Chapter 41

Melissa shot a glance at Emily's calm face, a hint of worry in her eyes."Emily, now that you've snagged the house, what's the game plan?You're so independent, you won't let me help out. If you did.you wouldn't need to work. You could whip up some meals for me.and I could focus on selling my paintings. We'd be swimming in cash!"

She waved her hands around, eyes sparkling with dreams of the future, like her paintings had already sold out and she was basking in fame and fortune.

Emily chuckled,giving her nose a playful tap, feeling a warm glow in her heart. Her best friend's words were like a cozy blanket on a chilly day, comforting and reassuring. After all the ups and downs,this friendship had become her most cherished solace, like finding a safe harbor in life's storms.

Seeing Emily's silence, Melissa eagerly continued, "Hey, didn't you major in jewelry design in college? You even won first place with that cross-disciplinary project. When you get a chance, could you design a set of jewelry for me? My neck feels so bare. The stuff my parents gave me is way too tacky. Remember, I love colorful pieces."

Melissa had a thing against traditional jewelry and craved unique designs. She touched her neck, imagining herself decked out in beautiful,playful pieces.

Emily knew Melissa didn't really hate jewelry; it was because she had been frail and often hospitalized as a kid, unable to wear any.

Those tough hospital days had only strengthened their bond. Emily's mind drifted back to college, where the sky was always blue, and the campus buzzed with youthful energy.

On the day she volunteered to welcome new students in her senior year. Melissa had shown up like a fairy, wearing a short skirt and with long, flowing blonde hair, lively and beautiful.

From that moment, Melissa had stuck to Emily like glue, sweetly calling "Emily..." in a clear voice that echoed down the hallways,becoming Emily's closest companion during college.

Later, when Melissa missed a few days of classes, Emily found out she had a severe heart condition and kidney failure.

Emily quickly organized classmates to donate blood and secretly got tested for a kidney match, but she wasn't a match. The Clark family found out about this and, despite the unsuccessful match, they were grateful and took good care of Emily. She was always welcome at the Clark household, and they deeply valued the bond between them.

Hearing Melissa mention her college major, Emily's memories were unlocked, and stories Lisa had told her came flooding back, filled with the marks of time and emotional warmth.

Emily's mom, Lisa, was from Lindell Harbor. Though her family was ordinary, she was naturally beautiful. With numerous admirers, she stood out like a radiant blossom blooming in the heart of the town.

At that time, she didn't know the hardships ahead and shyly chose a boyfriend with her parents' guidance.

Eventually, her grandparents chose John Thompson, who had a stable job.

Back then, being a driver was a great job, with high income and freedom. Lisa and John lived happily, and within two years, Lisa was expecting Emily.

Those days were filled with hope, looking forward to the new life and dreaming about the child's future, with life bathed in sunshine.

But fate is unpredictable. John died in a horrific multi-car pileup,being the last car in the crash and thus held most responsible according to the laws at the time.

Even after his death, the injured drivers' families demanded compensation, ignoring the fact that the Thompson family wwas left with a widow and an orphan.

Lisa couldn't bear it and, pregnant with Emily,left Lindell Harbor for Pearl Peak City, stepping onto unfamiliar ground with fear and uncertainty about the future, all for her child's peace.

In her youth, Lisa was fair-skinned, with red lips, tall and graceful,attracting attention wherever she went.

Soon,she caught the eye of Brian Thompson, Gordon's biological father, who worked as a quality control inspector at IronForge Industries in Pearl Peak City.

Brian brought light into their lives. Though he was just an ordinary worker, his kindness and sense of responsibility brought warmth to their home.

After Emily was born, their family life got back on track. Brian treated Emily as his own, using his modest salary to support her education and extracurricular activities. Lisa often felt as if he were Emily's real father.