Chapter 58

Emily froze, her heart pounding like crazy. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her hand hovered in the air, not sure what to do next.

"Patrick, don't do this, please," Shirley pleaded, her voice cracking with sobs. Hearing it, Emily's hand trembled on the doorknob.Curiosity got the best of her, and she nearly failed to resist the urge to peek through the door. She imagined Patrick and Shirley together,but reality snapped her back. Why did she still care so much? Even if it was Patrick in there, what difference would it make? Her heart ached, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Standing there for what felt like half a century, Emily's inner conflict manifested as a doorknob she couldn't turn. She wanted to know what was happening, but was scared to face it. Tears blurred her vision, and it felt like her heart was being ripped to shreds. Memories of Patrick flooded her mind, filling her with anger.

'Patrick, you finally gave in to temptation, right?' she thought.'Shirley is still your goddess, even in bed. You can't stand to hear her scream or see her in pain, right? Every time we were together, you were rough, even when I was in tears, you wouldn't slow down.'

When Emily was exhausted and begged softly, Patrick would cruelly pinch her chin and say, "You're such a slut!" She was overwhelmed by anger and pain, feeling like she was just a toy for Patrick,someone he could use and discard. Tears streamed down her face,

her body trembling, her world was falling apart.

She pulled her hand back, leaning against the door, tears pooling at her feet. Patrick, I've loved you for ten years. Since the first time I saw you, I've loved you.' Patrick radiated brilliance, standing out as the most captivating heartthrob. After entering the workforce.he transformed into a deity of the business realm. Countless individuals aspired to be by his side. yet only Emily remained. Thus, she always believed that she held a unique place in his heart. Therefore,when she offered her first time to him, she felt like a willing sacrifice.

Emily had wasted ten years of her life on Patrick. She had given him everything, only to end up like this. Sliding down the wall, she sat on the floor, hugging her knees, crying her heart out.

Inside the apartment, in the steamy bathroom. Patrick turned the shower on full blast, trying to clear his head. In a daze, he caught sight of Emily beside him, replaying their moments together.Occasionally, he let out a groan, missing her more than he could admit. He realized that he couldn't live without her,not understanding why he felt this way, only knowing he wanted her back.

Outside the bathroom, Shirley, in a satin camisole and glamorous makeup, replayed the scene in her mind. Everything was perfect, and when Patrick came in, he kissed her, but then he pinched her chin and said, "You're not her!"

Shirley couldn't understand why Patrick treated her this way,feeling like she was better than Emily, wondering why Patrick didn't like her.

Shirley plopped down on the sofa. fuming. After Patrick's harsh words, he had shoved her out of the bedroom and opted for a cold shower instead of letting her back in. She felt humiliated, her plan crumbling before her eyes. She glared at the bedroom door, swearing to herself that she'd get Patrick no matter what.

'Why does Emily have such a hold on Patrick? I gave him my heart.and this is what I get? Emily, what makes you so special? I've known Patrick since we were kids. I'm the one he truly loves! Maybe he's just saving himself for our wedding night. It can't be that he doesn't love me!' Shirley tried to reassure herself.

Hearing the bathroom door open and the water stop. Shirley instinctively took a few steps back, a wave of panic washing over her.She had no idea how Patrick would react, afraid he might lash out at her.

Patrick emerged from the bathroom,towel-drying his hair,looking furious. He couldn't believe Shirley had tried to seduce him. Was she out of her mind? And to make matters worse, she was still ogling his abs.

Sitting on the sofa, Patrick spoke in a rare, stern tone, "Shirley Wright,do you have something to say to me?" It was the first time he had addressed her so seriously. Shirley, snapped out of her daze by his question, trembled, unsure how to respond.

After a moment, she stammered, "Patrick, your anger scared me. You've never treated me like this before. I got a call from my dad,heard you weren't feeling well, so I dropped everything and rushed over."

With a shaky voice, she tried to evoke sympathy and forgiveness from Patrick. She looked at him with hopeful eyes, praying he would believe her.

Patrick knew what had happened but didn't want to accept it. Shirley had been a part of his life since childhood, and her care for him was rooted in Elbert's lifesaving act when he was young. But human emotions were complicated, and Patrick was conflicted, unsure how to handle the situation. He knew that if he didn't address it, it would only lead to more problems. He couldn't just kick them out of the Rivera family over this.

Sitting on the sofa, Patrick furrowed his brow, tapping the armrest as he pondered a solution. He understood Shirley's feelings but didn't share them. He didn't want to hurt Elbert and Shirley, considering their past kindness.

Quickly, he typed out a message on his phone and sent it to Jennifer.Then he stood up, grabbed his clothes, and with his back to Shirley,said. "Shirley, you were wrong. I've always seen our relationship as more like family. You respected me, relied on me, and I appreciated that, treating you as my younger sister. Elbert once saved my life, so if I gave you the wrong impression over the years, I apologize. Please don't misinterpret my feelings or damage the bond we've built over the years."