**Chapter 246: Pretending to Be Sick**

Before long, Marcus returned, accompanied by Malrik, whose face bore the marks of a recent scuffle—bruises mottled his skin like a tragic canvas.

Emma, sprawled on her bed, felt a wave of weakness wash over her, a heartache that seemed to seep into her very bones as she gazed at the battered Malrik. “Cotton Candy, why on earth are you hurt again?” she asked, her voice a fragile whisper, laced with concern.

After her words hung in the air, she turned her gaze sharply toward Marcus, pretending to shoot him a fierce glare. “Marcus, did you hit Cotton Candy again? I’ve told you countless times not to lay a finger on him. You know I’ll feel awful if you do!”

Marcus feigned innocence, his expression wide-eyed and sincere. “I swear, it wasn’t me! He got all emotional and decided to take a swing at me first,” he defended himself, his tone light, but Emma could sense an undercurrent of mischief.

Squeak!

Malrik nudged Emma’s palm with his head, his soft fur brushing against her skin. The pain from Marcus’s earlier blows faded into the background; all that mattered now was Emma’s well-being. As long as Marcus allowed him to be near her, he was willing to endure any amount of punishment.

“Cotton Candy, does it hurt?” Emma asked softly, her heart aching for him.

In a swift motion, she retrieved two leaves from Silas and offered them to him. “Here, eat these. They’ll help ease your pain,” she encouraged, her voice imbued with a warmth that she hoped would comfort him.

She knew she had to earn his trust. Only then could she coax the truth from him when she later pretended to be on the brink of death.

Malrik’s gaze shifted to Emma, and he was struck by her pallor; her face was devoid of color, a ghostly reflection of her usual vibrant self. A wave of anguish surged through him, squeezing his chest until it felt as though he were drowning in despair.

Squeak!

Ms. Tibarn, how did you suddenly fall so ill?

Malrik never once contemplated that Emma might be feigning her sickness. To him, she was simply a kind-hearted human, and there was no reason for her to pretend to be unwell just to deceive a rabbit.

“Cotton Candy, what’s the matter?” Emma asked, noticing his unwavering gaze, his body frozen in place. She offered him a gentle smile, one full of encouragement. “Come on, eat these. You’ll feel better afterward,” she urged, holding the leaves closer to his mouth.

Malrik’s eyes darted back to the leaves, and in that moment, he yearned to hold Emma as Marcus did—warmly, protectively, with tenderness.

But the thought was fleeting, quickly buried beneath layers of fear. He couldn’t allow himself to entertain such notions. What would Emma think if she discovered that beneath his innocent exterior lay a creature who shared the same visage as the cruel and cunning Merlin?

Would she believe it was all a ruse?

Would her gentle eyes fill with disappointment, anger, or even hatred?

Especially now, when she was so frail and vulnerable.

“Ms. Tibarn, you really should rest now,” Marcus interjected, noticing the time slipping away. He gently scooped up Malrik, his tone softening as he addressed Emma. “The doctor advised that you need to take it easy and avoid unnecessary strain.”

Emma felt the heaviness of sleep creeping in. She pretended to nod weakly, then handed the leaves to Marcus. “Then please, feed Cotton Candy for me. And remember, no more hitting him,” she instructed with a gentle firmness.

With a tender pat on Malrik’s head, she whispered, “Cotton Candy, I’m going to sleep now. You should try to rest as well.”

With that, she closed her eyes, surrendering to the fatigue that enveloped her.

Corvin lingered in the room, keeping her company, while Marcus carried Malrik away, joined by Edric.

As soon as they stepped outside, an uneasy silence settled between Marcus and Edric, the air thick with unspoken words.

Malrik’s anxiety deepened. He couldn’t allow Emma to remain unwell. It was imperative that he find a way to heal her.

Inside the room, Emma’s gaze flickered to the monitor on her lightcore. Once she confirmed that Marcus had taken Malrik downstairs, she turned to Corvin, her curiosity piqued.

“Corvin, how did my acting hold up just now?” she asked, a playful glint in her eyes.

“Emma, you were nothing short of spectacular. Even though I knew you were putting on a show, you almost convinced me too,” Corvin replied, his admiration evident.

When he had first seen her frail form, panic had nearly gripped him.

Emma nodded, satisfaction washing over her. “Good. If I managed to fool you, then I definitely fooled Cotton Candy too.”

Corvin blinked, a bright smile illuminating his face. “Are you saying I’m smart, Emma?”

Emma nodded vigorously. “Absolutely! My Corvin has built so many advanced mechs and warships. There’s no doubt you’re incredibly intelligent.”

Her praise made Corvin beam with pride, and he enveloped her in a gentle hug. “Emma, I brought back several mechs for you this time. This room is too small to showcase them, but tomorrow, I’ll take you to the open field at the manor so you can play with them.”

Knowing Emma was pregnant, he was careful not to hold her too tightly. His eyes radiated warmth as he asked, “Emma, can I kiss you now?”

As soon as the words left his lips, Emma leaned in, her soft lips meeting his in a tender kiss. Corvin returned the gesture with equal gentleness.

As the night deepened, the darkness settled around them like a comforting blanket.

Downstairs, Malrik remained on edge, waiting until Marcus and Edric had retired for the night. Then, with a swift movement, he slipped out of the pet room that Emma had thoughtfully prepared for him.

He moved with such speed that even the security cameras failed to register his presence.

Outside the manor, a shadowy figure spotted him and bowed respectfully. “Mr. Malrik, it’s late. Why did you summon me here?”

This was the first time since his return to Emma’s side that he had called upon him.

“Send the word,” Malrik commanded, his voice cold and resolute. “Tell everyone to abandon their current tasks and begin searching for the Beast God’s fruit.”

As the chapter draws to a close, the emotional currents that have woven through Emma and Malrik’s interactions reach a poignant climax. Emma’s act of pretending to be sick serves not only as a protective measure for Malrik but also as a reflection of her deep-seated fears and desires. In her vulnerability, she creates a safe space for Malrik to express his own turmoil, revealing the layers of their bond that have been forged through shared pain and compassion. The tender moments they share, from Emma’s gentle encouragement to Malrik’s silent yearning for connection, illuminate the fragility of their circumstances, where love and fear dance in a delicate balance. It is a testament to their growing trust, as both characters navigate their emotional landscapes, each seeking solace in the other while grappling with their own insecurities.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, Malrik’s determination to find the Beast God’s fruit underscores his commitment to Emma’s well-being, propelling him towards a path fraught with danger. His resolve to protect her, even at the cost of confronting his own fears, marks a significant shift in his character—a transition from passive observer to active protector. The chapter encapsulates a moment of quiet before the storm, where the stakes are raised and the challenges ahead loom large. As Emma and Malrik tread this uncertain path, their intertwined fates suggest that the journey towards healing and acceptance will demand courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of love, even when faced with the shadows of their pasts.

In the next chapter of “When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live,” readers can expect the tension to escalate as Malrik embarks on a desperate quest to find the elusive Beast God’s fruit. With Emma’s health hanging in the balance and her feigned illness masking deeper concerns, Malrik’s resolve will be tested like never before. The stakes are higher now, as he grapples with the weight of his dual identity and the fear that Emma might discover the truth lurking beneath his gentle exterior. Will he be able to navigate the dangerous path ahead without losing her trust?

As Malrik delves deeper into the shadows of the night, the dynamics between him, Emma, Marcus, and Corvin will shift dramatically. Secrets will unravel, alliances will be tested, and the fragile peace within the manor may be shattered. Emma, unaware of Malrik’s true intentions, will continue to navigate her own fears and vulnerabilities, leading to moments of unexpected bravery. Expect heart-stopping confrontations and revelations that will challenge everything they thought they knew about each other. As Malrik races against time, the question looms: will he find the fruit in time to save Emma, or will his hidden past come back to haunt them all?