Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth!-Chapter 121: Ready To Heal

Alex gripped the steering wheel tightly, staring at the imposing structure of the police station just ahead.

The building loomed, gray and unforgiving, matching the heaviness sitting in his chest. His jaw clenched as he inhaled deeply, trying to steady himself for what was about to happen.

This confrontation with Jake had been a long time coming—one he'd avoided for too long. Yet here he was, prepared to finally face his nephew after everything.

The car was silent except for the soft patter of rain beginning to mist the windshield. His thoughts were a whirlwind, the past playing in flashes.

He'd told Emma he could handle this alone, that she didn't need to come. But of course, she hadn't listened.

Alex turned his head slightly, glancing at her. She sat quietly in the passenger seat, her hands folded in her lap but clenched tighter than usual. Her face was calm, yet her eyes betrayed her worry.

"You didn't have to come," he said quietly, his voice gentler and softer than he intended since he didn't want her to see his worry.

Emma shook her head, meeting his gaze with quiet determination. "I know. But I wanted to."

His lips pressed into a thin line. He knew she meant well, but the thought of her being here, waiting, while he confronted Jake... It felt like too much to put on her.

"I told you I could—"

"Stop." Emma cut him off softly, leaning closer. "I'm not going inside. I'll stay right here. I just needed to be here, Alex. For you."

His chest tightened. How did she always do that? Break down his walls so effortlessly?

"I don't want you worrying about me," he muttered.

She gave a small, sad smile, then reached out, resting her hand over his where it gripped the gear shift. "I can't help that. I love you, Alex."

Before he could respond, she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. It wasn't rushed or demanding—just warm, and grounding. When she pulled back, her voice was even softer.

"Don't lose your temper in there. Whatever Jake says... just stay calm. Promise me?" She said looking at him.

Alex closed his eyes for a moment, her words sinking in, centering him. Then he nodded. "I'll try."

With one last lingering look, he opened the door and stepped into the rain.

The police station was cold. Uninviting. The fluorescent lights hummed above, and the smell of stale coffee clung to the air as he waited at the front desk.

It wasn't long before they led him down a narrow corridor toward a small, private room. The walls were bare except for a clock that ticked too loudly, as though mocking the passage of time.

Then, the door opened and Jake walked in.

Being locked inside there for almost two weeks hadn't been kind to him. His once-proud posture seemed smaller, hunched, as though the weight of his choices bore down on his shoulders.

His face was pale, hollowed slightly, and his eyes—bloodshot and weary—met Alex's hesitantly.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke as they sat there. Then Jake broke, unable to keep it in.

Tears welled in his eyes, his face crumpling as he lowered his head, shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

"I—" His voice cracked. "I never thought... you'd want to see me again. After everything I did to you. After what I—what Vanessa and I did to you, the company and Emma."

Alex stood rigid, arms crossed, fighting the surge of emotions rising in his chest. The old pain, the betrayal, it all threatened to boil over. But Emma's voice echoed in his mind.

"Don't lose your temper."

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"I'm not here for me, Jake," Alex said finally, his voice controlled but firm. "I'm here because of Emma. And Claire."

Jake nodded quickly, swiping at his face. His breathing was ragged, but his voice steadied as he spoke.

"I understand. I—I deserve that. I just..." He looked up, eyes pleading. "I need you to know how sorry I am, Alex. For everything. I—when Vanessa and I thought about tying you in a relationship with her so I could get the company, I thought I was doing the right thing. But I wasn't. I was selfish. And I let you down. I hurt you. And I regret it every day."

Alex's fists clenched at his sides, but his face remained unreadable. He wanted to believe Jake. He wanted to trust that this wasn't just another performance. But trust was fragile, and it had been shattered once before.

Jake continued, voice cracking with sincerity. "You didn't deserve what I did. I took advantage of your kindness. And I'll never forgive myself for that. I—I don't expect you to forgive me either, but... I need you to know how deeply sorry I am."

After he said that, silence filled the room as he lowered his face once again.

Alex studied him carefully. The tears. The raw emotion. The honesty.

And for the first time in a long time... he saw truth.

Jake wasn't lying. Not this time.

But Alex couldn't find the words to respond. The pain was still there, lingering, pressing against his chest.

So instead, he simply nodded. Then turned and walked out without saying anything.

The rain had slowed when Alex returned to the car, droplets sliding down the windshield like quiet tears. Emma sat where he'd left her, watching the building anxiously.

The moment he slid into the driver's seat, she studied him, searching his face for answers.

"Well?" she asked softly.

Alex exhaled, running a hand through his damp hair. His voice was rough when he finally spoke.

"I'm going to release him," he said, surprising even himself with the words.

Emma's brow lifted in quiet shock. "You are?"

He nodded, gripping the wheel again but softer this time. "Yeah. I think... I think he's really sorry. I can't keep holding onto this forever. Even you who he did the greatest injustice to have forgiven him."

A gentle smile spread on Emma's lips. "I'm proud of you, Alex. You're doing the right thing," she said even though a part of her is asking herself if she could handle seeing Jake often again.

He turned, meeting her gaze. There was so much warmth in her eyes, so much love, it made his chest ache.

"I'm sorry," he whispered suddenly, his voice raw with emotion. "For putting you in the middle of all this. For making you wait out here while I—"

"Stop," Emma interrupted gently, reaching for his hand again. "You didn't put me in this spot, Alex. I chose to be here. I wanted to be here. I'm just... I'm glad you're finally letting go. It's not just for Jake. It's for you too."

He swallowed hard, nodding once we he realized in that moment, with Emma beside him, that forgiveness wasn't about being weak.

But about being ready to heal from the pain. Emma was ready and he was too.