Chapter 81
Patrick was losing his cool, barely holding back his anger. "What do you want、 Emily? I've already swallowed my pride to make you happy.What more do you need?"
Emily's eyes welled up with tears. She reached out, her fingers catching the drops. Her voice trembled, "Mr. Rivera, if you really don't know.please don't ask. I can't keep torturing myself like this."
Patrick's heart softened when he saw her tears. He gently pulled her into a hug,resting his chin on her head. "Alright, I won't bring it upagain.Just tell me what you want, Emily. I can't read your mind. Please, stop crying."
Emily stayed silent, torn inside. She didn't know if she could trust Patrick's words or if they could ever go back to how things were. Sensing her hesitation, Patrick kissed her forehead softly. "Emily, please don't cry."
Her heart was in turmoil, and she was unsure of what to do. She wanted to believe him, but was scared of getting hurt again. Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion about the future.
Patrick held her tighter. "If you want to stay at Hughes Group, that's fine.But no more solo lunches with Marlon. If you want to chase your dream in jewelry design, go for it. I'll support you. And if working outside gets too tough, come back to me. There's always a place for you here." Emily felt a flicker of warmth, unsure if she should trust his words, but something inside her wavered.
They clung to each other at the doorway, as if the world had shrunk to just the two of them. Their hearts were a mix of desire and conflict,uncertain about the future but finding comfort in each other's embrace.
Watching Patrick sleep. Emily hesitated with her hand on the curtain.She didn't pull it open, just stared at his handsome face. lost in thought.Normally, she'd open the curtains first thing, letting the sunlight flood the room. She loved waking up to the morning sun, hearing the birds and insects from Crystal Heights Park. It made all her struggles feel worth it.living at Crystal Heights Residences.
Maybe that was why everyone in Aetheria dreams of owning a home. It was not about the size, but the sense of belonging. Just like Patrick. he was so outstanding that everyone looked up to him. But so what? Emily felt that he couldn't provide her with a sense of security and belonging.She had been his secretary for three years. enduring sarcasm and neglect. Didn t Patrick know? Of course, he did, but he would only say a few words to Emily when he was in a good mood. However, if Shirley bullied her,he would choose to remain silent, and might even side with Shirley.Thinking about it, Emily wanted to slap the sleeping Patrick awake. But then,she hesitated.
This was the first time Patrick had stayed the night. Usually, after their intimate moments, no matter how late it was, he'd always leave Maple Peak Apartments and head back to Rivera Manor. At first, Emily thought he was just a mama's boy, not wanting to leave Jennifer alone in that big empty mansion. But then Shirley mentioned that Patrick couldn't bear to leave her alone in Rivera Manor, worried that she might be scared, so he went back every night to keep her company. More than once, when Emily called,she was greeted by the sound of Patrick and Shirley's voices,which only made things worse. Eventually, she stopped insisting he stay after their moments together.
Emily gently placed her hand on her belly and cracked the window open.The morning breeze brushed her face, bringing in a fresh breath of air.Living on a higher floor gave her a stunning view of Crystal Heights Park,
which looked like a beautiful painting with its lush trees and shimmering lake. Since getting pregnant, she hadn't visited Gordon.She wondered how he was doing. The doctor had said he was almost recovered last time she checked. so he should be back this week. Having a child had softened Emily's heart, making her realize that having family around was the greatest happiness.
She glanced back at Patrick.the morning sun casting a dazzling light on his face, making him look like a perfect sculpture crafted by the gods. yet so unattainable. The sunlight highlighted his deep features.making him even more handsome and charming. Emily wondered. 'Were Patrick's words last night out of ignorance, or did he really think I wasn't worthy of his love?' Her hand gripped the curtain tightly.
Whether it was the intense sunlight or the gentle breeze,Patrick rubbed his eyes and saw Emily standing by the window. He naturally reached out his hand, beckoning her over. "Come here," he said in a lazy, gentle tone that was hard to resist. Emily sat on the edge of the bed as Patrick pulled her into his arms. "Why are you up so early? Aren't you feeling well? Why not sleep a little more?" His embrace was warm and reassuring, making Emily feel at peace. Hiding her emotions. Emily murmured, "I couldn't sleep."
Patrick rested his chin on her head, rubbing it gently. "Are you going to work at Hughes Group today?" Emily nodded slightly. Patrick added, "Don't get too close to Marlon." His tone unconsciously slipped back into the condescending manner he had as her boss. Emily pursed her lips, not replying. She knew Patrick was possessive, but she had her own work and life, and she wasn't about to let him control her all the time.
Thinking he had matters to attend to at Rivera Group, Patrick got dressed,had breakfast, kissed Emily's cheek, and swiftly left Crystal Heights Residences. His movements were decisive, without any hesitation. Emily
looked at the messy living room, her expressionless face. As she turned her head. she saw Patrick's watch still on the coffee table. She picked it up.looking at the exquisite dial. feeling a surge of complex emotions. The watch was valuable, representing Patrick's status and position. She wondered why he had left it behind-was it unintentional. or was there another reason?