Chapter 628 Illness
Wanda roughly shoved Emma into the suitcase, ignoring her struggles as she zipped it shut. Before leaving, she took a moment to fix her hair in the mirror, ensuring she looked flawless.
"Goodbye, Emma Jones. No, Emma Stuart," she chuckled at the suitcase. "From now on, everything you have is mine."
The suitcase made a dull thud as it was thrown into the trunk. Wanda hummed a tune as she got into the driver's seat and searched for the nearest coastline on the GPS. In the rearview mirror, her eyes gleamed with a crazed light under the moon.
At 3 AM, Wanda's car stopped at a secluded beach. The waves crashed against the rocks with a deep, booming sound. She got out and opened the trunk. Inside the suitcase, Emma had stopped struggling, her breathing faint.
"End of the line, darling," Wanda sneered, dragging the suitcase out. The wheels screeched against the rough rocks.
She dragged the suitcase to the edge of a cliff, where the dark, inky water churned below. The salty sea breeze whipped her hair around, making her face look even more sinister in the moonlight.
"You know," Wanda kicked the suitcase, "I was going to make this more painful for you, but since you've been so cooperative, I'll make it quick."
A weak whimper came from inside the suitcase.
"Don't worry," Wanda crouched down, whispering against the suitcase, "Once you're gone, I'll take good 'care' of your son, your husband, and your parents."
With that, she shoved the suitcase off the cliff. It arced through the air before crashing into the water, sending up a huge splash before being swallowed by the waves.
Wanda stood at the cliff's edge, watching the sea return to calm, and finally burst into laughter. Her laughter mixed with the sound of the waves, making the early morning eerily chilling.
By dawn, Wanda returned to the Stuart Villa, feeling refreshed. Sophia was in the kitchen preparing breakfast and looked surprised to see her coming in from outside. "Emma, you're up early?"
"Just went for a run," Wanda replied casually, her eyes landing on the little boy at the table, Lucas, Emma's son.
Lucas was sipping his milk, and when he heard her, he looked up with a hint of confusion in his eyes. Something about Emma seemed different today, but he couldn't quite figure out what.
"Mom," Lucas called out timidly.
Wanda suppressed her disgust and awkwardly patted his head. "Finish up and get ready for school." Her touch was stiff and unfamiliar, nothing like Emma's usual tenderness.
Lucas's face fell, his eyes reddening slightly. The gesture reminded him of the days he spent with his fake mom, Anna.
Sophia noticed Lucas's change in mood and quickly intervened. "Emma, Lucas didn't sleep well last night. Should we let him stay home today?"
"Whatever," Wanda said dismissively as she headed upstairs. "I have to go to the Russell Villa to discuss the wedding plans. I don't have time for this."
Sophia was taken aback. Emma had always been so loving towards Lucas. Why was she so cold today?
That afternoon, Lucas came down with a high fever.
Sophia stayed by Lucas's bedside, heartbroken as she watched his flushed face. In his semi-conscious state, Lucas kept calling for "Mom," but every time Wanda came in, he instinctively shrank under the covers.
"Emma," Sophia couldn't help but ask, "Is Lucas afraid of you?"
Wanda was trying on a wedding veil in front of the mirror. She turned around impatiently. "Kids act like this when they're sick, Mom. Don't make a big deal out of it."
Sophia hesitated, feeling that Emma had become a stranger since she returned. But she attributed it to pre-wedding nerves and didn't press further.
Over the next two days, Wanda spent almost all her time preparing for the wedding. She was eager to solidify her position as George's wife and paid no attention to Lucas's illness.
The wedding was set for three days later, and all the details were finalized at lightning speed. George, though feeling something was off, went along with Wanda's plans under the influence of hypnosis.
The night before the wedding, Lucas's fever spiked. Sophia, frantic, called Wanda back from the bridal shop.
"Emma! Lucas's fever is at 104 degrees! We need to take him to the hospital!" Sophia's voice trembled.
Wanda strolled into the children's room, glanced at the barely conscious Lucas, and a flicker of satisfaction crossed her eyes. "It's just a fever. He'll be fine with some medicine."
"But..."
"Mom," Wanda interrupted, "Tomorrow is the most important day of my life. Can you not bother me with this?"
Sophia was stunned, unable to believe these words came from Emma. At that moment, Lucas mumbled in his fevered state, "You're not my mom."
The room fell deathly silent.
Wanda's face darkened. She strode to the bed and grabbed Lucas by the collar. "Say that again, you little brat?"
Sophia screamed and rushed forward. "Emma! Have you lost your mind?"
Wanda realized her mistake and quickly let go, forcing a smile. "I was just joking."
But it was too late. Sophia held the trembling Lucas, her eyes filled with suspicion and fear as she looked at her "daughter."
Wanda suppressed her panic, quickly putting on a gentle smile. "Mom, I'm sorry. I've been so stressed lately." She reached out to touch Lucas's forehead, but he instinctively recoiled.
Sophia eyed her warily. "Emma, what's wrong with you? Lucas is your precious boy!"
"I know, I know," Wanda feigned frustration, rubbing her temples. "Maybe it's the wedding stress." She suddenly had an idea, her voice breaking. "Mom, I'm scared. I'm afraid George will leave me again."
This reason seemed to touch Sophia. She sighed, her tone softening. "Silly girl, George is good to you now, isn't he?"
Wanda seized the opportunity to throw herself into Sophia's arms, acting like a little girl. "Mom, can you take care of Lucas for me? I want to spend more time with George."
Sophia still had her doubts, but seeing the pleading look in her "daughter's" eyes, she nodded. "Alright, you go ahead. I'll take care of Lucas."
Deep down, Sophia still had some reservations.
But looking at Emma's aggrieved expression, she couldn't help but remember the times when she had misunderstood Emma before they reconciled. Emma had been in so much pain back then.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
