The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

"Divorce it is!" Michael's eyes flared up instantly. "Divorce, huh? What's the big deal? Emily, you've brought this up a thousand times. I'm not one to throw away my pride, but you're really pushing it."

He swallowed his anger, pulled Emily to sit down, and then turned to the clerk, speaking calmly, "Can you process this as quickly as possible? Thanks."

The clerk, sensing the tension, realized this couple was at their breaking point. If they didn't finalize the divorce soon, things could get ugly. She quickly gathered their

documents and started the process.

"Please sign here. Please confirm.

"You are voluntarily divorcing and have decided to end your marriage and relationship, right?"

Michael looked up, his face full of resentment at the clerk's additional question. Startled by his expression, the clerk quickly added, "I... I'm just following protocol."

Is this divorce really voluntary?

Michael began to question himself. But seeing how determined and eager Emily was to leave, he had nothing more to say. He nodded, allowing the official stamp to be pressed onto their fresh Divorce Certificates.

"Alright, here are your Divorce Certificates. From now on, you are no longer married."

Hearing this, both of their hearts sank.

Emily's heart ached too. When she first got their Marriage Certificate with Michael, she was so happy. She had dreamed of a wonderful life together and looked forward to having children with him. But now, before they even had a child, they were parting ways.

Is this really what she wanted?

Holding back her sadness, Emily took her Divorce Certificate and stood up to leave. Unexpectedly, Michael's voice came from behind. "Let me give you a ride."

Though he knew Emily would likely refuse, Michael couldn't help but ask. He still couldn't believe their relationship was truly over. From now on, he wouldn't even be able to ask about her whereabouts.

"No need, Abigail is picking me up."

As expected, Emily refused. She quickly walked out of the courthouse without looking back, as if she had no attachment to their past.

The clerk took a sip of water and prepared to assist the next couple seeking a divorce. Seeing Michael standing still, she could guess what he was thinking based on her experience.

After a while, she spoke up. "If you can't let her go, you should have fought to keep her."

The next second, Michael dashed out the door.

"Emily!" Abigail had been waiting anxiously outside the courthouse. She had anticipated that Emily and Michael might divorce, but she didn't expect it to happen so soon. After all, they had a child on the way. How could Michael agree to this?

Worried about Emily, Abigail had come to pick her up. Seeing Emily walk out unharmed, with a hint of relief on her face, Abigail guessed that the divorce had gone through.

Though she felt sorry for Emily and the unborn child, the divorce meant they could both move on to better things without Michael's constant troubles.

"You finally came out. I was worried you wouldn't make it!" Abigail rushed over, putting her arm around Emily and carefully protecting her belly. "Michael didn't give you a hard time, did he?"

He really didn't. Emily shook her head. She couldn't describe her feelings. Though she felt relieved, Michael's presence still lingered in her mind. The freedom she had expected was now just a heavier sadness.

"Emily!" Michael's shout came from behind.

Abigail's face changed, and she shielded Emily. Emily wanted to get into Abigail's car to avoid Michael, but then she saw someone getting out of the car.

It was Daniel.

He hurried over to Emily, standing protectively in front of her like Abigail, facing Michael.

If it had just been Abigail, it wouldn't have been a big deal. A friend supporting a friend through a divorce was understandable. But Daniel's presence was another

matter.

Michael had wanted to try to win Emily back, but seeing Daniel ignited a new wave of anger. He knew all too well what Daniel felt for Emily.

"What are you doing here? Chasing after Emily? Can't wait, can you?" Michael snapped.

Before Daniel could respond, Abigail retorted, "Michael, what are you talking about? Daniel and I ran into each other on the way here. He's here as a friend to support Emily, just like me! How can you twist everything into something so dirty?"

She had thought the divorce was a loss for both Emily and Michael. Now that they had parted peacefully, they should both be in pain. Knowing both of them, she had intended to offer support to both sides. But Michael's rude attitude left her no choice.noveldrama

Abigail didn't know the full history between Emily, Daniel, and Michael, but she knew one thing: she no longer worked at Smith Corporation and didn't have to tiptoe around Michael as her boss. Her main job now was to protect Emily and the baby and fight for their rights.

"Is that so?" Michael didn't have the energy to argue with Abigail. He knew exactly what Daniel was thinking. "Daniel, even if you have feelings for Emily, remember our current situation. Yes, we're divorced, and we're no longer a couple, but nothing changes the fact that she's the mother of my child, and I'm the father."

Daniel could see the anger in Michael's eyes. He was furious. But Daniel didn't know how to explain that while he did have feelings for Emily, he wasn't in a rush. He just wanted to be there for her.

"Michael, have you said enough?" Emily couldn't hold back any longer. She pushed past Abigail and Daniel, facing Michael with a fierce look.