Eleven Years All to the Wrong Man novel Chapter 26

Evan would leave. He could go anywhere. He had his career, his company, his friends.

And what did Emma have?

Nothing. Just an empty house that didn't feel like a home at all.

Emma had never been so painfully aware that she was filled with regret. Not regret for loving Evan so recklessly for all those years, but regret for not choosing to leave with dignity the very first time he betrayed her; regret for abandoning her own career and life for the sake of a so-called love.

A powerful wave of nausea churned in her stomach.

Evan, having finished his call, came into the kitchen. He saw the cold stove and the untouched soup and seemed at a loss. “Weren’t you going to heat it up?”

Emma fought back the nausea rising in her throat and waved a hand dismissively. “I changed my mind. I don’t feel well.”

“You don’t feel well? What’s wrong?” Hearing her words, Evan immediately grew anxious.

“I think I need to lie down for a bit.”

Emma pressed a hand to her stomach, feeling a wave of dizziness. Her legs felt weak, like they might give out.

Hearing this, Evan bent down and swept her up into his arms, carrying her quickly to the bedroom.

He placed a hand on her forehead. “You don’t have a fever. If you feel really sick, I can call Dr. Morrison to come over.”

“No, don’t.”

Afraid Dr. Morrison might discover something, Emma refused immediately.

Subconsciously, she didn't want Evan to know she was sick. She hadn't considered how he would react to learning about her terminal illness—she didn't want to think about it, didn't dare to.

“Are you sure? But I…”

“I’m sure.”

“Oh. Then you should go.”

Without another word, Emma pulled her hand back from his grasp, her expression placid.

“Emma…”

Evan stood up, his brow furrowed. He looked at her, a flash of guilt and reluctance in his eyes, but in the end, he didn’t say anything more and quickly left the room.

Thump!

The sound of the front door closing echoed through the entryway. Evan was gone, and the large house was once again empty, save for Emma.

It wasn't the first time she had been home alone, but for some reason, tonight felt different. An overwhelming sadness washed over her, and tears began to slide silently from the corners of her eyes.

A metallic taste rose in her throat. She let out a whimper, wanting to cry but not daring to make a sound. She could only bury her face in the blankets, letting her silent tears soak the bedding.