Chapter 69

Emily watched them leave before quickly turning back inside. Michael had returned unexpectedly, and she needed to dispose of anything that shouldn’t be there.

Her fingers trembled slightly. At least she had already destroyed the packaging.

But how could she explain her earlier coldness?

Amnesia.

It was the only excuse.

"Who are you?" She feigned confusion as she looked at Michael.

Pain flickered in his eyes. "Emily, I came back too late."

He hurried to grab the gifts he’d brought, hoping to cheer her up.

"I really don’t know you." Emily took half a step back.

Michael’s chest tightened. Was she determined to pretend not to recognize him?

"I promised to take you back to the city. We’ll go together as a family. This time, I’ve earned enough money."

Emily remained indifferent.

"A few days ago, I woke up and couldn’t remember anything. David told me I hadn’t left the house for two days—maybe the fever damaged my memory."

Two days?

Fever-induced amnesia?

Michael felt as if he’d been struck by lightning. While he was away, she had endured a high fever alone—and lost her memories.

Guilt washed over him. He had been so focused on earning money that he never imagined something like this could happen.

"Emily, this is all my fault. Let’s see a doctor—right now!" He stepped forward urgently.

Emily pressed a hand against his chest. "I’m fine. Your friend said you were injured? Is it serious? Do you need rest?"

She was still concerned about him.

Warmth spread through Michael’s heart. Even if she didn’t remember, as long as she was here, it was enough.

"Not serious. I don’t need rest."

Emily turned toward the house. "Wait here."

She quickly stuffed her phone, power bank, test papers, and forbidden books deep into the wardrobe. Then she pulled out a pack of beef jerky from the drawer—her late-night study snack.

"My parents sent it. Try some."

Beef jerky? From her parents?

Michael frowned inwardly. Over the past two years, her family had sent fewer and fewer packages. He had often secretly added items to them. This jerky… didn’t seem like something they would send.

"You eat it."

"Just try it. It’s really good." Emily didn’t dare say more, afraid of slipping up. "A few days ago, the neighbor’s wife took me to town. That’s when I found out my parents often send money and food. This time, I actually received a package and a money order."

Michael was even more surprised. They really sent money?

"They’ve always cared about you the most."

Emily smiled bitterly inside. If her original parents had truly loved their daughter, they wouldn’t have sent her to the countryside in the first place.