Chapter 554 Waiting
"I know you still have feelings for George," Michael said with a bitter smile. "Over the years, I've noticed that every time you talk in your sleep, you call out his name."
Emma's fingers trembled slightly, and her eyes instantly reddened.
"But it's okay," Michael suddenly lifted his head, his gaze firm and intense. "I can wait. Whether it's a year, a few years, or even ten years, I'll wait as long as it takes."
Michael gently caressed Emma's cheek, wiping away her tears. "I don't need you to make a decision now, and I don't want you to choose me out of gratitude. I just want you to know that no matter who you end up choosing, I will always love you and protect you."
Emma's tears finally broke free, and she choked up, unable to speak.
Michael pulled her gently into his arms and whispered in her ear, "You always have the freedom to choose. I will never bind you with gratitude."
However, from an angle Emma couldn't see, Michael's eyes turned dark and menacing. He silently vowed: George, this time I won't let go, even if it means fighting you to the death!
Emma recovered quickly, and on the day she was discharged, the sun was shining brightly. She put on a light blue dress that Sophia had brought and stood by the window, feeling a mix of unfamiliarity and anticipation for the world outside after her long hospital stay.
"Emma, are you all packed?" Sophia asked, carrying a bag.
Emma nodded, about to speak, when the door to the room suddenly opened.
Michael walked in, dressed in a sharp, dark gray suit and holding a bouquet. "Congrats on getting out, Emma."
Before he could finish, another figure appeared at the door. George, wearing sunglasses and holding a white cane, entered slowly with the help of his assistant.
Emma's heart raced, and her fingers instinctively tightened around the hem of her dress.
"Looks like I arrived just in time," George's voice was still cool, but carried an undeniable authority.
The atmosphere in the room instantly became tense.
Michael's smile vanished, and he stepped in front of Emma. "Mr. Russell, with your vision issues, you should be resting at home. Emma has me take care of her."
George let out a cold laugh. Even with his sunglasses on, everyone could feel his piercing gaze. "What happens between Emma and me is none of your business."
"None of my business?" Michael's voice rose sharply. "Who has been by Emma's side these past years? Who stayed with her through her worst times? George, what right do you have to be here?"
George's knuckles turned white as he gripped his cane, but his voice remained eerily calm. "Because I am her legal husband."
"You two are divorced!" Michael shouted, furious.
"We can remarry," George said slowly and deliberately. "As long as Emma agrees, we can do it right now."
Michael's face turned ashen, and he grabbed George by the collar. "Stop pretending to be so devoted. Do you need me to remind you how you hurt Emma back then?"
George didn't flinch, his voice icy. "Let go."
"Michael!" Emma rushed forward, grabbing Michael's arm. "Don't do this."
Michael took a deep breath and released George, but the anger in his eyes didn't diminish. "George, I'm warning you, stay away from Emma. She needs a peaceful life now, not your entanglement!"
George adjusted his collar and suddenly removed his sunglasses. His deep eyes seemed to "stare" directly at Michael, even though they lacked focus, still exuding a sense of pressure.
"The one who should leave is you," George's voice was low and dangerous. "What happens between Emma and me is not for you to interfere with."
He turned towards Emma, his tone softening. "Emma, come home with me, okay?"
Emma stood between Michael and George, feeling suffocated. Michael's deep affection and pain, George's seemingly calm persistence, both tore at her heart.
"I..." Emma's voice trembled. "I need time."
Sophia quickly stepped in to defuse the situation. "Emma just got out of the hospital and needs rest. How about she stays with me for a few days?"
George was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Alright." He pulled a key from his pocket. "The Lakeside Mountain villa is still the same. You're always welcome back."
Michael scoffed. "No need. Emma has an apartment I prepared for her."
In the end, Emma chose to go with Henry and Sophia back to the Stuart Villa. As the car drove down the familiar tree-lined path, her eyes welled up with tears. It had been years, but the estate remained unchanged. The tall sycamore trees rustled in the breeze, as if welcoming her home.
"We're home, Emma," Henry said, gently patting her shoulder, his eyes full of love.
Sophia had already instructed the staff to prepare Emma's room. The light purple curtains fluttered in the wind, a stuffed bear she loved sat by the bed, and the dressing table was arranged with her favorite items by Seraphine.
"Mom," Emma choked up as she looked around. "Thank you for everything."
"Silly girl, don't say that," Sophia said softly, tucking a stray lock of hair behind Emma's ear. "This will always be your home."
In the evening, the sound of laughter echoed from the entrance of the estate. Emma had just reached the top of the stairs when Mia burst in, followed by the steady presence of Ethan.
"Emma!" Mia ran up the stairs in a few quick strides and hugged Emma tightly, her voice choked with emotion. "Do you know how worried I was about you?"
Emma, nearly suffocated by Mia's embrace, laughed happily. "Mia, I'm fine now, aren't I?"
Ethan stood nearby, his eyes shining with relief. "Welcome back, Emma."
Mia released her, looking her up and down, her eyes suddenly filling with tears. "You've lost so much weight. That damn George, I won't forgive him!"
"Mia," Emma said, shaking her head helplessly.
"Alright, alright, let's not talk about that," Mia said, wiping her eyes. She suddenly produced a gift box from behind her like a magician. "Look, I brought you a present!"
Inside the box was a delicate silver bracelet with a small music box charm. Emma gently turned the charm, and a familiar melody began to play, a song she loved.
"We promised that no matter what happens, we would always keep hope, just like this song," Mia said, holding Emma's hand, her eyes filled with determination.
Emma's tears finally fell. "Thank you, Mia."
During dinner, the arrival of Lucas and Seraphine filled the estate with laughter. Lucas and Seraphine sat on either side of Emma, eagerly sharing stories from school.
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