Chapter 33
Bang!
Sophia Green slammed the door shut, her cheerful expression vanishing instantly. Standing outside the courtyard, she glared through the crack at Emily Johnson’s retreating figure.
"Who does she think she is?" Sophia muttered through gritted teeth. "As if she doesn’t want to go back to the city!"
Inside the yard, Emily knelt in the vegetable patch, sunlight dappling her fair skin through the leaves.
"Mommy..." Little David stood timidly behind her, tiny fingers clutching the hem of her dress.
Emily turned to see both boys staring at her with wide, anxious eyes. Her heart softened.
"What’s wrong?"
"You won’t leave, right?" Tommy asked in his small, trembling voice, tears glistening in his eyes.
Emily froze. They had overheard the conversation.
"Silly boys." She ruffled their hair. "Mommy isn’t going anywhere."
But David suddenly threw himself into her arms, his small body shaking. "Aunt Sophia said... Daddy would break your legs if you tried..."
Emily’s gaze turned icy. How dare she say such things to them?
"Don’t listen to her nonsense." She hugged them tighter. "Daddy loves Mommy. He would never hurt me."
A plan formed in her mind. Sophia needed to be taught a lesson—one that would keep her from spreading rumors ever again.
"Come on, let me show you something special." Emily stood, leading them inside.
From the cupboard, she pulled out an oil-paper package, winking mysteriously. "Guess what this is?"
"Candy?" Tommy’s eyes lit up.
"Even better." She unfolded the wrapping, revealing golden mooncakes. "I saved these just for you."
The boys gasped. They had never seen such fancy treats before.
"Try some." Emily broke the pastry in half, handing each a piece.
Tommy took a big bite and immediately grinned. "So sweet!"
David nibbled a tiny corner before carefully rewrapping his share. "I’ll save mine for Daddy."
Emily’s heart swelled. Even when tempted, he still thought of his father.
"Eat up, sweetheart. We have plenty." She stroked his hair. "When Daddy comes home, we’ll all have some together."
Footsteps suddenly crunched in the yard.
"Emily? Are you home?" called an unfamiliar voice.
Emily frowned. Another visitor today?
At the door stood a young woman with braided hair.
"Who are you?"
"I’m Daisy Wood, the new arrival." The girl smiled shyly. "The captain sent me to tell you—there’s a meeting at the Supply & Market tomorrow."
Emily nodded. "Got it. Thanks."
But Daisy lingered, stepping closer and lowering her voice. "Emily... I heard Sophia’s been telling everyone you plan to abandon your family and return to the city."
Emily’s eyes sharpened.
"What else did she say?"
"That... if Michael found out, he wouldn’t let you go..." Daisy twisted her fingers nervously. "I thought you should know. She’s up to no good."
Emily smirked. Sophia just wouldn’t quit.
"Thank you for telling me." She squeezed Daisy’s hand. "Come by for dinner sometime."
After seeing Daisy off, Emily stood in the yard, glaring toward Sophia’s house.
Did she really think Emily wouldn’t fight back?
"Mommy..." David tugged her sleeve anxiously.
Emily blinked, then smiled warmly. "Let’s practice writing, okay?"
"Really?" Both boys gasped in delight.
"Of course." She led them inside. "We’ll surprise Daddy when he gets home."
Her mind was made up. If Sophia wanted to play dirty, Emily would give her a taste of her own medicine.
That night, after tucking the boys in, Emily sat by the kerosene lamp, a cold smile curling her lips.
"Sophia Green... you’ve asked for this."