Chapter 8: The Mysterious Call
439 Words
Emma stood frozen, her phone still pressed against her ear.
The call had ended, but the woman's words echoed inside her mind.
*"If you care about Ethan... stay away from him."*
She tried calling the number back.
It was switched off.
"Who was she?" Emma whispered.
Lily noticed the worried look on her face.
"Emma, what's wrong?"
Emma handed her the phone.
"I just received a strange call."
After listening carefully, Lily frowned.
"Maybe someone is trying to scare you."
"But why?"
"I don't know."
Emma looked down at Ethan's note once more.
She wanted to believe him.
But now everything felt even more complicated.
...
At Brooks Corporation, Ethan was searching through security reports when Daniel entered his office.
"Sir."
"What is it?"
"We found out who made the anonymous phone call."
Ethan stood up immediately.
"Who?"
Daniel hesitated.
"The call came from someone connected to the Brooks family."
Ethan's face became serious.
"Sophia?"
"We're not certain."
"But we're investigating."
Ethan clenched his fists.
"I won't let anyone hurt Emma."
...
That evening, Emma decided to take a walk to clear her mind.
The city was quiet after the rain.
She walked through the small park where she and Ethan had once shared coffee and laughter.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her.
She turned around.
"Ethan?"
He slowly approached her.
"I've been looking for you."
Emma looked away.
"I received a phone call."
"I know."
His answer surprised her.
"You know?"
"I found out this morning."
"It wasn't me."
"I would never threaten you."
Emma searched his eyes.
She saw honesty.
"I believe you," she whispered.
Ethan took one careful step closer.
"I don't want you to be afraid."
"I'm not afraid."
"What scares me..."
Emma paused.
"...is falling in love and getting hurt."
Ethan gently reached for her hand.
"I can't promise life will be easy."
"I can't promise there won't be problems."
"But I promise one thing."
"I will never lie to you again."
Tears filled Emma's eyes.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Finally...
Emma smiled.
"I'll give you one more chance."
Ethan couldn't hide his happiness.
"Thank you."
Before either of them could say another word, a loud crash echoed across the street.
A black car sped toward them at full speed.
"Ethan!"
Emma shouted.
Without thinking, Ethan pushed her out of the way.
The car missed them by only a few inches before disappearing into the night.
People nearby screamed.
Emma's heart raced.
She looked at Ethan.
"That wasn't an accident..."
Ethan stared at the road with a cold expression.
"No."
"Someone wants to keep us apart."
**End of Chapter 8**
- Writer
