19

19

Nathan reeled from the impact, his lip quivering.

"Will you just idly watch her in this state?"

He gazed at Emma, who was exiting with a dish.

What an absurd illusion!

During their relationship, he'd even unscrew bottle tops for her.

For their outings, he meticulously arranged everything.

How could he ever allow her to endure even slight discomfort?

How could he permit her to prepare meals and press clothes?

Regarding the nuptials...

How could he simply delegate it all to her, behaving like an uninvolved partner?

Emma was now seated at the table, consuming her morning meal.

Occasionally, she would utter a few words to the individual opposite her.

Nathan sensed an unseen force constricting his chest, impeding his breathing.

Determinedly, he lunged forward, seizing Emma and yanking her upright.

"Emma, I'm here! I'm standing directly before you!"

Emma glanced up perplexedly, staring at his grasp.