"Don't worry, Amelia isn't that petty. Let's go outside and not disturb your sister-in-law's rest."
Liam's voice was low, trying to soothe Amelia.
"I feel better hearing you say that. I haven't been sleeping well these past few days. I can't seem to rest at all."
Amelia's voice carried a hint of childishness.
"Your foot is still injured. You need to take care of yourself. Don't overthink things."
"Alright, I'll listen to you, big brother."
The door clicked shut softly, muffling their voices. The moment it closed, Emma's eyes, which had been shut, flew open.
A flicker of anger burned in her gaze.
That disgusting Liam. He had the nerve to say she wasn't petty. If it hadn't been for Amelia's interruption, he wouldn't have gotten off so easily. How dare he assume she wouldn't make a fuss?
Sure, she wasn't a vindictive woman. But she wasn't the type to swallow her pride and stay silent after being wronged either.
Right now, she was just playing along, pretending to be sick with a cold. Once she was better, she was leaving Sunrise Manor.
That decision had never changed.
Three days later, Emma packed her bags and told Liam she was leaving Sunrise Manor.
"You're leaving?" Liam stared at her, his eyes unreadable.
"Yes. I'm not staying here anymore." Emma's voice was firm.
On the side, Amelia looked like a child who had done something wrong, her face full of embarrassment. "Sister-in-law, if it's because of me, I'll be the one to move out."
"This is your home. Why would you move out?" Emma shot her a cool glance. She could see right through Amelia's act, but she wasn't going to play along.
"What's going on, Emma? Has Liam been bullying you again? Tell me, and I'll make sure he pays for it." Henry Williams furrowed his brow. He couldn't understand why Emma suddenly wanted to leave now that she was better. But he suspected his eldest son had been up to something during those days he was unconscious.
"Father, he didn't bully me. It's just that... I think we need some space right now."
Emma's words trailed off, and the old man understood she was determined to leave.
Fine. Let the young people sort out their own mess. They were already married, so no matter how much they fought, divorce wasn't an option. For now, Henry just hoped they'd give him a chubby grandson soon. Then they could fight all they wanted, and he wouldn't care.
Benjamin Williams thought it was a good thing Emma was leaving. After all, Amelia had hurt her foot because of Emma. If Emma left, Amelia would be much more relaxed. He didn't care about his brother's feelings after separating from his wife; he was only worried about Amelia.
"Since you've made up your mind, I won't force you to stay. But I have one condition. You have to agree to it."
To her surprise, Liam agreed easily. Seeing the joy flicker in Amelia's eyes, Emma felt a pang of irritation. But she nodded, thinking of their agreement.
"Go ahead."
"You can't go back to your parents' house."
"What? You won't let me go home? Do you expect me to sleep on the street?" Emma couldn't help but retort.
"Don't worry. You're my wife. I won't let you sleep on the street. I'll arrange a place for you to stay."
Emma thought that was fine. After all, if her parents found out she was fighting with Liam, they'd only worry. But she still refused to accept Liam's arrangement. Renting a house was a simple matter; she didn't need him to handle it.
Seeing her insistence, Liam didn't push further.
They then planned to have the driver take Emma away.
"No, I've already arranged for someone to pick me up. He should be here soon."
Before Liam could ask who she was talking about, Emma's phone rang.
"Hello, Elijah? Are you here? Okay, I'll be right out."
"Elijah?"
Liam hadn't expected Emma to refuse his arrangement and instead call Elijah. So, childhood sweethearts really did come first. The moment something happened, she thought of him.
His eyes, dark as a deep pool, burned with black anger as he watched Emma walk away with her luggage. His face was almost frozen with rage.
"Big brother, sister-in-law is going too far. Even if you're fighting, she shouldn't be calling another man right in front of you." Amelia saw Emma leaving and didn't forget to add fuel to the fire. She was about to accuse Emma of cheating when Liam cut her off.
"Amelia, remember. This is between me and your sister-in-law."
Liam's tone was cold, clearly displeased by her words.
"Big brother, Amelia is just worried about you. In my opinion, that woman doesn't respect you at all." Benjamin couldn't help but defend Amelia when he saw their brother scolding her.
"I know what I'm doing. Just mind your own business."
With that, Liam turned and went back upstairs. Amelia watched his retreating back, a strange feeling settling in her chest.
Why did she feel like it was too easy for Liam to let Emma go?
Normally, that wasn't like him. Even though he was angry, he had still allowed Elijah to pick Emma up and leave Sunrise Manor.
Was his interest in Emma fading?
The more Amelia thought about it, the more she believed it was true. The sting of being scolded by Liam earlier began to fade.
"Amelia, don't take big brother's words to heart. He's just blinded by that woman, Emma. One day, he'll realize who his real family is." Benjamin's last bit of goodwill toward Emma had vanished, replaced by disgust. He was glad she was leaving.
"I know. Don't worry. I won't mind."
Amelia's voice was clear, her smile sweet. Seeing she was fine, Benjamin felt relieved.
"Second brother, you've been so busy lately. I'll cook some dishes tonight. I'll make sure to include your favorites. Come back early."
Amelia was in a much better mood now that Emma was gone. She planned to cook a celebratory dinner. She couldn't say it out loud, but she knew it in her heart.