Chapter 24

"Emma, are you really planning to go?" When Grace showed up at the door, Emma was honestly a bit surprised. "M—Mrs. Brooks, I..." She almost slipped out a "Mom" before pulling it back and putting on a helpless smile. "I’m just going abroad for a while to clear my head. It’s not like I’m disappearing for good." "You’re too sensible for your own good." Grace let out a heavy sigh. "People always say women who know how to act a little spoiled have it easiest—just look at that Clara girl, little fox if I ever saw one. The way she talks could melt a man’s bones. And here you are leaving? You might as well be handing Ethan over to her on a silver platter." Emma knew Grace had always been on her side. Her words, though down-to-earth and casual, carried a real truth. But Emma had long since learned that love wasn’t something to be fought for like some battlefield. She had poured herself into this relationship once—now she had nothing left to give. "Mrs. Brooks. Ethan's a grown man. He has the r