I Held Our Dying Sons While She Fed Steak to Her 'Best Friend' novel Chapter 4

After Lucas left, Emma tried again and again to help me collect the ashes, but I pushed her away every time. 

Once I was done, I placed them carefully into an empty lockbox.

Then, I walked into Mike and James' room and started packing up their things. 

There was nothing left in this house worth holding onto. 

As I was packing, Emma walked in. 

"Honey, are you leaving? Please don't go," she pleaded, her voice trembling. 

I glanced at her. 

"If I don't, how else will you and Lucas have the place to yourselves?" 

Emma ran up and hugged me tight, crying.

"William, I'm so sorry for everything I've done." 

"But there's nothing between me and Lucas, I swear!"

"We're just friends! You have to believe me!" 

Believe her? 

I had believed her—again and again. 

And every single time, she stomped all over that trust. 

She was willing to throw away her husband, her children… all for Lucas. 

If I had been stronger, maybe Mike and James would still be alive. 

I hated Emma. 

But I hated myself even more. 

"I still think you and Lucas are a perfect match." 

That was the truth. 

They were practically made for each other. 

Emma shook her head frantically. 

"No! William, we're the perfect match!"

"I've always loved you! And you've always loved me, haven't you?" 

"I know losing Mike and James is unbearable. I feel it too." 

"William! Let me talk to Emma! It's urgent!" Lucas' voice was panicked. 

Before I could respond, Emma snatched the phone from my hand. 

"Lucas? What happened?" 

"Emma, I got jumped! I—ahh!" Lucas groaned in pain, practically sobbing. 

Emma's face changed.

"I'm coming!" 

She ended the call and bolted for the door. 

But before leaving, she turned back to me. 

"Honey, just wait here, okay?"

"I'll be right back after I take care of Lucas." 

"This is the last time. Please, believe me!" 

And with that—she was gone.