“What?” Daniel was startled, his eyes widened in surprise at Emily’s words, but a moment later a faint smile appeared on his lips. He moved closer, kneeling in front of Emily who was sitting in a wheelchair, until their eyes met.
Daniel flicked his index finger, touching Emily’s forehead. “Ouch! What are you doing?” Emily frowned, a little annoyed.
“Punishing someone who always thinks negatively,” Daniel replied.
“Where did you hear that I married Alice?” Daniel asked, his deep and gentle blue eyes made Emily’s heart beat faster. Daniel was indeed very handsome, his charm never faded.
Emily was silent, stunned for a moment. “Ehmm,” she mumbled, trying to moisten her dry throat. “I heard it when Alice visited me at that time. Maria congratulated Alice on her marriage.”
Hearing Emily’s words, Daniel laughed so hard, his voice echoed in the room. “You think I married her?”
Emily furrowed her brow, confused by Daniel’s reaction. “Am I wrong?”
Daniel moved closer, his gaze sharp and full of meaning. “Alice is indeed married, but I didn’t marry her. I already have you. Why would I think about another woman?” he said, his voice soft.
“So, who did Alice marry?” Emily asked, her voice a whisper, curious.
Suddenly, the door to Emily’s inpatient room opened and Richard stepped in. “With me,” he replied casually, a wide smile etched on his face.
Emily was stunned, her eyes widened in disbelief. “So, Alice is…” she mumbled, unable to finish her sentence.
Daniel and Richard both laughed together seeing Emily who had misunderstood.
“How are you Emily? I’m glad you’re awake. Yes, Alice is my wife,” said Richard. “Living without you has made Mr. Daniel miserable, so how could he possibly marry another woman?”
Richard’s words made Emily realize. She had just made the wrong conclusion. Her face flushed with embarrassment, and her heart pounded.
“So… I was wrong,” she mumbled, her voice barely audible.
“Sorry,” Emily said, her eyes turning to Daniel, full of regret.
Daniel smiled, his eyes sparkling. He leaned in and whispered in Emily’s ear, “I have to punish you after you recover so you don’t think negatively anymore.”
His soft and meaningful voice sent chills down Emily’s spine. She felt the gentle touch of Daniel’s breath on her skin, and her heart pounded. She didn’t know what punishment Daniel would give, but she felt a strange joy.
“What punishment?” Emily asked, her voice a whisper, full of hope.
Daniel smiled, his eyes radiating a light that was hard to decipher. “You’ll know later,” he whispered.
“Am I at the wrong time? Do you want me to leave here?” Richard muttered, making the three of them laugh together.
That night, Emily seemed happy to be with her family in the hospital room. Fred, Victoria, Daniel, and Grace were in the room with her, spending time talking and laughing. The warm atmosphere enveloped them, making Emily feel very grateful.
Suddenly, a knock on the door to Emily’s inpatient room interrupted their conversation. All eyes turned to the door, waiting to see who would enter.
A handsome man entered the room.
“Sean,” Emily mumbled, her voice barely audible.
Sean smiled, his eyes sparkling. “Hello, everyone.”
“How are you, Sean?” asked Fred, his voice friendly.
“Good. How about you?” asked Sean, a faint smile etched on his face.
“Seeing my daughter who is awake and I am also blessed with a good-hearted girlfriend, of course my news is very good,” Fred replied, his voice full of happiness. He glanced at Emily and Victoria, his eyes radiating affection.
“Grandpa, don’t forget your beautiful granddaughter,” Grace added, her voice cheerful, making everyone in the room laugh.
“Right, I also have a beautiful granddaughter, of course I’m very happy,” Fred replied, his eyes sparkling. He turned to Grace, a wide smile etched on his face.
“Hello, Uncle. Long time no see,” Grace said to Sean, her voice cheerful.
“Right, long time no see. You’re getting prettier,” Sean replied, a faint smile etched on his face. He gently stroked Grace’s head, his eyes radiating affection.
“Thank you, Uncle,” Grace replied with sparkling eyes.
“Emily, I’ll let you talk to Sean first. I’ll wait outside,” whispered Daniel, his voice soft.
Fred, Victoria, and Grace followed Daniel, leaving Emily and Sean alone in the room.
Sean moved closer, his eyes fixed on Emily. “I’m glad you’re awake,” he said, his voice soft, but there was a slight tremor in his words.
“Thank you,” Emily replied, her voice barely audible.
“I’m sorry for not visiting you often,” said Sean, his voice sounding a little regretful.
“It’s okay,” Emily replied, her voice soft. “Oh, how is Aunt Sophia? Is she alright?”
Sean nodded, “She sent her regards to you and Daniel before I came here. She also wants to apologize to you and Daniel for her behavior all this time. She will find the right time to apologize to you both.”
“How is the relationship between your parents? Has it improved?” Emily asked, her voice full of concern. She felt sorry for Sean who had to deal with a complicated family conflict.
“After this happened to Mom, it seems like Dad has been more attentive to her. Their relationship has improved,” Sean revealed, his voice sounding relieved.
“Thank goodness. I’m happy for you,” said Emily.
“Thank you. Actually, I came here besides wanting to visit you, I want to say goodbye to you, Emily. I will hand over all the affairs of W Company back to Daniel,” said Sean, his voice sounding a little heavy.
“You’re going to leave?” Emily asked. She was surprised, she didn’t expect Sean to leave.
“Yes, I want to rebuild my life to become a better person,” Sean replied, his eyes fixed on Emily.
“Are you not going to come back?” Emily asked.
“Maybe I will come back but I don’t know when exactly,” Sean replied, his eyes still fixed on Emily.
“You have to be happy, Sean,” said Emily.
“You and Daniel too,” said Sean.
***
Today was Fred’s wedding day. He looked so handsome in the suit that enveloped his body, making Emily mesmerized. The aura of happiness radiated from his face, making Emily’s heart flutter.
“Dad, you look so handsome today,” Emily said, her voice a whisper, full of admiration.
“I’m so nervous,” Fred replied, his voice sounding a little shaky.
“Dad, I’m sorry. Because of taking care of me, you didn’t have time to date and had to get married when I was this old,” Emily said, her eyes welling up. She felt guilty for being a burden on her father.
“Hey, don’t cry,” said Fred, wiping away the tears that had already fallen from the corner of Emily’s eyes. “This is my first wedding. Do you want to ruin it?”
Emily laughed at Fred’s complaint. She felt touched by her father’s concern.
“I never considered you a burden to me. Your presence in my life has made my life more colorful so never say that again. Understand?” Fred said, his voice firm, but full of tenderness.
“Dad, you have to be happy,” said Emily.
“I will be happy, Em,” Fred replied, a wide smile etched on his face.
***
Finally, the wedding took place in front of Emily and a few guests. The atmosphere was filled with emotion and happiness. Fred and Victoria, with beaming faces, stood before the altar, exchanging rings and a kiss.
Emily was touched, happy tears streamed down her cheeks. She couldn’t hold back the surge of emotions that swept over her. She was so happy to see her father find happiness with the woman he loved.
Daniel approached, wrapping his arm around her shoulders to comfort her. “Don’t cry, honey,” he whispered, his voice soft and full of affection.
Emily turned, her eyes meeting Daniel’s.
“I’m happy for him,” Emily whispered, her voice trembling.
“I know,” Daniel replied, his eyes radiating affection.
“I love you, Emily,” Daniel said, his voice soft. He leaned down, gently kissing Emily’s lips. His touch was gentle, yet felt so deep, making Emily feel a warmth she couldn’t explain.
“I love you too, Daniel,” Emily replied, her voice a whisper, full of affection.
“Mom, Dad. You haven’t forgotten about me, have you?” Grace said, her voice tinged with jealousy. “Adults in love often forget about me.”
Daniel and Emily laughed together, hearing Grace’s adorable complaint. Daniel picked Grace up, his eyes sparkling. “How could we forget you? You’re our princess.”
Grace smiled, her eyes sparkling.
“I love you both,” Grace said, her voice full of affection.
“We love you too, honey,” Emily replied, her eyes radiating affection, then she kissed Grace’s cheek gently.
Happiness enveloped them, like warm sunlight touching their souls. Emily felt a deep gratitude, realizing that their love, which had weathered storms and so many secrets revealed, stood strong. Grace, as the bridge between their hearts, was a testament to the fact that true love could overcome any obstacle. Amidst the laughter and embraces, Emily felt an invaluable peace, a promise that happiness would always accompany them.
-THE END-