Nova_Everly

Emma Carter has spent years building her consulting empire, proving she doesn’t need anyone—especially arrogant, entitled men like Alex Kingston. Smart, ruthless, and fiercely independent, she’s always played to win.

Alex Kingston is a business shark—rich, charming, and impossible to outmaneuver. He thrives on competition and never backs down from a challenge. So when a billion-dollar deal forces them to work together, their rivalry ignites into an all-out war.

But as the battle intensifies, so does the undeniable attraction simmering beneath their fights. Enemies turn to reluctant allies, then something more dangerous—something neither of them is ready to face.

In a city where power is everything, will they fight for dominance… or surrender to a love that could ruin them both?

Against the Odds: A Love Rewritten

Alex's breath stilled as Emma's words settled between them.

"I think you might already know him."

His mind raced through possibilities, through every name, every face from his past that could be capable of something like this. But nothing fit. Nothing made sense.

Emma, on the other hand, looked like she had seen a ghost. Her fingers were clenched so tightly around the hem of her shirt that her knuckles had turned white.

Alex took a step closer, lowering his voice. "Emma, who is he?"

She hesitated, her throat working like she was trying to swallow back the words. Then—

Alex felt like the ground beneath him had just split open.

His heart slammed against his ribs, his body going rigid. The word fiancé echoed in his mind like a gunshot.

"You were engaged?" His voice came out rougher than he intended.

Emma exhaled shakily. "A long time ago."

Alex felt something dark and unfamiliar twist inside him. He knew Emma had never mentioned any serious relationships before, but this? This was different.

Whoever this guy was, he was still watching her.

"Why haven't you ever told me about him?" Alex asked, his voice tight.

Emma's eyes flickered with something fragile—something he rarely saw in her. "Because I spent years trying to forget he existed."

Alex's fingers curled into fists. He hated the way her voice wavered, the way her body tensed as if just saying the words was painful.

"Did he—" Alex swallowed hard, his voice lowering. "Did he hurt you?"

Emma didn't answer right away. But the silence was enough.

She had never looked this vulnerable before.

Not when she stood against him in every argument.

Not when she put up every wall possible to keep him out.

But now? Now she looked like she was bracing herself for him to walk away.

As if telling him the truth would ruin everything.

Alex exhaled sharply and stepped closer, closing the space between them. He cupped her face gently, tilting it up so she had no choice but to look at him. "Emma," he said, his voice soft but firm, "whatever happened back then—whoever he is—he doesn't get to have power over you anymore."

She blinked up at him, her lips parting slightly. "Alex—"

"No." His thumb brushed against her cheek, his grip tightening just slightly. "I don't care who he is. I don't care what he thinks he knows about you or me." His voice dropped. "You're mine now, Carter. And I don't share."

Emma let out a shaky breath. "This isn't about sharing."

Alex's jaw clenched. "Then tell me what it is."

She exhaled, looking away. "He said you were part of the reason I'm like this."

Alex's stomach twisted. "Like what?"

Emma hesitated before whispering, "Afraid of love."

Alex stared at her, his mind racing. The pieces didn't fit.

How the hell could he be part of this?

And more importantly—who was this man, and what had he done to Emma?

Chapter 67- The Ghost Between Them