4. Our Secret, For Now

“Tomorrow night we have to attend together,” Jonathan said casually, as if he were talking about an ordinary dinner.

Emma turned quickly. “Attend where?”

“My Uncle Alex’s welcome-back party.”

That name struck her chest without warning.

“What?” Her voice nearly caught. “Uncle Alex?”

Emma drew in a deep breath, still unable to believe the huge problem waiting right in front of her. If only everyone knew she had slept with her fiancé’s uncle.

Jonathan didn’t notice the change in her expression. “The Clayton family is throwing a big party. Uncle Alex just returned from overseas and officially replaced Grandpa as CEO.”

Emma clenched her fingers together on her lap. Her breathing felt short.

“But… I don’t think I can come tomorrow,” she said carefully. “I have an important event.”

Jonathan let out a small laugh. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re my fiancée. Everyone knows that.”

“That’s exactly why—”

“We have to go together,” Jonathan cut in. “Soon enough, you’ll officially be part of the Clayton family.”

Emma fell silent.

She wanted to say so many things. Wanted to scream that she wasn’t ready to face Alex, that the man named Alex was not just a new boss to her.

But not a single word came out.

“Besides,” Jonathan continued, “Grandpa will be happy to see us arrive together.”

That name bound Emma once again.

“Now let’s find a dress for tomorrow night’s party.”

***

The boutique was filled with light and mirrors.

“This one looks good,” Jonathan said, eyeing the simple black dress that clung to Emma’s body.

Emma studied her reflection. “It’s too revealing.”

“You look beautiful and sexy,” Jonathan replied quickly. “And that’s what matters.”

“Beautiful and sexy?” Emma asked softly.

Jonathan sighed. Then he stood and slowly stepped closer, stopping right behind Emma. “Yes, you’re beautiful and…” His fingers brushed gently along Emma’s back, making her body tense. “Sexy. If only you were a little more—” Jonathan continued as he pressed a kiss to Emma’s bare shoulder.

“Enough! Don’t compare me to your mistresses!” Emma snapped, stepping away.

Jonathan’s jaw hardened. His eyes darkened. That rejection was what had driven Jonathan to cheat. Emma always refused, believing purity was everything. The naïve woman who made him fall in love. But out of pride, he never admitted it.

“Emma, don’t start again.”

Jonathan turned to the sales associate. “We’ll take this one.”

Emma wanted to refuse, but the word we made her fall silent again.

As the dress was wrapped up, Emma lowered her head. “Jonathan… I need to go now—”

“Where are you going?” Jonathan cut in.

“None of your business,” Emma replied coldly. “Jonathan, it’s better if we just end everything.”

Jonathan smiled faintly. “You’re joking.”

“I’m serious.”

Jonathan stepped closer, his voice low. “You’ll never be able to leave me.”

Emma met his gaze without fear.

Just wait, she thought. After all my goals are achieved.

***

The night of the party arrived.

Crystal chandeliers hung magnificently. Classical music flowed softly.

Jonathan held Emma’s waist possessively. “All eyes are on us.”

Emma smiled, playing her role perfectly.

Then applause echoed through the room.

“The youngest son of the Clayton family,” the host’s voice rang out. “The new CEO of our company. Alex Clayton.”

Emma held her breath.

Alex stepped out. Upright. Calm. His gaze swept across the room—then stopped.

On her.

Emma’s heart raced wildly.

“Why do you look pale?” Jonathan whispered.

“I’m feeling hot,” Emma replied quickly.

Alex began to speak. Applause filled the room again.

Emma joined in clapping, even though her hands were cold.

He remembers, she thought. He must.

“Jonathan,” she whispered. “I need to go to the restroom for a moment.”

Jonathan nodded without suspicion.

Emma turned quickly and walked away, trying to steady her breathing.

“Emma, calm down. Everything will be fine,” she told herself silently.

In front of the mirror, Emma took a deep breath.

Then—

“We meet again.”

Emma’s body froze.

Alex stood behind her, calm, as if this encounter had been planned all along.

“You look very beautiful tonight,” he said softly. “That dress suits you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Alex,” Emma replied stiffly.

That formal tone only made Alex’s smile widen.

“This scent…” he murmured. “I still remember it.”

Emma fought the tremor in her body. “I have to leave now.”

“Relax, Emma,” Alex said quietly. “Our secret is safe.”

Emma let out a relieved breath—but Alex’s smile pressed down on her chest once more.

“For now.”

“What do you mean?”

Alex lowered his head, his gaze fixed on the beautiful face before him, his voice low and dangerous.

“That depends on your choice tonight, Emma.”