A Tough Choice

Chapter Fifty Four

Emma's POV

One am came and went and I still couldn't sleep. My brain wouldn't stop spinning. I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to come to terms with what had happened. I was dreading Ethan coming home, how could I face him after what had happened. He would know instantly that something was wrong, he knew me too well. I would never be be able to find the words to tell him. To see the disappointment in his face when he found out.

I jumped as I heard the front door close. The dreaded moment had arrived. I heard noises downstairs as Ethan rummaged around. My heart began to pound against my chest as I heard him climbing the stairs. I quickly closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep as he entered the room. A few moments later he climbed into bed.

"Are you awake?" he whispered softly in my ear.

I ignored him and kept my breathing steady. I felt him gently kiss my cheek before he turned over. I bit my lip hard, I couldn't cry in front of him. He couldn't know what I had found out. As much as I wanted to curl up in his arms, and listen to his soothing heartbeat, I knew that I couldn't. He was more important than me and I had to protect him.

Morning eventually arrived, the night had never felt so long. I quickly climbed out of bed and dressed. I virtually ran downstairs, I was dreading facing Ethan, but I knew that I would have to eventually.

"Morning." he said huskily as he walked into the kitchen.

I smiled at him and continued eating my cereal. He frowned at me, I knew he was wondering why I wasn't happy to see him. I quickly finished my cereal and turned to the sink. I couldn't even look him in the eye. I jumped as he placed his arms around my waist and rested his chin on my shoulder.

"Did you miss me?" he chuckled.

"Yeah." I said shortly as I quickly removed myself from his arms.

"What's wrong?" he called after me.

I froze and turned to face him, my eyes fixed on the floor.

"I don't know what you mean." I shrugged.

"You're acting different, you won't even look at me." he said as he crossed the room and stood in front of me.

I sighed as he placed his hand on my chin and tilted my head so that I was looking at him.

"Look at me." he whispered as I kept my eyes downwards.

I glanced at his eyes and quickly looked away again.

"Did something happen while I was away?" he asked.

I shook my head slowly.

"Emma tell me." he whispered.

"I'm just tired." I said quietly.

He stared at me closely, I knew that he was trying to find out what was wrong.

"We should leave for work." I whispered as I quickly walked away.

I heard him sigh and follow me.

As soon as we arrived at work, Ethan parked the car and I virtually ran into the hospital. I needed a couple of days to get my head straight and then hopefully I wouldn't be ashamed to face Ethan.

I looked up as I ran into someone.

"Hey Emma." Caleb smiled.

"Hi." I said quietly.

"How are you doing?" he asked sympathetically.

"Fine." I whispered.

"Really?" he said skeptically.

I shook my head and felt the tears roll down my cheeks. He sighed and pulled me into his arms. He held me tightly as I cried against his chest.

Ethan's POV

I quickly parked the car and made my way into the hospital. I had no idea what was going on with Emma. She seemed totally different from when I left. Something must have happened, I hated that I didn't know what it was.

I frowned as I saw Emma talking to Caleb. I gasped as I saw him embrace her. This was the second time I'd watched him holding my fiancé. Maybe something had happened between them whilst I was away.

After what felt like an age, he let go of her. I saw him smile down at her as she walked away. I was seething as I walked over to Caleb.

"What the hell are you playing at?!" I hissed.