Chapter 545 Dreamscape Peak
Michael slowly pulled a small, ornate box from the inner pocket of his suit. When he opened it, a colorful seashell lay inside, shimmering with a dreamy glow under the light.
"Remember this?" Michael's fingers gently caressed the shell, his voice soft and tender. "Eighteen years ago, on Dreamscape Peak beach, a little girl in a white dress gave this to a boy covered in wounds."
Emma's eyes widened, memories flooding back like a tidal wave.
That year, she had found a bruised boy sitting alone on the rocks, staring blankly at the sea.
"You're that boy?" Emma's voice trembled slightly.
A glimmer of light flashed in Michael's eyes. "That day, you told me, 'This shell will bring you good luck, it's for you.'" His voice carried an uncontrollable excitement. "You know, that was the first time I felt warmth after my parents passed away."
He gently held Emma's hand, and this time she didn't pull away.
"The next day, my grandfather sent me to Sunterra," Michael said with a bitter smile. "Every day in that foreign land, I thought about becoming strong and coming back to find you." His thumb stroked the back of Emma's hand.
Emma's mind conjured the image of that gloomy boy, gradually merging with the mature and composed Michael before her.
She remembered that Michael had mentioned this to another personality of hers. How had she reacted back then?
She couldn't recall.
"But when I finally could return..." Michael's voice suddenly turned bitter, "I found out you had married George."
Moonlight spilled through the window, casting a silver glow over the hospital room. Michael's profile appeared particularly profound in the interplay of light and shadow.
"I told myself, as long as you're happy, that's enough." His voice was as light as a sigh. "But how did George treat you? He hurt you repeatedly, almost killing you!"
Emma's heart ached sharply. Though she couldn't remember those painful memories, she still recalled Mia's advice and the information she had found online.
But then she thought of George's recent changes, of everything he had done to protect her.
"Michael, the past..."
"I know what you're going to say." Michael interrupted Emma, a flash of pain in his eyes. "You think he's really changed? Emma, you're too kind, always forgiving those who hurt you."
Michael suddenly shifted his tone, his voice becoming gentle again. "Remember those days in Sunterra? Every morning, I would prepare the freshest roses for you in the garden; when Seraphine fell while learning to walk, you were so worried you cried, and I drove all night to take her to the best pediatrician."
Emma's gaze softened. That was indeed the most stable period of her life, without scheming, without betrayal, only Michael's meticulous care.
"The night you had a fever, I stayed by your side for three days." Michael's voice carried the warmth of memories. "Even when you deliriously called out George's name, I chose to continue loving you."
This sentence felt like a knife, piercing straight into Emma's heart. She suddenly realized the depth of Michael's love for her, a love so profound it was terrifying.
"Michael..." Emma struggled to speak. "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me, but..."
"But your heart only belongs to George, right?" Michael's bitter smile revealed a hint of madness in his eyes. "Even though he hurt you so much? Even though I gave everything for you?"
He suddenly knelt on one knee, gripping her hands tightly. "Emma, give me a chance. I will cherish you and love you more than anyone else. Seraphine needs a real father, not a man who hurt her mother!"
Emma was startled by Michael's sudden gesture, trying to pull her hands back, but he held them tighter.
"Please stand up." She glanced nervously at the door, afraid someone might come in.
Michael remained motionless, his gaze burning with intensity. "Promise me, stay away from George. He will only bring you harm, while I can give you the world."
Emma suddenly realized that Michael was avoiding the most crucial question.
"Michael," she forced herself to calm down, "you haven't answered me, about what happened three years ago..."
Michael gently placed his finger on her lips, his gaze heartbreakingly tender. "None of that matters. What matters is that from the moment on that beach eighteen years ago, my heart has only had room for you."
His voice was deep and alluring. "Emma, trust your heart. You know I truly love you, don't you?"
Emma was stunned. Yes, she couldn't deny Michael's kindness; the warmth of those days in Sunterra was real. But...
"I need time." Emma could only respond this way.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Michael's eyes, but he quickly regained his gentle demeanor. "Alright, I'll give you time." He softly kissed Emma's forehead, then left the room, giving her all the time and space she needed.
In the empty hospital room, Emma was alone.
What should she do?
The next day, in the hospital's psychology clinic, George sat elegantly on a leather sofa, his long fingers lightly tapping the armrest. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a golden edge on his handsome profile, but his deep eyes remained unfocused.
"Mr. Russell, your sleep quality has significantly improved recently." Wanda adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses, her voice carrying a hint of joy. "It seems our treatment is working well."
George turned slightly, a perfect smile curving his lips. "I owe it all to Dr. Salazar's professional guidance." He precisely faced the direction of the voice. "Would I have the honor of inviting Dr. Salazar to dinner?"
A flash of surprise crossed Wanda's face, and she was about to respond when the office door suddenly opened.
"Dr. Salazar, your three o'clock appointment is here." Phoenix walked in with a coffee tray, a professional smile on her face. When her gaze fell on George, her expression immediately became infatuated.
Phoenix's gaze irritated George. He turned to "look" at Phoenix, trying to discern her features.
She seemed familiar, but he didn't recognize her.
Was she just a regular staff member? Was he overthinking?
"Phoenix, I don't recall having a three o'clock appointment." Wanda frowned at Phoenix.
Phoenix gently placed the coffee cup on the table in front of George, deliberately making a crisp sound. "It's a last-minute VIP client, specifically requesting to see you." She leaned in, her strong perfume wafting towards George.
George subtly leaned back, his brow furrowing slightly. "Dr. Salazar, if you have work, we can reschedule."
Wanda nodded, her professional demeanor returning. "Thank you, Mr. Russell. I'll see you soon."
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