A New Phase
1387 Words
When they arrived at Emma’s apartment, Aiden stepped out first.
Bryce held the door open for her, but before she could get out, Aiden turned to her.
“Pack your things,” he said.
Emma blinked. “Excuse me?”
“You are moving in with me,” Aiden reminded her. “I do not like repeating myself.”
Emma hesitated. “I thought I had a few days.”
“You do,” Aiden said. “But after tonight, the media will be watching you. The longer you stay here, the more they will dig into your past.”
Emma knew he was right.
She sighed. “Fine. I will pack tomorrow.”
Aiden nodded. “Bryce will handle the details.”
Without another word, he turned and got back into the car.
Emma watched as the Rolls Royce disappeared down the street.
She took a deep breath and walked inside.
The moment she closed the door behind her, her phone rang.
She stared at the screen.
Davis.
Emma smirked and answered. “Davis.”
“Emma,” Davis’ voice was tense. “What the hell happened tonight?”
Emma sat down on her couch, crossing her legs. “Oh, you saw?”
“Of course, I saw!” Davis snapped. “Do you have any idea what you have done?”
Emma tilted her head. “I did what you asked. I walked the show.”
“You took off the mask!” Davis shouted. “Now the whole world is talking about you instead of Sophia!”
Emma smiled. “That is not my fault.”
Davis was silent for a moment. Then his voice dropped lower. “Are you trying to ruin us?”
Emma’s smile widened. “I do not have to try. You are doing a good job of that yourself.”
“You think this is funny?” Davis hissed. “You think Aiden Brooks defending you makes you untouchable?”
Emma’s expression turned cold. “I think you should start worrying about yourself, Davis.”
Another pause.
Then Davis laughed, but there was no humor in it. “You have changed.”
“Yes,” Emma said simply. “I have.”
Davis was quiet for a long moment. Then, in a voice so low it was almost a whisper, he said, “Do not push me, Emma.”
Emma’s grip on her phone tightened.
She could hear the threat beneath his words.
But she was not scared anymore.
“Goodnight, Davis,” she said, and ended the call.
Emma set her phone down and leaned back against the couch.
Her heart was still racing.
Davis was angry. Which meant she had done something right.
But she knew this was only the beginning.
She had stepped back into the game.
And this time, she was going to win.
“Miss Claire, are you awake?”
Emma stirred at the sound of the unfamiliar voice. Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the early morning light spilling through the curtains. She frowned slightly, her mind still foggy.
Then she remembered.
Last night. The show. Davis’ call.
And Aiden Brooks.
She sat up quickly, only to see a man standing politely near the door. He was dressed in a neat black suit, his posture stiff and formal.
“Who are you?” she asked, rubbing her temples.
“My name is Bryce, Mr. Brooks’ assistant,” he introduced himself with a slight nod. “I am here to assist with your move.”
Emma blinked. “My move?”
Bryce smiled faintly. “Mr. Brooks asked you to pack your things. He does not like waiting.”
Emma let out a slow breath. She had almost forgotten that she agreed to move in with him.
She swung her legs over the bed and stood up. “Right. Give me an hour.”
Bryce checked his watch. “Mr. Brooks gave you two.”
Emma smirked. “How generous.”
She walked past him and headed toward the closet. As she started pulling out her clothes, she could feel Bryce watching her.
“You do not have to stand there,” she said without looking back.
“I will be waiting outside,” Bryce said politely. “A car is ready whenever you are.”
Emma nodded, and he stepped out, leaving her alone.
She let out a slow breath, staring at the pile of clothes in front of her.
This was it.
She was leaving behind the life she had built with Davis. The memories, the pain, all of it.
And she was stepping into something entirely new.
Two hours later, Emma stood outside her apartment building as Bryce loaded the last of her suitcases into the black Rolls Royce.
She watched as the car door opened.
Aiden Brooks sat inside, one hand resting lazily on his knee, the other holding his phone. He did not look up as she slid into the seat beside him.
“You are on time,” he remarked without looking away from his screen.
Emma raised an eyebrow. “Did you expect me to be late?”
Aiden finally looked at her, his dark eyes sharp. “No. I expect you to follow instructions.”
Emma smirked. “Then I guess we will get along just fine.”
Aiden did not respond. Instead, he turned his attention back to his phone, typing something quickly.
Emma leaned back against the seat, watching him out of the corner of her eye.
Aiden Brooks was an enigma. He had stepped in to defend her at the show, yet he remained distant. He had agreed to this marriage, yet he acted as though it was nothing more than a business deal.
She was not sure what to make of him yet.
The car pulled onto the highway, the city passing by in a blur.
Emma exhaled.
There was no turning back now.
When they arrived at Aiden’s mansion, Emma was not sure what she had expected.
But this was beyond anything she had imagined.
The estate was massive, surrounded by tall iron gates and a long driveway lined with towering trees. The house itself was modern yet elegant, with glass windows that stretched high into the sky.
“Welcome to your new home,” Bryce said as he opened the car door.
Emma stepped out slowly, taking in the sight before her.
Aiden walked ahead, not waiting for her. “Your room is on the second floor. Bryce will show you around.”
Emma narrowed her eyes at his back. “Not even going to give me a tour yourself?”
Aiden stopped at the entrance and glanced over his shoulder. “I do not play the role of a welcoming husband.”
Emma crossed her arms. “Good. I do not play the role of an obedient wife.”
Aiden smirked slightly before walking inside.
Bryce cleared his throat. “Shall we?”
Emma sighed and followed him in.
The interior of the mansion was just as grand as the exterior. The floors were polished marble, and the walls were adorned with modern art. The living room was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked a breathtaking garden.
“Your room is here,” Bryce said, stopping in front of a large wooden door on the second floor.
Emma pushed it open and stepped inside.
The room was beautiful. The king-sized bed was positioned against a wall of tall windows, with sheer curtains that let in the perfect amount of light. A walk-in closet stood to the side, along with an en-suite bathroom that looked bigger than her entire apartment.
“It is fully furnished,” Bryce said. “If you need anything, let me know.”
Emma turned to him. “Does he have a rulebook I should follow?”
Bryce smiled. “Mr. Brooks prefers peace and order. Other than that, you are free to do as you please.”
Emma smirked. “Sounds like a dream.”
Bryce gave a small nod before stepping out, leaving her alone.
Emma sat on the edge of the bed, running her fingers over the soft sheets.
This was her life now.
She was married to a man she barely knew. Living in a house that did not feel like hers.
- Writer
