Chapter 77

Patrick's mind wandered back to memories of Emily. She was always there for him, her every expression burned into his memory. He remembered her serious work face, her occasional stubbornness, and that complicated look she gave him. He couldn't tell if what he felt for her was love or just possessiveness.

Seeing Patrick lost in thought, the doctor pressed on, "Come on, don't be shy. Drop your pants so I can take a look. We need to check things out properly."

With a huff. Patrick yanked down his pants. "Just stop talking," he snapped. The doctor shook his head. reached out, and carefully examined Patrick's condition.

"Sir, if you don't take care of this, you might have problems down the line,"the doctor warned, sounding almost smug.

Patrick shot up, furious. "That's nonsense! I'm still young. I'm fine! Don't make stuff up." He grabbed his coat and stormed out before the doctor could even prescribe anything.

Stomping down the hospital corridor, Patrick glanced at the signs,his feet unconsciously leading him to Emily's ward. Their last encounter had ended badly, and he hadn't even checked on her health since. Emily was always a workhorse, pulling late nights and overtime like it was nothing.

To Patrick, Emily had always seemed invincible. But now, after joining Marlon's company, she seemed so fragile. He wondered, 'Was I too hard on her before?' Standing at her door, he hesitated, unsure whether to go in.

His heart was a mess. Part of him wanted to see Emily, but another part

was scared to face her. He didn't know how to deal with the woman who had always supported him or their tangled relationship. He raised his hand to knock but froze, caught in indecision.

"Looking for someone? I've seen you around before!" A nurse in a pink cap, holding a blanket, stood behind him. eyeing him curiously. It wasn't every day a guy like Patrick showed up in the obstetrics and gynecology department.

"You're here for Emily. right? She just checked out. If you hurry. you might catch her in the parking lot." With that. Patrick bolted out of the hospital.

He really wanted to see Emily, even to prove to himnself that he could still get it up. But thinking of her frailty made him squash that impulse.

The parking lot was pretty empty, maybe because it wasn't the weekend.As soon as he stepped out of the elevator, he spotted Emily getting into a pink Jaguar-the car he had bought her. On their third anniversary, Emily hugged Patrick's waist and acted cute for the first time. Patrick knew she wanted a serious commitment, but he just gave her a car to placate her and warned her not to expect too much.

Even though she left Maple Peak Apartments, she still kept the car. Emily must be pretty sentimental. Patrick suddenly remembered the day Emily showed up at Maple Peak Apartments out of the blue-she must have forgotten something. He thought about it for a moment, then got into his own car and quietly followed Emily all the way to Crystal Heights Residences before turning back.

After Melissa followed Emily back to Pearl Peak City, she only stayed at Crystal Heights Residences for a short while. The Clark family in Pearl Peak City was a big deal, and Melissa's health was slowly getting better.

She was also at the age where her family started arranging blind dates for her. Even though Melissa wasn't thrilled about it, she couldn't go against her elders' wishes. So, after making sure Emily was settled. Melissa left.

As for Marlon, being the CEO of a big company, he couldn't always be around Emily. Right now. Emily was alone on the couch,watching TV and sipping water. She had been in the hospital for five days. and the doctor had told her that her progesterone and estrogen levels were low. If she didn't take care of herself. the baby might not make it.

For the sake of the baby, she took a long leave for the first time. Marlon was understanding.way better than Patrick. In the past, when she was sick and asked Patrick for a day off, he'd just say. "Are you dying? If not.keep working."

Emily had gotten used to dragging herself to work, even when she was sick. It was like being sick was a luxury she couldn't afford around Patrick.She sighed heavily, thinking. 'Patrick, all these years I've been like a robot by your side.' Just as she was cursing Patrick in her mind, the doorbell rang.

Emily thought, 'Who could that be? Did Melissa forget something?Without thinking, she opened the door, only to find Patrick standing there,looking cold. She tried to close the door, but Patrick wedged his hand in and pushed it open.

Emily,off balance, almost fell, but Patrick grabbed her arm and pulled her into his arms. It was then that Emily realized she was only wearing a silk camisole nightgown.

Seeing the desire in Patrick's eyes, Emily crossed her arms over her chest and said sternly,"Get out, you're not welcome here." She was filled with panic and anger, not understanding why Patrick was suddenly here. She

just wanted him to leave.

Patrick's strong hands grabbed Emily's wrists and lifted them above her head. Her chest. now exposed. was squeezed into a perfect shape. Patrick couldn't help but swallow.

"What are you doing? If you don't stop, I'll scream." Emily was startled by Patrick's sudden dominance. She squirmed and tried to resist. Patrick's other hand grabbed her waist. pulling her close.

Standing at 6'6". Patrick towered over Emily. who was 5'5". Looking down.he could see her bare breasts and her nipples trembling slightly. Emily's face turned red, her pink earlobes as alluring as ever.