When the Heart Knows

CHAPTER 5

The morning sun painted long shadows on the pavement, casting a golden glow over the quiet suburban street. Andy parked his sleek black car a few houses down from Emilia’s address, his jaw tight as he surveyed the neighborhood. He’d rarely driven himself anywhere, but today wasn’t for chauffeurs or pretenses. His rolled-up sleeves and open collar belied the storm brewing inside him.

Yesterday’s confrontation had gnawed at him through the night, leaving him restless. He didn’t like loose ends, and Emilia Gomez was a glaring one. He needed to speak to her—to settle the clash that still sparked in his chest. Or maybe, to understand why she’d left such a mark.

Stepping out of the car, Andy took a slow breath, scanning the rows of modest homes with their well-kept lawns. A few joggers passed by, paying him no mind. He didn’t hesitate long before heading toward her house.

As he approached, the front door swung open, and a stout woman with sharp eyes and an air of authority stepped onto the porch. She was muttering to herself, holding a small gift bag. Andy paused mid-step, unsure of how to approach her without raising suspicion.

The woman’s gaze landed on him, and her brows furrowed. “Can I help you?” she asked, her tone somewhere between polite and wary.

Andy smoothed his expression, summoning his most disarming smile. “Good morning. I’m a colleague of Emilia’s.”

Her eyes narrowed, studying him like a hawk sizing up prey. After a moment, her expression softened. “A colleague, eh? I’m Aunt Rosa, her mother’s sister. You’re here to see Emi?”

“Yes,” he said, carefully choosing his words. “I wanted to check on her after a long day at work yesterday. Is she home?”

Aunt Rosa snorted, crossing her arms. “Home? Not likely. She’s out running. Girl’s been doing that every morning since she was a kid. Restless energy, always on the move.”

Andy nodded, masking his disappointment. “I see. Would it be alright if I waited for her?”

Rosa tilted her head, considering him. “Hmm. You might as well sit here with me then. I’ve got a few minutes before I leave.”

Andy followed her onto the shaded porch, settling into a wicker chair that creaked under his weight. Rosa wasted no time launching into stories about Emilia, her voice animated as she recounted tales of youthful mischief and fierce independence.

“She’s always been headstrong, that one,” Rosa said, clutching her rosary. “When she was ten, she climbed the tallest tree in the park to rescue a kitten. Got stuck herself. Had to be talked down by the fire department!” She chuckled, her eyes twinkling. “That’s my Emi—always trying to save the world, even if it means risking her neck.”

Andy smiled faintly, his intrigue deepening. Emilia had stood her ground with him yesterday in a way few ever dared. Hearing about her firebrand childhood made her defiance more understandable—and somehow more admirable.

“She seems… determined,” he offered carefully.

“Determined?” Rosa laughed, shaking her head. “That girl’s got enough stubbornness to power a freight train. But she’s got a good heart. Just don’t cross her.” Her tone sharpened, her gaze piercing. “And don’t distract her from what’s important—her faith, her family. If you’re here to mess with her…”

Andy straightened, holding up his hands. “I’m not here to mess with her.”

Rosa’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Hmm. We’ll see about that.”

Before Andy could respond, a figure appeared at the end of the street. Emilia, dressed in running gear with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, jogged toward them. She moved with the kind of grace that made it look effortless, her focus unbroken—until she spotted him. Her pace faltered, and her expression darkened.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded, her voice sharp as she stopped at the porch.

Before Andy could answer, Rosa chimed in. “Emi! This fine young man came to check on you. We’ve been having a lovely chat.”

Emilia’s eyes narrowed further, her suspicion tangible. “Have you now?”

Rosa patted Andy on the shoulder. “He’s polite, I’ll give him that. Says he respects you.” She gave Emilia a sly smile. “I think he fancies you.”

“Thank you, Aunt Rosa,” Emilia said tightly, her jaw clenching. “I’ll take it from here.”

Rosa chuckled, clearly enjoying herself. “Alright, alright. I’ll leave you two to talk. But remember, young man…” She waved her rosary at Andy like a warning. “God sees everything.”

Andy managed a strained smile as Rosa finally made her way to the car. When she was out of earshot, Emilia turned back to him, her arms crossed and her glare icy.

“What do you want, Andy?” she asked, her voice low and controlled.

“I came to talk,” he said simply, meeting her gaze.

“Well, you’ve wasted your time,” she shot back, brushing past him toward the door. “I have nothing to say to you.”

“Emilia,” he called after her, his tone soft but firm.

She froze, her hand on the doorknob. Without turning, she muttered, “Go home, Andy. There’s nothing here for you.”

Andy’s jaw tightened, a flicker of frustration breaking through his calm. “I’m not leaving until we talk.”

She turned slowly, her expression a mixture of disbelief and exasperation. “Then you’ll be standing out here all day.”

She shoved the door open, but before she could step inside, Andy moved. His foot wedged in the gap, stopping the door with a solid thud. Emilia’s head snapped toward him, her eyes blazing.

“Move your foot,” she hissed.

“Not until you hear me out,” he replied evenly, his tone unyielding.

They stood locked in a standoff, the tension between them thick enough to cut. For a brief, heated moment, Emilia looked ready to slam the door on his foot just to make her point. But then her shoulders sagged, a frustrated sigh escaping her lips.

“Fine,” she bit out, pulling the door open. “You’ve got five minutes.”

Andy stepped inside, taking in the cozy but sparse interior. The space was neat, almost too neat, with little personal touch beyond a stack of books on the coffee table and a few framed photos on the wall.

Emilia stood a few feet away, arms crossed and expression guarded. “Say what you came to say and leave.”

Andy nodded, his tone calm but his words precise. “Yesterday wasn’t about me doubting your abilities. It was about protecting the company. And you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Protecting me? Is that what you call undermining my decisions in front of the entire board?”

His jaw ticked, but he stayed composed. “You’re right. I handled it badly. And I am sorry.”

Emilia blinked, momentarily thrown off by the admission. “So why are you here now? Guilt?”

“No.” He took a step closer, his voice lowering. “Because I see something in you, Emilia. Something worth fighting for. You were right yesterday, and I was wrong. I need you on my team, whatever it’ll take. I am here now! I didn’t send anyone. I came myself, so that should mean something.”

She studied him, searching for cracks in his sincerity. “Why should I believe you?”

“Because I am here, not an emissary.” Andy said quietly, holding her gaze.

The silence stretched between them, charged with unresolved tension. Emilia looked away first, her expression unreadable. “You’ve said your piece. Now go.”

Andy hesitated, sensing the fragile ground beneath them. “I will, but please give it a thought.”

“Maybe I will—or not.” she said softly, turning her back to him.

Andy left without another word, the click of the door closing behind him echoing in the quiet. As he reached his car, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and frowned at the unknown number on the screen. Answering it, he heard a voice that sent a chill down his spine.

“Mr. Wright,” the voice drawled, calm and menacing. “I hear you’ve been stirring things up again. I think it’s time we talked.”

Andy froze, his pulse quickening. The call ended abruptly, leaving him with a name flashing on his screen—a name he hadn’t thought about in months.

The game had just changed.