Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth! - Chapter 195

Chapter 195: Twenty-four Hours
The sun streamed through the bedroom windows, casting a golden glow over the room as Emma finished tying her hair into a loose bun.

She glanced at Alex, who stood by the closet, buttoning up his shirt, his brows slightly furrowed in concentration.

For a moment, she just watched him, taking in his presence. It was strange how much had changed in three months—how deep her love for him had grown.

How had she ever thought she could walk away from him last night?

Brushing the thought aside, she turned toward him. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” she asked.

Alex looked up, meeting her gaze through the mirror. “There’s no need, sweetheart,” he said, fastening his watch. “I can handle it alone.”

Emma pressed her lips together, considering. “I just don’t like the idea of you dealing with this by yourself. Besides, I’m your wife. Shouldn’t I be there with you?”

Alex walked toward her, his hands coming to rest gently on her shoulders. “You are my wife, and that’s why I want you to focus on something that makes you happy today. You’ve been through enough already.”

Emma sighed, knowing he was only trying to protect her from the stress of it all. “So you want me to just sit at home and do nothing?”

His lips twitched into a small smile. “Not at all. I want you to go to the gallery. It’s yours now, Emma. You should enjoy it.”

Emma blinked in surprise before letting out a small chuckle when she remembered it had been his gift for her. “You make it sound so simple. I never would’ve thought I’d own a dress exhibition and art gallery.” She shook her head, still in disbelief. “Or that my designs would be displayed for people of different backgrounds to admire.”

Alex smiled, seeing the pride in her eyes. “That’s because you’re talented. People deserve to see your work.”

A warm feeling spread through her chest, and she bit her lip before hesitantly adding, “Actually… I’ve been thinking of opening a fashion house.”

His brow lifted in interest. “A fashion house?”

She nodded, her excitement growing. “Yes. And I want to name it House of Emex.”

Alex’s lips twitched as he repeated the name. “Emex?”

Emma grinned. “Mmhmm. Two letters from my name, two from yours.”

Something flickered in Alex’s eyes, and she continued softly, “Because you’re the one who helped me find my self-worth again, Alex.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Alex just stared at her, his jaw tightening slightly, as if her words had affected him more than he wanted to show.

He couldn’t believe that in the midst of everything going on, she was able to profess her love for him.

Finally, he reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You don’t know how much that means to me,” he said, his voice low, rough with emotion.

Emma smiled. “It’s the truth.”

He let out a breath, shaking his head. “You’re incredible, you know that?”

Emma chuckled. “You tell me that a lot.”

“Because it’s true.” His thumb brushed her cheek. “Three months ago, you were in the hospital with no hope of going on. And now, look at you. You’ve come so far, Emma. You’re resilient and strong. You found your self worth, sweet.”

Her chest tightened at the tenderness in his voice. “No. I did because of you.”

Alex shook his head. “No. It’s because of us.”

Their gazes locked, and for a moment, nothing else existed. Just them, their love, and their journey.

Emma reached up, pressing her hand over his. “I love you, Alex.”

His lips curved into a soft smile. “I love you too, sweetheart. More than you’ll ever know.”

Emma swallowed past the lump in her throat, overwhelmed by how much she loved this man.

After a moment, Alex sighed and stepped back. “Alright. I need to get going.”

Emma frowned slightly. “Straight to the hospital?”

He nodded, reaching for his phone. “I need to call Natalie and tell her to meet me there. I want this DNA test done as soon as possible.”

Emma hesitated. The thought of him going alone still didn’t sit well with her even though he had insisted.

Alex noticed the way she was staring at him and arched a brow. “Emma…”

“I’m going with you,” she said firmly.

Alex exhaled, tilting his head at her. “I thought we just talked about this?”

“I know.” She folded her arms. “But I changed my mind.”

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Sweetheart, there’s no need for you to—”

“There is a need,” she cut in. “I’m your wife, Alex. I should be there, no matter what.”

Alex studied her for a long moment, as if deciding whether to argue.

Finally, he let out a breath and shook his head. “You’re stubborn, you know that?”

Emma smirked. “You married me.”

A reluctant smile tugged at his lips. “That, I did.”

Emma reached for her bag. “Let’s go.”

And with that, they headed out together, prepared to face whatever came next.

As the car sped down the busting streets of Zeden, Alex sat beside Emma in the backseat, his expression unreadable. He had his phone in hand, his thumb tapping against the screen as he found Jake’s contact.

Emma stole a glance at him, feeling the tension in his posture. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes were fixed on his phone screen with quiet determination.

She knew this was frustrating for him and she wished all this to be over soon.

Exhaling sharply, Alex hit the call button and lifted the phone to his ear. The line rang twice before Jake’s voice came through.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Jake’s voice was calm, but Alex could hear the amusement underneath.

“We’re going to the hospital now,” Alex said, his tone firm. “Bring Natalie and Dawn. I’ll send you the address.”

“You sure you want to do this, Alex?” Jake asked, his voice laced with something Alex couldn’t quite place.

Alex’s grip on his phone tightened. “Just bring them.”

Jake chuckled softly. “Fine. I’ll bring them. But what happens when the results aren’t what you expect?”

Alex’s eyes darkened. “They will be.” Without waiting for a response, he hung up and sent the hospital’s address.

Emma watched him carefully, her fingers tightening around the hem of her dress. “Are you okay?” she asked gently.

He sighed, slipping his phone into his pocket. “I will be once this is over.”

She reached for his hand and squeezed it. “No matter what happens, we’ll face it together.”

Alex turned to her, his gaze softening as he squeezed her hand back. “I know.”

The car pulled up to the hospital entrance a few minutes later. As they stepped out, Alex immediately spotted a doctor waiting at the front doors, as he had requested earlier.

“Mr. Sterling,” the doctor greeted, nodding politely.

Alex got straight to the point. “I’m here fir a DNA test. I came here in person instead of sending the samples because I don’t want any mistakes or foul play and also to let you know I need the results in 24 hours. I don’t want delays.”

The doctor hesitated. “Sir, DNA results typically take at least—”

“I don’t care how much it costs,” Alex interrupted. “Triple whatever the initial amount is. I want the results by tomorrow.”

The doctor’s eyes widened slightly before he quickly masked his reaction. “Understood, Mr. Sterling. We’ll make the necessary arrangements.”

Emma remained silent beside Alex, watching as the doctor gestured for them to follow him inside.

Now, all that was left was for Jake to bring Natalie and Dawn.

And then, the truth would finally be revealed.