Chapter 9
Emma spent her last five days in Northtown stuck in a hospital bed. During that time, Roy didn’t send a single message. It was only when she was ready to be discharged that he showed up, having somehow heard she’d been hospitalized
Seeing the bandage on her head, his face clouded with guilt and worry. “I left in such a rush. I had no idea you were in the hospital. What happened?1
Emma didn’t want to dive into the details, so she kept it short “Someone attacked me and smashed a wine bottle over my head.“%
Roy frame for a moment, anger flaring in his eyes. “Who dared to hurt you? l make them pay!
Emma was about to explain what happened after he left that day when Angela barged in. “Emma, I heard you weren’t feeling well again. Are you okay?”
Emma swallowed her words and replied coolly. “Just a minor injury. I’m getting discharged soon.“%
After a few polite exchanges, a nurse came in, prompting Roy to handle the discharge paperwork. As Emma packed her things, she noticed Angela’s smile vanish, replaced by a cold stare.
Now that Roy’s not here, stop playing the victim. I came to tell you that Roy’s been into me for years, since high school. You’ll never win far over so out wasting your time‘
Now that Angela dropped her act and showed her true self, Emma actually felt a sense of relief. Her voice was calm and steady. “I know. Inever planned to compete with you’l
Never planned? Then why are you still here? Do you really think Roy’s going to fall for you? I’ve seen plenty of gold diggers like you. He’s probably tired of you already”
Emma frowned at Angela’s venomous words. “So, are you a saint or a whore, acting pure back home after your European escapades?” Angela’s face tested with anger. “What’s it to you?”
“So it’s tue??
Angela couldn’t hold back any longer and slapped Emma. “So what if it is? It’s none of your business. You’re just an old bitch who should marry some nice guy before it’s too later
The sting on her cheek made Emma wince. She touched her swelling face, flexed her fingers, and then slapped Angela back with all her mighti
Angels couldn’t handle the humiliation. She was about to attack Emma when Roy suddenly walked in. Instantly, Angela forced out tears and fell into his arms. “Roy, after you left, Emma told me you two were dating. I didn’t believe her, and when I asked, she got mad and slapped ment
The handprint on Angela’s chesk was bold and clear, Roy’s blood boiled. He held her protectively and glared at Emma. “Emma, can you stop causing trouble?
In the years they’d been together, Emma had never seen Roy this angry with her, and all because of Angela. She no longer felt disappointment or anger, just a cold acceptance.
1 ad slap her, but she hd me too. It’s even. Why don’t you ask what really happened?”
That’s when Roy noticed Emma’s red cheek. He realized something was off and was about to ask when Angela fainted in his arms. In a panic, he rushed her to the examination room, leaving behind a single remark. “Go home. We’ll talk when I get back.
There won’t be a next time Emma whispered to herself, watching him leave.I
She returned to her apartment and handed her keys to a realtor. “Could you pack up the rest of my things and send them to 4015 West Hill Villa? Cash on delivery is fine
The realtor, surprised by her luggage, asked, “Ms. Emma, are you leaving Northtown for good?”
“Yeah, I’m not coming back, she replied. There was nothing left for her here.
Taking one last look around, she left, hailing a cab to the airport. Before her flight took off, she sent Roy one last message.
Roy, I heard everything at the club that day. There’s only hate when there’s love. Now that I don’t hate you as much, I guess it’s because I don’t love you anymore. The good thing about being with an older woman is she knows when to hold on and when to let go. I hope you who over your sweetheart Let’s end things here.
With that, she deleted his contact information. As she powered down her phone, the plane lifted off gently into the sky.