Fading Love, Fading Hate, A Forever Farewell

Despite everything I had endured, Emeric felt no remorse. Not even a trace of it.

“Madam, we’ve arrived…” The driver’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

Only then did I realize that cold sweat had once again soaked through my clothes.

I wanted to sit in the car for a moment, to steady myself before stepping out—but before I could, Belize’s sharp voice cut through the air.

“Milo! Didn’t I tell you to use the side entrance? Do you ever learn? If anyone sees this, I’ll dock your entire month’s salary!”

Then, she turned to me, her lips curling into a sneer.

“What are you still sitting there for? Does a woman tainted by countless men have any dignity to uphold? Next time, make sure the driver takes the back entrance.”

To the Jacob family, my presence was nothing but a disgrace. Especially to Emeric’s mother, Belize.

In the past, the only thing that gave me the strength to step into this house was Emeric.

But now, as the elegant, flowing notes of the cello drifted from the hall, I felt the last bit of hope wither inside me.

As if sensing the commotion outside, Emeric and Marie suddenly appeared in the doorway.

Marie’s eyes lit up when she saw me. She quickly rushed forward, linking her arm through mine with a bright smile.

"Flora, how lucky you are! You came just in time! Emeric’s cello playing is absolutely breathtaking. It’s a shame Remi isn’t here to hear it. Come inside! Let’s have Emeric play another piece for us."

I turned to look at Emeric. For a brief moment, I saw a flicker of resistance flashed through his deep, unreadable eyes.

"Let’s not, Flora," he said lightly. "Dinner will be served soon—let the cello rest for now."

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. So, even with a third person present… I was still not allowed to hear him play.

The birthday banquet began soon after.

Before all the dishes had even been served, my mother-in-law’s cold voice rang again.

"Doctor Lacan has already sent me your medical report. He confirmed that you can no longer have children. This is the result of your own carelessness—so tell me, what do you plan to do now? My son can’t be tied down by you forever. Find a time to finalize the divorce."

So much had happened in the past few days, yet her words still sent a violent tremor through my body.

Beside me, Emeric silently slipped off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. He let out a soft sigh, his voice calm and measured.

"Mom, is this really the time for that? Flora is still young—I’ll figure something out. Besides, don’t you still have Marie? She and my brother are practically inseparable. It’s only a matter of time before they give you the grandson you’ve been waiting for."

At his words, Marie immediately latched onto Belize’s arm, laughing sweetly.

"That’s right, Mom! Remi and I are working hard at it every day…" A rosy blush crept up her cheeks as she spoke.

From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Emeric. He was staring at Marie as he downed his drink in one swift motion, an overwhelming sadness darkening his gaze.

Throughout the entire dinner, Belize was completely captivated by Marie’s sweet words and doting gestures, basking in the attention without a care for anything else.

I was finally able to finish a meal in peace.

After dinner, Belize gestured toward the table full of leftovers and cold dishes, her gaze sharp as she looked at me.

“The Jacobs don’t support dead weight. A hen that can’t lay eggs should at least know her place. Clean this up! Just looking at your sickly face irritates me—what awful luck.”

Emeric was already drunk, so naturally, no one spoke up for me.

I nodded quietly and got up to clear the table.

Meanwhile, Marie clung sweetly to Belize’s arm as they walked away together.

Just before leaving, she put on an innocent expression and asked, feigning curiosity, “Mom, how badly does someone have to ruin themselves to end up unable to have children? Tsk, tsk… poor Flora.”

A scalding tear landed on the back of my hand.

As I looked at the discarded scraps and cold leftovers on the table, I saw myself in them—unwanted, tossed aside.

By the time I had finished cleaning everything, night had already fallen.