Chapter 3

Emmitt and I first crossed paths during our college years. He was quite the campus legend. His parents divorced when he was young, so he was raised solely by his mom. Busy with work, she provided him with material comforts but lacked strict discipline, causing him to become rebellious, stubborn, and enigmatic—a person most chose to avoid, myself included.

Even the professors were frustrated by him, so I naturally kept my distance. But for some reason, perhaps because I was seen as the model student, Emmitt focused his attention on me. He was relentless, inventively inviting me to lunch every day and whisking me away for drives on weekends, never missing a chance to shower me with gifts during holidays.

Though I turned down all his offers, he remained unwavering. Once, I asked him why he was so determined. His answer was straightforward: "Because you’re a good person. Others either despise me or are interested in my money, but you’re different. I just want a regular friend." The loneliness in his voice was heart-wrenching. I realized then that perhaps everyone misunderstood him. His abrasive exterior was simply armor adorned with thorns, concealing a softer, yearning interior.

With that realization, I smiled and agreed. "Alright then, from today on, I’ll be your friend. My name's Natalie Turner." Emmitt smiled, and for the first time, I understood the profound impact of seeing someone smile through their tears.

From that day forward, we were inseparable friends. We studied together, frequented the library, and took leisurely strolls around campus. Emmitt introduced me to new adventures off-campus, like racing cars, horseback riding, and ice skating. Friends thought I was crazy; even professors advised me to steer clear of such a "troublemaker." Everyone assumed Emmitt was just passing time and would eventually tire of me. But I perceived his sincerity in every encounter, growing increasingly compassionate towards him. Despite his wealth, he was profoundly lonely, having grown up without a father and lacking genuine friendships. He deserved love and companionship.

I was so devoted to him that I even passed up the opportunity for postgraduate research to graduate alongside him. Emmitt was thankful and invited me to join his mom's company. It was through this opportunity that I met his mom, Maggie Montgomery, the acclaimed businesswoman. During a visit to their mansion in the outskirts of the city, surrounded by stunning landscapes reminiscent of the Alps, she took my hand, tears in her eyes.

"Natalie, thank you for being there for Emmitt. I've seen him change so much, and it's clear he truly likes you. I haven’t been the best mother. Please, stay by his side; all I want is for him to be happy."

Maggie was an extraordinary mother. I couldn’t refuse a mother’s heartfelt plea for her son’s happiness, combined with my genuine affection for Emmitt, so I accepted her offer and stayed at her company. It was only later that I learned Maggie had already been diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer. Knowing she didn't have much time left, her greatest worry was her beloved son. As her life neared its end, she called me to her bedside, held my hand, and repeatedly asked me to take good care of Emmitt. I promised her, and only then did she pass away with a serene smile.

To honor my promise to Maggie Montgomery, I married Emmitt. He didn't have a passion for the demanding business world. Technically, he was the CEO at Amazon, but I was the one managing almost all the affairs of the company. I took it on willingly because, at that time, my love for him ran deep in my veins. Whenever I worked late into the night, exhausted, he would gently massage my shoulders and whisper sweetly, "Honey, you’ve worked so hard." He’d comfort me, "Don’t worry, love. When you're too tired to work, I'll protect you. I won't let anyone hurt you."

But now, he himself has become the person who hurts me the most.