Contracted Hearts

Chapter 5

Emma's heart pounded as she locked eyes with Bryan. The shock was evident on her face. He was the last person she expected to see there.

“So the rumors are true,” Bryan said as he walked slowly towards her. “ I didn't want to believe it. Even when I saw your pictures, I still found it hard to believe. I wanted to see it with my own eyes,” Bryan said with a sour expression evident on his face.

“Well, they're true, Bryan. You had better believe it.” Emma replied, the shock on her face slowly twisting into a sneer.

“But why? Is this why you've been ignoring my calls and messages? You found a rich man, Is that it? I never knew you to be a gold digger. You think I don’t know the reason you're with him. You just needed money because of your sister's surgery and because you've lost everything to your uncle.“ Bryan said, his voice getting louder.

“I just find it interesting how quickly you moved on, Emma. It doesn't take long for you to find someone else, huh? Did our relationship not mean anything to you?”

"Enough," Alexander interjected. "We're leaving.” He grabbed Emma's hands in an attempt to pull her to the car

Emma wringled her hands free, she felt a surge of anger and hurt. "That's rich coming from you, Bryan. You have a lot of nerves to say that to me. You think I don't know you cheated on me with my cousin? You have the guts to call me a gold digger, but you Bryan, are the real gold digger. You think I don't know you were with me just because of my father's wealth. You're not only a cheat, but a liar and a con artist.”

The surrounding whispers grew louder, and she could feel the judgmental stares of the onlookers. By this time, the scene had attracted lots of attention and people were gathered, some making a recording of what was happening with their phones.

“So you knew?” Bryan's voice was more solemn this time. “Why didn't you say anything? That was why you were ignoring my calls, and you didn't reply to my messages. You should have told me. I could have explained, we could have worked it out.” Bryan said, trying to get a little closer to Emma.

“There’s nothing to work out between us again, Bryan. I don't want to have anything to do with you again. Go and be with Jenna, she's the one you love.” Emma said as she turned and attempted to get into the car.

“Wait Emma “ Bryan shouted as he attempted to grab her arms, but before he could do so Alex shoved him back and punched him in the face, eliciting some gasps from some of the onlookers.

“Don't you dare touch her, you have no right to.” Alex said as he prepared to strike Bryan again.

“Alex, please stop, he's not worth it,” Emma said as she grabbed his arms to prevent him from landing another punch. “Bryan, please just leave me alone. We're done.” Emma said to Bryan, who was still on the ground reeling from the punch.

“You're pathetic. You never deserved a lady like Emma. If I see you close to her ever again, I will kill you with my bare hands.” Alex said angrily, heaving with anger.

Bryan stood up and calmly adjusted his shirt. “Mark my words, I'm going to sabotage this marriage and dig up as much dirt as I can of both of you. I will make sure you regret this decision, Emma.” Bryan said before walking away.

“You can't do anything, you are a nobody.” Alex shouted at Bryan as he walked away. He opened the door of the car for Emma to get inside, before getting in himself to begin their ride home.

In the car, Alex's jaw was clenched. "Don't let him get to you," he said, his voice controlled but strained. "He's trying to provoke you."

Emma nodded, but she couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom.

“And what did he mean by he's going to sabotage the marriage and dig up dirt on us? Such bravado from a pathetic person,” Alex continued.

“He's a journalist and works with one of the media outlets in the city. I'm guessing he'll try to use his platform to spread false stories,” Emma said in a low voice.

“Such a coward, I can't believe you were with someone like him,” Alex said, still fuming, but Emma was quiet and didn't respond.

"We'll deal with it," Alexander said reassuringly upon noticing her troubled mood. "Trust me."

The ride back was silent, both of them lost in their thoughts. When they arrived at Emma's house, she turned to Alexander. "Thank you for tonight. Despite everything, it was... nice."

Alexander gave her a small smile. "Get some rest. We'll talk tomorrow.”

Emma woke up feeling uneasy. The events of the previous night replayed in her mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get worse. Her phone buzzed with a notification, and she saw several messages from friends and acquaintances asking about the pictures and videos of her and Alex that were circulating online.

Just as she was about to reply to one of them, her phone rang. It was her lawyer, Mr. Collins.

"Emma, I have some urgent news," he said. "Your uncle is making moves to sell your father's company. We need to act fast if we're going to stop him."

"What? How can he do that? I thought we had more time."

"He's quickened the process. We need to meet today to discuss our options."

Emma agreed and hung up, her mind racing.

She quickly dressed and called Alex. "I need your help," she said as soon as he answered.

"So you must have heard. I was just about to call you," Alex said.

"Why is that?" Emma asked.

"I just learned my father is about to buy out your father's company from your uncle."