Emma's POV

I held Rachael carefully as we entered the living room. When I looked up, I saw three surprised faces. I ignored them and led her to the sofa to sit her down.

The noise of Rachael's suitcase wheels broke the tension in the room.

“Mrs. Wilson, take Rachael’s luggage to the guest room on the top floor and prepare a bath for her,” I ordered.

When I heard no movement, I turned around and saw Mrs. Wilson still frozen on the floor, her mouth slightly open.

“Didn’t you hear me?” I snapped.

“Yes, sir… I mean, I’ll take the suitcase upstairs now,” she replied hurriedly, grabbed the suitcase, and left.

“Who do we have here? Daniel, you didn’t tell me you were bringing someone home,” my mother said as she slowly approached.

I wondered why she was still here. I love her, but sometimes she's too controlling; the last thing I need is drama in this house.

“Mom, this is my friend Rachael,” I replied.

She didn't even glance at Rachael. With her eyes fixed on me, she asked again:

"And what is Rachael doing here?"

Frustrated, I loosened my tie and undid the knot around my neck. Why was she asking so many questions?

“She just returned to the country and doesn’t have a place to stay yet. Also, she hurt her ankle, so I brought her here to stay for a while.”

“Ah, I see,” Mom said dramatically.

He turned and finally looked at Rachael. “You look familiar. Young man, what’s your last name?”

Rachael became extremely nervous, but she replied:

“It’s Adams, ma’am.”

Mom seemed to like that, and it was only because Rachael called her "ma'am," unlike Emma, ​​who always called her Susan.

Thinking of Emma, ​​I glanced toward the dining room table and saw her sitting silently, drinking soup. Although she seemed focused and indifferent, I could tell her body was tense and the spoon was trembling in her hands.

“Adams? Hmm… that name sounds familiar,” Mom said.

I'm sure he was already putting the pieces together.

“Wait… Adams? Like Mr. and Mrs. Michael Adams?” he asked again.

“Yes, ma’am. They are my parents,” Rachael replied. I could see her nervousness lessening.

“Wait… so you’re that Rachael? Daniel’s first and only love,” Mom blurted out.

Rachael's cheeks immediately turned pink. Before I could stop my mother, the sound of a plate falling echoed through the room. Turning around, I saw Emma standing there, looking devastated. What's wrong with her?

“Why are you always ruining things? If you’re sick, go rest. Stop being destructive,” Mom scolded.

Hearing her tone, I wanted to intervene, but Emma spoke first.

“I’m sorry, it slipped. I’ll clean it right away,” she murmured.

Seeing her tired face, I quickly ordered a maid to clean up the mess.

“Emma, ​​there’s no need. You look stressed. Go and rest.”

Emma seemed surprised by my words. I don't usually mind, but I'd never seen her like that before.

Se dio la vuelta lentamente y comenzó a subir las escaleras. Al mirar su espalda, noté lo delgada y frágil que se había vuelto. ¿No está comiendo bien? Entonces recordé que había ido al hospital antes.

“Emma,” la llamé.

Se detuvo, pero no se giró.

“¿Qué dijo el doctor durante tu chequeo?” pregunté, sintiendo preocupación.

“Nada,” respondió, y siguió subiendo las escaleras.

Suspiré. Debe estar molesta porque no la acompañé al hospital y en cambio estuve con Rachael. Rachael me había llamado esta mañana; acababa de llegar al aeropuerto y quería que la recogiera.

Esa fue la razón por la que no fui con Emma al hospital. Desafortunadamente, Rachael se torció el tobillo de camino, así que tuvimos que ir al hospital.

“Daniel, no necesitas preocuparte por ella. Siempre ha sido dramática,” intervino mamá.

Me giré y vi que ya estaba sentada junto a Rachael. Dios, la va a interrogar sin piedad.

“Entonces dime, Rachael, ¿cómo están tus padres? Sabía que su empresa estaba a punto de quebrar hace años antes de que se mudaran al extranjero. ¿Qué pasó?” preguntó.

El rostro de Rachael se ensombreció por un momento antes de volver a sonreír.

“Sí, mis padres lograron estabilizar el negocio en el extranjero. Planean traerlo de vuelta. Por eso regresé primero, para hacer los preparativos.”

El rostro de mamá se iluminó inmediatamente. Claro, lo único que la impresiona es el dinero.

“Eso es muy bueno. ¿Ya tienes trabajo?” preguntó.

“Sí. Daniel me dio trabajo en su empresa como su segunda asistente personal. Así podré estar cerca de él y aprender sobre administración,” respondió Rachael.

“Hmm… eso es bueno,” murmuró mamá, mirándome.

“¿Cerca, dices? Voy directo al punto. ¿Ustedes dos van a volver?” preguntó.

“Mamá…” murmuré.

“De hecho, señora… Daniel y yo estamos planeando reavivar nuestros sentimientos. Lo que pasó antes fue desafortunado, pero estamos listos para empezar de nuevo,” respondió Rachael antes de que pudiera decir nada.

Fruncí el ceño. No había necesidad de explicar todo eso a mamá. Después de todo, sigo casado.

“¿En serio? Daniel, ¿es verdad?” exclamó emocionada. “¿Por qué no dijiste nada antes? Podría haber ordenado preparar la habitación del segundo ala para ella.”

“Mamá, esa habitación está ocupada por Emma. ¿Lo olvidaste?” le recordé.

“Oh sí… casi lo olvido,” suspiró.

Pensó unos segundos y preguntó:

“Entonces, ¿qué vas a hacer con Emma?”

“Divorcio, por supuesto. Al fin y al cabo… el tiempo casi ha terminado,” murmuré.

“Sí, claro. Prepara los papeles de divorcio para que se vaya de inmediato. Así Rachael no se sentirá incómoda,” dijo mientras acariciaba el cabello de Rachael.

Fruncí el ceño ante sus palabras, pero no le di importancia. Después de todo, nunca le había gustado Emma.

“Los dejaré ahora. Tu padre llamó, así que tengo que volver a la casa familiar,” dijo levantándose.

Rachael quiso levantarse también, pero mamá la detuvo rápidamente.

Me irritaba cómo la trataba, pero nunca había sido así de amable con Emma. Supongo que la casa estará más en paz cuando Emma se vaya.

A sudden pain shot through my chest. I winced and rubbed it. For some reason, that thought felt wrong.

“Are you okay, Daniel?” Rachael asked, worried.

Mom was looking at me with a strange expression.

“Yes, I’m fine. Mom, isn’t it late to leave today? Why don’t you leave in the morning?” I asked.

Finally, her expression transformed into a smile.

“Well, darling, I must go now. Your father is difficult to deal with,” he said. Then he turned to Rachael. “I’ll see you soon, dear. Daniel, don’t forget to take her to the family home to meet your father,” he added as he left without waiting for a reply.

I was about to sit down when I heard his voice again.

“Daniel, come with me to the car, will you?”

“Of course, Mother,” I replied, following her.

I caught up with her in front of the car. She turned around with a serious expression.

“About Emma…” he began.

I wasn't ready for that conversation.

“Mom…” I murmured.

“No, listen to me,” he interrupted. “I’ve been waiting for this day. I’ve seen how lonely and unhappy you’ve been these past nine years. So I’m glad you’re moving on.”

Unhappy? Was I unhappy? I don't know.

Continuous:

“Make sure she signs the divorce papers and compensate her well so she’ll leave. A woman doesn’t like another woman interfering in her relationship. You don’t want Rachael to leave because of her.”

I didn't like her words. Interfering? How is she an intruder?

Something's wrong with me tonight.

I looked up and saw that strange expression on Mom's face again, as if she were trying to read my inner thoughts.

“Daniel, darling… you’re not in love with Emma, ​​are you?”