Chapter 15
Emma stood frozen at the doorway, her hand gripping the edge of the door as the elegantly dressed woman stared back at her. There was something unnerving about her presence a mix of confidence and menace that immediately put Emma on edge.
"Frank isn't here right now," Emma said cautiously, her voice steady despite the unease gnawing at her.
The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "How convenient," she said with a sharp smile. "Well, when he does show up, tell him that Sylvia stopped by. I'm sure he'll understand the urgency of my visit."
Before Emma could respond, Sylvia turned on her heel and walked away, her high heels clicking against the pavement with an air of finality.
Emma closed the door slowly, her mind racing. Who was Sylvia? And why did she seem so sure of her place in Frank's life?
Later that evening, Frank arrived at the apartment, carrying a bag of groceries and a small toy for Liam. His face lit up when he saw Emma, but his smile faltered when he noticed her troubled expression.
"Is everything okay?" he asked, setting the bags down on the counter.
Emma crossed her arms, leaning against the kitchen island. "Who's Sylvia?"
Frank froze, the color draining from his face. "What?"
"She came by earlier," Emma said, watching his reaction closely. "She said you'd understand the urgency of her visit."
Frank ran a hand through his hair, his shoulders sagging. "Sylvia is... someone from my past," he admitted. "We dated briefly a few years ago. It didn't end well."
Emma's heart sank. "And now she's back? Why?"
"I don't know," Frank said honestly. "But whatever it is, it doesn't matter. Sylvia is part of my past, Emma. You and Liam are my future."
Emma wanted to believe him, but Sylvia's visit had left her feeling unsettled. "Just make sure she knows that," she said quietly before walking to Liam's room.
The next day, Frank was determined to confront Sylvia and put an end to whatever she was trying to stir up. He arranged to meet her at a nearby café, choosing a public place to keep the encounter as neutral as possible.
Sylvia arrived, her presence commanding attention as she walked in. She smiled at Frank, but there was no warmth in her eyes.
"Frank," she said smoothly, taking a seat across from him. "It's been a while."
"Not long enough," Frank replied, his tone cold. "What do you want, Sylvia?"
She leaned back in her chair, studying him. "Straight to the point, I see. Fine. I heard you've been playing house with some woman and her child. I just wanted to remind you that people like us don't get to play at being normal."
Frank clenched his fists under the table. "I'm not interested in whatever game you're trying to play, Sylvia. Emma and Liam are my family, and nothing you say or do will change that."
Sylvia's smile widened. "Oh, Frank. You always did have a soft spot for the underdog. But let's not forget who you really are. The Parker name comes with responsibilities, expectations. Do you really think your parents will accept her? Or her child?"
Frank's jaw tightened. "That's none of your business."
"Isn't it?" Sylvia countered, her voice dripping with condescension. "You think you can walk away from the life you were born into? From people like me? We'll see how long that lasts."
She stood up, tossing her scarf over her shoulder. "Good luck, Frank. You'll need it."
Frank watched her leave, a storm of emotions brewing inside him. He had worked hard to distance himself from the shallow, manipulative world Sylvia represented, but he knew she wouldn't let go easily.
Back at the apartment, Emma tried to focus on her work, but her thoughts kept drifting to Sylvia's visit. She couldn't shake the feeling that Sylvia was a threat to the fragile peace she and Frank were trying to build.
When Frank returned that evening, he looked tired but resolute.
"I talked to Sylvia," he said as they sat down in the living room.
"And?" Emma asked, her voice laced with apprehension.
"She's trying to stir up trouble," Frank admitted. "But I won't let her come between us. I promise you, Emma. Whatever it takes, I'll protect you and Liam."
Emma searched his eyes for any sign of doubt but found none. For the first time in a long time, she felt a glimmer of hope.
But as the night fell and silence enveloped the apartment, Emma couldn't help but wonder if Sylvia's words had a kernel of truth. Could Frank really leave his old life behind? Or would the ghosts of his past always haunt them?
To be continued...