Whispers In The Boardroom

Chapter 16: The Ex

Alexander had never looked forward to his birthday. For as long as he could remember, it was a day that brought more dread than joy. His family, who barely acknowledged him throughout the year, would use it as an excuse to put on a show of affection, only to leave him feeling emptier than before. His brother, who delighted in taunting him, would make an appearance at his company, trying to assert his dominance and remind Alexander of the constant shadow he lived under. But year after year, Alexander made sure that his brother never set foot in his company, guarding his space fiercely.

This year, however, was different. Despite the usual anxiety that accompanied his birthday, there was a glimmer of excitement. This time, he had Emma. The thought of sharing his birthday with her brought a smile to his face, filling the void that the day usually left him with. For once, he wasn't just enduring the week; he was looking forward to it.

Emma, ever thoughtful and caring, had planned a special surprise for him. She took him on a cute getaway, starting with a trip to an amusement park. They spent the day like carefree teenagers, riding roller coasters, playing games, and eating cotton candy. The simplicity of it all warmed Alexander's heart. Later, they visited the beach, where they walked along the shore, took pictures, and laughed like they had no worries in the world. The day ended with them watching the sunset, the orange and pink hues painting the sky as they sat close together, their fingers intertwined.

Alexander couldn't remember the last time he had enjoyed himself so much. The day was simple, yet it was one of the most thoughtful gifts he had ever received. It was a stark contrast to the extravagant parties and lavish gifts he was used to, but it was perfect. Emma had given him something he hadn't experienced in years—genuine joy and peace.

The next day, Emma had planned another surprise. This time, it was a celebration at the office, something she had secretly arranged with Alexander's team. The office was buzzing with excitement, everyone eagerly awaiting his arrival. But just as they were putting the finishing touches on the decorations, a tall blonde with piercing blue eyes, perfect tanned skin, and a tight red dress strutted into the office. The air seemed to shift as she entered, drawing all eyes to her. It was Alexander's ex, a woman everyone in the company knew, though they were also aware that she was no longer in the picture.

Emma noticed her immediately, wondering who she was until one of the team members confirmed it was Alexander's ex. Her heart dropped. The woman was stunning, every inch the type of person Emma imagined would be with someone like Alexander. Emma couldn't help but compare herself to her, feeling suddenly inadequate.

As Alexander entered the boardroom, ready to be surprised by his team, his ex was waiting among them. When everyone yelled "Surprise!" she rushed over to him, planting a kiss on his cheek. Emma's heart sank further as she watched the scene unfold.

Alexander immediately pushed her away, his face darkening with anger. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice low and filled with irritation. "What do you want?"

She smiled sweetly, ignoring the tension in his voice. "I came back to get what is rightfully mine, and that's you."

Emma's stomach twisted at her words. She and Alexander had agreed to keep their relationship a secret, but seeing his ex so close to him, looking so perfect next to him, made her wish it wasn't. She wished the world could know that Alexander was hers, and not this woman's.

The ex turned to greet the rest of the team, her eyes landing on Emma. With a fake smile plastered on her face, she said, "Nice dress. Very... vintage." The snide remark made Emma's cheeks burn with embarrassment. The dress, which Emma had thought was classy and elegant, now felt frumpy and old-fashioned.

Alexander's eyes flashed with anger at his ex's comment, but he knew he had to maintain his composure. He wanted to defend Emma, to put his ex in her place, but he couldn't risk revealing their relationship in front of everyone. Instead, he grabbed his ex's arm and pulled her out of the boardroom, into the hallway.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he hissed, keeping his voice low.

She shrugged, her smile never faltering. "What? I'm just saying hi. Is that a crime?"

"Leave," he demanded, his patience wearing thin.

"Not until we talk," she insisted, her voice suddenly serious. "Why were you looking at that girl like that? Are you dating her?"

Alexander's silence was all the confirmation she needed. A wicked smile spread across her face. "You are, aren't you? How pathetic. She's so far beneath you, Alexander. You could do so much better."

"Enough," he growled. "You don't know anything about her. Now, leave."

But she didn't leave. Instead, she dug in her heels, determined to make Emma's life miserable. Over the next few days, she made it her mission to flirt with Alexander whenever Emma was around, batting her lashes and touching his arm at every opportunity. She even took to bullying Emma, making snide comments about her clothes, her work, and anything else she could think of to hurt her.

Emma tried to brush it off, but the constant barrage of insults and the sight of Alexander and his ex together was too much to bear. She began to doubt everything—whether Alexander truly cared for her, whether they had a future together, and whether she was good enough for him.

It all came to a head one evening when Alexander's ex confronted Emma in the hallway. She cornered her, her eyes glinting with malice. "So, you're the one dating Alexander," she sneered. "How pathetic. Do you really think you can keep him? He'll get bored of you, just like he did with every other girl."

Emma's heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to show any fear. "He's not getting back with you," she said, though her voice wavered slightly.

The ex laughed, a cruel sound that echoed down the hallway. "Oh, sweetie, he already has. We spent last night together. He told me everything, how you're just a little fling, nothing serious. You should just leave now, before you get hurt."

Emma's world crumbled around her. Could it be true? Was Alexander playing her? Did he still have feelings for his ex? The doubts that had been gnawing at her for days suddenly seemed too real to ignore.

That night, from the safety of her apartment, Emma called Alexander. Her voice was shaky as she asked him if they were even going to work out, if he was getting back with his ex. Alexander sounded confused and concerned over the phone, his voice pleading with her to understand that none of it was true.

"Emma, stop," he begged as she tried to break up with him. "Please, just stop."

But she couldn't. Her emotions were a whirlwind of confusion and hurt, and she couldn't bear the thought of being hurt any more. She abruptly ended the call, her heart shattering into a million pieces.

Hours later, there was a knock at her door. Emma hesitated, but eventually opened it to find Alexander standing there, his eyes filled with desperation. Without a word, he pulled her into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around her like a protective shield.

He kissed her softly on the lips, his voice barely a whisper as he said, "You're the only girl I want, Emma. You're the only one."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she clung to him, her heart slowly beginning to mend. In that moment, she knew that despite everything, despite his ex and the doubts that had plagued her, Alexander was telling the truth. He was hers, and she was his. And together, they would face whatever challenges came their way.