| Body |
Chapter 1
"I think we won't be a good match," Emma Walker looked at the stern-faced man in front of her, feeling quite nervous. She never expected that an elite executive, clearly someone from the upper echelons, would participate in a blind date.
Emma did not want to embarrass herself, so she decided to gracefully exit the situation. She was aware of the challenges her circumstances posed in the dating market—being twenty-six with a four-year-old child.
Even if someone wanted to marry her, it would likely be someone with an average background, looking for a partner to share the burdens of life. Not someone like Landon Stirling—the sophisticated businessman was not someone who would be interested in her.
She wanted to get married, but she was not unrealistic. She had self-awareness.
Landon carefully observed Emma. He was quite satisfied with his prospective date, not because of her attractive appearance but because of her clear self-awareness.
What he needed was a marriage. It did not matter who the marriage partner was. However, having someone who understood boundaries was preferable to avoid troublesome complications.
"Miss Emma, I believe our mutual acquaintance has briefed you on both our situations," Landon was accustomed to taking control. He immediately set the tone.
Emma could not help but focus intently.
"You have a four-year-old and are looking for someone with a house to settle down. I happen to be in need of a marriage," Landon stated matter-of-factly.
"I know," Emma nodded. "However, Mr. Landon, finding a marriage partner shouldn't be a challenge for someone of your status."
Just based on his appearance, many young women would be overjoyed to be with him.
"I only need a year of marriage. After that, we can agree to a divorce," Landon straightforwardly proposed.
"A temporary marriage?" Emma frowned. "I'm afraid I can't agree to that."
"As you know, Mr. Landon, I have a young child. I don't want to expose him to the kind of married-then-divorced life. It wouldn't be good for him."
She wanted someone of similar background to provide her child with a stable home. She believed that love could be nurtured after marriage, as long as the person had a decent character.
Clearly, Landon did not meet her requirements.
"One year later, the house under my name can be transferred to yours," Landon, being a savvy businessman, knew how to pinpoint his opponent's weak points during a negotiation. He presented her with a reason she could not refuse.
Landon further pressed on, throwing another reason at her that she could not easily reject, "If you seek other blind date prospects, can you guarantee you wouldn't end up divorced?'"
"Marry me, and you'll have a house in a year's time. Even if you choose not to remarry, it won't affect your child's education," he added.
"I know that you're a hardworking person, Miss Emma. You can definitely support yourself and your child through your efforts. But buying a house might be a bit challenging," Landon said sincerely.
Emma knew that his last words were considerate. Buying a house was a difficult task for someone in her social class.
Faced with reality, she made a decision without hesitation.
"Should we sign an agreement first, Mr. Landon?" Emma asked.
A satisfied smirk was on Landon's lips as he pulled out two pre-prepared agreements and a pen from his briefcase.
"Feel free to review the terms."
Emma scrutinized the man opposite her, realizing that even the agreement had been prepared in advance.
It seemed Landon had never considered the possibility of the negotiations failing.
Fortunately, it was only a contractual marriage. Otherwise, she would never want to be associated with such a person.
Someone like Landon who was manipulative and full of schemes was worlds apart from Emma.
Chapter 2
Emma carefully read through the agreement, ensuring there were no traps.
The document stated the location and door number of the house Landon would gift her. That provided her with the assurance she needed before signing.
Landon signed the agreement, pushed Emma's copy toward her, and neatly stored his own. "If everything is in order, we can head to the civil registry."
Emma folded the agreement and placed it carefully into her bag. She replied, "I need to go home and get my documents."
She had not anticipated getting a marriage registration right after a blind date, so she did not have the necessary documents.
Landon stood up. "I'll drive you there."
"No, it's okay." Emma declined, considering her situation at home. "Let's meet at the entrance of the civil registry later."
"Sure," Landon agreed. He only sought a marriage and had no interest in prying into Emma's private matters.
After leaving the cafe, Emma watched as Landon got into his car. She then turned and took the bus back to her parents' home.
Five years had passed since she moved out, and she hadn't returned during that time. To her surprise, the locks on the door had been changed.
She put away the key that could not open the reinforced door, took a deep breath, and rang the doorbell.
As the anti-theft door opened, a familiar face appeared, followed by words that turned the moment into a nightmare for Emma. "Oh, who do we have here? The superwoman who gifted me a grandson is back," said Barbara Walker.
"Come in. Let me take a good look at my daughter who has made me proud!"
Emma felt more convinced than ever that agreeing to the marriage with Landon was the right decision upon hearing her mother's sarcastic words.
"Mom, I'm here to get my documents," Emma, used to her mother's insults, skipped the pleasantries. She just wanted to get her documents and leave as quickly as possible.
Barbara's attempts at mockery were silenced when she heard Emma's purpose. "What do you need your documents for?"
"I'm getting married," Emma said, feeling a sense of relief as she uttered those words. Finally, she could escape from this hellhole.
Completely unprepared for this news, Barbara exploded, "You're getting married? Who are you marrying?
"Which idiot would marry a single mother? Don't forget, five years ago, you slept with someone and ended up with an illegitimate child! Have you even explained that to him?
“You brought shame to us back then. Don't embarrass me and your father again by getting married and ending up a divorcee later. We will not be disgraced again!"
Barbara's words fired relentlessly, each one stabbing into Emma's heart. Even after five years, Emma found herself in pain. She realized she was not as strong as she thought.
"Mom, I was set up!" Emma finally spoke. "I'm the victim here!"
"What are you yelling for? Do you think that's something to be proud of?" Barbara's face twisted into an ugly expression. It was like a devil possessed her. "If you hadn't gone out to socialize, would this have happened?
“Why don't other people get set up? Why is it always you?" Her mother's insults grew more hurtful, "How disgraceful! Your father and I have long lost face because of you."
Taking a deep breath, Emma endured the heartbreak and held back her tears. "Good. I'm getting married so I'll never come back. You won't have to endure any more embarrassment because of me."
"Do you think you're so smart? How dare you talk back to me?" Barbara pointed angrily at Emma. "If it weren't for your good, why would I bother criticizing you? Why don't I just do that to some stranger on the street?"
How infuriating!
Could she not tell? Barbara was only telling Emma off for her own good.
Chapter 3
Emma gave up communicating with Barbara because communication was futile. "Fine, Mom, if you don't give me the household registration documents, I'll come back with Asher. I'll live off you, and everyone will know you have a shameless daughter and a grandson out of wedlock."
"You..." Barbara was infuriated, trembling with rage. Through gritted teeth, she spoke, "You truly are a good daughter. I must have owed you in my past life, and now I'm repaying that debt!"
While berating Emma, she went inside to fetch the household registration documents. "Back when you registered Asher, you admitted you were wrong,” Barbara said. "Now that you don't need us, you turn your back on family.
“You're quite something!" Barbara said as she forcefully slammed the household registration documents on Emma. "There you go again! Just because we're your parents and treat you well, you act recklessly!"
Emma crouched down to pick up the household registration documents that had fallen on the ground, trembling with anger. "Treat me well? Have you treated me well?
“When I wanted to report my troubles to the police, you said it would be shameful. And you even threatened me with death to stop me from reporting it to the police!
“I compromised," Emma said.
"When I was expecting and had to give birth to a child, I wanted Asher to be registered in our family. You disagreed. No matter how I pleaded, you stubbornly refused to agree to register Asher, making my life unbearable." Emma was now both aggrieved and angry. "Did you know that I almost died?" she choked.
"I was standing in the river, and Asher kept clutching at my clothes."
She had looked at Asher's small face and, in the end, could not go through with it.
If she had not come back from the river at the last moment, she would have been dead for four years!
"Are you dead? Are you dead?" Barbara angrily waved her hand. "Just die already! Coming back all wet, pretending to be pitiful, threatening us. Giving birth to a thing like you is our misfortune!
"You’ve got some nerve. Back then, you shouldn't have admitted your mistake! Die already!" Barbara had long seen through her. Emma was relying on their soft-heartedness as parents.
"Using death to scare us, you're really something!"
Emma laughed despite her anger. "That's right, I didn't die. For my child, I can admit my mistake to you. It's all my fault! My biggest mistake was being born to you!"
Barbara reached out to slap Emma.
Emma stepped back, holding the household registration documents, and opened the anti-theft door. "Come on, curse me. Let the neighbors hear and see if you're ashamed!"
The proud Barbara immediately shut her mouth, glaring at Emma with fury in her eyes.
Emma shook the household registration documents in her hand, "Rest assured, once this is done, you won't have to see your troublesome daughter again!"
With that, she turned and left.
Home was supposed to be where the heart was, but from when she was a child, all she felt was endless blame and humiliation. No matter what she did, it was always wrong.
She tried her best to please her parents and to be the child they had hoped for, but she realized that no matter what she did, they were never satisfied. When her heart had been wounded deeply, she gave up completely. She stopped trying to warm her parent’s cold heart and renounced the affection she could not receive.
She believed she could have a good life with her child. Emma sat on the bus, staring blankly out the window, tears streaming down her face. She knew people on the bus were watching her, but she could not control her tears.
It was not until the bus reached the station that she got off, looking at the nearby civil registry. Only then did she wipe away her tears. She sniffled and then walked briskly towards the building.
Chapter 4
"Mr. Landon, I apologize for keeping you waiting," Emma began, her voice hoarse from crying.
Fortunately, Landon only gave her a look without saying anything. Emma appreciated his lack of questions. She could at least still preserve her dignity.
The two entered the civil registry building to register, and the staff eyed her hesitantly. "Miss, are you sure you've considered this thoroughly?"
Emma knew her swollen eyes caused the misunderstanding and shyly smiled, "I was just too excited."
The staff chuckled knowingly. "That’s understandable."
Landon glanced at her, satisfied with her ability to navigate awkward situations. His investigation was right. Emma was intelligent, adept at defusing awkwardness, with high emotional intelligence. He needed someone who understood such nuances.
The marriage certificate was quickly processed. Landon entrusted everything to Emma and then drove her to update her household registration documents.
Emma held the new household registration documents tightly. She felt her heart pound with excitement. Finally, her child could go to kindergarten without returning to the hellhole, enduring humiliation and blame as she had earlier.
"Thank you, Mr. Landon," Emma sincerely told him.
She had never expected fate to favor her so much, bringing Landon to her when she was at her most desperate.
Landon looked at her with a smile and extended his hand, "Mrs. Stirling, it’s a pleasure to partner with you."
She was a woman who was happier about obtaining a new household registration documents than receiving a marriage certificate. Her whole focus was on her child. He knew he had chosen the right partner for this collaboration. The information he investigated was accurate. Emma was currently the most suitable person.
He did not believe in marriage and had no intention of getting married properly. For the remainder of this brief marriage in his life, having a comfortable partner was necessary.
"A pleasure, eh!" Emma shook Landon's broad and powerful hand with excitement, moving it up and down vigorously.
Her straightforward joy made Landon feel pleased. After years of cutthroat competition in the business world, where deceit was common, even his uncle could harm his parents for the sake of money. He had not seen someone so easily satisfied and genuinely pure for a long time.
"Let's go check out the house," Landon started the car.
Emma eagerly responded, "Sure!"
Upon arriving, just as they stepped out of the elevator, Landon's phone rang. He opened the door and then signaled Emma to enter. "I need to take this call."
After Emma went inside, Landon closed the door and answered the phone. Immediately, a furious roar burst out from the phone speakers. "Landon, on what grounds did you drive my dad out of the company? He's a part of the Stirling family and your uncle! You better watch your back. I'll tell Grandpa! Don't forget, Grandpa is still in charge of Stirling Group. You have no authority to treat my dad this way!"
Landon sneered, "I do! As of half an hour ago, the company is under my control."
"That's impossible!" The person on the other end sounded doubtful. "Grandpa said you could inherit the company only after getting married. You don't even have a woman. How is it possible?"
"Dear cousin, unfortunately, I'm married now," Landon casually dropped the news, leaving the person on the other end of the line breathless.
Not finding this shocking enough, Landon added another ‘surprise’. "I've had a woman before. That was five years ago; you arranged it personally, don't you remember?"
Chapter 5
The call was terminated by the caller, but everything had unfolded as Landon expected. He scoffed, put away his phone, unlocked the door with his fingerprint, and entered the room.
"Why aren't you coming in?" Landon looked at Emma, who stood dazed at the entrance, with a puzzled expression. He smiled. "No need to be so formal. This will be your home from now on. In a year, this house will be yours. You might as well get familiar with it."
Compared to his troublesome uncle's family, Landon found it particularly easy to interact with Emma. She was a simple person. Emma stiffly turned her head. "Mr. Landon, is this the house you're giving me?"
Landon nodded and walked in. "Don't you like it? I think the location of this house is excellent. Convenient transportation downstairs, and there are also reputable elementary and middle schools nearby. It will be convenient for you to pick up and drop off Asher in the future."
Emma swallowed awkwardly, "Mr. Landon, may I ask, what is the size of this house you're giving me?"
Landon frowned and thought for a moment, "I’ve not checked the specifics, probably around six hundred square meters. The property deed is inside. I'll show it to you."
"No, no, it's not..." Emma hurriedly stopped Landon. "Mr. Landon, the house you mentioned giving me, is it this one?"
Landon nodded, his expression calm.
Emma hesitated. "Is this how wealthy people behave? This house must be worth millions."
Emma began to tremble.
"When I bought it initially, it was less than thirty million with the roughcasting."
Emma's knees went weak, almost giving out beneath her. A house in shell condition for less than thirty million, and with a renovation of a few million for six hundred square meters? A house nearing forty million?
Emma felt her vision darken. "Mr. Landon, you don't need to be so generous... Just a small apartment of forty to fifty square meters would be fine."
She liked big houses, and she liked money, but she was also self-aware. Being greedy would lead to no good end. She just wanted to live a peaceful life with her son.
Landon chuckled. For the first time, he realized that some people could face such substantial benefits without being moved.
To say not being moved was not entirely accurate. Landon looked at Emma, full of fear, and suddenly felt quite pleased. Even the negative emotions brought by his Michael's call were swept away.
"I did say I would give you a house, and I am a man of my word. Besides, the agreement is signed, and it clearly states the house number," he said.
Landon's words drove Emma crazy. "You only wrote the name of the neighborhood and the house number. How am I supposed to know what kind of house it is? Besides, a year of marriage, this reward is too generous, and I can't accept it." She feared facing divine retribution for accepting such a largesse gift.
Landon confidently told her, "Compared to the benefits brought by this one-year contractual marriage, this house is a mere fraction of it."
Emma was shocked. Her only thought was, ‘Who exactly was this person she married? Tens of millions, and it's still just a fraction?’
"The suite is mine, and the rest of the house is for you and your son to live freely," Landon explained. "A housekeeping service will clean the house, and if you need anything for daily life, let her handle it.
Every month, I will transfer ten thousand for your living expenses. You don't need to take care of other household expenses. I will be staying here, but I won't disturb your life with your son."
When Landon felt that he had covered all the bases, he paused. "Any other questions?"
Emma shook her head quickly. Landon had arranged everything so well. What other questions could she have?
Chapter 6
Any more questions, and she would shame herself.
Landon chuckled. "Don't you want to ask how I know about your account?"
Emma was not surprised. "With your financial power, finding out anything is not difficult." Though she lacked wealth, she understood the power of capital. Landon belonged to the elite few who could effortlessly control people, making ants like her insignificant in his presence. For the next year, she just had to play her part dutifully.
Emma's tact pleased Landon. "When necessary, I might take you to some events, but not many, rest assured. However, If there are such occasions, you'll need to play the role of..."
Before Landon could finish, Emma supplied him with, "The wife who is deeply in love with you?"
She had to show that she had some usefulness. Otherwise, she would need to be more competent for the compensation she received this year. Landon smiled in satisfaction. "I enjoy dealing with intelligent people."
Emma secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Was he satisfied with her performance?
"Please program your fingerprint. I'll head to the company now," Landon said, walking to the door. "Access cards and such are in the drawer at the entrance."
"Sure." Emma hurriedly followed him to the door. "Excuse me, do you have a parking space?"
"You can park where I parked today, and all three parking spaces are mine," Landon said, pressing the elevator button.
"Take care," Emma politely replied.
Landon chuckled. "No need to be so formal. We're a couple. Being that polite seems artificial."
Emma nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."
With such generous compensation, she could not afford to disappoint Landon.
"In the next couple of days, tidy up. Once it's done, I'll help you move your things," Landon said as the elevator arrived.
"No need for that. I can handle it myself," Emma hastily declined.
Landon was a tycoon with millions changing hands every minute. She could not waste his precious time.
"I'm your husband," Landon asserted, not allowing any refusal, and stepped into the elevator.
Emma blinked, feeling stunned by this unfamiliar show of care. “Oh,” was all she managed to say.
Landon waited for her response, then pressed a button to close the elevator when she said nothing else.
As the elevator descended, Emma knocked herself on the head. She had been impolite just now. Landon had kindly offered to help her move, and she responded with just an "Oh."
It was not entirely her fault. After struggling for so many years, it was the first time she felt cared for by a ‘family’ member. It was a strange feeling.
Emma took a deep breath, turned, and studied the house, carefully examining every corner of each room. She ignored Landon's suite and explored the other rooms. There was another suite next to it with two bedrooms, a small hall, and two bathrooms – perfect for her and her son without disturbing Landon.
As for the living room, dining area, and kitchen...
Emma looked at the nearly one hundred square meters of the living room and was stunned at its extravagance. The good days for her and her son had finally arrived. As long as she passed this year without causing trouble for Landon, she would prosper! No more worries about life, and she could fully focus on raising her son.
Excited, Emma excitedly clenched her fist and then vigorously pumped it into the air. After letting out her emotions, she briskly circled the house, already thinking about decorations.
Landon generously provided so much, and she would strive to make this house look like a home. However, before that, she had an important thing to do – return the household registry.
Chapter 7
Emma took the access card, rode the elevator down, and handed her household registry to a courier waiting by the roadside. Feeling relaxed, Emma then took a bus back to her rental house.
"Mommy!"
As soon as Emma opened the door, she was embraced by a soft and cute little bundle. The tender little face rubbed against her legs like a little kitten. It melted Emma's heart.
"Ash!" Emma crouched down and planted a kiss on Asher's milky-smooth cheek. "Missed mommy?"
"Miss you," Asher echoed with round, gleaming eyes. He giggled at his little joke.
"I miss my little Ash too." Emma carried the little one into the house. "Let me tell you, we're moving to a new place."
The squishy little fellow nestled in her arms blinked his big watery eyes and attentively listened to her talk about their new house.
Emma told Asher that they were going to move to a new place and start a new life in words that the little boy could understand.
After mother and son reached a consensus, Emma began to pack things, and Asher became very busy delivering things to his mother.
As mother and son were busy packing, Landon had already arrived at the company to handle its affairs. When Landon handed over the signed documents to Calvin Johnson, he curiously inquired, "Did Mr. Stirling Sr. finally delegate his authority?"
Landon had been managing the Stirling Group all along, but his grandfather clung to his power. Stirling Group was always in chaos due to the meddling of members from Anthony’s family.
Today was a delightful day, as the troublesome Anthony of the Stirling family had been promptly expelled from the company.
"What happened?" Calvin’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Didn't your grandfather say you would inherit the company only after you get married? Or perhaps, your grandfather couldn't tolerate his troublemaking son any longer?"
Landon calmly responded, "I just got my marriage certificate."
"Oh, so you just got... What did you get?" Calvin stumbled on his words as he stared at Landon as if he had seen a ghost.
Landon casually remarked, "Marriage certificate."
"You..you…what?" Calvin stuttered. "How could you get married? Did you fall in love? Who’s charming enough to tame a guy like you?" Calvin was immensely curious, wondering which fairy-like woman could capture Landon, the enigmatic man.
Landon appeared mild on the surface, but in reality, he was extremely indifferent. Since the untimely death of his parents, Landon had obsessively closed off his inner self, almost becoming a madman.
Calvin and Landon were childhood friends so the former had witnessed firsthand how Landon gradually transformed into the person he was now. Although Landon maintained an appearance of refinement and sophistication, he seemed to have lost the recklessness of his youth.
In truth, the cold-blooded madness within him was known only to those familiar with him. Otherwise, Landon's grandfather, Mr. Leopold Stirling, would not have used the right to inheritance to control him. Mr. Stirling had also hoped for his grandson's return to normalcy.
Landon tilted his head curiously, expressing his confusion, "What does getting married have to do with falling in love?"
"You're casually choosing someone to live with. Isn't that ruining your entire life?" Calvin replied.
Landon chuckled. "Calvin, you're almost thirty and yet still so naive. I envy you."
Calvin felt humiliated.
"In a year, the company will be completely under my control. Grandfather won't be able to take it back. When that time comes, I'll get a divorce. Why entangle my whole life?" Landon spoke nonchalantly as if discussing the weather.
Chapter 8
Landon’s tone completely unsettled Calvin. "Are you in a fake marriage?"
"It's just a contractual marriage. We each get what we need, fair and reasonable," Landon said matter-of-factly.
Calvin was infuriated. "Your grandfather waited for you to get married not for the sake of your marriage..."
Calvin's words trailed off midway. He could not continue. Anyone looking at Landon's smile devoid of amusement would not be able to say much either. For Landon, marriage was nothing more than a transaction. In Landon's current world, there was no such thing as ‘feelings’.
"The person you've chosen to marry must be outstanding, right?" Calvin probed, half amused. "Maybe in a year, you'll turn this into a real relationship."
Landon chuckled, "You can hope for the sun to rise from the west."
Falling in love with Emma? He acknowledged that Emma was a practical woman, a good business partner, but... love? What was that? He would never entertain such silly emotions in his lifetime.
Emma had no idea what was happening on Landon's end. She turned around to face Asher with a smile. "Oh, Ash is so diligent! You’re folding the clothes so well! Wonderful!" Then she sat down, took a shirt, and folded it neatly.
"Look, Mommy can fold better than Ash, right? Keep up the good work, Ash. Then you can fold even better."
Little Asher’s eyes brightened. He excitedly took another piece of clothing from the side and joined the folding competition with his mommy.
Chapter 9
His chubby little hands diligently folded the clothes. It was slow, but compared to the previous one, it was much better. After folding the clothes, his big eyes were filled with hope as he looked at his mommy. His small mouth was slightly open.
"Ash is amazing! You’re getting better and better at folding. Let's continue to work hard together, okay?" Emma indulgently touched her son's fluffy little head.
When the expected praise came, Asher smiled happily. "Okay!"
Emma looked at her joyful son, a soft tenderness lingering in her eyes. She would not let Asher go through the painful childhood she had experienced. She wanted Asher to be happy and become a confident, optimistic person.
Landon was a reasonable person. He would probably not bring any negative emotions into their lives. More importantly, he was a successful person, and for the year, her son could learn a thing or two from him. That was the most valuable aspect of their collaboration.
When she first moved out, she did not have much. Over the years, most of what she had were things for Asher. However, due to financial constraints, she did not have many belongings, and it took only two days to pack everything.
On the evening of the day she finished packing, she contacted Landon to confirm that he would come over the next day to help with the move. She did not want to trouble Landon, but in the short time they had interacted, she could sense that Landon was a dominant figure and did as he wanted.
He was accustomed to being in control. When Landon spoke to her, he was gentle and polite, but in reality, he had already made all the decisions. He directly instructed her, and she followed his directions. However, she could accept all that because, despite his authoritative style, he was reasonable, understanding, and sensible.
When she mentioned going home to get her household register, he did not interfere too much. Coupled with the generous remuneration he offered, Emma felt like she hit the jackpot with this collaboration.
The next day, at the agreed-upon time, Landon drove over and happened to see Emma coming out of the building carrying a bunch of cardboard boxes and books. By her side was a little tot, taking small steps and holding two tiny paper boxes. He was walking over to an elderly man dressed in worn-out clothes.
Sitting in the car, Landon lowered the window and watched quietly.
"Grandpa, for you," the little tot said, tilting his small head and smiling.
"Oh, thank you, Ash," the old man said, reaching out to take the cardboard box. Instinctively, he wanted to pat the little boy’s head, but his aged hand hesitated and withdrew. His own hands were rough and dirty. It made him reluctant to touch the little one.
The boy raised his hand, grabbed at the old man's rough fingers, and gave it a shake. "Grandpa, I'm leaving. Goodbye."
"Okay boy, goodbye..." The old man's cloudy eyes were slightly red. He had been scavenging for many years and had watched the little one grow up. This obedient child was leaving, and he felt reluctant to part with him.
Emma smiled and said softly, "Ash, let's go upstairs."
"Okay," the little one replied softly. He waved to the old man with enthusiasm, holding his mom's hand, and bounced into the building.
Landon watched as the old man bent over to put the paper boxes, books, and various bottles into his worn-out little cart. It was evident that the old man made a living by scavenging in the neighborhood.
Amusement flashed in Landon's eyes. Despite facing difficulties herself, Emma still gave away her accumulated possessions to others. Most people would keep things to sell for a bit of pocket money. Emma, on the other hand, cared about others. ‘She is an interesting person,’ Landon thought to himself.
Landon got out of the car and went upstairs. The old staircase was narrow and dim, with rusty anti-theft doors. Every detail indicated that the people living there were from the lower strata of society. It was a completely different world from the places he usually frequented. If it were not for Emma, he would never have had the opportunity to visit such a place.
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