Although Emma knew she needed help if she was ever going to get out of this situation Jake had put her in, she wasn't sure accepting help from Alex was the right choice, especially since the whole idea still seemed suspicious to her.
"So, what do you say?" Alex asked, looking at her thoughtfully.
"About what?" she asked looking at him, lost on what he was talking about.
"About the contract marriage. It's the only way I can help you," Alex told her as he looked at her.
Emma narrowed her eyes. "Why would you help when I was put in this mess by my own husband? And why does it have to be through a contract marriage to you?" she asked, trying not to break down.
"Your ex-husband you mean?" Alex asked but Emma merely raised her brows, waiting for him to answer the question.
"Fine," Alex said with a sigh and drew closer to her as though what he wanted to tell her was for her ears only.
"The truth is, I don't want to get married," he said simply and Emma blinked, confused.
"And how does that involve me? Besides, isn't that what you're offering? Marriage?" she asked and he nodded.
She was already feeling frustrated. All she wanted was a clear answer, not this back-and-forth conversation that made little sense to her.
Alex ran a hand through his hair. "Jake is trying to set me up with his mistress. I want to beat him at his own game," he said causing Emma's eyes to widen in surprise.
"His mistress?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The revelation hit her hard. Not only had Jake destroyed their marriage and killed their unborn child, but he had also been unfaithful.
Her chest tightened with pain as the weight of it all pressed down on her, but she refused to cry. She had shed enough tears over Jake.
"I'm sorry," Alex said, noticing the change in her expression. "I thought you already knew."
Emma shook her head. "It doesn't matter anymore. The worst has already happened," she said as she drew in a sharp breath. "So, your whole plan is just to avoid marrying this... girl?"
Alex nodded. "Yes."
"Then you're not really here to help me," Emma said simply, her voice steady but sharp. "You're just using me to save yourself."
Alex shook his head quickly. "No, it's not like that," he said and Emma crossed her arms.
"It sure sounds like it. If you don't want to marry Jake's mistress, why don't you just say no? What's stopping you?" she asked with a raised brow.
"It's not that simple," Alex said, his voice lowering as if to stress the seriousness of the situation.
Emma frowned. "How is saying no complicated? Just say it, and that's it," she said with a shrug and Alex let out a frustrated sigh.
"Jake has convinced my sister that his mistress, Vanessa, is the perfect match for me. Now, she wants me to marry her," he said and Emma stared at him, still not understanding.
"How do you know all these things? I thought you've been out of the country..."
"I was. I only returned last night. As to how I knew of Jake's plans, I have my sources. I mean, I wouldn't be a good business man if I can't know things," he said and Emma sighed, deciding to go back to the issue.
"So, Jake is using your sister?" she asked and he nodded.
"Yes," Alex replied, with a bitter smile. "Jake managed to talk her into this, and now she's all in favor of the marriage. I'm trapped," he said and Emma couldn't help but scoff at the absurdity of the situation.
"And you think the best way out of this is to marry me instead?" she asked incredulously.
"Yes," Alex said firmly. "Because I know you need help too. After what Jake did, you're going to have a hard time facing the public again. I can protect you from that."
"I don't need your help," Emma said, her voice hardening. "I'm perfectly fine on my own."
Alex shook his head gently. "No, you're not. You don't have to admit it to me, but I know you need help, Emma. Just don't lie to yourself."
"It's not a lie. I don't need your help," Emma said, this time her voice has lost so much confidence. She knew that deep down, Alex was right. She wasn't okay and she wouldn't be on her own either, at least not now but there was no way she was going to admit that.
Alex smirked when she said that. "If that's true, then what is that scalpel doing in your hand and what you intend to use it for?" Alex asked, lowering his eyes to her hands.
Emma's face flushed with embarrassment. He had caught her. She looked down at the sharp tool, unable to come up with a good excuse.
"I wasn't... I didn't mean..." she stammered, feeling ashamed.
Alex stepped closer, his voice gentle but firm. "Emma, I know you're hurting. But ending things won't make the pain go away. Let me help you."
Emma didn't say anything. Her mind was spinning with thoughts, weighing her options, wondering if there was any way out of the darkness she felt trapped in. She had been through so much pain, but could she really trust Alex? Could he actually help her?
"Okay," she said after a long pause. "Let's say I agree to this... contract marriage. What happens next?" she asked, hoping to know what she would be getting into.
Alex's eyes brightened slightly, sensing that she was considering his offer. "I'll make sure you're under my protection. Jake will never be able to hurt you again."
Emma studied his face, searching for any signs of deception. "Besides protection?" she asked and he shrugged.
"I will help you rebuild your life, and make it better than it was before you met Jake. I will also give you enough money that you wouldn't have to lift a finger in your life again," Alex answered hoping he had successfully convinced her into agreeing to the marriage.
The offer sounded tempting, almost too good to be true. But Emma had to think of the consequences. What would people say if they found out she married Jake's uncle? They would think she was chasing after rich men, that she was a gold-digger. And what about Jake? How would he react to the news?
"And your family?" Emma asked, unsure of how they would take it. "What will they say when they find out you married your nephew's ex-wife?"
Alex waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about them. I'll handle it," he said dismissively.
Emma raised an eyebrow. It was his family, after all. Why should she care? A part of her couldn't help but smile at the thought of Jake's reaction when she imagined it.
After everything he had put her through, it would be satisfying to see his face when he realized she was now married to his uncle.
"If I agree to this, how long will we be married?" she asked, finally feeling a sense of control in the conversation.
"A year," Alex said simply. "After that, we can get a divorce and move on with our lives."
Emma nodded slowly, considering the plan. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it would give her time to heal, to rebuild, and to get back on her feet.
"Alright," she said, extending her hand to Alex. "Let's do it."
Alex smiled and shook her hand. "You won't regret this, Emma."
She wasn't so sure about that, but at least for now, she had a way out.