Chapter 432
Ever since my memories came back, I had been living in constant ner turmoil. Trapped between letting go and holding on, the pain had been so agonizing.
Now, I had finally and completely walked away from that pain. Truly, this feeling could only be described as relief.
Cordelia knew how torn and miserable I had been. She could tell I was truly at peace now–which immediately eased her worry.
“That’s great, darling! Your beautiful life is finally starting! Wait for ine, okay? I’ll take time off right away and come back to celebrate with you!” she exclaimed joyfully.
Remembering my pregnancy, I said with a smile, “Okay. When you’re back, I’ll te # you more good news.“”
I gently stroked my still–flat belly. Even though I would never be with Irvin again, I had still decided to keep the babies growing
inside me.
After what happened with Gideon, I didn’t dare to marry just any man anymore. I had already planned to visit a sperm bank to select a donor and conceive through IVF.
But now that I’ve conceived naturally, it was healthier than having a test–tube baby. So, as long as I could make Irvin believe my twins weren’t his, they would truly be mine. I had enough money and resources to give them the best life possible too.
From my own home situation growing up and the countless similar circumstances in the entire world, one thing was clear- sometimes, parents who didn’t get along or love their children were far more damaging than a single–parent home.
As long as there was enough love, children raised in single–parent homes could grow up healthy and happy too.
My hope for the future grew the more I mulled this over.
Cordelia had always been a woman of action. So, when she said she would come back right away, she did. She even brought her
husband with her.
Even though he was now the closest person to her, I had only met him a handful of times. Because of this, I couldn’t tell Cordelia my good news in front of him.
Hence, I didn’t immediately share with her that I was pregnant. Instead, the three of us went out to dinner together to celebrate.
During the meal, Cordelia received a news alert on her phone. Then, she looked up at me.
“Emi, you’re on pretty good terms with William Ashford, right?” she asked.
“I suppose so. Why do you ask?” I replied.
“Then why would he hand Grace a deal like that? It’s one thing if he’s gaining something from it, but he’s practically doing it for free,” Cordelia said.
With that, she slid her phone across the table to me.
Skimming through the news article, it seemed Grace was reaping all the benefits from this collaboration. That didn’t sound like William at all.
Before I could share my thoughts, Cordelia said, “If William Ashford is handing her profits like that, he must have something going on with her. So, from now on, be careful when you’re with him. For all we know, he’s actually on her side and wants to harın you!”
Cordelia had met William a few times and found him impossible to read. She was worried I would get burned.
I had no clue why William would sign such a one–sided collaboration with her. However, I instinctively knew he didn’t mean me harm.
I was about to voice this when I heard…
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“I owe Grace my life. That’s why I gave her all the benefits. This is the last time though, and I’m certainly not on her side.”
Startled by the familiar voice, Cordelia and I looked in its direction on reflex. We had no idea when he arrived, but William was standing right behind me.
Naturally, Cordelia felt sheepish. William had caught her talking about him behind his back. However, she wasn’t the type to stay embarrassed for long and profusely apologized.
Once he had assured her it was fine, Cordelia couldn’t resist teasing, “You sure have a lot of saviors, Mr. Ashford. First, Julianne, now Grace. It’s funny how both happen to be women who have it out for Emi.”
William then clarified that Julianne wasn’t his savior and that Grace was the one who had saved him on Daiti island.
Upon hearing this, Cordelia recalled how I had saved someone then too. She said, “Seriously, Emi. How does someone as evil as Grace get rewarded for saving a life on that island? Yet , someone as genuinely kind–hearted as you did the same, but no one has shown up to repay you for it.”
William had been about to excuse himself and leave. But when he heard what Cordelia said, his eyes widened.
“You saved someone on that island too, Emi?” he asked in surprise
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