Chapter 16

Back at the hospital, Emilia tucked away all those little thoughts she'd been having. As she spoon-fed her mom, Mrs. Hart looked at her and gave a goofy smile before gently saying, “Sweetie, get married.” Emilia froze for a moment, forcing a smile. “I’m not getting married. I’ll always stay with you, Mom.” “Nonsense,” her mom shot back, pretending to be upset, tapping Emilia lightly. “You’re getting married, and you have to look beautiful doing it. I want a grandchild to cuddle!” “Mom…” Emilia wrapped her arms around her gently, trying to keep her tone light even though her voice trembled, “Then you need to listen to the doctors and get better. Once you’re okay, I’ll get married, okay?” In her heart, Emilia had never really dared to dream about marriage. She was lying—just to keep her mom’s hopes up a little longer. Trying to rid herself of lingering thoughts about that man, Emilia tore up the tissue with the phone number and tossed it in the trash. She assumed it was nothing more than