Chapter 156
Chapter 156
As the small, weathered home came into view, she slowed her pace, her nerves tightening with each step. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she raised her hand and knocked on the door. For a moment, there was no sound, only the echo of her heartbeat in her ears. Then, after what felt like an eternity, de door creaked open.
And standing before her was Jaden.
His eyes turned cold at the sight of her and without saying a word, he attempted to close the door.
Emma was quicker than that. She pushed at the door and slid inside as the door would have shut on her.
“You shouldn’t be here,” Jaden snapped.
She swept aside the painful sting of his words and walked deeper into the little house, peering at the poor interior. The house was sparsely furnished.
“Your phone hasn’t been going through,” she said coolly. “And you weren’t at your apartment or your office. I had no choice but to look for you.”
“That’s none of your business,” Jaden snapped, his tone colder than she’d ever heard it.
But Emma didn’t flinch. She held her ground, her gaze locked onto his. “It is my business,” she said firmly. “You left without giving me a chance to explain.”
“There’s nothing to explain,” he replied, his voice laced with bitterness. “I’m done being treated like a fool. You can leave.” Emma took a step forward. There were pain in her eyes. “I’m not leaving,” she spoke softly. “Not until you do. Jaden, i miss you. We all miss you.”
Jaden gritted his jaws, fists balled tight at sides. “I do not care. Nor am I leaving.”
“It wasn’t intentional,” Emma said, her voice cracking a little. “Believe me. Alexander only found out two weeks before you did. I wasn’t trying to hurt you or anyone else. Their paternity was a secret I planned to take to my grave, but. I am sorry. So, so sorry.”
Jaden’s eyes bore into hers, searching for any sign of deceit. But all he saw was raw, unfiltered truth. The walls he had built around his heart began to crack, though he fought to keep them standing. He let out a long, heavy sigh and sat down on the couch opposite her, his shoulders slumping.
“You broke me, Emma,” he said softly, his voice shaking. “I trusted you with everything, and you left me in the dark.”
“I know,” Emma whispered, tears welled up in her eyes. “And I’ll never forgive myself for it. But I need you, Jaden. You’ve always been my rock, my best friend. Please, come back with me. My company is reopening soon, and it won’t feel right without you there.”
She dug into her purse, brought out a VIP invitation card, and held it before him. “This is for you. Come back home, Jaden. We miss you so much.
He looked at the card within her palm; the words cut through to the soul and the weight settled on his shoulders. He had tried to run from the pain, from her, but now, seeing her standing there, vulnerable and pleading, he realized he couldn’t run forever.
After a long pause, he reached out and took the card. Emma’s heart leapt with hope as she saw the faintest flicker of warmth
12:52 Wed, Jan 22 GO.
Chapter 156
return to his eyes.
I’ll think about it,” Jaden said, his voice barely above a whisper.
2.7750
The day of the welcome–back party had finally arrived, and Emma’s heart was a mix of excitement and nerves. She had poured her entire soul into the event, and now, as she sat before the mirror, she struggled to focus through the whirlwind of emotions. Hours went by in a blur.
And she could barely recognized herself in the mirror. Since the masquerade theme required no one to really see her face, she still felt a need to feel beautiful and confident among all those gathered there to celebrate her company’s rebirth.
When the makeup was finally done, Emma ‘slipped into her gown. It was a masterpiece: an armless, flowing thing that clung to her figure to perfection, its intricacy of beadwork glinting beneath the lights. The mask she tied around her face, delicate and ornate, covered her brows to the bridge of her nose, yet there was enough of her features visible to intrigue.
She stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. For the first time in a long while, she looked like the powerful, confident woman she was proclaimed as. A soft smile tugged at her lips, though her thoughts flickered briefly to the incident at the hospital. I hadn’t been so long since that nightmare, and yet here she was, daring to feel happy about something as brazen as a masquerade party.
The sound of the door opening drew her attention. Jaden stepped inside, dressed in a tailored black suit that seemed to have been made just for him. His mask was sleek and minimal, highlighting his sharp features.
“You look stunning,” Jaden said, his voice low and sincere.
“So do you,” she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly beneath the makeup.
The chauffeur came and before too long, off they went to the grand hall. The drive was wordless yet filled with silent words.
Jaden peeked at Emma out of the corner of his eye. Perhaps tonight was to be a night of beginning mending of broken relationship fractures between them.
The flash of cameras and the murmur of the crowd waiting outside greeted them as the car pulled up in front of the venue First to step out, Jaden then turned and offered Emma his hand. She took it, and together they stepped onto the red carpet. For a moment, the world seemed to stop as they moved in perfect sync, commanding attention.
Inside, the hall was electric. Spot was dazzling with gold and silver trims that shimmered under the chandelier. Guests in fancy gowns and suits were socializing; the space reeked of laughter and chatter. Emma felt a swell of pride at this point.
But it was short–lived, for at the doorway, there appeared to be a commotion as all eyes fell upon a sleek limousine that had just pulled up, Alexander and Annie.
Then stepped out Alexander, the epitome of confidence and masculinity. The cut of his suit seemed tailored perfectly to his figure, enhanced further by a mask that appeared a part of the mystery surrounding him. Annie appeared in scarlet, which rippled across her body and embraced each curve.
Emma’s heart clenched as her eyes traveled downward. Annie’s stomach was no longer flat; it was unmistakably round, her pregnancy now visible for all to see.
Annie’s gaze wandered until it settled on Emma. A sfy smile curled her lips, one that churned Emma’s stomach. It was as if Annie was silently declaring her victory, flaunting her connection to Alexander and her growing child.
