Emergence Novel Chapter 08
This became one of the most regrettable decisions of my life. Because when I stepped through the door, I saw
Damian.
Mom greeted me with a smile. “You’re back! Damian made your favorite dishes.”
“He’s so thoughtful. He knows you like pink things, so he even came over these past few days to redecorate your room!”
Damian brought dishes to the table, his eyes full of barely concealed amusement. “You’re too kind, ma’am.”
The two of them echoed each other harmoniously, as if nothing had happened.
I gripped my luggage tightly, struggling to keep my voice steady. “Mom, didn’t you say you wouldn’t interfere with anything between Damian and me?”
Mom avoided my gaze and stammered, “I just thought it was such a shame. Damian is such a good kid. You should give him another chance.”
That feeling of helplessness that followed me for over 20 years surged uncontrollably once again.
Everyone stood up for Damian. The whole world felt sorry for him. However, no one ever wondered how I felt. No one cared if I was happy in this relationship.
Luckily, this time, I would love myself.
I picked up my luggage and turned to leave, but Damian blocked my way.
He lowered his head, his lashes fluttering. Emotions I could not understand churned in his eyes. “Elara, I was wrong.”
“I won’t comment about your figure anymore. I won’t say eating slowly wastes time. I won’t dismiss your novels. I won’t call your taste tacky.”
“Whatever you are, good or bad, I’ll accept it all.”
The once proud genius lowered his head, his tone pleading. “Elara, can you forgive me and come back to me?”
I shook my head. He still did not understand.
Our relationship was like a gorgeous robe crawling with lice. No matter how much the surface was addressed, the rotten foundation remained.
What I wanted was never condescending acceptance from above, but mutual respect between equals.
I hoped that even if he could not understand my thoughts and choices, he could respect them and not freely judge or interfere.
The fact that he disregarded my will, continued to pester me, and even conspired with Mom to deceive me showed he still had not learned respect.
“Damian.” I looked directly into his eyes and spoke slowly. “Today, you can manage not to tear me down. But what about tomorrow? The day after?”
“Life is long. I’ll inevitably do things you disapprove of. What will you do then?”
“Will you belittle me like before, making me feel worthless and insecure so I’ll cater to you without limits?”
“Or will you do what you’re doing now? Disregard my wishes and mobilize every resource and connection to make me change my mind?”
Damian tried to say something, even tried to grab me again. But before his hand could touch me, several, burly men emerged from beside the staircase, glaring at him menacingly.
Lily stepped out, leaning against the doorframe, her voice cold. “What, the soft approach didn’t work/so now you’re trying to force?”
Seeing Lily appear, I breathed a long sigh of relief.
Thank goodness I had kept a backup plan. Before coming, I asked Lily to wait downstairs with a few bodyguards.
If I did not text her within a certain time, it meant I was in trouble.
As the bodyguards escorted me downstairs, Damian called out from behind. “Elara, give me more time. I’ll prove to you I can do it!”
I stopped and responded to him one last time. “Damian, you’ve already spent ten years proving you can’t.”