Chapter 21

On the day Emma won her award, the first snow began to fall outside the window.She stood quietly before the glass, watching the snowflakes drift down. Suddenly, Zachary appeared behind her without a sound. He draped a cashmere coat over her shoulders."I reserved a table at the revolving restaurant. We're having a celebration tonight."When they arrived at the restaurant, the waiter led them to a private dining room with panoramic windows on three sides, where the glittering nightscape of the city stretched beneath them. In the center, the table was laid with a crimson velvet cloth, adorned with crystal candelabras and fresh roses.Zachary raised his glass, clinking hers lightly. Then, as if conjured from nowhere, he set before her a bundle of letters tied with a faded red string."It's a surprise I prepared for you. Open it."Emma loosened the knot. The fountain pen strokes on the envelopes were blurred with age, but the small "Mae" in the corner made her breath hitch."Th

Chapter 22

After Emma and Zachary confirmed their relationship, life remained outwardly calm and steady.But deep in her heart, she carried a secret she could not share.Back then, when Wesley had caused her miscarriage, the doctor said the hemorrhage had severely damaged her uterus. It would be extremely difficult for her to conceive again.Though Zachary had told her repeatedly that he didn't care whether they had children, Emma knew better. As the sole heir of the Hamilton Group, even if he was fine with it, the Hamilton family would not be.That knowledge sat in her heart like a thorn, constantly pricking at her.One day, she went to the hospital for another checkup.The doctor glanced at her report and shook his head helplessly. "At present, there isn't any effective treatment. I suggest you don't obsess over this."Clutching the report, Emma walked out of the consultation room. The paper in her hand was light as a feather, yet it felt heavier than lead.Just then, she thought she he

Chapter 23

Half a year later, Zachary held a grand wedding for Emma.The most luxurious manor in Plefvine was blanketed in white roses, with sunlight flowing across the champagne tower like liquid gold.In the dressing room, Emma stood before the floor-length mirror. The reflection of herself in a pristine white gown felt like something from another lifetime.Half a year ago, after her medical exam, she had sat in the hospital corridor for a full hour.During that hour, countless thoughts had run through her mind.For instance, she thought about how the Hamilton family needed an heir, but she couldn't give them one. She also wondered if her relationship with Zachary wasn't deep enough yet. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to cut ties while she still could.It wasn't until her phone rang that she snapped out of it. It was a call from Zachary."Where are you now?" His steady voice came through the receiver."I… I'm out shopping."He didn't seem to notice anything unusual. His tone was casual. "

Chapter 24

Time flew by in the blink of an eye.Another Vernal Celebration arrived. As usual, Emma went to the church on the outskirts of the city to pray for blessings on behalf of the children at the orphanage.The mountain air in early spring still carried a lingering chill. Wrapping her cashmere shawl more tightly around herself, Emma knelt on a prayer mat and bowed devoutly.Thin smoke rose from the incense burner, filling the main hall. The faint fragrance of the incense soothed her heart.Afterward, she walked to the ancient, towering tree on the church grounds and tied a ribbon to its branches.Suddenly, her gaze fell upon a gray-robed abbot sweeping fallen leaves nearby. The sight of that familiar figure made her breath catch.It was Wesley.The once arrogant, untouchable scion of the Coleman family was now gaunt, his cheekbones sharply defined. The pride and malice in his eyes were gone. In their place was a kind of almost transparent calm."That's Reverend Silas," a young pries

All Chapters of The Storm Begins with a Whisper: Chapter 21 - Chapter 24

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24