29 A Silent ResolveÂ
Lucky DrawÂ
After drying her tears, Emily cast a glance at Sophia.Â
A hoarse “Huh?” escaped her lips, yet the tempestuous emotions that had raged within her had subsided into a calmer state.Â
Sophia said, “I want to call Daddy.”Â
In reality, it was more of a ploy to gauge her mother’s reaction rather than an actual desire to reach Ethan.Â
Since Emily responded, a sense of relief washed over Sophia.Â
Apologies seemed redundant, and in her young mind, she firmly believed she had done no wrong.Â
“Sure, give it a go,” Emily replied, her tone laced with a hint of indifference.Â
Sophia was acutely aware of the emotional chasm that had opened up between her and Emily. However, she clung to the conviction that her mother’s love was unconditional and that any anger would soon dissipate.Â
16:23Â
< Chapter 29 A Silent ResolveÂ
Lucky DrawÂ
The phone was answered promptly, and Nancy’s voice, like a sweet melody, filled the air. “Sophie.”Â
Sophia almost slipped and addressed her as “Nancy,” but a quick glance at Emily made her catch herself. Instead, she inquired, “Where’s Daddy?”Â
The room was so quiet that the sound of a pin dropping could have been heard. Emily could clearly make out Nancy’s words.Â
“He’s in the shower. Do you want me to pass you the phone?” Nancy offered.Â
Sophia shook her head, her voice dull and lacking enthusiasm. “No. Just have a chat with me.”Â
“Is something bothering you? You sound a bit down,” Nancy, attuned to the nuances in Sophia’s voice, probedÂ
with concern.Â
Sophia stole a furtive look at Emily before saying, “I’m just a bit bored and miss Joy Gardens.”Â
“Then I’ll tell Ethan to come and pick you up?” Nancy asked.Â
16:23Â
< Chapter 29 A Silent ResolveÂ
Lucky DrawÂ
Nancy’s worry was palpable in her voice. “Is someone being unkind to you?”Â
Having caught every word of their exchange, EmilyÂ
couldn’t suppress the doubts welling up inside.Â
Is Nancy genuinely concerned about Sophia?Â
Sophia, being Ethan’s flesh and blood, was bound to receive a modicum of kindness from Nancy because ofÂ
him.Â
Still, Emily suspected that beneath that outward show of care lay little authenticity.Â
“Nancy, no one here is being mean. But they all keep hugging and kissing me, and they smell bad. You always smell so nice and sweet,” Sophia rambled on, her words tumbling out in a rush.Â
Emily tuned out of the conversation.Â
It was just Sophia venting her grievances about the Carter family.Â
With her fists clenched tightly, Emily made a silent 16:23Â
1Â
< Chapter 29 A Silent ResolveÂ
(1) Lucky DrawiÂ
Sophia felt a twinge of nervousness as she sensed her mother’s approaching presence.Â
She thought to herself that if her mother were to embrace her at that moment, she would surely reciprocate.Â
However, Emily bent down, her eyes locking with Sophia’s. In a gentle and soothing tone, she asked, “Do you want to go back?”Â
Her voice was soft, and there was no trace of the anger that had previously been there.Â
For a brief moment, it was as if the loving and affectionate mother of old had returned.Â
Without a moment’s hesitation, Sophia revealed her true feelings. “Yes, I do.”Â
Emily flashed a warm smile and said even more tenderly, “Then start packing your things. I’ll take you back.”Â
Sophia felt a sense of unease seeing her mother agree so readily. “But Daddy told me…”Â
Before she could finish her sentence, Emily interrupted:23Â
ITAÂ
< Chapter 29 A Silent ResolveÂ
Lucky DrawÂ
Since Sophia was clearly unhappy there, there was no point in forcing her to stay.Â
The visit to the Carter family had served its purpose, and there was no need for Sophia to endure it any longer.Â
Seeing that Emily was serious, Sophia replied, her voice tinged with unease, “Okay.”Â
Emily reached out and gently stroked Sophia’s head. “Then get packing.”Â
As they made their way downstairs, only the servants were busy tidying up the living room.Â
Emily was relieved that the rest of the Carter family was not around.Â
Sophia looked around, a look of anxiety etched on her face. “Mommy, shouldn’t we say goodbye to Grandpa and Grandma?”Â
Taking her hand, Emily simply replied, “No.”Â
Sophia felt even more ill at ease, but the thought of Staying here any longer was unbearable.Â
16:23Â
< Chapter 29 A Silent ResolveÂ
Lucky DrawÂ
All the way back to Joy Gardens, Emily remained silent.Â
Sophia didn’t even dare to play with her phone. She kept wanting to break the ice, but just couldn’t find the right words.Â
However, the unease that had accompanied her throughout the journey vanished the moment Joy Gardens came into view.Â
Sophia hopped out of the car and skipped toward the house, shouting, “Daddy, Nancy, I’m back!”Â
The contrast between this moment of joy and the rudeness she’d shown at Carter Manor made Emily’sÂ
heart ache even more.Â
After a brief moment of thought, she followed SophiaÂ
inside.Â
Hearing Sophia’s voice, Rebecca rushed out of the hall. “Ms. Sophia Wilson,” she greeted.Â
Then, noticing Emily behind, she nodded and added, “Mrs. Wilson.”Â
6/7Â
16:23Â
1Â
< Chapter 29 A Silent ResolveÂ
pajamas and Nancy in a blue nightgown coming downstairs.Â
They clearly had just taken a shower.Â
Lucky DrawÂ
Nancy’s cheeks were slightly flushed, and her hair was a mess. It was obvious they’d just had an intimate moment.Â
special offer: 800 bonus free to youÂ
XÂ
get itÂ
Write your commentÂ
1r GiftsÂ
7/7Â