Emma's POV

"Even so, with all the pain in my heart, I'm telling you this because I know the people in our social circle. They will say exactly what I just said, because I know them well. Nothing good ever comes out of their mouths when they talk about others. And you've already lived it, the insults, the criticism, the humiliation.

"You haven't seen Emma cry because of that. I have.

"I won't allow you to use her to solve your problems and hurt her in the process. Emma is the most valuable t