Roses Wilted 2
Emily intended to fly home immediately but decided to wait for Harold to settle things face–to–face. She hadn’t expected the wait to stretch two hours. Drenched clothes clung to her skin as she stood shivering. By the time Harold emerged, her face had turned ghostly pale with bloodless lips. When Emily tried to speak, others exiting the conference room cut her off. “Who’s this?” She glanced at Harold. Getting no response, she stammered through chattering teeth, “I’m Harold’s wife.” The crowd froze, stunned. “Isn’t Harold single?” “Aren’t you and Sophia a couple?” “Right, you’ve been together since high school. How could…” Harold calmly stated, “Sophia and I are past tense.” He then briefly introduced Emily. “This is Emily. We got married five years ago.” The group collectively gasped, murmuring in astonishment. Just then, 4005 01 Chapter 2 someone spoke up. “Let’s grab dinner. These long meetings are starving us.” Numbness in her legs kept Emily momentarily still. She could only watch Harold and Sophia walk past, leaving her stranded at the rear. Emily wasn’t sure if it was intentional, but when she opened the Toyota Alphard’s door, only the passenger seat remained available. Harold and Sophia sat in the back row, seemingly discussing the recent meeting. Emily glanced at them before taking the vacant spot. During the drive to the restaurant, everyone in the car spontaneously conversed in Spanish. “I thought Sophia and Harold were already married. After all, Harold’s confession–‘All my life, I will dedicate myself to medicine and to you!‘– remains a legend in med school.”…