Emma's Pov
The office felt colder than usual or maybe it was just me.
I sat behind my desk, flipping through files that didn't make sense anymore. My head still ached from crying last night, and coffee wasn't helping.
I'd barely slept, tossing between anger, shame, and that stupid memory of Damian's calm eyes when he said, "You were right."
I didn't even know why that mattered.
The door creaked open, and I didn't bother to look up. "I said no appointments till....."
"Till what? Till you finish sleeping with your rich client?"
The sound of that voice made my stomach twist painfully. I froze, my pen slipping from my hand.
I lifted my head slowly. Ethan stood in the doorway, arms folded, his jaw tight and eyes filled with accusation.
"Get out," I said quietly.
He stepped in instead, shutting the door behind him. "Not until you tell me what the hell is going on, Emma."
"I said get out."
"Stop pretending you're the victim!" he snapped. "You blocked my number, you moved out without saying a word, and now you're staying with him."
I stood up, my chair scraping loudly against the floor. "You don't get to talk about where I stay or who I stay with, Ethan."
He laughed bitterly, "Unbelievable. You're actually doing this. You're trying to make yourself look like the wounded one so you can run off to some billionaire. That's why you made up that lie about me and Jessy, right?"
My hands clenched at my sides. "Lie?"
"Yeah," he said, stepping closer. "Jessy told me what you've been saying. That I cheated and that she was involved. You are trying to destroy my name because you think it'll justify leaving me."
I blinked, stunned. "She said what?"
He smirked, anger flickering in his tone. "She said you were drunk that night and you misunderstood. That you saw something that wasn't there. You just… assumed."
"Assumed?" My voice rose without permission. "Ethan, I saw you. I saw you kiss her, dickhead in the fucking car!"
His jaw tightened. "You're delusional."
I laughed bitterly. "You know what's delusional? You're standing here pretending you didn't do it. Like grow some balls."
He slammed his hand on the desk, making me flinch. "You're twisting things, Emma! You've always been dramatic and always needed something to blame when things got tough. Now it's Jessy, next it'll be someone else."
"Don't you dare put this on me," I snapped, pointing at him. "I was loyal to you. I defended you when everyone said you were bad news. I gave you everything, Ethan but you still..."
"Still what?" he interrupted, stepping closer. "Didn't I give you enough money? Enough attention? Is that it? This man walks into your life and suddenly I'm not good enough?"
My chest tightened. "You're pathetic."
"Am I?" His eyes were cold now. "Because from where I'm standing, you're the one sleeping your way into a better life."
The slap came before I could stop myself. The sound cracked through the room.
He went still, touching his cheek. For a moment, neither of us breathed.
"Get. Out," I said again, voice shaking.
He looked at me, anger flashing behind his eyes. "You'll regret this, Emma. When that rich man gets tired of fucking you, don't come running back."
I didn't answer. I just stared at the wall behind him, my body trembling.
He scoffed and walked to the door, muttering under his breath. Just before leaving, he turned back. "You know what your problem is? You think everyone's out to hurt you. Maybe it's you who's the problem."
The door slammed behind him.
For a moment, all I could hear was the echo. My heartbeat was wild, uneven. My hands shook so badly I had to grip the edge of the desk.
I sank back into the chair, breathing hard. My skin burned where my hand had struck him.
A knock sounded a few seconds later. My assistant peeked in, worried. "Dr. Lawson? Are you okay? I thought I heard...."
"I'm fine," I said quickly. "It is just a client misunderstanding."
She nodded slowly but didn't believe it. "Okay. Um… Mr Cross is waiting outside for you."
Of course.
I rubbed my temples. "Tell him I'm busy."
She hesitated. "He said it's important."
I groaned under my breath. "Fine, send him in."
The door opened again, and Damian walked in, his expression unreadable as always. His presence filled the room, calm yet heavy.
"You look pale," he said after a moment, eyes scanning me. "Did something happen?"
I forced a smile. "It is just a rough morning. Clients can be… difficult."
"Clients don't usually leave you shaking," he said, stepping closer. His voice was low, measured. "Who was here, Emma?"
I avoided his gaze. "No one you need to worry about."
He raised a brow. "So there is someone."
I sighed, crossing my arms. "Ethan, my ex."
His jaw tensed. "He came here?"
"Yes, and no, you don't have to ask." I tried to sound light, but my voice trembled at the edges.
He stared at me for a few seconds, then spoke softly. "Did he hurt you?"
"No," I said quickly. "He just said some things. Stupid things."
Like what?"
"Like…" I exhaled, shaking my head. "Like I'm making things up. That I accused him of cheating because I wanted to be with someone rich."
His eyes darkened. "He said that?"
"Yes, but I don't care. I'm done caring."
He leaned on the desk, his presence suddenly closer, stronger. "You shouldn't let anyone talk to you like that."
"I can handle myself."
"I don't think you can, not when you look like that."
I frowned. "Like what?"
"Like someone who's trying too hard not to cry."
The silence that followed made my throat tighten.
I looked away first. "Why are you here, Damian?"
He hesitated before answering. "You left your notebook." He placed it gently on the desk. "And… I wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I'm fine," I said, even though we both knew I wasn't.
He nodded slowly. "You should take the rest of the day off."
"I can't."
"Yes, you can. You're no use to anyone when you're like this."
Something about the way he said it when you're like this made my heart twist.
"Damian…..Sir"
"Emma," he interrupted, voice lower now. "You're not alone, alright?"
For a long moment, I didn't answer. Then I whispered, "I know."
He gave a small nod and turned to leave. At the door, he paused, glancing back at me. "Next time he comes near you, call me."
I frowned. "What are you going to do? Punch him?"
"Something like that."
Despite myself, I almost smiled. "You really need therapy, you know that?"
His lips curved faintly. "That's why you're here."
And with that, he walked out leaving me staring at the door.