New Life After Heartbreak

Before leaving, Emilio Williams offered me a terse, "You should think about what you've done," as he escorted Taytum Elliott out of the room.

I thought that once they left, I wouldn't have to deal with them again before my departure.

But when I returned home after completing my treatment, there she was—Taytum sitting on Emilio's lap, their eyes locked in a too-intimate gaze. Only when I cleared my throat did they reluctantly separate.

"Back so soon? We've been waiting for quite a while," Emilio looked up at me, his face showing no remorse for being caught.

I let out a soft chuckle, "Waiting for me? To put your little romance on display?"

"You—" Emilio began to retort, but held his tongue.

"Why don't you freshen up and make some shrimp risotto? Taytum's under the weather today, and it's the only thing she wants."

I instinctively rolled my eyes, "What she wants to eat is none of my concern. I'm not her caretaker."

Caught off guard by my refusal, Emilio's expression darkened. Though he realized the request was unreasonable, he couldn't back down after indulging Taytum's whims.

With that in mind, he pulled me aside. "Are you still upset about yesterday? Fine, I'll say I'm sorry, okay?"

I looked directly into his eyes. In the past, whenever we argued, I was always the one who relented, whether or not I was at fault. This was the first time he offered an apology, but only because he wanted me to make risotto for Taytum.

Turns out, love isn't earned by how much you give. Some people get everything without lifting a finger, while others never have it despite giving their all.

"I'll accept your apology, but I won't make the risotto," I said coolly.

"Emilio, I don't want to trouble her. I can manage without it," Taytum murmured, tears shimmering in her eyes. Her delicate frame looked even more fragile and pitiful at that moment.

Emilio quickly reassured her, "It's already late. It's not safe for you to go home. I'll have the maid prepare a room for you; you can stay overnight."

Hearing this, Taytum's once demure face briefly flashed a triumphant expression before she looked at me with wide, innocent eyes, "No, she'll be upset."

Done with their antics, I turned to leave. I managed only a few steps before Emilio caught my arm. "Adele, don't you have anything to say?"

Surprised, I looked at him blankly. Emilio's face fell, and his tone became slightly admonishing.

"Taytum is just a young girl. Isn't it right for us to offer a little help?"

"It's late... she wants to stay, can't you just agree and be supportive? Why do you have to make it difficult for her?"

"I'm exhausted," I said impatiently. "Do whatever you want. Share a bed, get engaged, get married, I don't care. I truly don't care about your business anymore."

Emilio froze at my words, his expression shifting instantly. Before he could respond, Taytum ran up and grabbed my hand.

"Sister, I want to sleep in his room. I'm scared to sleep alone in a strange place," she pleaded.

I thought Emilio would finally speak up and decline, but when I saw him just standing there silently, I felt a wave of numbness wash over me.

I raised an eyebrow and looked Taytum squarely in the eye, slowly withdrawing my hand.

"Fine, do whatever makes you happy. I'll sleep in the study. Just don't touch anything in my room."