Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth! - Chapter 51

Chapter 51: What Space?

“If you so much as touch her,” Alex said, stepping between them, “you and your entire family will spend the night in jail.”

The room fell silent as everyone turned to see Alex Sterling in the flesh. He fixed the two women with a cold glare.

He had arrived in time to hear the woman’s last statement and he had been more than impressed to see Emma standing up for herself the way she did.

Though he would’ve waited to see how the whole thing would play out since he believed Emma would’ve handled himself better, he had decided to step in.

He didn’t want to take any chances and he certainly didn’t want to see anyone raising their hands on Emma.

“She’s my wife, so what?” Alex continued, “If you’re that jealous of her then maybe you should get yourself a wealthy billionaire, one that would dote on you and not mind that you came digging his gold. I don’t mind at all, infact I’m happy there’s enough gold for her to dig so it’s nothing. But if you’re already married, you could just divorce your husband. I can even help hook you up with one of my rich and foreign investors, you know?” Alex said, a smirk playing on his lips.

Emma who had been pleasantly surprised to see Alex there stifled a laugh, stepping closer to Alex even though she wanted to ask him so many questions.

“They aren’t worth the stress,” she said lightly.

Alex turned to her, his expression softening. “You’re right.”

“Baby,” Emma said, taking his arm, ” I think we should go.”

Alex nodded and then took her hand. “Maybe I should get you an even shinier diamond. This one is shining enough.”

Emma grinned. “Don’t show off in front of these jealous busybodies otherwise they might want to rob me when next they see me,” she said and Alex chuckled.

“You’re right,” Alex said, his voice teasing. “Let’s go.”

He led her out of the gym, leaving behind a stunned audience. Whispers filled the room as people speculated about what had just happened.

Alex opened the car door for Emma and helped her in before walking around to the driver’s side.

Once he was inside the car, Emma glanced at him, a small smile on her lips.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

Alex glanced at her, his expression one of concern. “Its nothing. I believe you would’ve handled them better had I not stepped in,” he said and she shrugged.

“That I don’t know and don’t wish to know. How did you know I was here? Did you follow me?” she asked curiously since that had been the only thought on her mind.

“Why did you leave the house without informing me? What if reporters had been there? How would you have handled them?” Alex asked instead and Emma frowned.

“Reporters? Why would reporters be there? Besides I thought we needed some space….”

“Space? What space?” Alex asked, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Emma pressed her lips together, realizing she had made a slip. She wasn’t supposed to say that to Alex’s eyes.

How was she supposed to explain this to him now? She mused and then sighed, deciding to be truthful.

“After what you said last night, I realized we’re both having mutual feeling and it’s all because we’re getting the attention from each other. This is just an arrangement and we aren’t supposed to care more than we should. I’m scared if this continues, we might cross a line we both would regret,” Emma said, trying hard to hold back the tears threatening to spill.

Alex looked at her, taken aback by her outburst. Part of him was glad she had admitted to beginning to care more for him but another part of him felt guilty for ever telling her what he truly felt.

Now she was making it clear to him that even though they were beginning to grow fonder of each other, nothing was ever going to work between them.

If he had known, he probably would’ve kept it to himself and just look for a way to win her heart. He thought and then shook his head.

Perhaps she was right. It was his wistful thinking. Nothing could ever happen between them.

“I’m sorry I put you in such a position. I only thought to tell you truthfully about what I felt about our relationship now. That didn’t mean you’re obligated to feel the same way or act on it. I wasn’t even planning to,” Alex said and Emma shook her head.

“Alex, I didn’t mean that….”

“I understand, Em. I would’ve given you space if that was what you wanted. There was no need putting yourself in arms way just to avoid me. I’ll give you space but please, when next you’re stepping out, let me know. Vanessa posted something that’s why people were talking,” Alex said and Emma sighed, realizing why he had come after her.

It wasn’t because he was becoming too attached or anything but because he was worried she might run into reporters or troublemakers like the gossipmongers at the gym.

“I’m sorry I misinterpreted your care…..”

“It’s okay. Let’s go,” Alex said and without another word, turned on the car’s ignition and drove off.

Emma sighed as he drove away. A huge part of her wanted to tell him she had made a mistake wanting to keep her distance from him but another part of her gave her reasons why she shouldn’t tell him anything.

All he had ever done was support and help her and be there for her while all she had ever done was cause him problems.

It was good enough that Claire didn’t see anything wrong with Alex helping her. The least she could do was try not to let him fall for her.

Sticking to the arrangement was what’s best for everyone. She thought as she glanced out the window willing for them to get home quicker so she could just lock herself up in her room.