherished her like Mia's.
George's empty words of love were too cheap.
At three in the morning, Emma quietly pushed open the door to the Stuart Villa.
A dim wall lamp cast a warm glow in the living room. She tiptoed inside, only to find her mother, Sophia, sitting on the couch in her robe.
"Mom? Why are you still up?" Emma stopped in surprise, the cool night air and faint scent of alcohol still clinging to her.
Sophia set down her book, her gentle gaze falling on her daughter. "Waiting for you."
She stood up, taking Emma's cool hand in hers. "Did you have a good time with Mia?"
Emma nodded, her eyes suddenly feeling warm. She thought of Mia and her husband's interactions and the decision she was about to make.
"Mom, I need to talk to you and Dad."
Sophia sensed the seriousness in Emma's voice and gently patted her hand. "I'll go get your father."
Twenty minutes later, the three of them sat by the fireplace in the living room.
Emma held the cup of hot tea her mother had made, looking at her parents' concerned faces, and finally spoke. "Mom, Dad, George and I have divorced."
The flames in the fireplace flickered, casting shadows on Henry's serious face. He was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. "As long as you've thought it through, I support your decision."
Sophia sat beside Emma, gently stroking her long hair. "Watching you suffer in that marriage all these years has broken my heart."
Emma's tears finally fell, dripping into her tea. "I'm sorry for making you worry."
"Silly girl," Henry's voice was low and firm. "A parent's love doesn't change because of your choices."
Sophia wiped away Emma's tears. "What are your plans now?"
Emma took a deep breath. "I'm going back to Sunterra tomorrow, with Michael."
The living room fell silent. The wood in the fireplace crackled softly.
Finally, Sophia forced a smile through her tears. "Sunterra's park is beautiful. This season, you can see the lavender."
Henry stood up, looking out at the night. "Remember to pack enough clothes. It's starting to get chilly in Sunterra."
Emma looked at her parents' backs, her throat tight.
She knew how much they didn't want to let her go. They had been apart for so long, finally reunited, only to be separated again so soon.
Despite their reluctance, they chose to respect her decision.
"I'll video call you every day," she said, walking between them and linking her arms with theirs. "And I promise, I'll come back for the holidays."
Sophia suddenly turned and hugged Emma tightly, her voice choked. "I'll miss you."
Henry's large hand gently rested on his wife and daughter's shoulders. "Go, see the bigger world. Remember, no matter how far you go, this will always be your home."
Sophia released her, wiping away her tears. "Go check on the kids. They've been waiting for you until late and just fell asleep."
Emma nodded, quietly climbing the stairs.
When she opened the door to the children's room, her heart melted.
Lucas and Seraphine were huddled together on one small bed, Seraphine curled up in Lucas' arms, his little arm protectively around her.
She knelt by the bed, gazing at her sleeping children in the soft night light.
Seraphine's tiny hand clutched Lucas' shirt, her long lashes still wet with tears; Lucas' brow was slightly furrowed, as if even in his dreams, he was guarding his sister.
"They wouldn't sleep," Sophia whispered, standing at the door, watching tenderly. "Lucas sat on a little stool by the door, saying he was waiting for you. Seraphine followed his lead, both of them nodding off but refusing to go to bed."
Emma's fingers gently brushed her children's cheeks. In his sleep, Lucas unconsciously nuzzled her hand, mumbling "Mommy."
"Such a good, understanding boy." Sophia came over, lovingly tucking the children in. "Before bed, he even tried to pack your suitcase, stuffing his favorite toy car in there to protect you."
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