Master of his heart (Max and Brielle) novel Chapter 1088

Emma felt a lump in her throat, as if someone was physically holding it tightly, rendering her speechless.

Peyton, leaning on a walking stick, entered the room and retrieved the money Patrick had left behind during his last visit.

"Emma, this should be enough for you, and you can even treat yourself to some nice clothes. Go on, after you leave, I'll head over to the Odeberg family and tell them you're off to town to treat someone and won't be back for a few days. The Odeberg family is anxious, and no other woman in the village can take care of people the way you do. They'll wait for you."

Peyton's face was a mixture of concern and urgency, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"I don't know what we've done to deserve this, but here you are, carrying a stranger's child."

Emma's hands trembled as she accepted the money. She had thought, if he ever came back, she would return the money to him. But it had been almost three months, and it seemed unlikely he would return. As the neighbors often said, a celestial being visiting earth is but a fleeting moment before they return to the heavens.

Her fate seemed sealed to follow the traditional path: marry a local man, take care of his family, strive to provide education for her children, and then, like the other gossiping women, spend her days discussing the private affairs of others.

If she hadn't met him, she would have resigned herself to this fate, accepting her family's arrangements without complaint. But what was that night about? Was it a parting gift of affection, or a moment of passion clouded by impaired judgment? There had to be a reason.

"Emma, don't hesitate any longer. If you wait, the clinic will be closed. Come now, do as I say."

The janitor, with a thick accent, asked if she was lost. Emma, feeling weak in the knees, shook her head. She had always been healthy, accustomed to the physical demands of village life, but now felt utterly unwell. The clinic had a stifling atmosphere, and Emma found herself sitting nervously as she waited her turn.

She overheard a conversation between two young women, one comforting the other about a decision to terminate her pregnancy due to being deceived by a man who was already married.

"Men's promises are as reliable as pigs flying," one said.

That phrase struck Emma like a hammer to the heart.