Secrets in the Shadows

Chapter 3

Emma's mind raced as she hurried to the coffee shop on 5th Avenue. The unknown number and message had left her feeling anxious and scared. Who could possibly know about last night? She couldn't shake the feeling that someone had seen them together at the bar.

'Was it one of Alex's friends?' she wondered, her mind racing with possibilities. She mentally listed all the people who might have seen her with Ryan, but no one seemed likely to text her like that.

She walked into the coffee shop, her eyes scanning the room for anyone who looked familiar. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Ryan sitting at a corner table, his expression serious. He looked up and waved her over, a troubled look on his face.

"Ryan? You texted me from an unknown number?" Emma asked, sliding into the seat across from him.

“Yes I did , because that was the only way you would see me and I had something very important to tell you.”

"Emma, there's something you need to know. Since you left the house this morning without waking me up, I needed to get in touch with you. I started looking for you on social media handles and eventually located you. Scrolling through your incredible photos, I saw a picture of you and Alex with the caption, 'newly engaged.' I was shocked, Emma. It was Alex, my childhood best friend Alex Grayson.”

Emma's eyes widened in shock. "What? Your childhood, what?"

Ryan took a deep breath, his hands clasping and unclasping nervously. "Alexander and I were childhood friends. We grew up together until my dad died, and my mom moved us to England. We lost touch after that."

Emma's mind was reeling. "Why didn't you say anything when we spoke this morning?"

"I didn't make the connection at first," Ryan admitted. "I wanted to be sure. I also went through this social media handle and saw your pictures there as well. That was when it all clicked. Emma, you have to understand, Alexander's family is powerful. They have connections, influence. If they find out about us, it won't just be a personal issue. It could become very dangerous."

Emma felt a cold wave of fear wash over her. "That’s exactly what I have been trying to tell you, Alex won’t take it likely when he finds out. You need to stay far away from me.No more messages, don't ever call me again, Delete my number Ryan. Goodbye."

Emma stood up and left the coffee shop with the fear of being seen by someone else, as she rushed back to the grocery store. Back at the store, Emma tried to focus on the things she was buying, but her mind kept drifting back to the conversation with Ryan. She felt a mixture of fear and determination. She couldn't let Alexander find out, but she also couldn't deny the connection she felt with Ryan.

When Emma got home from the grocery store, it was already evening. She knew Mia would have closed from work, so she called her over to her place to explain everything. The two women settled into the living room, and Emma poured them both a glass of wine.

"Mia, I have to tell you something," Emma started, her voice trembling slightly. "Last night,I and Alex had an argument and he slapped Me again. This time instead of sulking alone at home, I went to a bar to cool off. Then I... I met someone. His name is Ryan."

Mia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Tell me everything."

Emma recounted the events of the previous night, her encounter with Ryan, and their undeniable chemistry. She described how they had talked, shared laughter, and how the night had ended with a passionate kiss and more.

We drank and talked through the night about random things. We became drunk until we both went to his apartment together.

"It was incredible, Mia," Emma confessed, her cheeks flushing. "But now I've found out that Ryan is Alexander's childhood friend.

He realized who I was when he saw our engagement photos on Instagram."

Mia's eyes widened. "Oh my God, Emma. This is complicated. Alex should never find out about this then”

Before they could delve further into the conversation, the sound of the front door opening interrupted them. Alexander walked in, his face lighting up when he saw Mia.

"Hey, Mia," he greeted her warmly. Alex did what? I heard my name. He giggled as he smiled sheepishly "It's been a while Mia."

Mia smiled, standing up to give him a hug. "Hey, Alex. Just catching up with Emma."

Alexander glanced between the two women, his expression softening. "I'm glad you two are having a good time recently. I was worried about Emma last night, when she told me she slept at your place"

Mia seized the moment. "Oh, Alex, sorry she was not able to inform you earlier. I can imagine how concerned you were. We had a few drinks and talked until late. She decided it was safer to crash at mine."

Alexander nodded, visibly relieved. "Thanks for looking out for her."

Mia smiled. "Of course. Anytime."

As the evening progressed, they all settled into a comfortable routine. Emma felt a weight lift off her shoulders, grateful for Mia's support. Just before dinner, there was a knock on the door.

“Ooh! That must be the friend I was expecting. Sorry it slipped my mind to inform you he would be joining us for dinner.”

As Alex stood up to open the door, Emma and Mia wondered who the friend was, Alex rarely has friends over to the house.

Alex opened the door and screamed with joy, hugging his friend.

“Man it's been a long while”. He responded “Ooh yes, so glad to finally see you .”

Just as they were sharing pleasantries, Emma walked to the door to welcome their guests. As she was approaching the door she froze and stood still. Her eyes couldn’t believe who she saw. It was Ryan. ‘What is he doing here?’