Chapter 7: Rodolphe's Betrayal
After several months of their affair, Emma told Rodolphe that she wanted to leave Charles and run away with him. She had made secret plans and was ready to sacrifice everything for their love. Rodolphe, however, had different intentions.
Rodolphe did not want to ruin his comfortable life by getting involved in a scandal. He had enjoyed his time with Emma, but he had no intention of leaving his home or risking his reputation. He began to distance himself from Emma, avoiding her and writing fewer letters.
The day they were supposed to leave together, Rodolphe sent Emma a letter explaining that he could not go. He wrote that they must think of their positions in society and the consequences of their actions. Emma was heartbroken.
Emma fell seriously ill after Rodolphe's betrayal. For weeks, she lay in bed, barely conscious, while Charles worried and cared for her. Her romantic dreams had been shattered, and she could see no reason to continue living.