Maxwell gazed at Emmeline and implored, âEmma, please listen to your mother and let her calm down.â
âDo you want me to agree to her and marry Albus?â Emmaâs thoughts felt like a chaotic whirlwind.
He shook his head. âBe patient, be rational. Letâs just get through tonight for now.â
The concept of letting the night pass bewildered her. She knew her father couldnât bear the torment any longer, but did she have any other options for now?
Emmeline slumped into despair. âMom, please donât be upset. I⦠I promise you.â
Abel found himself momentarily speechless, his heart aching, making each breath a struggle.
Kimberlyâs enthusiasm suddenly surged. âThatâs our plan. Tomorrow, weâll have Ms. Maggie inform Albus and arrange a discussion about the wedding!â
âOkay,â Emmeline replied, tears glistening in her eyes.
With that resolution in place, Kimberly took her sleeping pills and retired to bed with a sense of contentment.
Afterward, Emmeline asked her father, âWill Mom remember what she said earlier tomorrow? I donât want to marry Albus Maxwell responded, âIf you donât heed your momâs advice now, thereâs only one solution.â
Perplexed, Emmeline and Abel simultaneously inquired. âWhat?â
Maxwell suggested, âSend her to a mental hospital.â
âAh!â Emmeline was taken aback, falling off the couch as she exclaimed, âThatâs not an option, Dad!
How could you even suggest that?â
Maxwellâs gaze filled with pain as he responded, âThen, what would you propose, Emma?â
She hesitated and replied, âRegardless of the circumstances, we canât send Mom to a mental hospital.
It would break her heart, and I couldnât bear it either.
He said. âIn that case, youâll have to support your mom and help her through this transition to better mental health.â
She was left speechless by her fatherâs response.
âUncle Maxwell..â Abel furrowed his brow. âWe canât just force Emma into a situation weâre uncertain about.â
âHow can we be sure itâs the right choice?â Maxwell furrowed his brows. âAlbus is a decent man with a stable job and a commitment to a stable life. Isnât that enough?â
âButâ¦â Abel hesitated. âWeâve raised Emma; we canât be certain she wonât face hardships.â
âHow can we be certain Albus will mistreat her?â Maxwell reasoned. Abel, you care about Emma, and so do 1. But girls grow up and eventually get married. We canât hold onto them forever. Having you as her older brother to look after her is a blessing. Even after sheâs married, youâll still be her brother.
Youâd protect her if anyone ever mistreated her, right?â
Abel pondered this, knowing that he needed to address his concerns carlier. But how could he effectively communicate his worries to Maxwell?
âIn any case, I wonât agree.â Abel stood up.
âItâs not solely your decision. Maxwell rose too. âIf you hadnât been so provocative with your aunt, would she be so eager to marry Emma off? Donât just blame her; Iâm concerned about both of you! Young men and women spend so much time togetherâwhat do you think people will assume?â
âI just donât understand,â Abel said. âWhy canât we just let Emma be with me openly? Who else can give you more peace of mind than me?â
âThatâs a bit idealistic. Maxwellâs expression darkened. âNo one in the family will accept your marriage, not even your grandmother!â
âIâve thought about it, Abel replied. âBut I wonât give up on Emma, no matter what.ââ
âYouâre being obstinate. Maxwell sighed. âInstead of facing the familyâs disapproval in the future, it might be better to let Emma marry Albus without any hidden agendas.â
âYou neednât argue any further, Emmeline interrupted. âI wonât marry anyone. If it comes to that, let me choose my destiny, even if it means not marrying at all.â She turned and went into the bedroom, slamming the door shut.
Maxwell turned to Abel, a hint of regret in his eyes. âRemember the last time we fought about this?
Letâs not discuss this topic again; itâs futile.
Abel found himself at a loss for words.
Maxwell, sighing wearily, instructed, âGo check on Emma. Ensure sheâs alright.â
Abel promptly made his way to Emmelineâs room, where he discovered her lying on the bed, tears streaming down her face. He wordlessly lay beside her, enveloping her in his comforting embrace. She turned within his arms, burying her head beneath his chin, seeking solace in his loving embrace. He clung to her as if his very life depended on it.
When morning arrived, Emmeline opened her eyes.
Abel gently kissed her forehead and whispered warmly, âGood morning, babe.â