Because I Was an and He Threw Away 20

Chapter 20 She’s Changed 

Lucky Draw 

Emily didn’t want to listen to Sophia’s complaints any longer, so she stepped straight into the main hall. 

Matthew spotted her and stood up immediately, walking over. “Emily, you’re finally here! Why the delay?” 

Emily smiled, explaining gently. “An emergency patient came in right as I was leaving work. I rushed over as soon as I finished.” 

Sophia tensed up at the sound of Emily’s voice, but she didn’t turn around. She stayed seated, waiting for Emily to greet her first. 

This was Matthew’s house–Emily had to acknowledge her. Even if it was just an act, she should pretend to care. 

But Emily ignored her completely, like she wasn’t even in the room. 

When Matthew stood up, Ethan glanced at Emily as 

she entered. She didn’t look his way, her focus solely on Matthew. 

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eaten yet. Go to the kitchen and get the food we saved.” 

His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. 

Ethan didn’t want to argue with Matthew, and it was just food anyway. He nodded and set his phone down to get 

1. up. 

As he passed the table, he tugged on Sophia’s sleeve. “Come with me.” 

Sophia glared at him, annoyed, but she didn’t dare throw a fit with Matthew around. 

She huffed out a reluctant “Fine” and followed him to the 

kitchen. 

Emily could tell they were unhappy, and she didn’t want to make things harder. “I’ll get it myself.” 

She started toward the kitchen, but Matthew grabbed her hand and pressed her back into the chair. 

He waved his cane, scolding gently. “Sit there. We brought you into this family to be cared for, not to wait 3others. Ethan and Sophie have two hands and two 6:19 

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“You gave birth to Sophie, you’re a hero to this family. 

Men are supposed to work. If you don’t make him do his part today, he’ll walk all over you tomorrow.” 

Matthew’s words warmed Emily’s heart. 

All these years, he’d always treated her kindly. 

When she had Sophie, he’d given her priceless jewelry and a thick bank card. 

He was the only one in the Wilson family who’d ever truly cared about her. 

If it weren’t for that kindness, she never would have agreed to come back tonight–to face Ethan and Sophia’s coldness. 

Emily’s eyes grew misty. She smiled at Matthew. “I understand.” 

Just then, Ethan and Sophia emerged from the kitchen, carrying dishes. 

The saved food was elaborate. Meat, shrimp, ribs… all Emily’s favorites. 

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Ethan handed her a set of utensils without a word and turned to leave, but Matthew stopped him. “Ethan, where are you going?” 

Ethan looked up, confused. “Grandpa, what’s wrong?” 

Matthew raised his cane threateningly, though he never intended to hit him. 

He snapped, “Don’t you know to sit with your wife while she eats?” 

Ethan glanced at Emily. 

She didn’t meet his eyes, her voice cool. “It’s fine. I can eat alone. He doesn’t need to stay.” 

Her detachment caught Ethan off guard. 

For a split second, he thought of how she used to be- clinging to him whenever they were together, asking about his day, his favorite foods, if he wanted to go out. 

Now, she wanted nothing to do with him. 

Afaint, unfamiliar unease stirred in his chest. 

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But it was just a flicker. Ethan brushed it off. 

Lucky Draw 

If Emily didn’t want his company, he wouldn’t force it. 

Matthew watched their awkward interaction and sighed. 

Five years of marriage, and their relationship was only getting worse. He’d tried to play matchmaker a hundred times, but nothing worked. There was only so much he could do. 

After dinner, Emily offered to wash the dishes, but Matthew refused. He told the servants to handle it. 

Sitting in the living room, the air was thick with tension. 

Sophia played with her cards, chatting occasionally with Matthew and Ethan, but ignoring Emily entirely. 

Emily only spoke to Matthew, paying no mind to the father and daughter beside her. 

Ethan stayed quiet mostly, scrolling through his phone. 

Sending messages, Emily guessed. Probably to Nancy, Feeling guilty for ditching her. 

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stood up, announcing he was heading to bed, and insisted that Emily and the others stay overnight. 

Ethan immediately stood. “Grandpa, let me walk you to your room.” 

Matthew softened at his filiality. “Mm.” 

As Ethan took his arm, Emily suddenly called out. “Grandpa.” 

Matthew turned around, his eyes warm. “Yes, dear?” 

“I have work at the hospital tomorrow,” Emily said. “Maybe I should head home. I’m afraid I’ll be late if I…” 

Before she could finish, Matthew’s face fell into a look of disappointment. “Go on then. I’m just an old man, anyway–one day closer to the grave. 

“When I want my family around, everyone has excuses. Alas, I guess I’m useless now.” 

He sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. 

Emily’s heart twisted. She wished she could take back her 

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“Grandpa, I’ll stay,” she said quickly. “I’ll have breakfast with you tomorrow.” 

She was too soft–hearted to resist Matthew’s guilt trip. 

Matthew, supported by Ethan, headed toward his bedroom. 

He didn’t look back, but Ethan caught the faint, mischievous smile on his face. 

He knew his grandfather too well. He was always pulling this trick. 

And everyone fell for it. 

The living room emptied, leaving only Emily and Sophia. 

The silence hung heavy between them, so thick it was almost suffocating. 

Emily heard Sophia shuffling her cards behind her. Once, she would have rushed over to hug her, asking about kindergarten, about her day. 

Now, she felt nothing but exhaustion. 

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Staying overnight at Wilson Manor wasn’t new. She knew where to go to wash up and rest. 

Sophia kept stealing glances at Emily from the corner of her eye. 

When she saw her standing by the table, she figured 

Emily was working up the courage to apologize. And when Emily lifted her foot, Sophia even thought about hugging her. 

It had been so long since they’d cuddled. She’d even planned to ask to sleep with her. 

But Emily didn’t walk toward her. She went straight upstairs. 

Sophia exploded with anger, throwing her cards across the floor. 

“Hmph! Mean Mommy! Bad Mommy! I’ll never talk to you again, ever!” 

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