8. Trapped Between Two Men

A week later…

Emma had grown used to going home when the sky was nearly changing colors. Over the past seven days, her life had been swallowed by Alex’s rhythm—fast, cold, leaving no room to breathe. She was always by his side, taking notes, organizing, remembering, making sure everything ran perfectly.

Personal secretary.

Not merely a title. More than a written contract.

She worked overtime almost every day. And almost every day, Alex demanded more, as if Emma’s time belonged entirely to him. And Emma… swallowed it all without complaint.

That ten billion rupiah had changed her position. Not only financially, but mentally as well. She didn’t dare let her guard down. Didn’t dare forget that all this exhaustion came at a price.

Today, for the first time, Alex allowed her to leave on time.

“You can go,” Alex said without lifting his head from the documents in front of him. “We have a meeting at eight tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir,” Emma replied briefly.

Inside the taxi, Emma stared at her phone screen. The balance in her account still felt like a beautiful nightmare. With that money, she was no longer trapped. She didn’t have to marry Jonathan. She didn’t have to sacrifice her life for her father’s business interests.

And tonight, she intended to end everything.

Her arrival was greeted by Henry with a warmth that instantly made her chest ache. As soon as Emma stepped inside, the old man smiled broadly—a welcome far different from the one she received at her own parents’ house.

“Emma,” Henry called gently. “You finally came.”

Emma gave a small smile. “Sorry, Grandpa. I’ve been very busy lately.”

“I know,” Henry said, patting her hand. “Sit down.”

They sat facing each other in the living room. Warm tea was served on the table. The scent of wood and spices filled the room, pulling Emma back into the past—to a time when she was still with her mother.

“You look thinner,” Henry said with concern.

Emma nodded slightly. “A little.”

Henry looked at her for a long moment. “Jonathan said you’re Alex’s secretary now. You have to be patient with him. He’s disciplined and hardworking. When he’s working, he often forgets the time.”

Emma gave a faint smile. “At the office, there’s just… a lot to do, Grandpa. Especially with the year-end coming.”

Henry nodded. “Yes, of course.”

Then Henry reached for the glass on the table and took a sip of his favorite tea.

“It’s a good thing you came. There’s something important Grandpa wants to talk about.”

Thump.

Emma’s heart began to race. Her emotions suddenly became unsteady.

“What is it, Grandpa?” she asked carefully.

Henry looked serious. “About your marriage to Jonathan.”

Emma took a deep breath. So it was true.

“Grandpa,” she said softly, “I’m very grateful for everything you’ve given me. Without you, I might not be here now.”

Henry smiled broadly. “That’s exactly why. Grandpa wants your wedding to happen soon.”

“But…” Emma’s voice trembled. “I—”

“Has Jonathan hurt you?” Henry cut in, his expression probing. Even though Jonathan was his biological grandson, Henry never turned a blind eye to the possibility of mistakes.

Emma lifted her face. Honesty almost spilled from her lips. About Jonathan. About the betrayal. About her decision.

About her freedom.

But before a single word could come out—

The living room door opened.

“Sorry I’m late.”

That voice made Emma’s body stiffen instantly.

Alex entered first, followed by Jonathan behind him.

The blood seemed to drain from Emma’s face.

“Sorry, I just got home,” Alex greeted his father.

Jonathan smiled as he looked at Emma. “We happened to run into each other outside.”

Henry stood up. “Since you’re all here, let’s eat first. We’ll continue the discussion later.”

Alex glanced at Emma briefly—a short, sharp look, full of meaning.

Emma swallowed hard. All the courage she had gathered earlier collapsed instantly.

Jonathan wrapped an arm around Emma’s shoulders. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I could’ve picked you up.”

Emma opened her mouth… then closed it again when her gaze collided with Alex’s eyes.

That brief interaction didn’t escape Jonathan’s notice. From the beginning, he had never agreed with Emma becoming his uncle’s personal secretary. With Alex’s cold and harsh nature, Jonathan worried Emma would be treated unfairly.

Not long after, Jonathan’s parents arrived.

“Sorry, Dad. We got stuck in traffic,” Alice said as she kissed Henry’s cheek. Her gaze lingered on Emma only briefly—a thin smile that was never truly sincere.

“It’s alright. Let’s eat before the food gets cold,” Henry said.

Nervousness crept over Emma. This wasn’t the first time she had dinner with Jonathan’s family. But tonight was different.

Alex’s presence in the room made everything feel awkward.

Dinner went on with light conversation, until Henry finally spoke.

“Grandpa invited all of you here tonight to discuss Jonathan and Emma’s marriage.”