In a hoarse voice, Emmeline inquired, âYou didnât sleep all night?â
Abel gently kissed her lips and replied, âI didnât sleep. I just wanted to be here with you.â
They clung to one another in silence, both hesitant to disrupt the serene moment before them.
At 7 a.m., he rose to prepare breakfast while conversing with Landon, saying, âIâll be home this morning. I wonât be going to the office. Call me if you need anything.
âUnderstood, Mr. Ryker, Landon affirmed. Just inform me of any changes.
âOf course.â
At 8 a.m., Abelâs phone rang, and Alana was on the line.
âMr. Ryker.â Her tone was gentle. âYouâre not at the office?â
âIs there something you need?â he responded, his tone distant.
âI bought breakfast,â she explained. âI thought of bringing it to you and Emma, but then I realized you.
werenât home.â
Abel calmly clarified, âWeâre at our residence here in Altney Steel. I wonât be heading to the office this morning. Is there something urgent?â
Alana hesitated before saying, âWell, Emma had quite a bit to drink last night. Is she alright?â
Unexpectedly, he had already hung up.
She threw her phone onto the desk, sucering as she wondered about what transpired between him and Emmeline during that phone call last night. She couldnât help but burst into laughter, anticipating that the couple was likely in a chaotic situation.
â
As anticipated, Kimberly had Ms. Maggie relay her message to Albus, instructing him to come to her house.
Emmeline had hoped that after a night had passed, her mother wouldnât bring up the matter again, but to her dismay, there was no escape. Emmeline felt like her world was falling apart, retreating to her bedroom and weeping.
Abel kneeled in front of her, firmly grasping her hands as he spoke in a hushed but resolute tone.
âEmma, as long as youâre willing, I wonât care about anything else. Iâll take you away right now!â
Speechless and with a furrowed brow, she shook her head while sobbing. âNo, I canât risk my motherâs life. Even if we were together, it would mean nothing if something happened to her Abel hesitated, then swallowed hard before urging, âEmma, this is our last option. Please reconsider.
Come with me.â
She hesitated briefly but ultimately refused, saying, âNolâ She shook her head and uttered, âI canât do it.
I canât gamble with my momâs life!â
Abel sighed in silence.
Meanwhile, Albus arrived with an innocent smile still on his face. Yet, Emmeline couldnât help but wonder whether that smile was genuinely naive or simply foolish.
In a gentle tone, Kimberly inquired, âYouâve been dating Emma for quite a while now. What does your family think about this?â
Albus, a bit bashful, replied, âTheyâre thrilled! My mom knows that Emmeline is your daughter and is genuinely pleased about it.â
She beamed, saying. I knew it. Michelle certainly remembers the strong connection between our families.â
He nodded, adding. Thatâs exactly what my mom conveyed.â
Maxwell, on the sidelines, stood smoking and remained silent.
Emmeline, overwhelmed with sadness, retreated to her room and wept into her pillow.
Abel felt a sense of being trapped in a maddening situation with no apparent escape.
Soon after, Albus happily departed to relay the news to his mother.
âMom.â Emmeline crouched in front of Kimberly, her voice filled with concern. âAre you genuinely pleased with the idea of me marrying Albus?â
âAbsolutely!â Kimberly responded. I believe he will take excellent care of you, and itâs a stroke of good fortune for you.â
âBut, Mom. Emmeline continued, her heart heavy. Iâm not happy, and Iâm feeling quite sad. Canât your empathize with my situation?â
âWhatâs making you unhappy and sad?â Kimberlyâs brow furrowed. Albus is a good man; he doesnât deserve this from you.â
âI want to be with Abel, Emmeline implored, desperately changing to hope. âMorn, can you please understand?â
âAbsolutely not! Donât even entertain the thought of being with him!â Kimberlyâs anger flared, her face turning crimson. âAre you trying to infuriate me?
Emmeline was taken aback.
After consoling her mother, Abel and Emmeline returned to the city. She sat in the passenger seat, her complexion as pale as porcelain, her eyes brimming with worry and sorrow, giving her a fragile and powerless appearance.
Abel drove, his heart heavy, making it hard to catch his breath. âEmma,â he said, his inteuse gaze fixed on the road ahead.
âYes?â
âIâll handle matters at the school for you. Your position will be preserved even if you decide not to return. to teaching.â
âI understand.â Emmeline nodded, aware of Abelâs consideration for her future.
âBut..â He added, âPlease donât overexert yourself. You still have the Ryker Group as your support.â
âTrueâ She nodded again, knowing he was her pillar of strength.
No matter the outcome, he would never abandon her.
Later, Abel pulled over to the side of the road. He leaned over and held her tightly, his voice filled with pain. âDonât despair, you still have me!â
Emmeline finally let her tears flow and sobbed, âAbel, how much longer can I stay by your side?â