Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth!-Chapter 171: I Want You Back

The sunlight streamed through the bedroom curtains, casting a warm golden hue over the room where Alex and Emma lay, spiraled on the bed.

Emma slowly opened her eyes, feeling a sense of relief she hadn't felt in days. Everything was finally settled. The threats and past that had hung over Claire like dark clouds were gone. For once, there was peace. Not just peace but genuine peace.

Alex stirred beside her, a content sigh escaping his lips. He turned to face her, his eyes still half-lidded with sleep but filled with peace.

"Morning," he murmured, his voice deep and soft.

Emma smiled. "Morning."

They lay in silence for a few moments, letting the calm of the morning settle around them. Alex reached for her hand, his thumb lazily tracing circles on her skin.

"I'm glad it's over," Alex said quietly. "We can finally breathe again."

Emma nodded. "Me too."

But as much as she wanted to hold on to the peace, her mind kept drifting. Her thoughts went straight to Ivy. She had seen the news about Hunter's arrest the night before, and it had unsettled her more than she wanted to admit. If she was feeling this way, she could only imagine how Ivy must be handling it.

'Ivy must have seen the news. There's no way she wouldn't have. She's probably trying to pretend she doesn't care, but I know her. She's definitely thinking about him.'

Emma's brows furrowed, worry etched across her face. Alex noticed immediately. "Emma, what's wrong?" he asked not liking that she was frowning that way.

Emma sighed. "I'm just thinking about Ivy. You saw the news about Hunter last night. I want to check on her today at the office, just to make sure she's okay."

Alex squeezed her hand. "That's a good idea. She's lucky to have you."

Emma gave a small smile, but the worry lingered in her chest.

Alex sat up, running a hand through his hair. "Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I will. Don't worry."

"I'm serious, Emma." He looked at her with that protective gaze she knew all too well. "Let the driver I hired take you today. He knows how to fight, just in case anything happens."

Emma's mouth opened to protest, but Alex's stern expression stopped her.

"Vanessa is still out there," he said firmly. "We don't know what she's planning, and I'm not taking any chances with you. Not again."

Emma felt a shiver run down her spine at the mention of Vanessa. She hated feeling like she needed protection, but Alex was right. Vanessa had already done enough damage, and it wasn't worth the risk.

"Okay," she said quietly. "I understand."

Alex's shoulders relaxed, and he leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Thank you, baby."

They stayed like that for a moment, holding on to each other. No matter what was ahead, they would face it together. And today, Emma would make sure Ivy wasn't alone either.

Emma stepped into the living room feeling the usual mix of morning nerves and determination. Today was about checking on Ivy and making sure her friend was okay. She wasn't going to let anything—or anyone—distract her.

Knowing the driver was already in the car waiting for her, Emma strode to the door with her bag slung over her shoulder. But the moment she reached the front door, wanting to open it, she froze. Standing just inside was Jake.

Her heart skipped a beat before a wave of irritation settled over her. "What are you doing here?" Her eyes darted around, wondering which house staff had let him in. They knew Alex wouldn't tolerate uninvited guests and Alex who was his relative wasn't home.

Jake's usual smug smile stretched across his face. "Relax. I'm not here to cause trouble....."

Emma's shoulders stiffened as she quickly cut in. "That's good to know but you should've also known Alex isn't home. I'm pretty sure you know that already. Now leave," She said as she moved toward the door, determined to brush past him.

Jake stepped in her path, his smile turning into a smirk. "Its you I can to see, Em. But, why does it seem like you're running from me and don't want to be in the same space as me? Is it because you're afraid you'll fall for me again?"

Hearing that, Emma froze mid-step. A flash of anger surged through her. She turned back slowly, locking eyes with him. "I beg your pardon?"

Jake took a step closer. "I still love you, Emma. And I still want you back. I'm sure you already know that much."

The words hung in the air like a thick cloud, suffocating her. For weeks since his release, she had imagined this scenario—him coming back, confessing his feelings. She had thought there might be a part of her that would be torn. But now, standing here and listening to him, all she felt was disgust.

Her stomach churned. She felt nothing but repulsion for the man who had once held her heart. Every memory of his cruelty, his manipulation, and the heartbreak he'd caused came rushing back.

"You're so disgusting, I hope you know that," she said flatly, shaking her head. "You're my vomit, Jake. And even if you were the last man on earth, I wouldn't come back to you."

Jake's smugness wavered, replaced by a flicker of shock. But Emma didn't wait for a reply. She marched to the front desk and rang the bell for the butler.

"See Mr. Thompson out," she said firmly. "And make sure he's not allowed in when Alex isn't home."

The butler nodded. "Of course, Mrs. Sterling."

Jake didn't put up a fight as the butler escorted him out, but he shot Emma a final glance before stepping through the door.

As soon as he was outside, Jake's mind began to race. The sting of Emma's rejection burned, but instead of anger, a strange determination took over.

'She hates me because of what I did. But if I show her I've changed... maybe there's still a chance.'

Jake frowned. Maybe his arrogance had gotten in the way before. If he showed Emma humility, she might see the man he wanted to become. She was only disgusted now because of the past.

She'll come back, he told himself. I just have to play my cards right.

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Meanwhile, Emma let out a shaky breath, shaking off the encounter as best she could. She had no time for Jake's delusions. Ivy needed her, and nothing was going to stop her from being there for her friend. She thought as she headed out and straight to the car.

Emma sat in the backseat of the sleek black car, the cityscape rushing past her window. The hum of the engine and the occasional honk from other cars filled the silence, but her mind was far from still.

Her birthday was coming up the next week, and she couldn't help but wonder if Alex was planning something seeing as he had told her to think of what she wanted.

He was thoughtful like that—always surprising her with little gestures. But with everything that had happened recently, she wasn't sure if he'd have the time or energy to plan anything for her birthday.

Thinking about it, it was her first birthday with him. She thought and then sighed.

I should be happy everything's finally calm again, she thought. Yet the shadow of Jake's visit lingered in her mind.

She tapped her fingers on her knee, debating whether she should tell Alex. He had worked hard to put the past behind them, and the last thing she wanted was to make him feel insecure.

He doesn't need to know, she decided. As long as Jake respected himself, she could handle him on her own. If he tried anything else, she would shut it down immediately.

The thought gave her a small sense of control, and she exhaled slowly. Turning to look out the window, she watched pedestrians rushing by and cars weaving through traffic. It was an ordinary day—until her eyes locked on a figure across the street.

Her heart stuttered. She blinked, leaning forward to get a clearer look.

No. It can't be.

The figure had long, dark hair and a slim build, standing just outside a small café. Emma's breath hitched. She knew that profile too well. It was none other than Vanessa.

"Stop the car," she said abruptly.

The driver slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road. Emma craned her neck, scanning the spot where Vanessa had stood. But the woman was gone. How is that?

"Everything okay, ma'am?" the driver asked, glancing at her in the rearview mirror.

Emma swallowed hard. "Yes. I just thought I saw someone I knew."

The driver nodded and resumed driving, but Emma couldn't shake the feeling that settled over her. Her heart pounded in her chest, and a cold sweat broke out along her spine.

What if it was her? What is she doing there and had she been in town all this while?

Fear curled in her stomach. Vanessa had caused so much pain, and the idea of her being anywhere nearby was enough to make Emma's mind race with worst-case scenarios.

But maybe it wasn't her. Maybe her mind was just playing tricks. She closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing.

You're safe now. You have Alex. Everything is okay.

Still, no amount of self-reassurance could stop the lingering sense of dread from following her all the way to Ivy's office.