The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

"Dean, come on, don't be mad at me anymore. Let's talk about whatever's bugging you when you get back. And hey, remember, it's almost time to visit our parents' graves. You should come with me, right?"

Dean listened to the voicemail and felt a pang in his chest. He hesitated, fingers hovering over the screen, unsure if he should message Archibald.

Sophia, who was nearby, noticed his hesitation and asked softly, "Is it something about your family?"

Her implication was clear: was the call from Archibald?

Sophia was still uneasy about Dean's interactions with the Lancaster family. After all, if Dean softened and listened to Archibald or Celeste, she would lose her last hope and support in Emerald City.

Even though Sophia had started to develop feelings for Dean, she was acutely aware of the gap between herself and the Lancaster family. Moreover, her relationship with Hayden was at an all-time low.

Dean nodded, his gaze complex as he looked at Sophia and said slowly, "It's Archibald's call."

Sophia saw a hint of dependence in Dean's expression, as if he was seeking her opinion. So, she pulled out her classic advice and said to Dean, "Archibald really has it tough.

"He likes a woman who was abandoned by others, but he's too embarrassed to tell Celeste. So, he uses you as a shield. Don't blame him; he has his own difficulties..."

Before Sophia could finish, Dean couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "He has difficulties? If he truly likes Emily, he should explain it to Aunt Celeste himself! That's his problem.noveldrama

"And now, I'm the one taking the heat. Aunt Celeste has been criticizing me behind my back, and now Archibald is trying to play the good guy. Am I supposed to forgive him? It's ridiculous!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Dean's gaze became resolute. The earlier unread message on his phone screen felt like a lingering shadow in his heart. He swiped his finger and deleted the message completely.

Sophia saw this and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She raised her eyebrows but said nothing more, continuing with her work.

Tonight, she and Dean had a party to attend. Though it was still with a bunch of old friends, it was their only remaining connection, and they had to maintain those relationships.

She and Dean would rise again, making those who doubted them regret their decisions.

Meanwhile, Archibald had arrived at Emily's house. He didn't get out of the car immediately but sat quietly for a moment, checking his phone to see if Dean had replied.

Still nothing.

Archibald had even mentioned his deceased parents to try to reach Dean. He knew Dean was always glued to his phone, so why had he suddenly stopped replying?

With no other choice, Archibald got out of the car. Just as he was about to ring the doorbell, the door opened unexpectedly, and Emily stood there, looking surprised. "Archibald? What are you doing here?"

Archibald smiled slightly, hiding his nervousness. "I..."

What should he say?

As Archibald scrambled for a reason, Emily spoke up. "Actually, you came at a good

time. I was just about to head out. Do you have time to come with me?"

Archibald felt a surge of joy and quickly replied, "Of course, I have time."

So, the two of them agreed, and Emily got into Archibald's car. As the car slowly drove away, Emily told Archibald her destination.

"Looking at a new house?" Archibald felt surprised.

It seemed Emily was determined to escape Michael's watchful eye. Archibald understood her feelings. At least it proved Emily disliked Michael now.

Before Archibald could ask, Emily explained her reason for moving, her tone filled with

a mix of resignation and determination. "I want to get away from Michael. You can see that. If it weren't for my unfinished work with JM, I would have left Emerald City already."

Leave Emerald City?

This was the first time Archibald had heard her say that. He knew Emily had strained relations with the Smith family after her divorce and had wanted to move abroad, but Michael had always found reasons to refuse.

Such terrifying control.

Archibald felt a shock, sensing Emily's determination was stronger than he had imagined. "If you leave Emerald City, where will you go?"

"I don't know yet. I'll go wherever is more livable, and it will be a fresh start."

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In fact, she already had a plan. Her ideal destination was Everglade City, where she could work at Archibald's company and support her child alone.

Archibald definitely wanted to invite Emily to Everglade City. After all, that was his base. There, it would be just him and Emily, without any interruptions. Wouldn't that be perfect?

Thinking about this, Archibald felt excited, completely forgetting Celeste's words. "Everglade City is a great choice. Beautiful scenery, plenty of job opportunities.

If you move there, you can work at my company. Your skills are a perfect fit."

Emily's few words had led to Archibald's invitation. She smiled but didn't commit, saying she'd consider it later. But Everglade City was already her top choice. Unbeknownst to Emily, she had learned to manipulate others, which wasn't her usual behavior.

Emily pondered that perhaps a change in environment could truly bring a new beginning. She was filled with anticipation, knowing this was the only way to escape Michael and start a better life.

Archibald was indeed thoughtful, especially in helping Emily find a new home. He was busy to make sure everything was perfect.

Besides Emily, Archibald wanted Michael completely out of her life.

The tranquility and opportunities in Everglade City, along with the warmth Archibald would bring, were the foundation for Emily's new life.

"Emily, if you like this place, we can settle here for now. That one is nice too, with large windows where you can enjoy the sun with your child."

Seeing Archibald's attentiveness, Emily still thought it was just friendly care.