- 7.
The secretary told David about Mom’s death,
but David seemed to have reverted to his old
indifference. He was consumed with Emily’s
health, searching for miracle cures. He
dismissed the secretary. “Hannah’s dead. I’ve
grieved. What’s the point of this charade?
Emily needs me. Don’t bother me with this
nonsense.” My hopes, however small, were
dashed. Even my death and my mother’s
suicide hadn’t shaken his devotion to Emily. Emily, struggling to sit up in bed, said weakly, “David, it’s okay. Hannah was your wife. Her family… You should go.” Her words dripped
く
with false generosity. David took her hand.
“Emily, don’t. I’m not going anywhere.” His
eyes were full of sincerity, as if reaffirming a
sacred vow. I watched their tender exchange,
a familiar ache in my chest. Why, even now,
with my family gone, was I forced to witness
their happiness? To make it worse, David
announced his engagement to Emily. As the
heir to Walker Industries, their wedding
became international news. I saw their faces
plastered on billboards, proclaiming their love.
A strange sense of peace settled over me. I
was dead. What right did I have to anything?
If David could move on, find happiness, so be
- it. Emily stared at the wedding invitations, a mix of joy and disbelief. “David, are you…
really going to marry me?” He smiled. “Yes,
Emily. We’re getting married. It’s not a
dream. Soon, we’ll be just like any other
happy couple.” Tears welled in Emily’s eyes.
<
“David, I’ve waited so long… I was afraid I
wouldn’t live to see this day… Just having
you here… it’s enough…” He held her close.
They were the perfect picture of love. And I,
the outsider, could only offer silent, bitter
congratulations. “David, Emily. Be happy.”
