Alex walked me back to the bar, where only Lizzy remained, busy wiping the counter. As soon as she caught sight of us, her eyes lit up.
"You're back!" Lizzy exclaimed, a mischievous wink accompanying her words. "And with a handsome man, I see."
A blush crept up my cheeks, but I couldn't help but smile. I introduced them to each other, saying, "Lizzy, this is Alex. And Alex, meet Lizzy—my best friend."
Lizzy smiled, "Oh, I know who Alex is! You're quite famous around here. It's a pleasure to meet you finally."
Alex returned the greeting with a warm smile. "Likewise, Lizzy."
Turning to me, Alex said, "It's getting late now. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
I nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. "Okay, see you tomorrow."
With a wave goodbye, Alex left the bar, leaving Lizzy and me in a state of excitement and curiosity. As the door closed behind him, Lizzy turned to me with a playful grin. "Well, well, Emma, it seems like things are getting interesting. I can't wait to hear all the details. But first! I needed to tell you something!"
Lizzy continued after taking a deep breath, her voice brimming with excitement. "You won't believe this, Emma. After you left, Matt and Sophia had a massive argument. It was intense! Sophia was scolded, and the look on her face... oh, it was priceless."
However, Lizzy's words failed to bring me the expected satisfaction. My worries lay elsewhere.
With a sigh, I confided in Lizzy. "Something happened, Lizzy. Alex... he proposed to me."
Surprise widened Lizzy's eyes as her voice mixed curiosity with support. "Wait, Emma! Why suddenly?!"
I explained, "Remember I had a one-night stand with a complete stranger. Well, he is Alex."
"What? No wonder he helped you earlier. So Alex, who just showed up, is the father of your baby?! That's wonderful news, isn't it? Obviously, you care about him, and he cares about you. But why don't you seem happy?"
Bitterness laced my voice as I replied, "It's not that simple, Lizzy. It's not really a marriage. He wants us to be together, to become... partners." The word left a bitter taste in my mouth, a reminder of the compromises and complexities in our relationship. "So, did you refuse him?" Lizzy asked. "No, I asked for more time to think," I replied.
Concern etched across Lizzy's face as she reached out and gently held my trembling hands. "Emma, you don't have to force yourself into something that doesn't feel right. Love and relationships are complex, and what matters most is your happiness and the well-being of your baby." Her words washed over me like a soothing balm for my troubled heart.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I embraced Lizzy, overwhelmed with gratitude. "Thank you, Lizzy. Your friendship means so much to me. I don't know what I would do without you."
"That's what a friend does. Now get some sleep. What a day. You found out about your pregnancy and then met Alex. You must be exhausted. Go and get some rest," Lizzy said, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Tomorrow is another day."
"Thank you, Lizzy," I replied with a yawn, feeling the weariness seep into my bones. I made my way to the storage room. As I closed my eyes, my heart continued to race, unable to shake off the memory of Alex's unexpected proposal. A part of me felt disappointed because, deep down, maybe I did want to be closer to him. Perhaps I did want to marry him. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and I drifted off into a restless sleep.
The following morning, as the sun's gentle rays peeked through the curtains, I went about my duties, engrossed in cleaning the floor. Suddenly, Sophia's presence loomed before me, her arrival unexpected and unwelcome. Her words cut through the air with a sharpness that betrayed her true intentions. "Good morning, Emma."
"What are you doing here? We're closed," I replied, my voice tinged with caution.
Sophia feigned nonchalance, her tone laced with calculated arrogance. "Relax. I'm not here to cause trouble. Alex requested that I bring you to the fancy hotel where he's been staying. It seems that's the condition for him to continue the peace treaty." Her words struck a chord within me, a mix of conflicting emotions swirling in my heart. Had Alex made this decision?
Before I could gather my composure, Sophia's impatience surfaced once again. "Where is your luggage? Forget about that trash anyway. Now that you're with Alex, a luxurious hotel room is just the beginning, isn't it?" Her words dripped with sarcasm, her intent to belittle me painfully evident.
Anger surged within me like a fierce fire, threatening to consume my resolve. Who was she to pass judgment on me, to attempt to diminish my worth? Through gritted teeth, I responded, my voice laced with restrained fury, "You have no right to judge me, Sophia. And I'm not leaving with you. Now, get out of here. You are not welcome."
Sophia, undeterred by my defiance, turned to her imposing companion and coldly instructed him to forcefully escort me to the grand hotel where Alex resided. Before her henchman could advance towards me, a voice, firm and unyielding, reverberated through the room, cutting through the tension. "What are you doing? Leave her alone."
It was Alex, stepping protectively in front of me, his unwavering presence offering a shield against the storm that threatened to engulf me. Concern etched across his face, he turned to me and asked me if I was okay. With a nod, I conveyed that I was alright, grateful for his intervention.
"I was following your order and taking her to the hotel," Sophia answered nervously.
Alex turned his attention back to Sophia, and his voice held a chilly edge. "I never gave such an order. I specifically stated that you should invite her and treat her with respect. Is there a part of that instruction you failed to comprehend? Or are you deliberately trying to sabotage the peace treaty?"
A flicker of fear crossed Sophia's face, her expression betraying a mix of anger and embarrassment. She glared at me, her voice quivering with a tinge of nervousness, "Alex, please, you don't have to concern yourself with her. She's merely playing the innocent victim. Don't let her facade blind you. And most importantly, don't let her disrupt the peace treaty!"
"You're the one who came to me looking for trouble, and yet you accuse me of disrupting the peace treaty. You're just unbelievable," I couldn't stand it any longer and confronted Sophia.
Alex agreed, adding, "I will certainly tell Matt what really happened here." Anger was written clearly on Sophia's face, but she quickly softened her tone, saying, "Please don't do that. I... I can make it up. Emma, I'm sure you don't want anything to affect the peace treaty, right? You know more than anyone what a huge price we have paid for this."
I closed my eyes upon hearing her words. Of course, I knew. My father had lost his life in the battle. Taking a deep breath, I turned to Alex and spoke, "She's right, Alex. Please don't let this or anything else affect the peace treaty." Alex pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly, saying, "Fine."
Sophia's smile returned instantly, but it froze as Alex continued, "But you should apologize to Emma." Sophia's face contorted with anger. "What? Apologize to her?" she exclaimed.
"Yes, before I change my mind," Alex's voice remained steady and commanding.
"Fine, sorry," Sophia offered a perfunctory apology. But Alex wasn't satisfied. He added impatiently, "I don't think you mean it."
Sophia closed her eyes as if making up her mind. When she opened them, the flames of hatred were raging in her eyes. However, her voice took on a sickly sweet tone once again. "Emma, I'm so sorry for what happened. I swear I will pay you back in the future."
Alex wanted to step in, but I stopped him, knowing that this was already the best attitude I could expect from Sophia. "Okay. Now, get lost," I said firmly.
Sophia left immediately, muttering curses under her breath. As she disappeared from sight, a wave of relief washed over me. It was a small victory, but at least the peace treaty remained intact, and for that, I was grateful.
Alex came closer to me, his expression filled with concern. "Are you alright, Emma?"
I managed a weak smile and nodded. "I'm fine, Alex. Thank you for standing up for me."
He gently brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "Always, Emma. I'll always be there for you."
But I didn't know Sophia hadn't left the bar as quickly as I thought. She had concealed herself behind the door, eavesdropping on our conversation. Confusion and curiosity filled her mind as she struggled to understand why Alex showed kindness toward me.
"I feel like I've missed something," Sophia muttered to herself, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Have I met Alex before? Before everything happened... Why does he seem so familiar?"
A spark of realization illuminated her face, and her eyes widened with excitement. "Ah! I remember now! He's the man who stood up for Emma when I caught her cheating on Matt. But wait! He can't possibly be that bastard's father, can he?"
An evil smile played at the corners of Sophia's lips as she contemplated the unfolding situation. "Things are getting more and more interesting now. Emma, just wait and see. There's much more to come."