Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 27

Hated her for everything James had suffered.

So she made sure Lily suffered too.

"I mean, your mother-in-law's straight-up evil," Susan muttered. "Had her patched up just to rip off her new skin? That's some horror movie-level crap."

She rubbed her arms like she was shaking off a chill. "Good thing you got out when you did."

Emily shot her a glance. "She's been calling me these past few days. I haven't answered."

Susan fell silent.

Emily continued, "There aren't many people I actually care about. You're one of them."

Susan groaned. "If I ever get murdered, you'll be at least fifty percent responsible."

The moment she finished speaking, Emily's phone rang.

She glanced at the caller ID. "Speak of the devil."

Margaret's voice came through, overly sweet and coaxing. "Emily, you've always been such a good girl. Listen to your mother and come see James, won't you? He needs you."

Her voice sent a shiver down Susan's spine. She whispered, "Is that seriously the same ice-cold woman you used to live with?"

Emily kept her response short. "I don't have time."

"That's okay, sweetheart. I'll just bring you some soup."

Two minutes after hanging up, there was a knock at the office door.

Susan's eyes widened. "No way… Was she already outside the building when she called?"

She went to open the door. Standing there was Margaret, usually so composed, now looking utterly miserable. She forced a smile at Emily. "Please, just go see James. He… he really…"

Her voice broke as she started sobbing.

Emily watched her calmly. She knew some of it was an act—but James really wasn't doing well.

When she didn't respond, Margaret quickly wiped away her tears.

She held out the soup she brought. "You've been working so hard. This is just a small token of my appreciation."

Emily took it and nodded. "Thanks."

Sensing her softened tone, Margaret tried again. "Emily, I know you suffered in the Carter family, but if you'd just—"

"You're rambling."

Emily cut her off without hesitation.

Margaret covered her mouth, sobbing. "That's the first thing he's said in days. The doctors say he has a moderate concussion… He's lost most of his memory. The only thing he remembers is you."

Emily stood beside him, gently brushing her fingers against his face. "It's time to wake up."

That single sentence sent a tremor through James's entire body.

"No… No!"

He lashed out, resisting. "I don't want to wake up!"

"I don't want to wake up," he repeated, clutching Emily's hand like a lifeline. "If I wake up… you'll leave again."

The words hit Emily like a punch to the gut.

But guilt couldn't erase the past. A single act of redemption didn't erase countless sins.

She swallowed her emotions. "Let's take a walk on campus."

At the mention of their old school, James stilled.

That was where it all began. Their happiest memories were there.

He nodded, allowing her to lead him away.