Love On The Edge: Stay With Me, My Precious Darling

"Let's get a divorce," Ricky Jenner said, throwing the divorce agreement in front of Emma Cooper, who had just returned home from three months of work.

Emma froze in her tracks as the papers fluttered onto the table in front of her. Then, she looked at the refined man standing before her.

Her fingers clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms. Three months apart, and this was how he greeted her? He didn't even bother to ask how she was. Instead, the first thing he said was divorce.

Emma's silence stretched on, and her lack of response made Ricky's brows furrow slightly.

"Emma, don't tell me you're having second thoughts. The two-year marriage agreement has expired. Even if you want to go back on your word, it's useless now."

Ricky was right.

Before they got married, they both agreed to a two-year timeline. Now that two years had passed, he was holding up his end of the agreement.

In short, it was time for Emma to give up her position as Mrs. Jenner.

She took a moment to compose herself and said, "Nicola turned twenty this year. She's old enough to get married. Our divorce is just in time."

Nicola Cooper was Emma's half-sister and had always been the apple of Ricky's eye. His devotion to Nicola was evident in his every action.

Two years ago, Nicola was diagnosed with leukemia, and it was discovered that Emma's bone marrow was a perfect match for Nicola's. It was a rare compatibility that offered the best chance for successful treatment without the risk of rejection.

Of course, Emma couldn't turn her back on Nicola. She was even willing to donate her bone marrow to a stranger, let alone her sister.

However, Ricky didn't see it that way. He assumed Emma was a cold and selfish woman and would never help Nicola.

So, for Nicola's sake, he did not hesitate to humble himself to the point of kneeling and begging for Emma's help.

Emma had never seen Ricky, a man known for his unyielding pride, humble himself in such a way.

She and Ricky had grown up together and shared a history that ran deep. But for her, it had never been just friendship. She had loved him for ten years.

So, seeing him acting like this for someone else made her so angry and jealous that she was almost driven mad.

In the heat of her anger, Emma demanded Ricky to marry her.

Since Ricky was desperate to save Nicola, he agreed. However, they signed an agreement for a two-year marriage.

Emma was too naive to believe that two years was enough to make Ricky fall in love with her.

However, Ricky remained distant, his heart unwaveringly tethered to Nicola. Emma lost, and it was such a humiliating defeat.

At the thought of this, a self-deprecating smile tugged at the corner of Emma's pale lips.

Ricky's handsome face revealed a hint of impatience. He handed Emma a pen and said indifferently, "Sign it."

Emma glanced at the pen in his hand. Then, she nodded, took it, and picked up the document from the table. She turned to the last page and wrote her name.

She put down the pen, raised her head, and looked at Ricky. Their gazes met. His eyes were still as beautiful and inviting as before. However, they were so cold that they chilled her heart.

Ricky took the document and checked Emma's signature. He looked at her and said, "Nicola's condition has relapsed. She..."

"How can that be? So, do you want me to go to the hospital to help her again?" Emma interrupted before he could finish his words. She was visibly shocked.

She donated her bone marrow to save Nicola two years ago. Did she have to do it again?

"No need. I don't want you to pull a stunt like that again," Ricky said harshly. "I've already arranged for the best doctors for her. Also, I have found another suitable donor. There's nothing you need to do this time. But Nicola said she misses you. Just go to the hospital and see her."

Emma noticed the subtle change in Ricky's demeanor when he mentioned Nicola. His furrowed brows seemed to soften, and his cold, indifferent expression was replaced by something warmer.

This sight sent a sharp pang of pain to her heart. However, she pretended unaffected and responded with a nod in agreement.

"It's a bit late. Is it okay if I move out tomorrow?" Emma said, forcing a smile. In her heart, she couldn't help but hope Ricky might show a little bit concern. But unexpectedly, he said resolutely, "Edwin will drive you to a hotel."

He was kicking her out just like that.

Couldn't she be allowed to stay at least one more night?

Emma's smile froze. She stood up and stared at Ricky for a while. Then, she turned around and left with a cold face.

She returned to her room, grabbed her luggage that she hadn't had the time to unpack yet, and headed downstairs. A few maids rushed over to help, but she waved them off. "No need. I can manage."

The maids exchanged glances. They could only sigh in resignation and line up to see her off.

Emma lived in this house for two years and had developed some attachment to this place. After all, everyone, except Ricky, had been very kind to her.

She was a little reluctant to leave. But Ricky's coldness in their two years of marriage had severely worn down her spirit. She had lost parts of herself.

Emma took one last deep breath. So be it.

She closed her eyes and told herself firmly it was time to let go.

Although her heart felt like tearing apart, she refused to shed a single tear.

It was already midnight when Emma checked in at the hotel.

But she couldn't get a wink of sleep. The turmoil inside her kept her awake all night. When dawn broke, she tidied herself up and went straight to Ecatin General Hospital.

Nicola was in a VIP ward, and she had a private nurse taking care of all her needs. Through the glass in the door, Emma saw the nurse feeding her. But after a few bites, she vomited everything. For some reason, this scene made Emma feel a sense of discomfort.

"You still have the nerve to come here? How dare you!"

Suddenly, a woman's voice, filled with sarcasm, sounded behind Emma.

It snapped Emma back to reality. She wiped her tears and turned around, only to see Verena Cooper standing behind her. Her expression turned cold at once.

Verena was Emma's stepmother. Her beauty had always been striking. Even now, in her forties, she maintained an impeccable appearance, making her look like she was in her early thirties. She always dressed fashionably and elegantly. When Colby Cooper, Emma's father, married her, she was only twenty, in the prime of her youth and beauty.

At that time, Emma's mother had just passed away. However, Verena, a maid in their household, was already pregnant.

And the child she was carrying was Colby's.

"We don't need your feigned sympathy. Those fake tears are unnecessary," Verena said coldly. She pushed Emma away and walked into the ward.

Emma staggered back but quickly steadied herself and followed Verena inside.

Nicola's face softened as she noticed Emma approaching. Her previously dull eyes brightened a little. She greeted Emma affectionately.

Emma walked to the hospital bed with a smile. She held Nicola's hand and said, "I heard you missed me."

Nicola nodded eagerly. "Emma, we haven't seen each other for three months. I missed you so much."

Emma's heart tightened at Nicola's words. She felt Nicola was pure and kind. And Nicola's vulnerable state brought a rush of guilt to her.

Her rival in love was her little sister, whom she had doted on since childhood. However, when Nicola fell ill, she took advantage of the opportunity to take Ricky away by forcing him to marry her. She always thought Nicola would despise her for stealing her man.

She imagined countless fiery confrontations, and she had prepared herself for them. However, none of those happened. Instead of the anger or resentment she had expected from Nicola, all she found was trust.

Emma was overwhelmed by guilt. Every time she faced Nicola, she felt like a despicable villain.

Her eyes reddened, but she forced herself to smile and say, "I'm on vacation now, so I have plenty of time to spend with you."

Nicola's smile brightened even more. "Really? That's great! I hope you can visit me every day until I'm discharged. Will that be okay with you?"

"Yes, of course." Emma readily agreed.

Verena's eyes narrowed as she watched the scene unfold before her. She rolled her eyes and glared at Emma hatefully.

Her jaw tightened, and her eyes were filled with resentment. She couldn't lash out in front of Nicola. But every time she saw Emma, she was reminded of how much heartache Nicola had endured when Ricky married Emma.

Verena had no choice but to suppress her hatred for Emma. She gently coaxed Nicola to sleep. Then, she turned to Emma and said coldly, "Ricky is coming to see Nicola soon. If you don't want things to get awkward, I suggest you leave now."

Emma didn't say anything. She stood up, took one last look at the sleeping Nicola, and walked towards the door.

But as soon as her hand rested on the doorknob, Verena's voice sounded behind her again. "Don't come to see Nicola anymore. You've hurt her deeply. You don't deserve to see her."

Emma's grip on the doorknob tightened, but she said nothing. Instead, she opened the door and walked out with heavy steps.

She was used to this kind of treatment by Verena.

Emma gently closed the door behind her and sat on a chair in the corridor wearily. She buried her face in her palms and cried hard, her tears falling uncontrollably.

At this moment, the elevator stopped on the floor where Nicola's ward was. The doors opened, and Ricky stepped out. He was momentarily stunned when he saw Emma crying silently in the corridor.

Emma had always liked following Ricky around since she was a child, so she was very familiar with his footsteps. Suddenly, she seemed to hear them. She sniffed and instinctively wiped her tear-streaked face with the back of her hand.

Ricky stood in front of her. She looked up and asked with a smile, "Are you here to see Nicola?"

Her eyes were red from crying, and there were still tears at the corners of her eyes. Her makeup was a smudged mess, making her look disheveled.

"Um," Ricky responded indifferently. "Have you already seen her?"

Emma nodded. "Yes."

Perhaps she looked very pitiful, for Ricky offered her a few comforting words for the first time. "Don't worry. Nicola will soon undergo a bone marrow transplant. She'll get better."

Emma nodded again and said in a low voice, "I know."

Ricky didn't say anything more. He turned around, opened the door, and entered the ward. Emma couldn't help but murmur, "Please take good care of her."

For two years, she had tried everything but failed to win his heart. Now, she would give him back to Nicola. The decision weighed heavily on her heart, but it was the only choice left.

Ricky froze for a moment. Then, he said without looking back, "You don't need to remind me. I'll take good care of her."

Every word he said was spoken with force. Obviously, he was angry.

Emma leaned back against the cold hospital wall, overwhelmed by confusion and pain. She couldn't understand. Why was Ricky still angry with her? Didn't she already sign the divorce agreement? He could finally get rid of her and return to Nicola. This was the day he had been longing for. Shouldn't he be happy?

She wrapped her arms around herself for comfort. Was he really that impatient with her?

Did he hate her that much? This question gnawed at her already fragile heart.

Ricky had already entered the ward, but Emma still sat on the chair, staring blankly at the door.

In the following days, Emma went to the hospital every morning without fail to check on Nicola. But she knew she wasn't welcome there, so she never entered the ward. She would just stand outside Nicola's ward, peering through the door glazing.

Sometimes, when Ricky took Nicola for a walk around the hospital garden, she would just watch them from a distance.

Each time Ricky's cold and impatient demeanor toward Emma clashed with the gentleness and warmth he showed to Nicola, it felt like a dagger piercing Emma's heart. It was a stark and constant reminder that Nicola was the one he cherished. But no matter how much she told herself it was only natural, the pain didn't lessen at all.

One month later, Nicola underwent a bone marrow transplant, and the operation was very successful. There was no rejection or complications, and she recovered well.

Emma's anxious heart finally felt a sense of relief.

During this period, Ricky spent most of his time at the hospital. He seemed to have forgotten about going to the courthouse with Emma to go through the divorce procedures.

Emma had seen enough of Ricky's gentle care for Nicola, a tenderness she had longed for but never received. She wanted to end it all and start anew.

Today, she took the initiative to call Ricky. His phone rang for a long time before he finally answered.

"What is it?" She could hear the coldness and distance in his voice.

"When are we going to finalize our divorce?" Emma asked directly.

Ricky was silent for a while. Then, he said in his usual indifferent tone, "I haven't signed the papers yet."

Emma was stunned for a moment.

How long had it been? Why hadn't he signed the divorce agreement yet?

Emma was momentarily stunned.

Why hadn't Ricky signed the divorce papers yet?

Could it be that he regretted asking for the divorce and no longer wanted it?

This notion of hers momentarily amused herself.

How could he possibly regret asking for the divorce? Impossible-he was eager to move on, especially now that Nicola was healthier and of age for marriage.

"Tomorrow morning, at nine, meet me at the courthouse," Emma snapped, ending the call before Ricky could respond.

That night, sleep eluded her. She remained in a trance-like state from dusk till dawn. By eight, after showering and dressing in a suit, she put on light makeup and went to the courthouse.

An hour passed, but Ricky was nowhere to be seen.

Her irritation growing, Emma tried calling him, but he didn't answer.

In frustration, she stormed into the Jenner Group, bypassing the receptionist and taking the elevator directly to Ricky's floor.

Returning from a meeting, Ricky discovered Emma on the leather sofa in his office, her expression marred by unmistakable frustration and anger.

"How long have you been sitting here?" he inquired, his voice even, as he walked to his desk and began sorting through a file.

"Thirty minutes," she replied.

"Wait longer then," he suggested, diving back into his work, blatantly ignoring her.

Fury simmered within Emma, on the verge of erupting.

"Ricky, what's the meaning of this?"

She had waited for him at the courthouse for an hour, and now that she had come here, he still wanted her to wait.

Did she matter so little to him, less than a mere document awaiting his signature?

"What exactly do you expect from me?"

Her voice escalated slightly, catching Ricky's attention as he finally looked up.

"I asked you to wait."

"I can't wait any longer. I want the divorce finalized today."

Emma's patience had worn thin with his apathy and disdain.

"It's not going to happen."

Emma froze, shocked and speechless.

Ricky bowed his head, returning to his work. After a few moments, he pulled the divorce papers from a drawer and approached Emma.

Before her, he ripped the papers to shreds.

"You're still my wife, Emma, and that's not about to change. Didn't you say you love me? Wasn't it you who insisted on being my wife? That title remains yours. No one else can claim it." Anger burned in Ricky's eyes as he spoke.

Emma was perplexed. She had signed the divorce papers, and Nicola was getting better. Why was Ricky having second thoughts now?

For two years, he had seemed desperate to remove her from his life. With his chance at hand, why was he hesitating?

"Why? You were the one who asked for this divorce. I've decided to hand you back to Nicola. I won't trouble you any further. Please, let me leave." Emma set aside her dignity, pleading with humility.

She had resolved to end things for the good of all, including herself.

Though it was a tough choice, she was mentally prepared for it.

"Let you leave?" Ricky's mouth twisted into a mocking smirk. "It's never that simple."

"Why have you suddenly backed out of the divorce?"

"It's Nicola's wish."

"What?"

"She hopes to see us together, happy."

Emma's disbelief was palpable, her frustration evident.

"What do you mean, she hopes to see us together?"

"She envisions a life where we're united and thriving."

The smirk vanished from Ricky's face, replaced by his typical aloof expression.

Yet internally, he was in turmoil. He was not a pawn to be shuffled between these women. His life was his to control.

Emma struggled to grasp his reasoning, suspecting he was merely fulfilling a promise to Nicola.

But it made no sense to her.

"Aren't you planning to marry Nicola?"

Her question struck a chord, and Ricky's expression darkened. "Go back to the hotel and pack your belongings."

Emma was shocked. Was he really asking her to return to the Jenner Mansion?

His tone was as commanding as it had been a month earlier when he had expelled her.

"Ricky..."

Ricky's eyes narrowed, a storm of anger swirling in them.

"Will you leave on your own, or must I force you out?"

Confronted by Ricky's intense rage, Emma parted her lips, yet no sound emerged.

Ricky turned away, facing the expansive window. He lit a cigarette, his silhouette framed against the glass, the other hand casually in his pocket.

By the time he faced the room again, Emma had left.

She left behind only a cup of cold coffee and the remnants of torn paper scattered on the table.

For two years, Ricky had anticipated this divorce.

The papers, prepped by his assistant, were meant to cut their ties once signed. Yet now, with Emma's signature drying, a confusing mix of irritation and reluctance plagued him.

Was it really Nicola's desire for them to remain together causing this hesitation?

He wasn't even sure himself.

--

Late autumn brought a chill to the evening air.

Emma roamed the streets aimlessly, her spirit seeming as adrift as her steps, until she found herself outside Ecatin General Hospital once more.

The number of visits here had blurred into countless. She longed to see Nicola but hesitated at the threshold. Amidst the bustling entrance, she watched life move by-the flow of people, the rush of cars-before mustering the courage to enter and make her way to the inpatient wing.

Standing at Nicola's door, as she had so often, Emma stopped when she heard Verena's stern voice from inside. "Once discharged, you're marrying Ricky."

Nicola, tired yet resolute, shook her head. Her voice was gentle but definite. "I won't marry Ricky. He belongs with Emma."

This nearly sent Verena over the edge. "Nicola, why can't you think for yourself? If Ricky won't divorce, you need to push him. He cares for you, not Emma."

"Mom, my health is shaky. The doctor warned that my illness could come back. Given my condition, another bone marrow transplant might not be an option; I'd need to resort to chemotherapy. But chemo is harsh, and I'm scared I won't survive it."

"The doctor said it might come back, not that it definitely would!"

"I get what you mean, but Ricky hasn't brought up divorce. What can I do?"

A weight settled in Emma's chest. She had believed Nicola was recovering well post-surgery, yet she hadn't anticipated the threat of a relapse.

Could this be why Nicola was hesitant to marry Ricky?