Theodore and Cecilia's faces were a sight to behold . Emma had always been afraid - afraid of letting people see her limp , afraid of the whispers and stares . But she had promised herself she wouldn't stay hidden in the shadows , cowering like some timid creature . Especially now , as she caught Theodore and Cecilia's expressions , she found even more reason to hold her ground . " Emma ! " Ms. Brown , her old mentor , hurried over and took Emma's hand in both of hers , brimming with genuine concern . The warmth of her touch steadied Emma - body and soul . Yet at that very moment , Emma's own husband was at Cecilia's side , holding Cecilia's trembling hand as if she were the one in need of support . The guests , most of them friends of Mr. Warren and Ms. Brown , were gracious enough not to stare at Emma's foot . Still , her limp was impossible to ignore . Sebastian stepped up beside Emma , positioning himself opposite Ms. Brown , as if standing guard on either side of her . " This is my classmate , " Sebastian announced with a bright smile , " Ms. Brown and I helped her find a doctor . " He turned to Theodore . " Mr. Whitman , weren't you curious about how my classmate was injured ? " Theodore maintained his stiff composure , lips pulled into a brittle smile . " I believe that's her personal matter . We don't need to know , and perhaps she'd rather not revisit the past . " His gaze settled on Emma , a silent warning flickering in his eyes . Emma pretended not to notice . Sebastian , however , pressed on . " No , I think once everyone hears , they'll be proud of her . " Sebastian's glance lingered on Theodore's face . " She was injured while saving someone else . " A ripple of surprise swept through the guests . Their eyes turned to Emma , now filled with admiration . " Five years ago , she leapt in front of a car to save someone's life , " Sebastian continued , " and suffered terrible injuries . Especially her foot . She hasn't been able to dance since . " Ms. Brown squeezed Emma's hand , her voice thick with emotion . " She was one of my brightest students . " 1/2 11:51 Chapter 30 She turned to Emma , gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear . " I thought I'd lost you for good . Your number changed , you disappeared from our group ... Now I've finally found you . Don't be afraid . We heard about the clinic where Mrs. Whitman recovered , and I'll help you get in touch . No matter how the treatment goes , you'll always be our little linnet - just as beautiful as ever ." The whole table sighed and murmured , voices filled with genuine kindness . Even the young women who once envied Theodore's romance with Emma were wiping away tears . " Emma , can I call you that ? I'm a dancer too . I know how much you sacrificed . You're amazing - I admire you so much . " Emma's throat tightened . Ms. Brown was truly wonderful . But Emma knew the truth : there was no miracle cure , not when the clinic Theodore had suggested was nothing but a sham . Sebastian knew that too . So he went on , " After she left the stage , she got married . I heard her husband was the very person she saved . His name was- " Theodore , suddenly panicked , tried to cut in . But Sebastian only frowned , feigning forgetfulness . " I can't recall his name ... " Theodore visibly relaxed , exhaling in relief . Emma almost found his reaction laughable . Then Sebastian pulled out his phone , scrolled for a moment , and stared straight at Theodore . " Wait a minute . In this wedding video , doesn't the groom look exactly like Mr. Whitman ? " Chapter 31 Chapter 31