Chapter 36

"I believe you." Emily said. giving Vida's shoulder a reassuring pat. It made Vida feel all warm inside.

For the next half hour. they chatted away happily. the vibe light and easy. With Vida's professional and patient help. Emily managed to sign the home purchase contract without a hitch.

Stepping out of the sales office. thesunlight hit Emily. filling her with a sense of ease and joy.

She walked with her head held high, her steps confident. like the path ahead was brand new.

She glanced down at her new leather flats and smiled. These shoes felt like a symbol of change in her life.

Gently touching her stomach, she felt a wave of tenderness and strength. "From now on. I'm gonna be a strong and independent mom," she whispered to herself.

Looking back at the sales office, she felt like her life was just beginning.

She used to think that being with Patrick was everything, giving up so many chances to grow and tying her self-worth to his approval.Now. it all seemed so ridiculous.

Emily thought. "What a jerk! To hell with all of them!"

Buying a house on her own was the first step towards independence.

Next, she needed to step out of her comfort zone and earn money for her baby's formula!

Emily silently cheered herself on.

Patrick slowly woke up from a haze, his head heavy, like it was wrapped in thick fog, his thoughts sluggish. Instinctively,he wanted to see Emily as soon as he opened his eyes.

Struggling to open his eyes, the familiar yet strange hospital room came into view. The white walls were glaring, the disinfectant smell was strong, and the silence felt like invisible pressure, making him uneasy.

He rubbed his head instinctively, feeling the rough, tight bandages on his hand and head. They reminded him of the recent accident,causing his heart to tighten.

Adding to his frustration, Emily wasn't there!

His throat was dry. He pressed the button by his side, the crisp sound particularly jarring in the silence.

His eyes were filled with lonely confusion, hoping for a familiar face to break the solitude. A nurse hurried in, her steps brisk.

"Why am I the only one here? Where is everyone else?" Patrick croaked out each word with difficualty.

The nurse kept a professional smile. "Mr. Rivera, how are you feeling?The doctor will be here shortly."

Seeiing Patnick's urgent expression, the mutse qwickly aduled. "A young lady beought you some food eatlier. When she saw you hadn't woken up. she took it to the nurse's suation to heat it up. As for your momn.she visits you every day, but usually after 5 PM. During the day. that young lady spends more time with you."

Patrick's heart settled a bit. like a heavy stone dropping, creating ripples of relief.

He thought. "Emily. at least you have a conscience. knowing I was in a car accident and coming to take care of me. But don't think Tll forgive you for quitting without permission and staying out all night!"

With that thought. Patrick's fists clenched involuntarily. his knuckles turning white. An unidentifiable fury ignited within his chest.wanting to pin Emily down and teach her a lesson.

His brows furrowed.eyes filled with anger, yet there was a hint of anticipation, hoping she would appear and explain herself.

Just then, the door slowly opened, and a slender figure walked in with a thermos.

Patrick's heart filled with anticipation, but the light in his eyes dimmed the moment he saw who it was.

It was Shirley, not the Emily he longed for. "What are you doing here?" Patrick blurted out coldly, his mouth turning down,eyes filled with disappointment and displeasure.

Shirley seemed oblivious to his coldness, forcing a sweet, innocent smile, trying to dispel his gloom.

"Patrick, you're awake. Does your head still hurt? Are you feeling uncomfortable? As soon as I heard from the nurse. I rushed over.Look. I brought you your favorite crab and corn soup!" Her eyes were full of expectation, like a child waiting for praise.

Patrick glanced at the soup, momentarily lost in thought,his mind drifting to Emily.

He never ate crab. but the chef at home made excellent crab and corn soup for a foodie who loved it. Every time, he would have a large portion packed to take to the office.

Seeing this dish now only fueled his anger. "Where's Emily?" he demanded coldly. his eyes urgent and expectant, like a faint glimmer of hope in the darkness.

Hearing Patrick call out Emily's name. jealousy and grievance surged in Shirley's heart, her eyes welling up with tears.

Shirley said, "Patrick, why are you still thinking about Emily? She hasn't come to see you even once since your accident! I've been here with you every day. Do you know how worried I've been? I wished it was me who got hurt. Seeing you unconscious and hearing the doctor say you had a concussion scared me to death! Patrick, please stop thinking about her."