A Heart That Won't Heal

Chapter 20: A Heart That Won't Heal

Emma had never been good at falling apart.

She had spent years perfecting the art of survival.

Holding herself together.

Keeping everything locked inside.

But now, standing in Alexander's arms—

She felt herself breaking.

She hated it.

Hated the way her body trembled.

Hated the way her fingers curled into his shirt, as if holding on for dear life.

Hated the way his warmth made her feel safe.

Because safety was an illusion.

And illusions always shattered.

—

A Moment of Weakness

Alexander said nothing.

He didn't ask questions.

Didn't demand explanations.

He just… held her.

Strong. Steady. Unmoving.

And for the first time in years—

Emma let herself lean in.

Just for a moment.

Just for one stolen breath.

Then—

She pulled away.

Too fast.

Too harsh.

Alexander's hands lingered on her waist before he finally let go.

His gaze was unreadable.

But Emma knew—

He had felt it too.

—

Walls Rebuilt

"I'm fine," she said.

A lie.

Alexander's jaw ticked.

"Sure."

Emma swallowed.

"I just… I need some air."

Alexander didn't move.

Didn't let her pass.

Instead—

He reached out.

Brushed a knuckle against her cheek.

Emma froze.

"You're not fine," he murmured.

Emma's breath hitched.

And for a second—

She thought he might kiss her.

But then—

He pulled away.

His expression cooling.

"Go," he said.

Emma hesitated.

Then she did.

But as she stepped out onto the balcony, feeling the night air on her skin—

She knew.

She wasn't running.

Not really.

Because he was still there.

In her mind.

In her heart.

And no matter how far she went—

He wasn't letting her go.

—

A Promise She Shouldn't Want

When Emma came back inside, Alexander was waiting.

His hands in his pockets.

His expression unreadable.

"Are you going to tell me what she wanted?" he asked.

Emma exhaled.

"Money."

Alexander's eyes darkened.

"How much?"

Emma frowned.

"It doesn't matter. I said no."

Alexander tilted his head.

"Did she threaten you?"

Emma hesitated.

For a second too long.

Alexander's entire body tensed.

"What did she say?"

Emma swallowed.

"Nothing. Just…"

A pause.

Then—

"She said I'd regret it."

Silence.

Long. Heavy.

Then—

"She won't get the chance."

Emma stilled.

"Alexander—"

"I'll handle it."

Emma's pulse spiked.

"You don't have to—"

"I do."

His voice was steel.

Emma shook her head.

"This isn't your fight."

Alexander's lips curved.

"It is now."

Emma's breath caught.

She should tell him no.

Tell him to stay out of it.

Tell him she didn't need his protection.

But the truth?

She liked knowing he was on her side.

And that terrified her more than anything.

—

A Line Blurred

That night, Emma couldn't sleep.

She kept replaying the conversation.

Her mother's voice.

Her threats.

And Alexander's promise.

She should push him away.

Should tell him this was her problem.

But some part of her—

A deep, desperate part—

Wanted to believe him.

Wanted to let herself fall.

Just this once.

But the thing about falling?

You never knew if someone would catch you.

Or let you break.