The sound of the front door opening and closing echoed through the house at that moment, accompanied by a low, casual conversation.
“I heard Ember’s a vegetable now?”
“Hmph, she was always causing trouble. What good has she ever done for the Fergusons? Now we can finally get rid of that nuisance.”
“There’s no way Atlas can marry a vegetable. Consider the engagement canceled. Let’s start looking for someone else for him in the next few days.
“As for Ember, let her rot in the hospital.
Atlas‘ cold, menacing voice suddenly interrupted. “What are you talking about?”
Alana turned to him with a reproachful look. “Why aren’t you resting in the hospital? What are you doing here?”
Atlas roared, cutting her off mid–sentence. “Cancel the engagement? Let me tell you now that I won’t agree to this!
“Who gave you the right to burn Ember’s belongings? She’s my fiancée. Why didn’t you consult me first?
His eyes burned with disappointment and fury. “You’ve always looked down on Ember, accusing her of living off the Fergusons.
“But have you ever thought about it? Would her parents have died if it weren’t for saving the two of you? How would she have ended up under someone else’s roof?
“Have you ever considered how I feel?”
By the end, Atlas‘ voice trembled with anger and heartbreak.
He had always known his parents disapproved of Ember as his fiancée, but he hadn’t imagined their indifference could extend this far, even as her life was hanging by a thread.
Wade’s face hardened. “You’re the Ferguson family’s only son. You should always prioritize the family!
“She’s just an orphan with no money, no power, a difficult personality, and no capability to support you. Can’t you grow up?”
Atlas could no longer hold back. “Do you care about anything besides profit? Ember nearly died, for God’s sake!
“How could I have such cold–hearted parents?”
Unable to stand it any longer, Atlas turned and stormed out of the Ferguson residence. He was determined to return to the hospital and stay by Ember’s side.
At some point, rain began to fall. As he stared out the car window, his heart was filled with an unrelenting storm of sorrow and regret, mirroring the downpour outside.
He thought back to when Ember first came to the Ferguson residence. His parents hadn’t always treated
+25 BONUS
Chapter 9
her this way. Not to mention, the first person to show annoyance toward her had been him.
He used to think Ember was too brash and immature, constantly volcing criticisms of her. His parents‘ disdain for Ember was nothing more than an imitation of his own attitude.
If he had known things would come to this, he would have made sure everyone understood from the beginning that Ember was the most important person in his life–the one he loved the most.
Just as she had once loved him.
So, this was what it felt like to lose the one you loved the most…
A single tear slid down Atlas‘ cheek as he finally understood why Ember had always clung to him, always flaunted their love.
It was because she loved him.
She loved him so much that she feared losing him and would do anything to hold on to him.
Yet, what had he done to her?
e had called her unreasonable, accused her of being overbearing, and complained that she didn’t give him enough space.
Now, overwhelming regret drowned him like the relentless rain outside, leaving him gasping for breath.
But at least fate hadn’t been entirely cruel–Ember was still alive. He still had a chance to make things right.
Clasping his hands together, Atlas prayed earnestly amidst the sound of the falling rain.
“Ember, please… Open your eyes and look at me again. Please.”
