Too Far for Longing

Chapter 8 Demonstration

　　"Hey, dummy, don't cry."

　　Benjamin leaned down and wrapped Emily into a gentle hug, softly saying, "Let's just go back."

　　Hearing that, Emily completely broke down in his arms, sobbing like she'd finally reached her limit. It was as if years of pain were finally pouring out.

　　This was the path she chose, and whatever bitterness it held, she could only swallow it down.

　　These past three years—no home, no love, no real friends—she really thought love could patch up the mess of a marriage full of anger and violence.

　　But honestly, it was all just... too much.

　　The pain, the despair William brought her... It had long passed what she could take.

　　She didn't just ruin herself—she lost their child too.

　　"Ben, did I mess everything up? If I'd just listened to you back then... maybe none of this would've happened."

　　Benjamin's heart ached. But more than that—it was regret, deep and punishing.

　　Back when she ignored his warnings and married William, he was crushed. So much that he left the country to escape it all.

　　Then today, when he found her barely alive in that run-down factory, he just wanted to take her pain. Hell, he wanted to die for her.

　　"Ben... why didn't he believe me?" Emily's fingers clutched his arm tight.

　　"Why did he leave me there like trash? He didn't even try to save our baby!"

　　Emily's voice cracked as she yelled, tears streaming down her face. A second later, she yanked out the IV needle in a frenzy. "I'm going to him! I wanna ask how he could be so heartless!"

　　"Emily! Stop! Calm down—"

　　Benjamin jumped forward, wrapping her tightly in his arms.

　　"Let me go, Ben! I need to see him!" she struggled, squirming in his grip.

　　Without another word, Benjamin slammed the nurse call button. The doctor soon came in and gave her a sedative.

　　"Emily... just rest. Sleep, okay? You've been through enough. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here."

　　————

　　One week later.

　　Emily had finally come to terms, more or less, with losing the baby.

　　Only after losing it did she truly realize—love couldn't fix everything.

　　Turning her head slightly, she looked at Benjamin, who was peeling an apple with intense focus.

　　"You've been working on that apple for like half an hour. You trying to cook it or what?" she joked.

　　He paused, chuckled, and handed her the freshly sliced piece. "Has William come to see you yet?"

　　Emily's smile faded. "Nope."

　　"I'm going to go talk to him again," Benjamin said firmly, dropping the knife onto the tray.

　　"Forget it," she shook her head, her voice flat. "Him not showing up? Honestly, kind of a relief. I don't even want to see his face."

　　Benjamin could easily pick up on the disappointment hiding beneath her "I'm fine" tone.

　　Emily let out a couple coughs, trying to clear her throat. "Cough, cough…"

　　"Emily, love's like food—you can't force it down. Take your time. Healing doesn't happen overnight."

　　She blinked, clearly thrown off by the metaphor. Then she mumbled, "Yeah... got it."

　　She stayed in the hospital for another few days. Then it was time to pack up and head home.

　　Just as she was about to leave, the door flung open.

　　"So I heard you lost the kid?" Luna stood there with her usual smug smile, her tone full of spite.

　　The moment she saw Luna, Emily's entire expression changed. Her eyes turned glassy with rage as she shouted, "Luna! Someday I swear, I'm gonna end you!"

　　"Really? You?" Luna sneered.

　　"You think you can fight me? Christopher? William? They're both backing me! And who have you got?"

　　Emily clenched her jaw, her voice low and sharp. "I don't need them. But what you owe me—I'll take it all back."

　　"Oh yeah?" Luna's eyes narrowed viciously. She pulled a few papers out of her bag and tossed them in Emily's face.

　　"Then sign the divorce papers already."