From Ruin She Rose novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7

They had nearly forgotten-Charles had always loved Emily the most. Even though Lydia had suffered all those years outside, his favorite grandchild was still Emily.

Ever since Emily was sent to St. Gabriel Reform Academy. Charles had moved into the hospital, and for the past two years, he talked about her every single day.

Emma felt a headache coming on just thinking about how Charles always scolded them for favoring Lydia too much and ignoring Emily.

She never believed they’d ignored Emily. In her mind, it was just Emily being immature and always trying to take things from Lydia. They felt bad for all that Lydia had gone through and thought Emily should’ve been more understanding.

I still need to get things ready for Lydia’s graduation, Emma said. “Andrew, you take Emily.”

Andrew didn’t say no. He had meant to bring up visiting Charles last night, but after getting interrupted, he forgot.

On the way to the hospital, Emily sat with her knees together, pressed close to the car door, hands gripping her lap tightly,

her head lowered.

For the past two years, whenever she felt like she couldn’t go on, the person she missed the most was Charles.

If Charles knew she’d been bullied, he’d definitely grab a stick and break those people’s legs. Then he’d hold her tight and tell

her not to cry.

But if she told him everything she’d been through, he would be heartbroken.

Emily curled up in her seat, looking miserable. Seeing her like that made Andrew’s chest tighten.

He spoke without thinking, softening his voice. “Emily, don’t be mad at Lucas. I’ll scold him for you later.

“But the reason he got upset was to protect Lydia. If you want to eat something, just ask the chef next time. No need to fight over food with Lydia.”

Even though he said he’d talk to Lucas, his words still hinted that Emily was the one at fault for competing with Lydia.

But Emily had already explained-she never said she was hungry, never wanted Lydia’s food.

Whether it was two years ago or now, her explanations always sounded like excuses to them. They never believed her.

So Emily stopped explaining. She just nodded and went back to staring at her knees, quietly thinking about what to say to Charles that wouldn’t make him sad.

She didn’t argue or talk back like she used to. Didn’t chatter on endlessly like she once did. That used to be exactly what Andrew wished for, yet now it left him feeling strangely empty.

He figured Emily must still resent them for sending her to St. Gabriel’s. That must be why she was acting so distant.

Still, he believed she would understand one day-they had only done it for her own good.

Andrew sighed. “Emily, do you know why Grandpa’s been in the hospital?”

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