Chapter 3 A week later , it was time for the Fitzgerald family's regular monthly dinner . Since Cadoc wasn't around , Emma had to show up on her own . When Cadoc's mother , Amanda Fitzgerald , saw Emma walk in , her expression darkened . " Where's Cadoc ? " Emma kept her head down . " He's busy with something . He couldn't make it back . " Amanda sneered and was about to respond when the butler rushed over and handed her an entertain- ment newspaper . The headline was a photo of Cadoc and Sophie kissing on a yacht . Amanda slammed her fork down . " Ella ! Come with me now ! " She stormed off to the study . As soon as the door shut , she yelled , " Get on your knees ! " Without saying a word , Emma dropped to her knees . " You trash ! " Amanda was shaking with rage . " You can't even keep your husband ! You've got two choices - call him home now or take your punishment ! " Emma's lashes fluttered . She knew that no matter how many times she called , Cadoc wouldn't show up . He was probably wrapped up in a cozy getaway with Sophie . If she bothered him , the deal between their families could fall apart . " I'll take the punishment , " she said softly . Amanda was pissed off . " What did you just say ? " " I choose the punishment . " Emma raised her head calmly . " Go ahead . " Flushed with anger , Amanda grabbed the whip hanging on the wall and hit it hard on Emma's back . " Still not calling him ? " 0.0 % 11:47 Chapter 3 11 28 Slap ! " How about now ?! " Slap ! Emma bit her lips tightly , pain searing through her body , but she only shook her head . Eventually , she passed out . When she woke up , she was lying in a hospital bed , her back wrapped in thick bandages . Cadoc was sitting nearby , looking annoyed . " My mom was giving you a hard time . Why didn't you just call me ? " he asked coldly . Emma gave him a weak smile . " I didn't want to ruin your date with Ms. Powell . " He froze . Her pale face reminded him of something the nurse had said . " She's so in love with Mr. Fitzgerald that she's even willing to care for the woman he loves ... " Did she love him so deeply that she'd rather face punishment than bother him ? Cadoc felt an even deeper sense of unease growing in his heart . For the next few days , he stayed at the hospital to look after her for the first time . Emma didn't need his help , but he didn't leave . It wasn't until the day she was being discharged from the hospital . Cadoc got a call about an urgent is- sue at the company . He had to attend a meeting . " Go home on your own , " he said as he turned and left . Emma just nodded and slowly made her way out . As she was walking down the stairs , she accidentally bumped into someone . " Are you blind ?! " the man snapped . " You know how much this outfit costs ? With the way you're dressed , could you even pay for it ? " Before Emma could apologize , a sharp voice came from behind . 31.9 % 11:47 Chapter 3 288 Voucher " Get lost ! " Cadoc had gotten out of the car . He pulled out a wad of cash and tossed it in that man's face . " Is this enough ? " That man wanted to argue . But when he saw Cadoc's clothes and aura , he bolted in panic . Cadoc turned to Emma coldly . " Ella , don't our families give you money ? Why are you dressed like this ? " She stayed quiet . The Jefferson family never gave her money . Even though the Fitzgerald family gave her a black card , she wasn't the real Ella , so she never touched it . Cadoc seemed annoyed by her silence and dragged her into the car . " We're going shopping . " At the mall , he picked out a bunch of designer outfits for her , each of which was expensive . Emma didn't protest . She just quietly followed along like an emotionless puppet . But as they were walking out of the mall , a shaky voice called out . " Cadoc ? " Emma looked up and saw Sophie not far away , still dressed in a part - time waiter uniform . Her eyes were red and full of disbelief . " You told me you had an emergency meeting at the office . " " Sophie ... " Cadoc's expression changed slightly . " It's fine if you don't love me . " Sophie's tears fell . " But how could you lie to me ? I should've never come back . I'm just in the way . " She turned and ran . " Sophie ! " Cadoc shouted and chased after her , Emma stood still , quietly watching him go . She only felt calm . But then- Crash ! 64.8 % 11:47 Chapter 3 Glass from high above in the mall suddenly shattered and struck Sophie's head . She collapsed into a pool of blood without even making a sound . † 288 Vouchers Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!