The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

"Sophia, happy birthday." Michael's voice was soft.

Michael called Sophia Brown by her first name again, just like he used to when they were in love, and after he forced her to get a divorce.

Emily felt the urge to pull away from Michael's arm once more.

But Michael held her tightly, not letting her move.

Emily had no idea what Michael was trying to do. She wanted to resist, her face turning cold and stern, but Michael remained indifferent, waiting for Sophia to respond.

Sophia noticed the tension between the two.

She forced a smile and turned to Michael with concern. "Michael, are you hungry? I ordered some pastries from Thaloria. You should try them. I remember you used to love Thaloria pastries, especially since you studied abroad there."

Watching Sophia gaze at Michael with such affection, Emily could only respond with a cold stare.

At that moment, she felt like a doormat, or a shield used by Michael.

When he was happy, he would take her out, or abandon her to be with Sophia.

When he was unhappy, both women were just his playthings.

Thinking about this, Emily lost her patience.

Taking advantage of Michael's distraction, she pushed his arm away.

As everyone, including Michael, stared at her in surprise, Emily couldn't hold back any longer and spoke coldly, "You guys chat. I'm going to see what makes these Thaloria pastries so special."

With that, Emily shot a cold glance at Sophia.

Michael had never seen Emily act so defiant and jealous.

He was shocked, even a bit taken aback.

Michael had never seen this side of Emily before.

Nor had he ever heard her speak so bitterly.

He watched in astonishment as Emily walked away, not realizing that Sophia had taken the opportunity to move closer to him.

"Michael, what's with Emily's attitude? It's my birthday, but she acts like she's at a rival's party!"

Sophia's closeness made Michael uncomfortable, and her veiled insults towards Emily made him feel even more disgusted. He instinctively took a step back, trying to keep his distance.

Sophia noticed Michael's reaction.

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She hesitated but, under the watchful eyes of the guests, persisted in moving closer. After all, Michael attending her birthday party was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. It was her chance to show off her close relationship with the Smith family.

So, Sophia shamelessly said to Michael, "Michael, could you make a brief opening speech for me when the party starts? You know I get nervous at these events, and it's my birthday. Could you grant me this small wish?"

Hearing this, Michael couldn't help but smile.

He now saw a clear difference between Sophia and Emily.

One was always trying to use him and the Smith Corporation's power for her gain.noveldrama

The other just wanted his love, without expecting anything in return, yet always ended up hurt.

Michael felt a pang of sadness and regret. He began to realize that Emily's actions weren't unreasonable but a silent protest against this complicated relationship. "Alright, I will," Michael suddenly said to Sophia.

Sophia was instantly overjoyed. She jumped up and affectionately rested her head on Michael's shoulder. The surrounding guests began to whisper among themselves. Emily looked at the Thaloria pastries on the table, their presentation exquisite and varied. But she had no appetite, only thinking about when this complicated triangle with Michael and Sophia would finally end.

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The more she thought about it, the more chaotic her mind became. Emily wanted to down a glass of red wine in one go.

Just then, Sophia approached. Her new high heels sparkled, adorned with several moissanite stones. No one knew she had sold three expensive handbags to afford them.

Putting on a show in front of so many people wasn't easy. She had put in a lot of effort, and now, in front of Emily, she wore a smug smile, acting as if she had won the world.

"Emily, what are you doing? Why aren't you chatting with us? Michael just agreed to go on stage with me later. He's talking business with Andrew now but will be back soon. Make yourself at home and eat and drink as much as you like."

Hearing this, Emily's heart tightened. She knew what this birthday party meant to Sophia. It was her long-awaited chance to appear in public with Michael. Otherwise, why would there be so many media reporters here today?

"Is that so? Congratulations," Emily tried to stay calm, but her voice shook slightly. She couldn't understand what game Michael was playing. Was he trying to embarrass Sophia or her? It seemed clear now.

The more she thought about it, the more she felt like losing her mind. Deep down, Emily couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal. She had once treated Michael sincerely, only to be unknowingly dragged into this whirlpool of power and emotion. Emily's heart broke, her mind drifting.

"Emily, I know you're upset, but this is Michael's choice. You should respect it. We were once a perfect match. When I worked in the Smith Corporation's art department, you were just a bird he kept, not even a canary. And don't forget the real reason for your divorce. It was because of me." Sophia said firmly.

She went on, "Michael wanted to marry me. He truly loved me. And you? You were just a free servant who took care of him for a while. How could he have real feelings for

you?"

Under the occasional glances from the crowd, Sophia smiled kindly at Emily. It seemed like a sincere smile, but it was deeply insincere. Sophia's words were like needles, each one piercing Emily's heart.

Emily took a deep breath, trying not to lose control, and gritted her teeth as she replied, "Michael can do whatever he wants. Don't worry, I'm not one to cling on."