Night fell, and the neon lights of Fifth Avenue flickered to life.
Under their glow, Alexander’s face looked as pale as paper. He couldn’t say a single word.
I turned and walked away. “Sorry to interrupt your date. I wish you both happiness.”
Suddenly, a cab swerved out of control and jumped the curb.
It was moving too fast. Before I could react, Alexander instinctively pulled me into his arms.
“Emma, look out!”
I froze.
The next moment, Sophia’s shriek cut through the air. “Alexander! My foot!”
He let go of me instantly and rushed to her. His shove was rough. I slammed into a mailbox, scraping my elbow against the metal.
Blood soaked through my sleeve. The sting overlapped with an older, deeper ache.
Alexander had already scooped Sophia up and was frantically examining her ankle. “Damn it! It might be sprained. I’m taking you to the hospital. That bastard of a driver! I’ll make sure he pays!”
I steadied myself on the mailbox and watched him disappear down the street, still carrying her in his arms.
The Belgrave night air was cold. I laughed, but my eyes were damp.
I had been his first instinct, but I wasn’t his final choice.
If love couldn’t stay constant, I no longer wanted it.
This time, I would live for myself.
âŠ
The seventh day soon arrived.
Claire drove me to Astervale Airport in her Porsche. She wore sunglasses, but I could tell her eyes were red.
“Emma, I hate letting you go. But this is the right call. Romanov Corporation’s green energy tech is exactly what the McKenzie Foundation needs. You’re walking into this as the queen of negotiations, not a sacrificial lamb.
“I’ve also prepared you a little gift. Once you’re gone, I’ll make sure Alexander and that bitch get what they deserve. They’ll remember this day for the rest of their lives.”
I leaned back in the leather seat, a strange calm settling over me.
