Emily's day began as usual, with her typical schedule consisting of phone calls, meetings, and gazing at financial projections.
Now that she was seated at her desk, her thoughts were still focused on the neighborhood gathering, particularly Ethan and how easily she had let her guard down around him. She had shared moments of laughter and vulnerability, which she did not usually allow herself. However, that fleeting moment of relief was shattered by Liam's unexpected call, which forced her to return to reality.
Why are you doing this now, Liam? she thought bitterly. She had been broken when they had last spoken. She was hurt by his words, by his betrayal. He had made her feel worthless, as if she was not enough to keep him around. And now, he wanted to see her at last, after all this time?
His presence in her life was meant to be a thing of the past. Emily was wise enough not to trust that he was acting with good intentions.
Her assistant's voice came over the buzzing intercom. "Mr. Liam Blackwood is here to see you, Miss Parker."
Emily's stomach tightened. He's here already? Before she could reply, the door to her office opened and Liam Blackwood was standing there. Properly attired, tall, and possessing the same self-assured grin that had once won her over. It now only brings back memories of heartbreak.
"Emily," Liam said, his voice smooth and familiar. "You look as beautiful as ever."
Emily nodded curtly to him as she straightened in her chair. "What on earth are you doing here, Liam?"
As if he still had a right to be in her space, Liam moved farther into the room without asking. With his eyes fixed on hers, he took a seat across from her. "I decided to stop by and see if you needed any assistance because I heard you were in charge of a significant merger."
Emily's suspicion increased as she narrowed her eyes. When did you start to care about Parker Empire's business? As of the last time I checked, you were happy to stay away."
Liam sighed, the smile fading a little. "Emily, I messed up. I was naïve, fearful of commitment, and young. But I have changed. I have matured and realized that I let go of something—someone—truly valuable."
Emily's jaw tensed. She had no interest in going back to the past, and she had no intention of giving Liam another chance.
She was suddenly overcome with memories of the heartbreak, the betrayal, and the nights she sobbed herself to sleep.
You did not just let go, Liam. You destroyed everything that we had. I felt unworthy of you because of the way you treated me, but there is a stronger version of me who does not need you," She was not ready for this at all.
His eyes softened as he leaned forward. And every day of my life, I regret that. I still want to make apologies even though I know I will never be able to make up for the hurt I caused you. I would like us to try again.
Emily snorted and shook her head. Do you really believe that you can simply return to my life and carry on where we left off? Liam, that is not how it works.
Emily caught a glimpse of the old haughtiness she had hated as Liam's gaze hardened a little. But you ought to think about what is best for Parker Empire as well as for yourself. Just think of all that we could achieve together. Our families would be unstoppable."
Emily was devastated. So that is the main point of this. It was not about love. It was about business. It was about power. She should have known better than to believe Liam had actually changed.
She stood, indicating that their conversation was over. "Liam, I do not want to merge my life with yours. Whatever you are attempting to accomplish, forget it. "I will not be used to further your ambition."
With a darker look, Liam stood up as well. "You are mistaken, Emily. You are allowing your feelings to influence your decisions. This is bigger than the two of us."
With a chilly and decisive tone, Emily approached her office door and opened it. "The only mistake I made was ever believing you. And I will not repeat that mistake."
Liam's eyes narrowed as he gazed at her for a moment. Although it seemed like he wanted to say more, all he did was nod. "All right. Liam rose with an unreadable expression. He walked towards the door before pausing and returning his gaze to her. "I have been hearing some fascinating things lately, you know. People say you have been spending time with a new person. Emily, be careful. Not everyone is thinking about what is best for you."
Emily felt her stomach twist, sending a shiver down her spine. "What are you talking about?" she demanded. Liam smiled knowingly. "It was just something I heard. You do not know who is watching." After that, he left, leaving Emily alone in her office with her thoughts racing. Who could possibly be watching me? How does Liam also know this? With doubt penetrating her, Emily gazed at the shut door. She felt exposed and vulnerable at the thought that someone might be spying on her and that her private life was no longer her own. Was Ethan somehow involved in this? She knew she would not stop until she had the answers to the questions that circled through her head.