Chapter 68
The air felt heavier, colder. Her pulse quickened, her breaths shallow, Why are they here? she wondered, her stomach
twisting
Annie’s eyes landed on Emma almost immediately, and her expression soured. She clutched Alexander’s arm tightly, at possessive gesture that didn’t go unnoticed. Annie’s lips curled into a sneer as she looked Emma up and down, her distaste evident. Emma could almost hear her thoughts..
The staff, who a moment before had been so attentive to Emma now fluttered their attention to Annie as they welcomed. her again with effusive greetings. Annie reveled in the attention, her eyes flashing to Emma with smug satisfaction.
Alexander, however, uttered nothing. He swung past Emma in silence, making his way to the dressing area, but as he did, Emma’s world veered. Memories from the evening before surged forward–the way he had caged her against the wall, the intensity of his gaze, the tension crackling between them. Her chest tightened, her breaths coming in short gasps. She couldn’t escape the weight of it all, the way his presence filled every corner of the room.
“Emma,” Jaden’s voice pierced through her haze, grounding her. His eyes reflected concern. “Are you okay?”
Emma forced a nod, even while the bones of her knees felt weakened. This could not tear her apart. She had made herself out of the ashes of her past. She would not let Alexander and Annie see her crumble now.
Straightening her spine, Emma turned her attention back to the clothes, willing herself to focus. But the memories stayed with her, and the storm in her continued unabated.
Annie power walked into the store, as if she owned the world, her manicured fingers pointing in every direction, demanding attention from one and all. Loud and dramatic, she demanded to try on everything that caught her eye. The staff was working hard to maintain a professional demeanor, but it was plain as day that Annie was the sideshow and the main attraction, with little room for Emma.
Meanwhile, Alexander sat on the couch to the side, his sharp gaze locked on Emma,
She moved with fluid ease through the racks, her face intent as she talked over options with the man at her side. Every smile she cast, every gentle touch she passed to the man beside her, created a new wave of annoyance to rush through Alexander. His jaw clamped down as he watched the mans’s casual hand lay on Emma’s lower back.
How the hell can he afford any of this? Alexander wondered, his sts clenching The thought gnawed at him and fueled a simmering anger he didn’t quite understand. He had no right to be jealous–none at all. Alexander told himself. They weren’t a couple anymore. Emma had moved on. She had a new husband, a new life, a new happiness. And yet, the way she laughed with the new man, the way her eyes sparkled, made him bite his lip hard enough to draw blood.
“Baby.” Annie’s syrupy voice cut through his thoughts. Alexander turned to see her step out of the dressing room in this shimmering, form–fitting gown. She struck a dramatic pose, her eyes searching his face for approval. Yet, her appearance only seemed to darken his expression instead of softening it.
“Do you like it?” Annie asked, attempting a sultry voice as she twirled
Alexander’s eyes were glacial, unreadable, and Annie’s stomach twisted. She could feel his gaze, and it wasn’t on her clothes- it was directed at Emma. Bile rose in her throat, but she plastered a brilliant smile on her face.
With a puff, Annie stormed back into the dressing room, slamming the door behind her. As she yanked the dress off, her anger boiled over. She had picked this store carefully, making sure it would offer the privacy she wanted. So why the hell was
mma here? What was she doing here, acting like she belonged to some place like this? Her lists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white…
Annie wasn’t about to let that slide. She wasn’t going to let Emma think she was on the same level as her, let alone a level above her. Whoever Emina thought she was screwing, she would always be nothing compared to Annie. With a determined look on her lace, she stormed out of the dressing room and right to the manager.
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Chapter 68
“I want them gone.” Annie said in a low tone but laced with hatred. “I don’t shop with commoners.
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The manager hesitated, looking over at Emma and back at Annie She knew exactly who Emma was, just as she knew Annie and Alexander. But Annie’s reputation was greater, and the consequences of denying her would be severe. After a moment’s hesitation, the manager nodded and reluctantly approached Emma.
Ma’am, the manager started, overly polite but laced with discomfort, “I am so sorry, but we will need to close this store for a private client. We are so sorry for the inconvenience-
She didn’t need to hear the rest. She knew exactly what was happening. Her stomach churned, but she willed herself not to show her emotions. She looked around the room and found Annie standing across the room, with a smug expression, and immediately pieced it together,
Emma’s fingers firmed on the fabric she was holding. She wasn’t the type of girl who let an insult slide anymore, and the idea of walking away felt too much like allowing Annie to win. But just as she opened her mouth to respond, Jaden set a light hand on her shoulder.
“Let it go,” he said softly, his voice steady and calming. “We can find better clothes somewhere else. Don’t let her ruin your day.”
Emma turned to him, her emotions at war. She hated backing down now, but he was right. Annie would soon find out exactly who she was, and when that moment came, Emma wanted it to be on her terms. She took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
“Fine.” she said quietly, placing the dress she’d been holding back on the rack. Let’s g
go.”
But just as she turned to leave, a deep, commanding voice rang out, freezing everyone in place.
“We’ll leave.” Alexander said, his tone sharp and unexpected. “Let her shop
The room went still. Annie’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stomped forward, her face red with anger. “What?” she snapped, her voice trembling: “You can’t be serious, Alexander!”
“I have a meeting to attend to,” he said calmly, readjusting his cufflinks. I’ll see you back home.” And without waiting to hear her reply, he was heading toward the door, his face inscrutable.
Annie stood numb, her fists shaking at her sides as she couldn’t believe what she had just heard. Alexander had made a choice to leave her–for Emina
“Alexander!” she called out as he left, desperation tingeing her rising voice, and yet he didn’t even turn around.
As he
fuged the store, Emma watched the scene unfold, her emotions a whirlwind. She couldn’t help the slight smirk that
tugged at her lips as Annie’s furious glare turned toward her. Andie stormed past her; her expression now one of rage and humiliation.
Emma met her gaze unbothered and let out a quiet, amused scoff. For once, it was feeling
like the tables were turning.
