Chapter 5 Starting a New Life

After several days of rest, Emma was finally ready to be discharged from the hospital.

She despised the antiseptic smell that permeated every corner of the place.

Evelyn was away on a business trip, so she'd sent a driver to pick Emma up.

Emma dragged her still-weak body back to the apartment she'd bought before her marriage—small, but every square inch belonged to her, filling her with a sense of security.

The place had been maintained by a cleaning service, leaving everything spotless and comfortable, even fresh flowers adorning the coffee table.

This apartment sat in the heart of the city's most prestigious district, where every square foot cost a fortune. The balcony offered a stunning view—she could look up and see the towering 80-story Harrison Group headquarters rising like a giant in the city center.

Before her marriage, she used to love standing here and gazing out, simply because someone she cared about worked in that building, someone who held her heart.

But now, her distant, cold eyes were frosted with indifference. Everything had become nothing more than passing clouds—she was ready to start her new life.

She quietly retreated inside and drew the curtains closed.

Her lower abdomen still sent waves of cramping pain, silently reminding her of the little life she'd lost.

Emma took a deep breath, shaking her head, trying to shake off that lingering ache.

There was no time to wallow in grief—she had more important matters to attend to.

She opened her long-unused laptop, and as the screen lit up, she found a starred, unread email waiting in her inbox.

She clicked it open, scanning the contents, her expression growing colder by the second, then typed out a few words on the keyboard: [Then let's proceed as planned.]

After sending, she snapped the laptop shut.

The motion was swift and decisive, as if the fragile woman from moments before had completely vanished.

Emma took out the medication prescribed by her doctor, swallowing the pills with warm water. The bitter taste spread across her tongue, but she seemed not to notice.

Physical exhaustion washed over her like a tide, and she collapsed onto the soft bed, falling into a deep sleep.

Evening fell over the Harrison Group CEO's office.

Assistant Charlie Hill knocked and entered to deliver his report.

"Mr. Harrison, your wife was discharged today. She moved directly to an apartment registered under her name."

Nicholas was processing documents, and at these words, his pen paused—just briefly.

"Mm."

A single syllable, betraying no emotion whatsoever.

He looked up, his eyes dark and impenetrable as ink.

"Where she lives has nothing to do with me."

They hadn't been living together anyway, seeing each other maybe once or twice a month. Little did he know that later, he would find himself breaking into her apartment again and again.

Charlie didn't dare respond, only feeling the temperature around them drop several degrees.

Nicholas tossed the signed documents aside, his tone as detached as if discussing the weather.

"Have the divorce papers delivered to her. Tell her to sign them promptly."

"Yes, Mr. Harrison," Charlie responded, silently sighing for Emma, who had never truly received Nicholas's care.

This couple seemed truly headed for the end.

Nicholas lowered his head again, staring at the numbers dancing on his screen, as if what they'd just discussed was merely an insignificant contract.

Only the whitened knuckles gripping his pen betrayed anything deeper. Little did he know, the colder he acted now, the more he would suffer later!

Just then, Zoe walked in.

Charlie grabbed the divorce papers and quickly exited.

She was dressed to kill today, every inch the A-list celebrity she was.

She was in an exceptionally good mood. Who would have thought that the patient in that room at Crestview Medical Clinic had been Emma? More importantly, she'd been hospitalized for a miscarriage.

That woman was truly unlucky—she couldn't even take care of the baby in her belly, losing it just like that. Zoe hadn't even needed to lift a finger. What a delightful day indeed.

Even soap operas wouldn't dare write something this convenient!

Without the child, Emma would never have another chance to stay by Nicholas's side.

Most importantly, Nicholas seemed completely unaware of what had happened.

This undoubtedly gave her an even better opportunity to work her magic.

Nicholas looked up, his eyes unconsciously softening.

"What brings you here?"

"To have dinner with you, of course! I want to spend more time with you while I have the chance. I'm competing for a major role next week."

Zoe beamed, unable to hide her excitement.

Nicholas watched her happiness, the corners of his mouth lifting into an attractive smile.

"If it caught your attention, it must be something special."

Zoe couldn't wait to reveal her news, looking absolutely smug.

"The Pear Blossom Grave—it's this incredibly popular novel. They're doing online fan voting for the female lead, and I made the list! I'm ranked second."

Nicholas was familiar with the project. Just last month, he'd initiated plans to acquire StarRise Talent Agency, intending to present the company to her as a gift.

He usually steered clear of the entertainment industry, but to secure her career, he'd invested heavily.

Zoe didn't know about this yet, though—he wanted to surprise her later.

Nicholas nodded, taking her small hand in his.

"With your talent, you should be ranked first."

Zoe settled onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and cooing sweetly, "Nicholas, you're so wonderful. I know you've been helping me behind the scenes. Thank you for supporting my career."

Nicholas affectionately pinched her cheek. "As long as you're happy."

Yes, four years ago at Azure Crescent Bay in Novaria, if she hadn't saved him, he would have drowned in those depths.

But he had no idea that the person capable of diving into those treacherous waters wasn't the woman before him at all!

He believed she deserved all the best things in the world, including his love.

Zoe pressed her forehead against his smooth brow, leaning closer, preparing to give him a sweet kiss.

Nicholas's warm breath caressed her face, and he showed no intention of pulling away.

Suddenly, the phone rang, and Zoe's brow furrowed in annoyance.

Nicholas chuckled, casually picking up the phone. Ethan's excited voice came through, "Nicholas, Matthew's back! Word is he's hosting a mysterious guest at Ember Grove Club. Think that mystery guest could be Dr. N?"

Nicholas paused, then his eyes flashed with interest. "I'm heading over now."

After hanging up, he considered for a few seconds.

Matthew Moore was heir to one of Novaria's major financial empires and also the founder of the Global Medical Summit. They'd met briefly in Novaria four years ago.

Dr. N's summit appearance had just been announced, and Matthew had secretly arrived in Emerald City.

Why choose Emerald City?

Nicholas had to investigate. Whatever it took, he needed to secure a partnership between Dr. N and the Harrison Group.

Zoe looked at him with confusion. "Nicholas, is something wrong?"

Nicholas stroked her hair. "Nothing urgent. I'm taking you somewhere with great food."

Nicholas grabbed his jacket and led her out of the office, hand in hand.

Meanwhile, the doorbell suddenly rang, shattering the apartment's silence.

Emma had been awakened by the persistent chiming.

She shuffled to the door in her slippers, slowly turning the handle.

The door opened!

But standing outside was a man.

A familiar, handsome face, now bearing traces of mature sophistication.