Tangled Hearts: A Tale of Intricate Love

Chapter 2.1

A new argument awaited Emma upon her return home, and this time both Sarah and James were eager to question her about her whereabouts. Though they had never been the type to impose restrictions on her, their concern stemmed from a place of love, prompting them to ask her to inform them whenever she ventured outside.

Entering the house with her heels in hand and bare feet, Emma appeared visibly exhausted. Sarah and James anxiously awaited her in the lounge, their worry palpable. As soon as they heard the door close, Sarah hurried to confirm Emma's arrival. This had become a ritual for her, especially since Emma's late-night returns had become increasingly frequent. Sarah had grown alarmed when her calls went unanswered and promptly called James home to discuss the situation. Together, they sat in the lounge, waiting for Emma's return.

Sarah had urged James to take a stern approach this time, but they both knew it wasn't in their nature. Their love for Emma surpassed any need for strictness. Upon seeing Emma, they could tell she was in a somber mood, yet they knew it was imperative to address the situation before it escalated. James barely uttered a word before Emma interjected, suggesting they postpone the argument for an hour so she could freshen up and change—a request delivered in her usual nonchalant manner.

James nodded in agreement, allowing Emma to retreat to her room. Sensing the brewing tension, Emma still did not bother hurrying to change into her pajamas, hoping to face the impending confrontation in a more relaxed state. As the door to her room closed with a resounding bang, Emma collapsed onto her bed, silently pleading for unintentional assistance. She was exhausted from the day's events, having spent hours sitting in one spot before finally returning home late.

After changing into her pajamas, Emma made her way to the kitchen, where she found the unexpected presence of the cook, Alex. Perhaps Sarah had anticipated her hunger and arranged for someone to prepare a meal. Emma wasted no time in requesting a quick bite, signaling her hunger.

"Alex, could you make me something quick? I'm starving." Emma asked

"Of course, Miss Emma. I'll whip up something right away."

Alex swiftly prepared a tuna sandwich, and with the first bite, Emma understood why he was regarded as the best in their kitchen. She devoured the sandwich in minutes before returning to the lounge, where her parents appeared slightly more at ease.

James sighed and started with, "We are not here to argue honey, we were worried for you and just wanted to know where have you been all day, look at your face you look drained"

She kept looking at the corner and replied, "I went to see William"

Sarah and James looked at each other and Sarah continued with a confusion "Why did not you tell us? I don't thik there was anything to hide"

Emma saw her mom with squinted eyes as she tried to blame Sarah with her eyes "Did not you ask me last time to avoid meeting him?" there was something in her voice that hurt Sarah.

James looked at Sarah with a surprised look as if he did not believe in what Emma said. Sarah was still looking unbeliveably at Emma trying to digest what she said, "I did whatever I thought was best for you but this does not justify your actions at all, did you understand" even after trying to stay calm she could not succeed.

Emma sighed as if she did not care about whatever her mother was saying all of this was getting too much for James to handle at once. First the revelation of Sarah brain-washing his daughter against her fiance and why and then all of a sudden this talk turning up into a heated argument.

As Emma got up to leave, Sarah held her hand "We are trying to talk to you and you are now crossing your limits".

Emma got her hand out of Sarah's grip yelling "I am not crossing my limits, you are trying to brainwash me against William and now when I have said the truth in front of Dad, you are just trying to cover it up". Sarah gave her an unbelievable look while not only reconsidering her how she was raised but also thinking about the questions she will be asked next.

She sat here waiting for Emma but had no idea what she will get up with, an inquiry? William was the only son to James friends and James even after Andrew and his son went bankrupt, had held nothing against them. He realized it as a part of business and he never thought of calling the engagement off and now listening this from Emma made him uncomfortable.

As Emma left, James also got up tying the knot of his night gown and went staright to his room. Sarah kept sitting there for the next hour with tears in her eyes, realizing how she wanted good for her daughter and it turned only in making her an evil mom. She was not wrong when she thought that Emma was not raised the way she should have been but it was too late for her to think this way now. She was ready for whatever James wanted to ask now.

As she came into her room, she unexpectedly did not face any kind of interrogation. Maybe, James was too much disappointed in her even to ask her something or he was just not ready to accept what Emma revealed. Sarah was shocled to know that James was not even thinking about this but how Emma behaved this night, he had seen Emma misbehaving a lot of times but he always ignored him thinking that she was immature but what happened that made James say that to her wife.

"Emma could have been raised better". The night was heavier to spent, she never expected such words coming out of the mouth of James at least. She was not the only parent, they both were responsible for what Emma grew into.