Whispers In The Boardroom

Chapter 18: Long Way Home

Emma's hands shook slightly as she packed the last of her belongings into a small suitcase. The thought of returning to her hometown filled her with dread, a sickening knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. Memories she had long tried to bury resurfaced, each one more painful than the last. She double-checked her packing, making sure she had everything she needed for the trip—a trip that felt more like a daunting descent into her past rather than a simple journey home.

Just as she was zipping up her suitcase, a soft knock on the door startled her. She opened it to find Alexander standing there, holding a brown paper bag. "I brought you breakfast," he said, his voice gentle, concern etched across his face. "You shouldn't leave on an empty stomach."

Emma smiled, touched by the gesture. "Thank you," she replied, stepping aside to let him in. She took the bag from him, the warm aroma of freshly baked croissants and coffee wafting up to her nose. "You didn't have to do this."

"I wanted to," Alexander said, his eyes searching hers. "Is there anything else you need before you go?"

Emma shook her head, trying to keep her voice steady. "No, I'll only be gone for a few days. Just enough time to sort things out with Dylan."

Alexander nodded, but his unease was palpable. He didn't like the idea of her going back alone, not with everything she had hinted at about her past. Still, he knew better than to push her, especially when she was so determined to handle things on her own.

After breakfast, Emma decided to take a bus ride back to her hometown. The idea of a road trip, even under these circumstances, held a certain appeal. It was a chance to clear her mind, to prepare herself for whatever awaited her. As the bus pulled out of the station, she settled into her seat by the window, watching the cityscape give way to rolling hills and open fields.

The scenery outside was a soothing distraction. The early morning sun cast long shadows across the landscape, illuminating the vibrant green of the fields and the golden hues of the crops swaying in the breeze. She saw small towns flash by, each one a brief snapshot of life that seemed so different from her own. There were quaint houses with white picket fences, children playing in front yards, and farmers tending to their land.

Every so often, her phone buzzed with a call from Alexander, checking in to make sure she was okay. His voice was a comforting presence, grounding her when the anxiety started to creep back in. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked during one call, his worry evident even over the phone.

"I'm fine," she assured him, though her voice wavered slightly. "Just trying to enjoy the trip."

But despite her reassurances, Alexander couldn't shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at him. He hated the thought of her facing everything alone, so he made a decision—one he knew she wouldn't approve of. He decided to follow her, keeping a discreet distance but close enough to step in if needed.

Every time the bus stopped at a gas station, Alexander would find a way to check on Emma without her noticing. At one stop, he even made sure to secretly pay for her snacks, arranging it with the cashier so that when Emma tried to pay, she was told it was on the house. She accepted it with a puzzled smile, chalking it up to the kindness of strangers.

As Emma was about to board the bus again, a strange man approached her, grabbing her arm. "You're beautiful," he slurred, his eyes raking over her in a way that made her skin crawl. "How much would it cost to spend the night with you?"

Fear surged through Emma, freezing her in place. The people around her seemed paralyzed too, watching but not stepping in to help. Just as panic began to take hold, a man appeared out of nowhere—Alexander. Without giving himself away, he calmly pulled the man aside and, out of Emma's view, dealt with him. When he was done, he watched as Emma hurried back onto the bus, her face pale and frightened.