A week later
Emma woke up that morning with a deep sense of dread that had become all too familiar. It had already been a week since she made the resolution to move on, and while she tried to keep her spirits up, the lingering heartache weighed her down like a heavy shroud.
The pain of loss was still fresh, still raw, but she was determined to push through it, for herself, if nothing else. She had promised herself that she would live, not just exist, and that was a promise she intended to keep, no matter how much it hurt.
Her room felt stifling, so she dragged herself out of bed and into the shower, hoping that the warm water might wash away some of her emotional burden.
As she stood there, letting the water cascade over her, she thought of how empty the house had felt over the past week.
Since Alex left her that day, he hadn't checked on her or had bothered sending the maids to call her for dinner or breakfast as he usually did.
He would just send them to bring food over for her and didn't bother asking her down. If she was being sincere, she missed his care. Perhaps, he was doing this to help her move on. She thought with a sigh as she stepped out of the shower.
After she dressed, she paused in front of the mirror, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "One step at a time," she whispered to herself, as though saying it aloud might somehow make it true.
With a deep breath, she headed downstairs, her steps slow but purposeful. She wanted to start going down for breakfast and dinner now. She wanted to let Alex know that she was ready to move on from everything. She was willing to let him be her shield and her strength.
When she got downstairs, she was greeted by the sight of Alex adjusting his tie, his back turned to her. He was getting ready for his first day at work as CEO of Ling Corp.
"Nice suit," she remarked softly as she approached, her voice void of the cheerfulness she tried to project.
Alex glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Thanks," he said, keeping his tone neutral as he focused on knotting his tie.
Despite his calm demeanor, there was a flicker of relief in his eyes when he saw her descending the stairs. Relief that she had come downstairs without prompting, that she was making an effort to participate in the semblance of normalcy they both craved.
Emma stood a few feet away, watching him. She could sense the tension between them, thick and unspoken. "I see you are resuming work today," she said, her eyes following his movements as he adjusted his tie one last time.
Alex nodded, his gaze distant. "Yes. And I've decided not to make the announcement about our marriage. I don't think it's necessary right now," he said and Emma blinked, surprised by his words.
This was a turn of events she hadn't anticipated, and while relief flooded her, curiosity lingered. "Why?" she asked, unable to hide the curiosity in her voice.
Alex met her gaze briefly before averting his eyes. "You're not ready," he said simply, his tone void of accusation, but distant, as though stating a fact he had long since accepted.
For a brief moment, Emma was overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude that she wouldn't have to face the media storm, the prying eyes, and the endless questions.
Her name wouldn't be plastered all over the headlines again, not today. "Break a leg," she called after him as he made his way to the door. "Have a nice day," she said, a small smile spreading across her face.
Alex paused, looking back at her with an expression she couldn't quite read. "Thank you. You too," he said before leaving the house.
Alex's drive to the office was a blend of excitement and trepidation. He had always imagined what it would feel like to walk into Ling Corp as the CEO, but now that the day had come, he found himself preoccupied with thoughts of Emma and what she was probably doing.
What would she be doing now? Was she lonely at home? Now that she had shown that she was ready to move on, he had to start planning on how to help her face her fears and to live freely again.
He told himself before pushing the thoughts aside and focusing instead on the road.
When he pulled into the parking lot, his eyes immediately found the space reserved for the CEO. There it was—his personal parking spot. The reality of his position settled over him like a mantle of power.
Without wasting much time, he parked and stepped out of the car, his confidence growing with each step. He wasn't new to leading or overseeing a company. He was a venture capitalist so he knew quite a lot about all these.
Inside the company, whispers began almost immediately. Rumors had circulated about the new CEO and stories about him being overbearing, much older than expected, maybe even ugly.
After all, he was forty, and in the minds of many, that was synonymous with being over the hill. But as Alex walked through the lobby, all eyes turned toward him in awe.
The whispers quickly transformed into muffled compliments.
"Wow, he's so handsome!"
"Is this the CEO? He looks amazing!"
"That suit is impeccable!"
Alex greeted the employees with a nod and a warm smile, his every move calculated, yet natural. He knew how important first impressions were, and judging by the looks on their faces, he had already won them over without even lifting a finger.
Standing in a corner, Jake observed the scene with barely concealed rage and watching the staff fawn over his uncle only fueled his anger.
"All this for a suit," Jake thought bitterly, clenching his jaw as he waited to escort Alex to his office. His fingers twitched as he fought the urge to lash out, but he kept his expression calm, knowing this wasn't the time.
When Alex approached, Jake forced a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "You look sharp, Uncle," he said, gesturing toward the elevator. "I'll take you to your office."
"Thank you, Jake," Alex replied warmly, his gaze lingering on his nephew for a moment, sensing the undercurrent of tension but choosing not to address it. "I hope I enjoy it here. I'm looking forward to working with the team."
"The staff are great," Jake said as they entered the elevator. "I'm sure you'll fit right in."
The ride to the fifth floor was quiet, but the air between them buzzed with unspoken words. When they arrived at Alex's new office, Jake gestured to the door. "This is your office, sir. Welcome to Ling Corp as the CEO. I wish you success."
"Thank you, Jake," Alex said, extending his hand for a handshake. "I'm looking forward to this."
As Jake took his uncle's hand, he fought the urge to pull away. The humiliation of having to play the obedient nephew and employee gnawed at him. With a forced smile, he turned toward the elevator. "Good luck," he muttered, eager to leave.
When Jake finally returned to his own office, the dam of anger broke. He slammed the door shut, his face flushed with rage. "Humiliation!" he seethed, pacing back and forth. "Look at him, he doesn't even appreciate it. I should be the one in that office, not him!" he said bitterly.
Jake's mind raced with plans, each more vindictive than the last. He would get that title—no matter what it took.
Grabbing his phone, he dialed a number. "Mark," he said when the call connected. "I need you to do a job for me. It's urgent."
"Name it," Mark replied, his tone all business.
"Keep an eye on Alex Sterling," Jake said, his voice low and cold. "I want to know everything. What he does, who he meets. I want daily reports. Leave nothing out."
"Consider it done," Mark said before ending the call.
Jake sat back in his chair, a cruel smile twisting his lips. "Let the games begin," he muttered.