Chapter 8: To Protect Her

Emily's phone slipped from her fingers and hit the floor.

The sharp sound echoed through the luxurious suite.

All the color drained from her face.

And that freak at the café isn't getting away with this either.

Ryan's threatening message flashed through her mind.

Now Robert was in danger, too.

The thought made her chest tighten painfully.

"What if something happens to Robert...?"

Her voice trembled.

Alexander bent down and picked up her phone.

"Please, try to stay calm."

He glanced at the screen, reading the messages Ryan had sent, before quietly handing it back to her.

"For now, these are threats."

"But Ryan means it..."

"He might."

Alexander didn't dismiss her fears.

"Which is exactly why we need to take them seriously."

Emily looked up at him.

"Your husband is acting on his emotions. For the time being, we'll need to consider not only your safety, but also the safety of everyone at your workplace."

Emily's stomach sank.

She pictured the little café where she'd worked so hard. The familiar tables, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and Robert's cheerful voice greeting customers.

It was one of the few places where she'd always felt comfortable.

And now Ryan was threatening to destroy that, too.

"Maybe... maybe I should quit my job."

"No."

Alexander's answer was immediate.

"There's no reason for you to resign."

"But..."

"The person who did something wrong gets to keep living as though nothing happened, while the innocent person is forced to give up her job?"

Alexander shook his head.

"That's not right."

His words struck Emily deeply.

In the past, she would have offered to resign without a second thought.

She would have apologized for the trouble and convinced herself that leaving was the responsible thing to do.

After all, wasn't that what she'd always done?

Whenever something went wrong, she was the one who made sacrifices.

She was the one who apologized.

She was the one who gave up.

But Alexander was telling her she didn't have to.

"I'm sure Robert would say the same thing," he added.

Emily remembered what her manager had told her over the phone.

Oh, no, darling. You're not the one who should be apologizing.

Those words echoed in her heart.

Perhaps, for once, she could believe them.

"You don't need to make any more decisions today," Alexander said.

He rose from the sofa.

"You're exhausted. Please, eat something first."

The soup on the table was still warm, delicate curls of steam rising from the bowl.

Emily picked up her spoon.

She hesitated for a moment before taking a small sip.

The gentle flavor spread through her mouth, and warmth slowly settled into her chilled body.

Only then did she realize just how hungry she was.

"...It's delicious."

"I'm glad."

Alexander smiled softly.

For a brief moment, the room felt peaceful.

Then his phone vibrated.

He glanced at the screen before turning to Emily.

"Excuse me for a moment."

"Of course."

Alexander stepped outside the suite.

When the door closed behind him, Emily heard his low voice from the hallway.

"It's me."

His tone was different now.

Gone was the gentle warmth he'd shown her all afternoon.

His voice was crisp, controlled, and utterly businesslike.

"Change my schedule."

There was a brief pause.

"Postpone all my appointments for the time being."

Someone on the other end seemed to protest.

Alexander answered without hesitation.

"Yes. Something more important has come up."

The call ended shortly afterward.

Emily sat quietly, her spoon resting in her hand.

Something more important?

She glanced toward the closed door.

Alexander had already taken her to the hospital, arranged a luxury hotel suite, and stayed beside her through the worst day of her life.

And now he was rearranging his work schedule?

Just how much was he sacrificing for her?

The door opened.

Alexander returned, his usual gentle expression back in place.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Emily looked at him curiously.

"Is everything all right with your work?"

He gave a small smile.

"Of course. I just needed to rearrange a few things."

His answer sounded perfectly casual.

But Emily couldn't shake the strange feeling growing inside her.

Something more important has come up.

Those were the exact words he'd used.

And somehow, she had the unmistakable feeling that the important matter he was talking about...

Was her.