After the Divorce, I Became Untouchable

For His Happiness

***Emma's POV***

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my chest tightening with sadness. I looked pale and thinner, like someone battling an illness. I think I should visit the hospital again to do a proper check.

I rubbed my belly and a bubble of happiness enveloped me. This baby brought new hope for me and a reason to be happy. A soft knock on the pulled out of my thoughts.

"Ma'am, the young master is waiting."

I took one last look at myself and stepped out.

Daniel stood in the living room, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black trousers that accentuated his tall, muscular frame.

On the couch beside him sat Rachael. She's wearing a red floral dress, which happens to be the exact one I'm wearing, except mine is white. The dress fits her so well, she looks hot and seductive unlike me. I look delicate and soft in mine.

When I returned my gaze to Daniel, he's eyes were assessing me. A slight frown creased his forehead before he averted his gaze.

"Rachael's coming with us?" I asked.

"Yes I am. I don't want to stay home alone, so I asked Daniel if I could go with him." She answered sweetly.

"I wasn't asking you."

"Emma If you don't want me to come with you. I can stay back," she said pitifully, picking up her purse.

As expected, Daniel came to her rescue immediately.

"Enough with the drama, Emma," Daniel snapped. "Rachael is coming with us."

The car ride was tense. Rachael and Daniel sat in the front while I was comfortably sitting in the back. I had deliberately chosen to sit here even with Daniel's disapproving look.

Rachael struck up a conversation with Daniel about their old times together. It seemed like Daniel wasn't in the mood for the conversation because he kept on looking at me occasionally through the review mirror.

I couldn't care less though. I leaned against the window, watching the city lights blur past. The pregnancy was making me unusually sleepy, and I drifted off before we reached the mansion.

I woke up as the car entered the Brooks estate. Susan was already waiting at the entrance by the time we came down from the car. The moment she saw Rachael, her face lit up with genuine warmth.

"Rachael, darling! You look beautiful." She pulled her into a tight hug before turning to me with a very colder expression. "Emma."

Already used to this kind of treatment from her, I simply nodded and started walking into the house. Mr Brooks was waiting in the grand dining room. The moment I walked in, his stern face softened.

"Emma!" He stood and opened his arms. I walked into his embrace without hesitation.

"I’m sorry I haven’t visited often, Dad."

"You’re here now. That’s what matters." He held me at arm’s length, studying my face. His brows furrowed.

"You’ve lost too much weight. Daniel, why aren’t you taking care of your wife?"

"I’m fine," I said quickly. "Just stressed. Let’s eat before the food gets cold."

"Okay dear, come sit beside me," he said, gesturing to the chair on his right.

My heart warmed as I took the seat. Rachael was sitting beside Susan while Daniel was sitting opposite me.

During dinner, Mr. Brooks asked he always asked: "So, when are you two going to give me a grandson?"

My hand instinctively moved to my stomach. The thought of my child not having such a loving grandfather made my heart ache.

Susan seized the moment. "About that… This is Rachael Adams. You remember the Adams family?"

Mr. Brooks’ expression changed for a split second. "What about them?"

"Well, this is their daughter Rachael. You remember her right."

"Isn't she supposed to be abroad?"

"Well, she’s back," Susan continued excitedly. "And she and Daniel are planning to rekindle their old relationship."

The sound of a spoon clattering against a glass plate cut through the room.

"What nonsense are you talking about? Daniel is married to Emma." His hands went to his chest as he tried to stabilise his breath.

I quickly poured a cup of water and handed it to him. After he calmed down, he faced Daniel.

"Daniel, you better explain what your mother is saying."

"Dad, calm down," Daniel said flatly. "Emma and I are getting divorced.

"What? What... You can't.."

Mr. Brooks started coughing violently, clutching his chest. I rushed to his side immediately, trying to calm him. Daniel tried to approach, but his father slapped his hand away.

"Don't touch me you ungrateful child."

"Dad calm down." I patted his back gently. "Let's get you to your room."

"I've already called the doctor," Susan said, looping her hands around one of his shoulders. "Let's take him up."

We managed to get him to his bedroom. The doctor arrived quickly and gave him a sedative. I sat beside his bed, watching his troubled face even in sleep. A deep sadness settled over me. Once the divorce is finalized, I would lose this kind man too.

After the doctor left, Susan motioned for me to follow her. I walked through the wide corridor to the balcony overlooking the flower garden. I closed my eyes and took in the fresh air.

"When are you finally going to leave us alone?" Susan coldly interrupted the moment.

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. Haven't the Brooks done enough for you?"

My fist curled tightly, I stayed silent, already knowing what was coming.

"My husband was kind enough to adopt you after your parents died in an accident. We took you in and gave you everything. I mean everything, and how do you repay us?" Her voice vibrated as she talked.

"You latched onto to my son and took his happiness away."

"I didn't." My voice broke as tears welled up in my eyes. I really didn't.

"Yes you did. Look over there," she pointed behind me.

Daniel and Rachael were strolling together around the pool. They looked like couples that are so in love with each other. Daniel’s deep laughter echoed in the night — a sound I rarely hear anymore.

"Look at him," Susan hissed. "When was the last time you saw him smile like that?"

The tears finally fell. Had I really been a burden all these years?

If it weren’t for you, they would have been married long ago. They might even have children by now."

I wiped my tears, my voice shaking. "I wasn’t the reason they separated. They broke up before we got married."

"Oh please, they broke up because you insisted on marrying him and my husband supported you."

"No I didn't, it was Rachael.."

"Let him go, Emma," she said, almost pleading. "Let my son be happy."

She turned around and walked away, leaving me alone with the cool night air and the sound of Daniel and Rachael's distant laughter. I watched both of them for a long time. They looked perfect together.

"Well," I whispered to myself, "I’m not holding him back anymore."