The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 25: Day 1

Emory's POV:

As I drove home, I couldn't help but feel conflicted. My mind is still reeling from the meeting with Cadence. I couldn't believe that after all this time, now she wants 30 days with me? I opposed of course, But deep down, I knew I wanted the same thing.

Alexa is sitting next to me, fuming with anger. I could feel her eyes boring into the side of my face as I drove, but I couldn't bring myself to look at her. She broke the silence between us. "Emory, I can't believe you agreed to that. You're giving her 30 more days to try and win you back?"

I glanced at her briefly before turning my attention back to the road. "It's just 30 days, Alexa. It's not the end of the world."

"You know how I feel about Cadence. I don't trust her, and I don't like her living with you, especially when she's trying to get you back."

I could feel the tension rising in the car, and I didn't know how to defuse it. I knew Alexa was right to be upset, but I can't bring myself to care. All I can think about is Cadence and how she still holds a piece of my heart, despite everything she put me through. "Look, Alexa, I know you're not thrilled about the situation. But it's my decision, and I'm not going to change my mind."

I let out a sigh, "besides, she never said anything about winning me back. It's all for publicity for her Alex." I explained, trying to diffuse the tension.

"You and I both know that's bullshit!"  Alexa exclaimed throwing her hands up, I stayed quiet because I hope she's right. I hope Cadence is doing this because she still feels something for me too.

I couldn't bear to argue with Alexa. I'm tired of trying to convince her otherwise, and I'm tired of trying to convince myself that I don't still love Cadence. We continued driving in silence, but the tension was thick between us. A few moments pass until Alexa cut through the silence.

"But what about us? What about our relationship?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, Emory, you're treating me like I'm some kind of inconvenience. I don't think you love me the way you should. And now, you're giving your ex-wife 30 more days to try and steal you away from me."

The truth was, Alexa was right. I didn't love her the way I should. I couldn't bring myself to love anyone the way I still loved Cadence. But I couldn't tell her that. I didn't want to hurt her any more than I already had. She's still a friend that I care for, just not in the way she wants.

"I do care for you, Alexa. I just...I'm going through a lot right now. Can we talk about this later?"

She gave a small huff of frustration before turning to look out the window. The rest of the car ride home was silent, except for the sound of the radio softly playing in the background.  The tension between us is palpable, but I don't care enough to fix it, not when my heart is so conflicted.

As we pulled into our driveway, Alexa turned to me, her eyes burning with anger. "I can't believe you would do this to us, Emory. You're putting our entire relationship at risk for someone who left you high and dry."

I felt a pang of guilt as I looked at Alexa, but I still couldn't bring myself to say anything. Instead, I climbed out of the car and headed inside, leaving Alexa standing outside.

"Emory!"
"Talk to me!"

I could hear her shouting and trying to catch up with me but I paid her no mind, I continued walking until I got inside my room, locking the door behind me.

Even after all this time, I couldn't bear to stay in the same place where we made so many dreams. The penthouse was filled with reminders of her - the smell of her perfume lingering in the air, the sound of her laughter echoing through the halls. Every corner held a memory of her, and I couldn't bear to live in a place where I had to pretend everything was okay.