Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 60

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live**
by Nora Vale Kingsley

Emma gently cradled the delicate wildflower that Coalball had uprooted, her fingers deftly maneuvering as she nestled it into a new pot filled with fresh soil. The bright colors of the wildflower stood out against the earthy tones, a small beacon of resilience. With a few taps on her tablet, she programmed the smart robot to care for it—watering, fertilizing, and loosening the soil at just the right moments. The little flower was more than just a plant; it was a symbol of her determination to nurture life, even in the face of uncertainty.

Turning, she handed Coalball and the stick over to Edric, who stood nearby, his brow furrowed in uncertainty. He looked as if he were caught in a web of thoughts, unsure of how to offer his assistance. After a moment of hesitation, he finally broke the silence. “Emma, about the Divine Flame. Damian and I acted on our own accord. Are you sure you’re not upset with us?” His voice trembled slightly, revealing the anxiety he felt about her reaction.

Edric had steeled himself for the storm of her anger, fully aware that they had indeed crossed a line. They should have consulted her first, should have sought her guidance before making such a significant decision.

Emma paused her packing, her gaze shifting to meet his. There was a seriousness in her eyes as she spoke. “I’m not exactly angry, Edric. I know you were trying to protect me. But honestly, I’m not exactly thrilled either. It’s just… I wish you had included me in the decision-making process. It’s my life we’re talking about.”

Her heart ached with the weight of their choices. She appreciated their care, but that didn’t give them the right to act in her name without her knowledge. They could not presume to know what was best for her; their choices might not align with her desires.

“Edric, promise me this: if anything like this happens again, you’ll come to me first. I deserve to know what’s going on. And when it comes to what happens next, I want us to decide together.” Her voice was firm, yet there was an undercurrent of vulnerability.

Edric nodded earnestly, his expression softening. “I understand, Emma. From now on, I promise that no matter what happens, I’ll tell you immediately. I’ll respect your wishes and won’t take matters into my own hands again.”

A smile broke across Emma’s face, and she leaned in to plant a gentle kiss on his cheek. “Good. Acknowledging your mistake and wanting to fix it—that’s what I love about you, Edric. I’ll be watching you.”

The warmth of her kiss made Edric’s heart flutter, lifting his spirits. He nodded vigorously, determination shining in his eyes. “I’ll do better, I promise.”

Emma, feeling a surge of affection, kissed him again, her heart swelling with gratitude. *She’s so good to me!*

With a renewed sense of purpose, Emma packed swiftly—there wasn’t much to take, and in less than thirty minutes, she felt ready to embark on their next adventure. She and Edric stepped outside, their hearts racing with anticipation, eager to set off.

“Because of the mess you made,” Damian shot back, tossing the statement Kael had posted towards him. “Edric and I worked tirelessly to pull Ms. Tibarn out of this situation, and you decided to drag her back in. Kael, have you lost your mind?”

“I… I didn’t…” Kael stammered, panic rising within him as he struggled to defend himself. “I did it for Emma. Evie is lying! The Divine Flame clearly saved her. If Evie gets away with it, she’ll steal Emma’s chance to go to the Central Planet. She’ll take all the top-tier resources promised to her.”

“A chance at the Central Planet? Top-tier resources? Spare me.” Damian snorted derisively, pointing an accusatory finger at Kael. “You and I grew up on the Central Planet. We’ve seen the highest circles there. Tell me, do you really not know what kind of life the females saved by the Divine Flame lead once they arrive? You actually think that life is good?”

“I…” Kael pressed his lips together, grappling with his thoughts. He knew all too well the struggles those females faced. But Emma was different. I’ll protect her, he vowed silently, clinging to that thought as if it were a lifeline.

With newfound resolve, he lifted his chin and spoke earnestly, “I will protect Emma. I won’t let her end up like that.”

Damian’s laughter rang out, a mix of disbelief and irritation. “Kael, try using that walnut-sized brain of yours. You think you can protect Ms. Tibarn? With what, exactly? You only came to F–268 because your sweet brother set you up, didn’t he?”