Chapter 16
Frank sat in his penthouse, staring at the skyline of New York City. The city lights blinked like distant stars, but tonight, they offered him no comfort. Sylvia's words echoed in his mind, her warning about his family's expectations and how they might perceive Emma and Liam.
For years, Frank had kept his distance from the rigid traditions of the Parker dynasty. His parents had always expected him to marry someone from a similar background someone polished, wealthy, and well-connected. Emma didn't fit that mold, but that was exactly what Frank loved about her.
The thought of his parents disapproving of Emma and Liam stirred a deep anger in him. He wouldn't let anyone dictate his life, not anymore.
Meanwhile, Emma was lost in her own thoughts. After Liam had fallen asleep, she sat by the window, sipping tea and gazing at the quiet street below. She wanted to believe in Frank's promises, but her heart was still guarded.
Sylvia's visit had left her shaken. What if she was right? What if Frank's family would never accept her and Liam? She knew Frank cared about them, but love alone didn't always conquer the complexities of life.
The sound of her phone buzzing pulled her out of her thoughts. It was a text from Frank:
"Can we talk tomorrow? I need to share something important."
Emma stared at the message, her heart pounding. Was this about Sylvia? Or something else entirely?
The next day, Frank arrived at Emma's apartment early. He seemed more serious than usual, and Emma could tell he was carrying a heavy burden.
They sat across from each other at the kitchen table, the air between them tense.
"What's going on, Frank?" Emma asked softly.
Frank sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I need to tell you about my parents," he began. "And what it might mean for us."
Emma frowned. "Your parents? I thought you didn't have much of a relationship with them."
"I've kept my distance," Frank admitted. "But they're still my family. And they have... certain expectations for me."
Emma's chest tightened. "Expectations like what?"
"They want me to marry someone who fits their idea of a 'perfect match,'" Frank said, his voice laced with frustration. "They won't approve of us, Emma. Or Liam. They'll see it as a scandal a stain on the Parker name."
Emma's heart sank. "So what does that mean for us, Frank? Are you saying this won't work because of them?"
"No," Frank said firmly, reaching across the table to take her hand. "I'm saying I'll fight for us. For you and Liam. But I need you to know that it won't be easy. My parents will try to interfere. Sylvia's just the beginning."
Emma pulled her hand away, her emotions swirling. "I appreciate your honesty, Frank. But I'm not sure I'm ready to fight a battle against your family. I've already been through so much on my own."
Frank leaned closer, his voice earnest. "You won't be alone, Emma. I'll stand by you every step of the way. You and Liam mean everything to me."
Emma wanted to believe him, but doubt lingered in her heart. Could they really overcome the obstacles ahead?
Later that evening, Frank received a call from his father, Richard Parker.
"Frank," his father's deep voice boomed through the phone. "We need to talk."
Frank sighed, bracing himself. "About what?"
"I've been hearing things," Richard said. "About you spending time with... an unrefined woman and her child. Is it true?"
Frank's grip on the phone tightened. "Her name is Emma, and that 'child' is my son," he said, his voice firm.
There was a long pause before Richard spoke again. "This is unacceptable, Frank. The Parker family has a reputation to uphold. You can't just associate with anyone you please. There are standards."
"Your standards don't matter to me," Frank shot back. "Emma and Liam are my family now, and nothing you say will change that."
"You're making a mistake," Richard warned. "And you'll regret it."
Frank ended the call, his anger boiling over. He had expected resistance, but hearing his father's disdain for Emma and Liam made him realize just how deep the divide between them was.
That night, as Emma tucked Liam into bed, she couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were about to change in ways she couldn't predict. Frank's world was a far cry from hers, and the weight of that difference was starting to feel overwhelming.
But as she watched her son's peaceful face, she knew one thing for certain: she would do whatever it took to protect him, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
To be continued...