Chapter 7
Angela meant more to him than his own life. That was the answer Emma had been searching for, even if it hurt more than she’d imagined. She pulled her hand back, swallowing the lump in her throat, and forced a smile that barely reached her lips.
“Alright, if you want to switch hospitals, go ahead. But I’m still going to call Shelly. If anything happens to you, I don’t want her to be upset.“%
Emma turned and walked out of the room. Just as the door was about to close, she heard Roy’s voice, a bit anxious now.”
“I’m not transferring anymore, Emma. Please don’t tell my sister. I don’t want her to know.%
What was he scared of Shelly finding out? His injury? Or the fact that they were secretly seeing each other? Emma wasn’t sure, and honestly, she didn’t care anymore.
She decided against calling Shelly, who was off exploring the world. Emma didn’t want to drag her into this mess. Instead, she hired a couple of caretakers to look after Roy’s needs. Occasionally, when the caretakers dropped by with meals, they’d mention, “Ms. Emma, Mr. Roy keeps asking where you are. He wonders if you’re upset with him.“%
Emma just nodded along. After lunch, she went to check on Roy, only to find his hospital room empty. A nurse tidying up nearby casually mentioned, “He transferred to South Wing Hospital this afternoon.”
Emma laughed at herself, a bitter chuckle escaping her lips. She glanced at her phone, scrolling through Roy’s recent messages.2
[Emma, I’m bored. Can you come chat with me?]%
[It’s been three days. Don’t you miss me?]%
[Don’t be mad, I’ll buy you a gift when I’m out, okay?]
If she hadn’t known about Angela, she might have believed Roy was clinging to her out of love. But after witnessing what real love looked like for him, she couldn’t fool herself anymore.%
Back at home, Emma reached out to a real estate agent to list the apartment. Over the next few days, several potential buyers showed up. Determined to move on quickly, she priced it to sell fast.
On the day she signed the contract, Roy walked in. He spotted the agent’s badge, surprise flickering across his face. “Emma, you’re selling the place?“%
Emma nodded, not bothering to hide it. Roy raised an eyebrow, giving the room a quick scan. “Yeah, I guess it’s a bit small. Let’s move to that villa on West Hill, I’ve had it for years, just sitting there.“%
Emma didn’t agree or disagree. Once the agent left, she changed the subject. “Feeling better?“%
“Yeah, I am. I knew you still cared,” Roy said with a grin, pulling her close, leaning in for a kiss.
Emma turned her head away instinctively. Noticing his surprise, she kept her cool and fibbed, “It’s that time of the month.“%
Roy sighed, “I don’t always want to do those things, you know. It’s been ages. Can’t I just want to see you, to kiss you?”
Emma doubted it. She didn’t have the energy to play along with his act anymore, so she made an excuse and went to rest.
For the next two days, Roy stayed home. Emma packed a suitcase, clearing out everything that reminded her of him. Couple mugs, the razor she bought him, gifts, photos, personal items–she tossed it all.
When Roy emerged from his study and saw the bare room, a hint of panic crossed his face. “Why are you getting rid of this stuff?” “Aren’t we moving to that villa? Just clearing out some clutter,” Emma said, brushing off his concerns.
Sensing her mood, Roy took her to an auction that night to cheer her up. He bid on several pieces of jewelry without hesitation, drawing
envious looks from the crowd. But Emma wasn’t interested.%
As she stood to leave, Roy’s phone buzzed. She caught a glimpse of the screen–Angela. Without a word, she headed to the restroom, leaving him behind.%