Frayed Bonds

Unraveling

MAXWELL POV

It's late at night, and I'm engrossed in paperwork at my apartment when my phone erupts with notifications. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I check Emily's Instagram account. What I see makes my blood boil.

I squeeze my phone until it cracks, then pace around my home office, struggling to calm down. The thought of Emily with another man is unbearable. She's mine.

I throw my phone against the wall, shattering it. I replace the SIM card with a new phone from my drawer and dial Emily's number.

"YOU BOOK THE NEXT FLIGHT AND COME BACK, YOU HEAR ME? YOU COME BACK BY TOMORROW," I bark without thinking.

Emily's sobbing response fuels my anger. "WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TALKING TO? I'M NOT COMING BACK, IN FACT I'M GONNA STAY WITH MY PARENTS THE WHOLE WEEK, GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER, MAX."

Her defiance catches me off guard. "EMILY, DON'T FUCK WITH ME." The line goes dead; she hung up.

Enraged, I scream and smash my new phone. Whiskey becomes my solace as tears stream down my face. I hate myself for causing Emily pain.

Guilt consumes me. "I'll get better for you, Emily. I promise."

I call my pilot, Ben. "Drop everything; we're flying to Johannesburg. I'll be there in an hour."

A few hours later, I land in Johannesburg and head to Emily's house. Her mom answers the door with a warm smile.

"Hi, can I help you?"

"I'm Maxwell, Emily's friend from Cape Town. Is she here?"

Mrs. Davis invites me in. "Make yourself at home."

As I wait in the kitchen, Mrs. Davis offers me water and we engage in small talk.

EMILY'S POV

As Maxwell's grip tightens, the door swings open. Lydia, Emily's sister, rushes in.

"Emily, what's happening?" Lydia asks, alarm etched on her face.

Maxwell releases Emily, his expression cold.

"Who are you?" Maxwell demands.

"I'm Lydia, Emily's sister," she replies firmly.

Lydia's eyes widen as she takes in Emily's tears and Maxwell's menacing stance.

"Get away from her," Lydia orders, stepping between Maxwell and Emily.

Maxwell's eyes flash with anger, but Lydia stands her ground.

"Emily, come with me," Lydia says, wrapping a protective arm around her sister.

I force a smile, trying to diffuse the tension. "It's okay, love. Max was just trying to comfort me about the work thing I told you about." I wipe away tears, attempting a chuckle.

"Max, this is Lydia, my baby sister," I continue, trying to sound casual. "And Lydia, this is Maxwell, my boyfriend."

Maxwell flashes a charming smile, extending a handshake to Lydia. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lydia. It's good to know Emily has people like you to protect her when I'm not around."

Lydia hesitates before shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you, Maxwell."

As Maxwell leaves my room, Lydia turns to me. "Get dressed, sis. Mom said breakfast is ready. Don't be long." Her eyes fill with worry and concern.

I brush my teeth, wash my face, and put on white sweatpants, a grey crop top, and my fur slippers. Downstairs, everyone's already seated, including Max.

"Good morning, Daddy!" I exclaim, walking over to him. "My God, how do you still look handsome at your age?" I tease, planting a kiss on his cheek.

He laughs softly, "Hey, watch it, young lady! Your old man still got it." He strikes a charming pose, and we all burst into laughter.

As I sit down, Dad notices my unease but turns to Maxwell. "You're a fine young man, Maxwell. I'm impressed with your achievements at such a young age. You're doing well for yourself."

Lydia starts to speak up, but her words are cut off as she catches my warning glance. She bids everyone farewell, leaving for school, casting a knowing glance my way.