My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 311

Scalding water poured from the still-hot kettle, splashing all over Emily Blair’s thighs and calves.

Even though she wore pants, the heat seared through the fabric, making her wince immediately. Pain shot through her, and she sucked in a sharp breath, clutching at the unburned part of her leg.

“Mom, it hurts!” she cried out.

Emily’s gaze snapped to the little boy.

He’d tumbled to the floor, cradling his left arm with his right hand, groaning in pain.

Only then did Emily notice that the hot water had splashed onto the boy’s arm as well. He was wearing a t-shirt—bare skin pressed directly against the scalding water. His left arm was already an angry red.

Emily frowned, but she felt no sympathy. Silently, she turned away and picked up the fallen kettle from the ground.

Hearing the kettle rattle, she peered inside and saw that the glass lining had shattered completely.

A string of mishaps tonight had already worn her patience thin. Irritation simmered beneath her skin.

She ignored the whimpering boy and the woman hurrying over, set the kettle on her lap, and maneuvered her wheelchair toward the door.

The woman rushed over, fussing over the boy as she helped him up. Kneeling in front of him, she gripped his shoulders and asked anxiously, “Carson, where does it hurt, sweetheart? Tell me!”

Only now did the woman notice the wheelchair—and the thick white cast wrapped around Emily’s leg. Her bluster wavered, embarrassment flickering across her face.

The boy, quick to read the room, immediately burst into loud, theatrical sobs.

“Mommy, it hurts! It really hurts! Can we go see a doctor, please?”

At his wailing, the woman’s anger flared anew. She tightened her grip on Emily’s wheelchair.

“I don’t care what you say. All I know is your hot water burned my son. You’re paying for his medical bills—and for the trauma you caused. You’re not going anywhere until you do!”