Chapter 68- Buried Secrets

Alex felt a storm building inside him. Emma was afraid—really afraid. And that wasn't something he was used to seeing in her.

She was the strongest person he knew.

She never backed down.

Never wavered.

Never let anyone see her cracks.

But now, she was shaking.

And he hated it.

Alex took a step closer, his hands framing her face. "Emma, look at me."

She didn't move at first, her gaze still distant, lost in memories she clearly didn't want to relive.

"Carter," he murmured, softer this time. "I'm right here."

She blinked, her eyes finally meeting his. There was something vulnerable in them—something raw.

Alex inhaled slowly, steadying himself. "Tell me everything."

Emma hesitated, her lips pressing together. "It's complicated."

Alex let out a sharp breath. "So simplify it."

Emma pulled away from his touch, crossing her arms like she was trying to hold herself together. "His name is Daniel."

Alex's fingers curled into fists at the name.

Daniel.

The man who had called her.

The man who still had some kind of hold on her.

The man who had once been her fiancé.

"What did he mean when he said I was part of the reason you're like this?" Alex's voice was lower now, almost dangerous.

Emma exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "It wasn't you. Not directly. But… you remind me of him."

Alex's stomach twisted.

He didn't know what he was expecting her to say, but that?

That hit harder than he wanted to admit.

His voice came out rougher than intended. "How?"

Emma hesitated, like she was debating how much to say. Then—

"He was charming," she said softly. "Magnetic. Everyone loved him. He knew exactly how to get inside my head, how to make me feel like I was the only person who mattered."

Alex's jaw clenched.

"I was young. Naïve. And I thought… I thought he loved me." She swallowed. "But love shouldn't feel like a cage."

A sharp pain stabbed through Alex's chest.

"Did he hurt you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Emma didn't answer right away. Then—

"Yes."

It was barely audible. But it was enough.

Something dark and violent twisted inside Alex. He had been angry before—furious, even—but nothing had ever felt like this.

He wanted to find Daniel.

Wanted to destroy him.

Wanted to erase every scar he had left on Emma—physical or otherwise.

But right now, she needed something else from him.

Not anger.

Not vengeance.

Just him.

Alex forced himself to exhale, to push back the rage building in his chest. He stepped closer, reaching for her hand. "Emma," he said, voice steady, "you're not that girl anymore."

She looked up at him, her eyes searching his.

"You don't have to be afraid," he murmured. "Not of him. Not of me." His thumb brushed against her wrist. "And definitely not of love."

Emma's breath hitched. "Alex—"

"I meant what I said, Carter." His voice was firmer now. "I love you. And I don't give a damn about your past."

Emma swallowed hard. "You should."

"Why?" Alex challenged. "Because some asshole hurt you? Because you think you're too broken to love me back?" He stepped even closer, his voice dropping. "Newsflash, sweetheart—I don't want perfect. I just want you."

Emma exhaled sharply, her body wavering for a moment before she finally caved.

She grabbed his shirt, pulling him toward her, crashing her lips into his.

And just like that—everything else disappeared.

Daniel.

The past.

The fear.

It was just them.

Emma poured everything into the kiss—her anger, her frustration, her need for him. And Alex?

He gave it all right back.

His hands slid around her waist, gripping her like he was never letting go.

Because he wasn't.

Not now.

Not ever.

But deep down, he knew this wasn't over.

Daniel had resurfaced for a reason.

And Alex had a sinking feeling—

This was only the beginning.

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To be continued...