Chapter 6

After Emily was settled back in her hospital room, a nurse came in to change her bandages. "Was that your boyfriend who brought you in?" the nurse couldn't help but ask. "He's incredibly handsome and completely devoted to you. While you were in surgery, he got an official notice that your condition was critical, and he nearly tore the place apart. "He called in every top specialist in the city overnight to operate on you. The blood bank was running low, so he donated a whole liter of blood. Then he stayed by your side for three days and nights without leaving." When the nurse described it, Emily could almost see William, broken and desperate, standing outside the emergency room. But just as vividly, she saw him again in her mind, saving Aria as the chandelier crashed down around them. Emily never questioned how much he cared for her. But if his love could stretch between two hearts, then she wanted no part of it. In the days that followed, William cleared his schedule and stayed with Emily at the hospital. He accompanied her to every follow-up appointment, changed her bandages, fed her, and tended to her every need. But she wasn't herself. She no longer teased him or made small talk. She barely spoke at all. And slowly, he began to realize she seemed unhappy. The day Emily was discharged from the hospital, he took her to an auction, hoping to lift her spirits. He told her to pick out anything she liked. But as soon as they arrived, Emily spotted Aria there. William quickly explained that she was only there to help with the bidding. Emily didn't place a single bid the entire time. Aria, on the other hand, gasped at every piece of jewelry, her expression making it obvious just how badly she wanted them. Although William didn't say anything, he made his way backstage as the auction drew to a close, and Aria slipped away without a word. Emily remained seated, enjoying her dessert alone. Before long, the auction house owner, Mark Eyre, approached her with measured politeness. "Ms. Caldwell, about the jewelry sets Mr. Silverstein requested to buy back at ten times the sale price, we've spoken with the winning bidders. Seven agreed to resell, but one refused. "The auction is about to end, and we haven't been able to reach Mr. Silverstein. Would you like us to keep negotiating for that last set, or should we let it go?" The staff brought out several sets of jewelry—every single piece Aria had just admired and called beautiful. Finally, Emily understood why William had left the table so suddenly. He wanted Aria to be happy, but he couldn't risk bidding in front of Emily. So he slipped away, planning to buy the pieces later, even if it meant paying more for them. The realization hit Emily hard, like a punch to the gut. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. Just then, she noticed William returning. She shook her head, her voice cold. "I don't know. Why don't you ask him?" Mark didn't stick around. He walked to the door and murmured something to William. Whatever he said made William glance up at the person Mark had gestured to. A moment later, William was on the move. Inside the hall, the auction was wrapping up. Sensing the crowd about to surge toward the exits, Emily slipped out early. But just as she turned the corner toward the elevators, she heard William's deep voice. "Mr. Hensler, I've already offered you 20 times what it's worth. Why are you still refusing?" "This isn't about the money, Mr. Silverstein. I happen to be quite fond of this sapphire set myself. I'm afraid I just can't let it go." William's gaze hardened. "Then I'll make it 30 times." Richard Hensler clicked his tongue, clearly impressed by William's unshakable persistence. "People always say you spoil your girlfriend, but I figured that was just talk until now. If Ms. Caldwell loves that set of jewelry enough for you to drop that kind of money just to make her happy, I've got to say I'm touched. "Tell you what. I'll do you a favor and let you have it for free. Just make sure I get to meet Ms. Rayburn, the one who's always with you. Deal?"