Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth!-Chapter 122: I’m Scared

Claire closed the door behind her with a soft sigh, letting the quiet of the house fill her.

The day had been long, filled with unnecessary drama over the nonexistent Eastview project— the meeting with Christopher that she hadn't been prepared for.

Her mind was still swirling with thoughts—of her brother's stubbornness, of his attempt to push her toward Chris, and of her own fears that she couldn't seem to shake.

As she walked down the hallway of Alex's house, she stopped by his door and knocked wanting to lash out for him pulling that stunt he did with Chris.

When Emma opened it, Claire couldn't help but notice how peaceful the house felt now, quieter somehow. A far cry from the whirlwind of emotions that had been swirling in her own life.

"Is Alex here?" Claire asked, her voice soft but tired.

Emma gave her a small smile. "He's sleeping. He had a long day."

Claire's brow furrowed as she stepped inside, glancing toward the hallway where Alex's room was. She tried not to let it bother her—but she couldn't.

"Alright," Claire murmured, trying to push past the unease. "Let's sit in your room for a bit."

They walked down the hall, and Emma opened the door to her room, leading Claire inside. It was cozy, a reflection of Emma's taste—soft, welcoming, a stark contrast to Claire's more austere, professional space. Emma gestured for her to sit on the bed, and Claire complied, the weight of the day making her body ache.

Once Claire was seated, she turned her attention back to Emma, who was now sitting across from her on a chair, an unspoken understanding between them.

"So, did Alex tell you about going to see Jake in prison?" Claire asked, her voice low and hesitant.

Emma's expression softened, and she exhaled, the weight of the situation clearly on her mind. "Yeah. I even went with him but didn't go in. Alex.... he's decided he wanted to forgive him... He's been carrying that guilt for too long but now, I think he wants to let it go... to move on."

Claire's heart clenched at the thought. Alex had been through so much with Jake's betrayal, and to hear that he was willing to face it head-on and release all that anger—it wasn't just surprising, it was a sign of how much he was willing to do for Emma and how much he had changed since Emma had come into his life.

"That's good. I'm glad he's decided that. But what about you? How do you feel about it?" Claire asked. "I mean... forgiving him is one thing, but Alex... releasing him, after everything, doesn't that feel... risky?"

Emma shrugged slightly, her gaze thoughtful. "I don't feel any particular way about it. I think Alex is just trying to make peace with my past. And maybe that's the only way forward for him. I just hope Jake has really changed, you know?"

Claire nodded, understanding the uncertainty in Emma's voice. She didn't know how she felt about it, either.

Though she had been the one to tell Alex about forgiving Jake, hearing he was going to let him out and back into their life especially Emma's just sort of made her question herself.

As they spoke, a quiet sound from down the hall broke their conversation. It was faint, but Claire's sharp ears caught it—footsteps, and then the creak of Alex's door opening.

"Did you hear that?" Claire asked, her eyes flicking toward the door.

Emma's face shifted, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I think he's awake now," she said softly.

Before Claire could respond, Alex appeared in the doorway, stretching as if he had just woken up from a nap. His hair was tousled, and he wore a lazy smile on his face, but it was clear that his heart was already set on something.

"Hey," Alex said, his voice still thick with sleep. "What's going on?"

Claire raised an eyebrow. "What's going on is that you're sleeping while I'm out here working my butt off running your business, and you—" she paused and looked at him, a grin tugging at the corners of her lips despite her frustration, "—decide to take a nap."

She wanted to get all the thoughts and awkwardness out of her mind.

Alex's eyes twinkled as he stepped into the room, his gaze landing on Emma before he came over and hugged her, pulling her close.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to relax for a bit," he murmured, the sincerity in his voice obvious. His embrace felt comforting, as though he were trying to reassure both himself and Emma.

He had overheard Emma and Claire talking. Even though Emma hadn't sounded like she was against the idea or that she was scared of Jake returning into their lives, he thought she sort of needed a hug. Something to assure her he would always be there.

"Do you mind me asking what the matter is?" Emma asked softly, her fingers brushing through his hair.

Alex closed his eyes for a moment, just savoring the feeling of being held. "No... I just wanted to be close to you for a while." He pulled away slightly, looking at her with affection. "That's all."

For a moment, Claire simply watched them, her irritation fading just a little. There was something so genuine about their connection—something Claire hadn't expected from Alex when he'd first started out with Emma.

Seeing them together now, so in tune with each other, made Claire realize just how much her brother had grown.

Later that evening, as they were setting the table for dinner, the calmness was shattered when Claire entered the dining room, her arms crossed, expression tight.

She had almost forgotten all about her anger and the stunt Alex pulled with Chris until the household staff had come to get her for dinner, reminding her about lunch.

Alex exchanged a glance with Emma, already bracing himself when he saw the stern look on Claire's face.

"Alex," Claire started, voice clipped. "We need to talk."

Emma quickly retreated to the kitchen, giving them space but keeping within earshot.

"What's this about?" Alex asked, leaning on the back of a chair.

Claire's eyes narrowed. "You know exactly what this is about. The Eastview Project. You lied to me, Alex. You made me believe there was an actual investor when it was just a ploy to get me to have lunch with Christopher."

Alex's lips twitched, and he shot a helpless look at Emma, who had returned with a dish in hand.

"Claire... it was just lunch with your friend. Not a criminal offense," Alex said, smirking.

Emma nodded, chiming in. "He's right. It really wasn't a big deal. Chris just wanted a chance to—"

"It was a breach of trust," Claire cut in sharply.

Alex raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. You're right. I should've been upfront. But, Claire... I agreed for your own good," he said and Claire raised a questioning brow.

"My own good?" She asked back and Alex shrugged.

"Don't you think it's time to let go of your past? To give love a chance for real?" He asked holding her gaze while Emma watched, confused.

Claire's face faltered for a second before she masked it. "Real love you say? What makes you so sure Chris is offering real love?" She asked raising a brow.

Alex's expression softened. "Because I know him, Claire. I've spent seven years with him in Paris, Claire. He's not the type to play games with someone's heart."

Emma nodded quietly. "It's true. Chris has never been one to joke about things like this," she said thinking about how Chris had tried to win her over in college but had let her be when she choose Jake.

New n𝙤vel chapters are published on freeweɓnøvel.com.

Hearing them, Claire's defenses wavered. Though she had also tried to convince herself he wasn't for real, she couldn't help thinking otherwise everytime she was with him.

She swallowed hard, voice softer now. "I'm just... scared."

Alex's voice gentled. "You don't have to be, sis. I'm here. And I know Chris—he won't run, even if he knows your past. He'd still choose you. Just give him a chance to prove his love."

Claire blinked, clearly fighting back her emotion. "I think I would but I'd rather keep that part about my past buried."

Alex nodded, voice firm but compassionate. "You can... as long as you let yourself live, Claire. Don't let the past steal what could make you happy," he said, looking at Claire and for the first time in a long while, she had no argument.