Golden Horizon: The Sea's Secret

Hearts in Turmoil

The weekend had come, and Icy was already having her breakfast when Ashton came down the stairs.

"Morning, brother," Icy greeted with a smile.

Ashton responded with a simple smile, settling down at the table to grab his breakfast. As he began to eat, Icy suddenly broke the silence.

"A friend from Crystal sent me an article this morning. I've forwarded it to you," she said, her tone more serious.

"You know I don't check my phone in the mornings," Ashton replied, focusing on his food.

"Well, you should this time. Emma will need someone to lean on, trust me. And that Jake—ugh, I really hate his guts," Icy muttered before standing up and leaving the room.

Confused and curious, Ashton finished his breakfast, unable to shake off the feeling of unease. After a while, he picked up his phone and opened the message from Icy. His heart sank as he read the headline of the article she had sent.

Article Title: "Jake Bryden Hansley Dating Crystal Town Surf Girl Lily Maren Summers."

Shock and anger welled up inside Ashton. His thoughts immediately went to Emma. He wanted to reach out to her, to ask if she had seen the article, to be there for her. Just as he was contemplating this, a text from Ryan came in, telling him that Jess wanted to meet them at the beach that afternoon.

Later that day, as they met at the beach, Jess wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room.

"I saw the article about Jake in Crystal Town. I wonder if Emma has seen it," Jess said, her concern evident.

Becca nodded, adding, "I've seen it too. That Jake... Emma's bound to see it. She's from Crystal Town, you know. News travels fast."

Ryan tried to maintain a level head. "Maybe we shouldn't jump to conclusions yet. Jake might have his reasons."

"Oh, reasons for cheating?" Jess snapped at Ryan, clearly frustrated.

Ashton listened quietly, feeling the weight of his friends' concerns for Emma. He felt the same way—worried, angry, and helpless. Before they could continue, Icy suddenly pointed towards the distance.

"Is that Emma?" she asked.

Ashton followed her gaze and saw Emma approaching, her face pale and her usual radiance dimmed.

"And Jake?" Becca added, spotting him not far behind.

They watched as Jake ran toward Emma, desperation written all over his face. The tension in the air was thick as they overheard the heated exchange between the two.

"Emma, please, you have to talk to me," Jake pleaded as he caught up to her.

Emma turned around, her eyes blazing with fury. Without a second thought, she slapped him hard across the face. The sting in her hand was nothing compared to the pain in her heart.

"Is there anything left to discuss?" Emma's voice shook with raw emotion. "You came running after me, knowing I'd seen the article about you and Lily. What if I hadn't seen it? What if the article hadn't exposed everything?"

Jake's face was a mixture of guilt and desperation. "Emma, listen to me. The article got everything wrong."

"Wrong?" Emma's voice seethed with betrayal. "How is it wrong when there are pictures of you and Lily all over the place? Don't play me for a fool. Why did you do this? Why did you choose me to hurt like this? And why Lily?"

Jake tried to explain, his voice cracking with regret. "Emma, I'm sorry. Lily and I were trying to find a way to tell you about this."

"Tell me what?" Emma's voice was filled with anguish. "The secret relationship you've been hiding? It's like I was just an afterthought. And let's not forget, you were interested in her from the beginning, weren't you?"

Jake's eyes were filled with shame. "We were arranged."

"Arranged?" Emma's voice was almost a whisper, but the hurt was palpable. "You mean to say this was all a part of some arrangement? Just like Lily was pushed into this by her parents?"

"Yes," Jake admitted, his voice heavy with remorse. "I was just as shocked as you. We both were. I don't want to hurt you."

Emma shoved him roughly, her heart breaking with every word. "You knew your parents forced you into this, and you didn't think to tell me? Whether it's Lily or someone else, you should have been honest with me. When you and Lily discovered the arrangement, neither of you bothered to reach out and explain what was going on?"

"Emma, please—" Jake began, but Emma cut him off, her pain overflowing.

"And what about last night?" Emma's voice was sharp, her pain evident. "You took me out on a date, pretending everything was fine while hiding this massive betrayal? What was that even for? Why lead me on like that?"

Jake's eyes pleaded for forgiveness. "Emma, I didn't mean to—"

Emma's expression hardened. "The least you can do now is get out of my life. I don't want to see you or Lily ever again. Just go away."

As Emma was about to turn away from Jake, she suddenly froze, her eyes widening in shock as she noticed Jess and the others standing nearby. The realization that they had witnessed the entire confrontation hit her hard.

Jess stepped forward, her voice filled with regret. "We were about to come over when we saw you and Jake. I'm sorry. We didn't mean to eavesdrop."

Emma looked at Jess, her eyes a storm of anger and sorrow. "It's fine, Jess. Now I don't have to explain everything later." She turned and left without another word.

Ashton's heart ached as he saw the pain in Emma's eyes. He wanted to punch Jake, to do something, anything, but he felt paralyzed. Who was he to interfere? He wanted to follow Emma, to talk to her, but he didn't know how to begin. He just stood there, feeling utterly powerless.

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