CHAPTER 18Natalie huffed but reluctantly nodded, realizing that getting worked up wouldn't solve anything. Laila's calm demeanor always had a soothing effect on both of us. We hurriedly made our way to my room, throwing open my closet doors and scouring through the clothes.Laila held up a dress. "This one will look great on you, Emma. Quick, put it on!"Natalie rummaged through my shoe collection, finding a pair that matched perfectly. "And these heels will complete the look."Within minutes, I had changed into the dress and slipped on the heels, my friends offering encouraging words and gentle reminders to breathe. With their assistance, I managed to pull myself together, and soon I was dashing out the door, my heart pounding in my chest.As I hurried down the street towards Elm Cafe, my mind raced with thoughts of what I would say to Alexander. I hoped he would understand my forgetfulness and not be too upset with me. I mentally rehearsed apologies a
CHAPTER 19I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by it all. We barely knew each other but it seems that it was all destiny work, our love grew strong. E should've realized it sooner, our instant connection at the gallery opening came as a shock to me as I rarely spent time with the opposite gender, but something about Alexander pulled me in and that resulted into this being in my belly. But still nothing could have prepared me for this moment, for the sheer intensity of emotions that flooded through me when Alexander dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife.The ring on my finger made it feel weightier than ever before. It was a symbol of commitment, a promise of forever. And as we continued our leisurely walk, I couldn't help but steal glances at it, marveling at its beauty and the significance it held. Each time the moonlight caught the diamond, it sparkled.The world around me had transformed. It was as if love had painted everything in vivid co
CHAPTER 20The words hung heavily in the air, punctuating the stark reality of our situation. "But what about the child?" Emma's voice quivered, barely above a whisper. "Are you saying we will raise a child together without any love between us?"My expression softened, my voice laced with sincerity. "I may not love you that way, but I will honor my responsibilities as a father. Our child deserves to grow up in a stable and loving environment. We can provide that, even if our own relationship is built on different foundations."Tears welled up in Emma's eyes as she grappled with the harsh reality of their circumstances. She had to consider the well-being of her unborn child, even if it meant sacrificing her own desires and dreams.With a heavy heart, Emma nodded slowly, accepting the path that had been thrust upon her. "I understand," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "If it's for the sake of our child, then I will do what needs to be done.
CHAPTER 21Relief washed over me, mingling with a surge of joy. I leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, silently thanking her for taking this leap of faith with me."Goodbye then Emma" i said"Goodbye Alexander"As I stepped out of Emma's apartment building, ready to head back to my own thoughts, a woman's voice called out from the side of the road. I hesitated, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected interruption. Curiosity getting the better of me, I approached her cautiously."Excuse me, are you Alexander?" she asked, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and concern.I nodded, a touch of wariness seeping into my voice. "Yes, I am. Who are you?"The woman took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "I'm Laila, Emma's friend," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of urgency. "I care deeply about her, and I need to talk to you about the relationship you're about to embark on for the sake of your child."Her words sent a shiver down m
CHAPTER 22Alexander took a deep breath, preparing himself to defend his choices. "Emma is not an ordinary girl, Mother. And yes, we are engaged. I made this decision to protect our family." Alexander's words hung in the air, his declaration reverberating through the room. His mother's face contorted with a mix of anger and disbelief. She leaned forward, her voice sharp and piercing. "Protect the family? You dare to speak of protecting the family while you throw your future away with some insignificant girl?" Her tone dripped with venom.Alexander's jaw clenched, his voice laced with a hint of frustration. "Mother, Emma is not insignificant. She carries my child, your grandchild. I will not abandon them."His mother's eyes blazed with fury, her words cutting like knives. "You think bringing an illegitimate child into this family is protecting it? You are deluded, Alexander. You have lost sight of what truly matters."The tension in the room escalated,
CHAPTER 23Alexander.I tried not thinking about it but everything I do and wherever I go only seemed to remind me of that night with her. I tried using various girls to satiate my hunger for her but it never worked, that pleasure I got from her was never found anywhere else. I tried virgins and even paid them off, I tried sleeping with a virgin while both of us were completely drunk but all I felt was loneliness and confusion. I went back to the gallery and made researches about her and I found out that she was quite a talented artist and her art left me in wonder making her even more and more intriguing. I had been awaiting her call or at least even a text but she never even tried to text or call me. I wondered if there could be a possibility that the cleaning lady didn't give her the note so I went back to the hotel and made enquires, she had definitely received the number but she didn't seem to be willing to call me.Desperate, I had my assistant o
CHAPTER 24I clung to her, finding comfort in her words. In that moment, I realized that even though my dreams had been shattered, I still had the support and love of those who truly cared about me. And that gave me hope.As I sat there, tears staining my cheeks, I made a silent vow to myself. I wouldn't let this define me. Instead, I would rise from the ashes, stronger and more determined than ever before.But first, there was something I needed to do. I needed to let go of the false notions of love and romance that had clouded my judgment. I needed to let go of the false notions of love and romance that had clouded my judgment. I needed to rid myself of the illusions perpetuated by countless romance novels lining the shelves of my home. They had fueled my imagination and led me to believe in a fantasy that was now crumbling before my eyes.With newfound determination, I slowly stood up, wiping away the remnants of tears from my face. Natalie watched me i
CHAPTER 25Tears welled up in my eyes once again, this time not out of sorrow, but out of gratitude. In that moment, I realized the immense love and concern they held for me. They weren't belittling me; they were simply trying to shield me from further pain.I took a deep breath, letting their words sink in. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I'm sorry for lashing out. I know you both have my best interests at heart."Laila and Natalie exchanged a knowing glance and then smiled at me. "We're a team, Emma," Laila said, her voice brimming with determination. "We'll face everything together, the highs and the lows. You're not alone in this, I have said that way too many times girl. We love you."With renewed understanding and a strengthened bond, we resumed our roles, each playing a part in clearing the remnants of the burnt books. As we worked side by side, a sense of unity and resilience.A wave of contentment washed ove