Y/n POV
I let out a heavy sigh, shaking my head as I mutter to myself. "I should just focus on my work."
For a while, I manage to drown myself in my tasks, but the sudden ringing of my phone shatters my concentration. My brows furrow as I glance at the screen. James.
I hesitate. My fingers hover over the screen before I finally answer.
"Hello?" My voice comes out flat, guarded.
James: "Hey, Y/N… how are you?"
I press my lips together. "I'm fine, James."
A brief silence lingers before he speaks again.
James: "Are you still mad at me?"
I exhale sharply, running a hand through my hair. "James, I—" I pause, trying to find the right words. My chest tightens. "I'm not mad at you."
James: "Really? Then… can we meet, Y/N?" His voice carries a hint of desperation.
I close my eyes for a moment before answering. "Fine. But I'm busy."
James: "Oh… okay. I understand. Just let me know when you're free."
"Yeah. Bye, James." Without waiting for a response, I hang up and toss my phone onto the desk.
Before I can even take a breath, the office door slams open.
Kayden storms in, his face dark with frustration. Without a word, he yanks off his coat and throws it to the ground, his movements sharp and aggressive. His tie follows next as he sinks into his chair, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
I watch him cautiously. The tension in the room is suffocating. Something happened. Something bad.
Kayden's voice was raw with frustration as he slammed his fist onto the desk. "I want to kill her!"
My breath hitched at his words. I quickly stood up, picking up his discarded coat. "Are you okay, sir?" I asked, my voice softer now.
He looked at me, his eyes dark with emotions I couldn't quite decipher. Then, he let out a long, tired sigh.
"No, Y/N… she's blackmailing me," he admitted, running a hand through his already disheveled hair.
I nodded slowly, watching as he got up from his chair and stepped toward me. My heartbeat quickened when he closed the distance between us, his presence overwhelming.
"I don't even like her, Y/N. I swear," his voice was desperate, pleading.
I swallowed hard. "It's okay, Kayden… just talk to her. But without fighting, okay?"
He hesitated, then nodded, though the tension in his body hadn't eased.
Then, almost in a whisper, he muttered, "Ah… I need a hug… please."
Before I could process his words, his strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. His grip was firm, as if he was holding onto me like a lifeline.
"I will find a way," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin.
For a moment, I stood frozen, feeling his heartbeat against mine. But then, I snapped out of it, pulling myself away—before I lost myself in the warmth of his arms.
Kayden leaned against his desk, arms crossed as he looked at me expectantly. "Hey, you said you'd talk to Coel… about moving in with me."
I met his gaze and nodded. "Yeah, I'll call him later."
He studied me for a moment before giving a small nod. "Okay… let's get back to work now."
The day dragged on, filled with endless tasks and meetings. At some point, Kayden ordered food, and we ate in comfortable silence before diving back into work.
By the time we finished, exhaustion clung to my body like a second skin. Kayden insisted on dropping me home, and I was too tired to argue.
When I finally stepped into my apartment, Emma was already waiting, her curious eyes scanning my face.
"So? Spill. What happened?" she demanded, practically dragging me to the couch.
I let out a deep sigh, sinking into the cushions. "Everything, Emma. From last night to Cassie. You won't believe what's going on…"
As I started recounting the events, her expression shifted from shock to intrigue. Tonight was going to be a long one.
Emma pulled me into a tight hug, her warmth wrapping around me like a protective shield.
"Oh, my baby… I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you last night." Her voice was filled with guilt.
I shook my head, forcing a small smile. "It's okay, Emma."
She pulled back slightly, searching my face. "Y/N, are you really going to move in with Kayden?"
I sighed, glancing down at my hands. "I don't know, Emma… I-I just don't want to be alone."
Emma frowned, concern flickering in her eyes. "Yeah, I get it… but can't you just move in with Max instead?"
I let out a soft chuckle, though it lacked humor. "I'd love to, but you know I don't want to ruin your quality time."
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't worry about that! We'll sleep together until my engagement, okay?"
I smiled, feeling a bit of the weight on my chest lift. "Okay."
Just as I started to relax, Emma's eyes widened as if she had just remembered something. "Oh yeah! I totally forgot to tell you, Y/N… actually—"
I raised a brow, suddenly curious. "What?"
Her hesitation sent a shiver of anticipation through me. Whatever she was about to say… it was big
Emma grabbed my hands, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, a mix of excitement and nerves. Then, with a deep breath, she blurted out—
"I'm pregnant, Y/N!!!"
"WHAT?!" I shrieked, my heart nearly leaping out of my chest. In an instant, I ran toward her, wrapping her in the tightest hug possible.
She let out a small laugh, but I could feel her body trembling. "Yeah… I found out yesterday," she whispered, her voice breaking as happy tears rolled down her cheeks.
I pulled back just enough to cup her face, my own eyes stinging with emotion. "Hey… I'm so happy for you," I reassured her, my voice barely above a whisper.
Emma sniffled, rubbing her tummy gently. "It's going to be really amazing, Y/N."
A wide smile spread across my face. "Of course! And you know what? That makes me the godmother now!" I teased, placing a hand over hers on her stomach. "How far along are you?"
"Four weeks," she said softly, a new glow radiating from her.
Unable to contain my joy, I pulled her into another hug. "I'm so, so happy, Emma."
She hesitated before speaking again, her grip on me tightening. "But… I have to move in with Max now, Y/N."
My heart clenched for a moment, but I quickly masked it with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Emma. I'll be fine."
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