Dying to Love You

Chapter 6 Escape Tasted Real Until He Spoke

　　Emily had been lying in bed all day, not a single person had come to see her. Her head was spinning, her body weak—she hadn't eaten in days and felt completely drained.

　　Is this it? Maybe dying wouldn't be so bad. At least she wouldn't have to apologize anymore.

　　She closed her eyes, quietly waiting for the end… until the door creaked open.

　　“Emily!”

　　That familiar voice made her eyes snap open. Alex Mitchell stood there, clearly having rushed over in a hurry.

　　Seeing him, her vision blurred with emotion. Her voice was dry and hoarse: “Alex…”

　　“I just got back,” Alex said, his brows furrowed as he looked at the dried blood crusted on her forehead. “Heard you were here, had to come right away. What happened to you? Why do you look like this?”

　　“I'm fine… really.”

　　“I brought your favorite—seafood porridge. Try a little, okay?” Alex opened the bag in his hand and pulled out the container.

　　Emily had gone two days without food. The smell alone made her stomach scream. She practically inhaled the porridge, finishing every last bite.

　　Alex couldn't hide the pain in his eyes. He remembered how radiant she used to be, like something out of a dream. Now she looked bloated, pale, like all the life had been sucked out of her.

　　And all of that… was James's doing.

　　He let out a long breath. “Emily, Grace woke up. James decided to drop everything. When you're better, let's get out of here. Go abroad. Start fresh.”

　　“Really?” A spark of light flickered in Emily's dull eyes. Escape had always sounded impossible, something she couldn't imagine doing in the past. But now, leaving was all she wanted.

　　“For real. If you come with me, I'll take care of you. Everything will be like before.” Alex gently took her hand, his tone filled with care.

　　A sudden sneer cut through the tenderness between them.

　　They turned to see James leaning casually in the doorway, arms crossed, lips curved into a mocking smile.

　　“Hey, when did you get here?” Alex asked, his face twitching into a stiff smile."When I got here doesn't matter. What matters is—why are you here? Don't you know whose woman she is now?”

　　“What are you talking about, James?” Alex froze, pulling his hand away from Emily and staring at his brother in shock.

　　“You seriously can't figure it out? Emily threw herself at me. We slept together—yeah, at her own parents' funeral. Alex, you really want my leftovers?”

　　Emily turned as pale as a sheet. Every word hit her like a slap.

　　James didn't even blink at her reaction, his voice cold, slicing through the room. “You deserve someone way better than this piece of trash. Don't waste your time.”

　　Alex's eyes flicked between the two of them, still in disbelief.

　　James's tone turned colder. “Go home. Don't bother coming back.”

　　“James…”

　　“You didn't hear me the first time?” His voice sharpened, anger simmering. “You're my brother—that's why I'm holding back. But her? That's a different story.”

　　Alex's jaw clenched. He was scared of James, sure. But he cared more about Emily. And James was clearly not in the mood for reasoning. To keep her safe, Alex rose to his feet.

　　“Emily, I'm leaving. Get some rest, okay? I'll make sure someone brings you food.”

　　Before walking out, he looked back at James, his voice softening, almost pleading. “Please, don't hurt her. She's been through enough. Just… don't.”

　　“Get out,” James hissed through gritted teeth.

　　Alex didn't say another word. He turned and walked out, not looking back.

　　James's gaze locked onto Emily, shivering in the bed. His eyes were like ice. “You've really got guts trying to seduce Alex now?”

　　“I didn't! Mr. Mitchell… I swear I didn't!” Emily's entire body trembled. “I'll apologize and leave right after. I won't bother you or Alex ever again!”

　　She used to call him and Alex like they were close. Now it was “Mr. Mitchell.” But “Alex” stayed the same.

　　James's eyes darkened. He stormed over and grabbed her arm, furious. “You want to leave? You think it's that easy?”