Chapter 1 New Affection

Emelie hadn't fully recovered from the shock of her unexpected pregnancy and the subsequent miscarriage as she was wheeled out of the operating room after the D&C surgery. The nurse pushed her back to a ward and proceeded with her inpatient registration. "Bed 1703, Ms. Emelie Hoven. Are there any family members with you?" the nurse asked. Emelie was lost in her thoughts. She stared blankly at the sterile ceiling, not hearing the nurse's question. The nurse repeated, "Ms. Emelie Hoven, do you have any family here?" Another nurse who was adjusting the IV drip turned around and said, "Let me handle it. When she was brought in by the ambulance, she gave me her ID and bank card, saying to register and deduct the fees directly. She doesn't have…" Emelie's lips moved slightly, finishing the nurse's sentence. "I have no family members." The smell of disinfectant filled her nostrils. She curled up. The reality of losing her child sunk in deeper. She breathed in deeply, and tears unexpectedly flooded her eyes. She had lost her child. The aftermath of the D&C surgery took a toll on her body, leaving Emelie alone in the hospital for three days. By the fourth day, she received a call from William Middleton. "Ms. Hoven, tired of missing work yet? If you are, make your way to the 'Westward Club'." The background noise of his call was filled with the sounds of clinking glasses and a faint, youthful female voice. Emelie moved her lips, wanting to say she was in the hospital. "Ms. Hoven, reply to me," William repeated with evident irritation. Emelie swallowed her words and rushed out of the hospital without even completing the discharge procedures. She quickly hailed a taxi to the exclusive Westward Club, only having time to apply her makeup during the ride. Upon her arrival, she had walked in while still applying lipstick. She asked the receptionist, "Which private room is Mr. Middleton from Cloudex Corporation in?" The receptionist was momentarily captivated by her presence. However, the receptionist quickly recovered and informed her, "Mr. Middleton is in private room A001. This way, please." Emelie nodded and followed the receptionist to room 001. Out of courtesy, she knocked twice. Then, she pushed the door open and entered. The thick scent of alcohol immediately assailed her senses, triggering a wave of nausea. Before she could take in her surroundings, a man said, "Ms. Hoven is here. Let her join in the drinking. No need to trouble the newcomer." A customer's laughter followed as he remarked, "Ms. Hoven, you're remarkably compliant, aren't you? Showing up simply because you were summoned. Look at how bias your boss, Mr. Middleton, is. He can't bear to see his new affection get drunk, so he sends you to drink in her stead." Emelie quickly took stock of the situation, her attention drawn to a young woman seated next to William. Though Emelie didn't recognize the woman, the woman seemed to know her. "Ms. Hoven, I'm sorry, I—" the woman stammered as she apologized. However, she was cut off by William. "No apologies needed. Had it not been for her unexplained absence, she'd be the one here." His tone was clearly laced with care and favoritism. But William was known for his cold and detachment demeanor, when had he ever stood up for anyone? Emelie gave the young woman a closer look. She was dressed modestly. Her youthful ponytail contrasted with the rowdy atmosphere, giving her an innocent look that tugged at people's heartstrings . Emelie suppressed her emotions as she approached the woman with a practiced smile. She said, "Mr. Garrett, are you enjoying the drinks here? Remember to go easy on your liver." As Cloudex Corporation's head secretary, Emelie skillfully navigated the evening's social intricacies. She managed to alleviate much of the insistence on heavy drinking and, while she did partake in a few glasses of wine, the night turned out to be much more manageable than anticipated. Yet, William offered her no response throughout the night. Amid the noise, Emelie caught a snippet of William speaking to the young woman with a softness and warmth tone. "Feeling tired? I'll take you home shortly." His voice carried a warmth and gentleness Emelie had never encountered in their three years together.