The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 33: Day 11

Cadence's POV:

I woke up feeling optimistic and ready to finally tell Emory the real reason why I left three years ago. I had no idea how she would react, but I knew it was time to come clean and end the secrets. I sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and stretching my stiff muscles. As I got dressed, I rehearsed the words I was going to say to Emory over and over in my head, trying to be sure I didn't miss any important details.

I walked through Emory's bedroom door to check if she's still there as it's too quiet downstairs but she wasn't. The only clue she even slept here last night was the crumpled sheets.

I went downstairs and checked the living room before going into the kitchen. No sign of Emory, meaning that she had already gone to work. My heart sank a little, but I told myself that it didn't matter. I could tell her when she gets home.

Feeling a little disheartened, I went about my day as usual. I went grocery shopping and made sure to pick up all of Emory's favorite snacks. I even took Keiwy to the vet for a check-up.

When I got back home, I started cooking dinner for Emory, hoping that she would come home soon. As I cooked, I practiced how I would tell her the truth. I went over the words in my head a million times, trying to make sure I got it right.

I spent the whole afternoon cooking dinner for her, trying out a new recipe that I hoped she would like. As the aroma of the simmering spices filled the house, I busied myself with cleaning up the kitchen, determined to make it perfect for when Emory got home.

But when she did get home, she was exhausted and barely glanced at me as she headed straight for the couch. I tried to start the conversation, but she cut me off, saying that she had a really rough day at work and just wanted to rest first.

"Hey," I said, trying to sound cheerful. "How was your day?"

Emory let out a heavy sigh and slumped into the couch. "It was terrible," she said, running a hand through her hair. "The board members were all a pain in the ass today" She flopped down and closed her eyes, looking exhausted.

I hesitated for a moment, but then decided that I couldn't put it off any longer. "Emory, there's something I need to tell you," I said, my voice a little shaky.

Emory opened her eyes and looked at me with concern. "Is everything okay?" she asked.

I took a deep breath and tried to steady my nerves. "The 5ing I wanted to tell you yesterday, remember?"

She seemed to deflate again, looking tired and drained. "Oh that. It's not important is it? could it wait?" she asked. "I'm really exhausted right now and I just want to rest for a bit."

I felt a pang of disappointment, but I knew that Emory's well-being was more important than my own need to confess. "Of course it can wait," I said, trying to sound understanding. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here when you're ready."

Once again, my plans to tell her the truth were thwarted. This was the third time it had happened, and my patience was starting to wear thin. It felt like fate was trying to prevent me from telling her, and it made me wonder if I was making the right decision. But I knew in my heart that I had to tell her. But I can't force her to listen especially when she's this tired. So I kept quiet and stayed seated at the kitchen counter.

"Can you come here?" She asks, her voice smaller than usual. I looked at her only to see her ears reddening rapidly.

"Why?" I asked curiously.

Emory looked shyly at me and shrugged. "I don't know," she said softly. "I just want you to sit beside me."

I couldn't help but smile at her adorableness. "Okay," I said, getting up from where I was sitting and moving over to the couch. I sat down next to Emory, feeling her warmth beside me.