Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.
"Let's get a divorce," Ricky Jenner said, throwing the divorce agreement in front of Emma Cooper, who had just returned home from three months of work.
Emma froze in her tracks as the papers fluttered onto the table in front of her. Then, she looked at the refined man standing before her.
Her fingers clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms. Three months apart, and this was how he greeted her? He didn't even bother to ask how she was. Instead, the first thing he said was divorce.
Emma's silence stretched on, and her lack of response made Ricky's brows furrow slightly.
"Emma, don't tell me you're having second thoughts. The two-year marriage agreement has expired. Even if you want to go back on your word, it's useless now."
Ricky was right.
Before they got married, they both agreed to a two-year timeline. Now that two years had passed, he was holding up his end of the agreement.
In short, it was time for Emma to give up her position as Mrs. Jenner.
She took a moment to compose herself and said, "Nicola turned twenty this year. She's old enough to get married. Our divorce is just in time."
Nicola Cooper was Emma's half-sister and had always been the apple of Ricky's eye. His devotion to Nicola was evident in his every action.
Two years ago, Nicola was diagnosed with leukemia, and it was discovered that Emma's bone marrow was a perfect match for Nicola's. It was a rare compatibility that offered the best chance for successful treatment without the risk of rejection.
Of course, Emma couldn't turn her back on Nicola. She was even willing to donate her bone marrow to a stranger, let alone her sister.
However, Ricky didn't see it that way. He assumed Emma was a cold and selfish woman and would never help Nicola.
So, for Nicola's sake, he did not hesitate to humble himself to the point of kneeling and begging for Emma's help.
Emma had never seen Ricky, a man known for his unyielding pride, humble himself in such a way.
She and Ricky had grown up together and shared a history that ran deep. But for her, it had never been just friendship. She had loved him for ten years.
So, seeing him acting like this for someone else made her so angry and jealous that she was almost driven mad.
In the heat of her anger, Emma demanded Ricky to marry her.
Since Ricky was desperate to save Nicola, he agreed. However, they signed an agreement for a two-year marriage.
Emma was too naive to believe that two years was enough to make Ricky fall in love with her.
However, Ricky remained distant, his heart unwaveringly tethered to Nicola. Emma lost, and it was such a humiliating defeat.
At the thought of this, a self-deprecating smile tugged at the corner of Emma's pale lips.
Ricky's handsome face revealed a hint of impatience. He handed Emma a pen and said indifferently, "Sign it."
Emma glanced at the pen in his hand. Then, she nodded, took it, and picked up the document from the table. She turned to the last page and wrote her name.
She put down the pen, raised her head, and looked at Ricky. Their gazes met. His eyes were still as beautiful and inviting as before. However, they were so cold that they chilled her heart.
Ricky took the document and checked Emma's signature. He looked at her and said, "Nicola's condition has relapsed. She..."
"How can that be? So, do you want me to go to the hospital to help her again?" Emma interrupted before he could finish his words. She was visibly shocked.
She donated her bone marrow to save Nicola two years ago. Did she have to do it again?
"No need. I don't want you to pull a stunt like that again," Ricky said harshly. "I've already arranged for the best doctors for her. Also, I have found another suitable donor. There's nothing you need to do this time. But Nicola said she misses you. Just go to the hospital and see her."
Emma noticed the subtle change in Ricky's demeanor when he mentioned Nicola. His furrowed brows seemed to soften, and his cold, indifferent expression was replaced by something warmer.
This sight sent a sharp pang of pain to her heart. However, she pretended unaffected and responded with a nod in agreement.
"It's a bit late. Is it okay if I move out tomorrow?" Emma said, forcing a smile. In her heart, she couldn't help but hope Ricky might show a little bit concern. But unexpectedly, he said resolutely, "Edwin will drive you to a hotel."
He was kicking her out just like that.
Couldn't she be allowed to stay at least one more night?
Emma's smile froze. She stood up and stared at Ricky for a while. Then, she turned around and left with a cold face.
She returned to her room, grabbed her luggage that she hadn't had the time to unpack yet, and headed downstairs. A few maids rushed over to help, but she waved them off. "No need. I can manage."
The maids exchanged glances. They could only sigh in resignation and line up to see her off.
Emma lived in this house for two years and had developed some attachment to this place. After all, everyone, except Ricky, had been very kind to her.
She was a little reluctant to leave. But Ricky's coldness in their two years of marriage had severely worn down her spirit. She had lost parts of herself.
Emma took one last deep breath. So be it.
She closed her eyes and told herself firmly it was time to let go.
Although her heart felt like tearing apart, she refused to shed a single tear.
It was already midnight when Emma checked in at the hotel.
But she couldn't get a wink of sleep. The turmoil inside her kept her awake all night. When dawn broke, she tidied herself up and went straight to Ecatin General Hospital.
Nicola was in a VIP ward, and she had a private nurse taking care of all her needs. Through the glass in the door, Emma saw the nurse feeding her. But after a few bites, she vomited everything. For some reason, this scene made Emma feel a sense of discomfort.
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