Chapter 7
I went to the police station first to give my statement, then to the hospital to check on Nathan
His wound was already bandaged up–they said it took over a dozen stitches.
My heart clenched with guilt.]
“I’m so sorry… this is all because of me.“]
He acted like it was no big deal, handing me an apple.
“Could you peel this for me? I’m craving it.”
“This has nothing to do with you. That woman’s psychotic. You’re a victim too.“]
His comfort eased the crushing weight in my chest a little.
Just then, the hospital room door burst open]
Some unexpected visitors walked in.
Luke, and his parents.]
Turns out someone online had gotten the story wrong and posted that I was the one who got hurt at the book signing.
When Luke saw that, he completely panicked and rushed over.
His parents insisted on coming too.
The moment Luke’s mom saw me, her eyes filled with tears.
She grabbed my hands, shaking her head and sighing
Tears rolled down her wrinkled cheeks.
“Emma, sweetie, we’ve failed you so badly.”
That apology hit me right in the chest.]
Everyone says in–laws are difficult to get along with.]
But Luke’s mother and I never had a single problem.]
All these years of marriage, she’d treated me like her own daughter.]
I never suffered any mistreatment in their house.
Even now, I had to admit they’d been good to me.
I squeezed her hand back gently.
“You never failed me. This isn’t your fault.”
Luke’s mother cried even harder.
“Just half a month ago you were calling me Mom, now… Luke! You fucking piece of shit!“]
She was shaking with rage and slapped Luke hard across the face.
Luke stumbled backward, his left cheek swelling immediately.
“Emma, honey, my bastard son is worthless. He hurt you, and our whole family should be begging your forgiveness!“]
Luke’s father wiped his eyes and walked over to me, bowing deeply.
My heart trembled as I tried to help him up.
“Please don’t you’ve both been so good to me, I’ll never forget that. This is between Luke and me. It’s not your fault. Please don’t do this.”
Luke’s father shook his head
“When you fail to raise your child right, it’s the father’s fault. This is on me. As his father, I’m apologizing for what Luke did.“[]
Luke’s mother choked back sobs:
“Emma, you were married to this bastard for sixteen years. You’ve been the best daughter–in–law we could ask for. You’re our family’s pride and joy. I’ve thought of you as my own daughter for so long.”
“Please, I’m begging you as a mother–could you give him one more chance? He’s promised us that if he ever hurts you again. his father will personally teach him a lesson! Break his arms, break his legs–hell, if you wanted his life, we wouldn’t stop your“]
“Emma, please… could you just think about it?”
Seeing this sweet old lady so broken down made my chest ache.]
But I still shook my head.[]
“Some things can be forgiven. Others can’t. I will never go back to Luke. This isn’t up for discussion.”
“I’m sorry.“]
The hope in the old couple’s eyes gradually faded until there was nothing left but despair.
Luke’s father was so furious he kicked Luke in the stomach.
“I had the perfect daughter–in–law and you fucking ruined it! You’re no son of mine anymore!“]
Luke collapsed on the floor, silently wiping away tears.
This was only the second time I’d seen him cry.[]
The first was sixteen years ago.
ars ago, on our wedding day.
I was only twenty then, fresh out of college.
At graduation, he’d surprised me with a huge bouquet of my favorite lilies and proposed on one knee.
Said he’d love me forever and never betray me
His promises sounded so sincere.]
I believed him completely.
At our wedding, he cried harder than I did.]
Said marrying me was his life’s greatest dream, and now that it came true, his life was complete.[]
We held each other and sobbed like babies.
So full of hope for our future.]
Sixteen years flew by.
We both got older
But those promises were never kept.
A lifetime is too long, and people’s hearts change too easily.
“Luke, just go.”
“You’ve lost your
your job, your career–everything you valued most is gone. You betrayed me, and I punished you. We’re even now.
“Just please don’t show up in front of me anymore. Because every time I see you, I remember your betrayal, and wounds that were starting to heal get ripped open all over again. And that fucking hurts.”
After I finished speaking, Luke was sobbing uncontrollably.
I don’t know how long it lasted, but eventually it seemed like he’d cried himself dry.
“Mom, Dad, let’s go… let’s stop bothering Emma.“]
Before leaving, he looked at me one last time.
His eyes filled with endless despair and regret.]
“I’m the one who wronged you.“]
“The only thing I can do now is stay away from you, so you can start over.“[]
1 met his gaze calmly
My chest was steady, my eyes dry–not a single tear
