The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Emily dug her heels in and refused to get back in the car. She never thought Michael would actually let Sophia move in with them. But Michael, clueless about her thoughts, just looked more annoyed.

"It's a long way back. How do you plan on walking? Are you just being difficult?" Michael snapped, then regretted it when he saw her face go pale.

"Come on, I'll drive you. You just got out of the hospital; you need to rest," he said, trying to soften his tone.

Emily finally looked up at him, trying to figure out if he was being sincere or just putting on an act.Content is © by NôvelDrama.Org.

On one hand, he seemed to care about her health, but on the other, he was okay with another woman moving in. 'Does he really not care, or is he just trying to mess with me by bringing Sophia in?' she wondered. "No thanks, I'm staying at the old house tonight," Emily said, not wanting to argue anymore.

"Why go back there? I've already arranged for someone to take care of you at Emerald Lake Manor," Michael said, more concerned about how her health might affect him. He kept telling himself that helping her was in his best interest too. Emily was surprised he had actually arranged for someone to look after her, but she didn't need his pity.

"Aren't you taking Sophia home? I don't wanna bother you," Emily scoffed, turning away.

"Who said I was taking her back?" Michael replied, remembering Sophia had mentioned it. He frowned, feeling helpless. "Why do you always care about her? Even if she stays, it won't affect you." Emily's eyes welled up. 'Yeah, why should I care? Michael never cares about my feelings or what Sophia did to me. He only sees their relationship and never bothers to understand more,' she thought. "Michael, you're heartless," Emily choked out, tears streaming down her face as she turned to leave. She'd rather be anywhere but with him right now. This was her last bit of pride.

Michael cursed under his breath, watching her frail figure walk away. He felt even more frustrated but didn't know why.

He got back in the car, his face dark. Sophia immediately leaned in. "Michael, why did Emily leave alone?" she asked, secretly hoping Emily wouldn't come back. Michael didn't respond, his cold demeanor making Sophia back off.

The car started and sped away. It wasn't until they turned a corner that Sophia realized they weren't heading to Emerald Lake Manor but to her own place. "Michael, didn't you say you were taking me to your house?" she finally asked.

Michael thought of Emily's tearful face and instinctively didn't want to take Sophia back.

"Emily went to the old house. If you stay alone, you'll be bored," Michael said with a forced smile.

"How could I be bored with you around?" Sophia replied automatically.

Without thinking, Michael blurted out, "I mean, I'm going to the old house too." It hit him afterward, 'Why am I going there? Just because Emily is?'

Sophia's face darkened for a moment. 'What has Emily done to make Michael care so much about her?'

But she quickly put on a smile and said, "Alright, go comfort Emily. She must be upset about not getting in the car earlier."

Michael gripped the steering wheel, eyes on the road, but his mind was elsewhere. 'Why is she mad? And why do I feel like I need to comfort her?'

Emily took a cab to the old house, not knowing Michael hadn't taken Sophia home. She felt uneasy but still sent Michael a Facebook message reminding him about the family dinner tomorrow.

Sophia knew about the Smith Family's monthly dinners but had never been invited. This time, she wanted Michael to take her.

When they arrived at Serenity Villa, Sophia hesitated to get out. Michael gave her a playful smile.

"What? Do you want to stay in my car?" he asked.

Sophia clung to his arm, pouting. "Michael, if you won't take me to Emerald Lake Manor, can you take me to the old house to see your grandpa tomorrow?" Michael frowned slightly. "Aren't you afraid of my grandpa?"

Sophia's face stiffened. 'Right, Mason doesn't like me.'

"Of course, I'm a bit scared. Grandpa is so imposing. Isn't it normal?" She was determined to win Mason over to secure her place in the Smith Family.

"But tomorrow's the family dinner. It might be awkward. How about I buy you a gift instead?" Michael suggested, ruffling her hair.

Sophia's demeanor changed. She looked serious. "Michael, do you want me to be your secret forever? I know you're divorcing Emily, but isn't our relationship enough for you to take me to the family dinner? What do you take me for? If you don't want to divorce, then let's end this. I don't want to be called the mistress who stole Emily's husband. Think about it." She opened the car door and got out.

Sophia wanted to push him, and sure enough, five minutes later, Michael texted her.

Michael: [I'll pick you up tomorrow.]

She smiled triumphantly.

Mason was thrilled when Emily showed up at the old house. Near noon, he had the kitchen prepare a few of her favorite dishes.

Mason adored Emily. She was beautiful, gentle, and balanced Michael's stubbornness perfectly.

The old house was a grand estate, said to be passed down from the Smith Corporation's ancestors. Emily loved its antique charm. When she and Michael first got married, they lived there. But Michael found it creepy at night and insisted on moving out. Emily had no choice but to follow him. She really liked the old house. It calmed her, and as long as Mason protected her, she felt safe.

However, Michael's mother, Scarlett Lewis, could never warm up to Emily.