BROKEN

Chapter 3: Confronting the Past

Emma's heart sank as she saw the car. She knew it was her ex-fiancé, Jack's. She turned to Alex, who had noticed the car too, and could see the concern in his eyes.

"I'm sorry you have to see this," Emma said, feeling guilty for bringing him into the mess of her life.

Alex placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. I'm here for you."

They got out of the car and walked up to the front door. Emma hesitated before opening the door, bracing herself for what she was about to face.

As she entered the house, Emma saw Jack standing in the living room, a sheepish expression on his face. He looked up and saw Emma, surprise crossing his features before quickly being replaced by guilt.

"Emma, I know you probably don't want to see me," he started.

"You think?" Emma snapped, her anger bubbling up inside her. "What the hell are you doing here, Jack?"

"I just wanted to talk to you, explain everything," Jack said, taking a step closer to her.

"Explain what? That you cheated on me with my best friend?" Emma seethed. "There's nothing you can say that will make this better."

Jack's face fell. "I know I messed up. I was an i***t, and I should have told you the truth. But please, Emma, hear me out."

Emma was about to tell Jack to leave when she felt Alex's hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. She turned to look at him, and he gave her a nod of encouragement.

Taking a deep breath, Emma turned back to Jack. "Fine. Talk."

Jack took a seat on the couch, and Emma and Alex sat on the other side of the room. Jack looked down at his hands before starting to speak.

"I know I hurt you, Emma. And I'm sorry for that. I was going through a tough time, and I turned to Sarah for comfort. It was a mistake, and I regret it every day."

Emma scoffed. "A mistake? You had an affair with my best friend! How could that ever be a mistake?"

"I know it was wrong," Jack said, his voice filled with regret. "But I still love you, Emma. I want to make things right. Can't we try to work things out?"

Emma shook her head. "No, Jack. I can't trust you. You broke my heart, and I don't think it can ever be mended."

Jack looked crestfallen, and Emma could see the pain in his eyes. She wanted to comfort him, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.

As the conversation came to a close, Alex stood up. "I think we should give you two some time to talk. Emma, I'll be outside if you need me."

Emma nodded her thanks, and Alex walked out of the room, leaving her alone with Jack.

As soon as Alex was out of sight, Jack's demeanor changed. He stood up, anger flashing in his eyes.

"You're really going to choose some guy you barely know over me?" he spat. "After everything we've been through?"

Emma stood up too, facing him squarely. "You lost that right when you cheated on me, Jack. I can't just forget what you did."

"But he can?" Jack sneered. "Who is he, anyway? Some rebound fling?"

Emma felt her anger building. "No, he's not just some fling. He's been there for me when you weren't. He's kind, caring, and doesn't judge me for what happened. He's the exact opposite of you," Emma finished, her voice firm.

Jack's expression twisted in anger, and he stepped closer to Emma. She could smell the alcohol on his breath, and she took a step back, suddenly feeling afraid.

"You'll regret this, Emma," Jack spat, his voice low and menacing. "You'll come crawling back to me, and when you do, I won't be there."

With that, he turned and stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

Emma stood there for a moment, her heart racing. She didn't know what would happen next, but she knew one thing for sure: she didn't want Jack back in her life.