Chapter 2

After arriving home and washing up, Emma's phone rang from the bed. It was her mother, Velma Carroll, calling from overseas, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "Sweetheart, I saw your response to Eastside University. Are you truly going to study in Ascaria?" Emma lowered her gaze and murmured, "Yes." "Why so sudden?" Velma asked, sensing something off in Emma's tone. After a pause, her voice softened. "Did something happen?" Emma didn't want her to worry, so she forced a cheerful tone. "If something's up, it's good news. Frank's getting married, so Mrs. Castro will finally have some company. There's not much for me to do here anyway, so I figured I'd go abroad to study and spend time with you and Dad." "That's wonderful!" Velma's excitement flared up again."Should we go back to pick you up?" Emma was about to say it wasn't necessary, but Velma cut her off before she could. "Back then, we were so caught up with work and left in a rush. You were still so young, and the whole immigration process was so complicated. We had no choice but to leave you behind. I don't know what I would've done if Mrs. Castro hadn't taken you in and cared for you. I have to go back and thank her in person." Emma, resigned, could only agree. Velma added a few more things before hanging up. Emma walked to the window and looked down. The garden parking area was empty—Frank still hadn't come back. She had never really been a part of the Castro family anyway. Frank could dote on her, shower her with affection, and give her endless favoritism, but just as easily, he could take them all away. Yet those moments of affection had made her mistakenly believe that Frank liked her, leading her, in her youthful naivety, to make a mistake. Years ago, on a late night fueled by alcohol, she stumbled into his bed in a hazy blur and confessed her feelings to him—even forcing a kiss on him. Frank, fully sober, shoved her away hard. His expression darkened with fury, and he left her there alone without a word. Even now, she could remember the look in his eyes that night—shock, disappointment, coldness, cruelty, and perhaps even disgust. That night became an unbridgeable chasm between them. Ever since, his cold demeanor kept her at a distance, never allowing her near again. Emma sighed softly, the weight on her mind growing heavier as she closed her eyes to rest. Yet all night, she was plagued by restless nightmares. When she finally woke, it was nearly 2:00 pm. Once she freshened up, Emma ate a quick lunch before heading out to check on Thea. Passing the garden, she saw the parking spot was still empty. Frank had been gone all night, and she sighed bitterly at the thought. Once she completed the enrollment procedures for Eastside University, Frank would finally get his wish and no longer have to avoid her by staying away from home. Thea's health wasn't good, and she needed a quiet place to recover, so she lived alone in the back house of the Castro residence. Emma made a point to visit her there whenever she could. As Emma reached the front door, Thea's voice came from inside. "Fool!" Thea snapped, smacking her cane on the floor. "I've lived long enough to see through people's nonsense a mile away. I know exactly why Lea left you and why she came back. You might not see it, but I do!" Frank stood silently with his hands behind his back, his head slightly lowered. Thea sighed, concern evident in her voice. "You're great with business, but you're completely lost when it comes to relationships. She's nothing but trouble!" Thea had never liked Lea, especially after she abandoned Frank for fame and fortune, only to return when her marriage fell apart. It was painfully obvious what her intentions were. Too bad her lovesick son couldn't see it. He ran a massive company with precision, but the moment feelings got involved, he turned into a complete mess. Thea opened her mouth to say more, but the door creaked open, and Emma stepped inside. "Mrs. Castro, did you skip your chamomile tea today?" Emma teased with a warm smile as she walked over. "What's making you so upset?" Thea had always had a soft spot for Emma. The moment she arrived, Thea's irritation faded, and her expression softened. "You think I don't know what you're up to?" "I wouldn't dare put on an act in front of you," Emma replied, smoothly taking Thea's hand as she crouched beside her with a grin. "Frank was just talking business with Ms. Davila last night. I stopped by, and even her manager was there. The PR articles weren't lying." "Really?" Thea asked, eyeing Frank. Emma tilted her head slightly and shot him a quick wink. Frank held her gaze for a moment before looking away. "Yes," he replied, his tone cold. Thea scoffed. She saw right through it and warned Frank, saying, "It better be true, or you'll regret it. Balmora is full of prestigious families. Those heiresses are one thing, but Lea isn't even on Emy's level. She—" "I have a lot to do today," Frank interrupted sharply, his expression cold. "Mom, if nothing else, I'm heading out." Emma lowered her gaze, hiding the sadness in her eyes. Couldn't he handle even the slightest criticism of Lea? Did he always have to jump to Lea's defense? Back then, hadn't he protected Emma the same way? He used to hold her like she might shatter and doted on her like she was too precious to lose, yet she had destroyed it all with her hands. Thea waved him off with a grunt. "Just leave. I can't stand the sight of you." "Goodbye, Frank," Emma murmured. Frank shot her a brief, indifferent glance before turning away without a word. Thea had the maid bring some snacks and urged Emma to eat more, fussing over how thin she had gotten. Emma swallowed the lump in her throat. No matter what had happened between her and Frank, Thea had always looked after her. For a moment, Emma found herself reluctant to leave—not because of Frank but because of Thea. After a moment of hesitation, Emma finally spoke up. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Castro. I might not be able to visit as often anymore." Thea frowned, concerned. "Why?" "I'm going to Eastside University for my master's." Thea was surprised. "All by yourself?" Emma shook her head. "My parents' company is in the same city, so I'll be with them." Thea was quiet for a moment before nodding with a smile. "That's good. A family reunion and furthering your studies, that's wonderful. Don't worry about me. Go ahead and pursue your future." She added, "Good luck with your studies, and don't forget about finding someone special." Emma laughed. "Stop teasing me." Thea patted her head. "Just don't end up like Frank, blind to the people around you. You deserve someone who truly loves you, alright?" "I understand," Emma replied. Emma stayed to chat with Thea for a while before finally heading out. As she walked down the hallway, a flood of memories rushed over her. She knew all the right answers, but living them? Some things were easier said than done. A heart only has so much room, and hers had long been claimed. Letting go felt impossible, but Emma wanted to try—to step forward, leave the past behind, and start fresh.