Chapter 4 Disagreements Grow

The Bennett mansion was bathed in a warm golden light as the sun poured in through the windows. The household staff had a busy day ahead of them as they got ready for another exciting evening. Since Alexander's business trips had increased in frequency, Emily often felt isolated in the big, empty mansion.

Emily went for a walk through the gardens of the estate to get some fresh air and get her mind off things one afternoon while Joshua was napping. She needed a break from the commotion going on inside, and the bright flowers and soothing sounds of nature provided just that.

As she walked, her thoughts returned to the talk she had had with Alexander the night before. Their friendship had grown stronger, and they trusted one another in new ways. She was deep in thought when she turned a corner in the garden and heard muffled conversation.

Emily's curiosity piqued, she followed the sounds and came to a halt at the edge of a hidden nook. She snuck a peek through the bushes and saw Alexander having a private moment with a beautiful brunette. Emily felt a twinge of jealously as their body language implied a closeness she didn't share.

"What are you doing here, Isabella?" The tone of Alexander's voice was harsh, almost to the point of irritation.

The brunette, Isabella, smiled slightly. Please let me see an old acquaintance!" Also, I've heard that you've hired a new babysitter. I really needed to see her in person.

Emily's heart was racing as she listened in, trying to piece together why this unknown woman was so important to Alexander.

Alexander let out a long sigh. It's not the right moment or setting. As I've said previously, our lives have taken different turns. I've changed, and I like the new me.

With her voice pouring with allure, Isabella drew in closer. Do you really want to go there, Alex?" How about the good times we had? That which we have kept hidden?

It was clear that they had a long history together, and Emily was filled with curiosity. That lady, who was she? Her motives toward Alexander were unclear. And most importantly, how did their previous connection work?

She had just begun to investigate when Joshua's voice rang out from the garden. Emily felt a wave of panic wash over her, and she backed away quickly, praying she hadn't been seen.

Emily struggled with her feelings over the course of the next few days. She rationalized the garden meeting away as meaningless, but it had already sowed the seed of distrust. Her heart's defenses, which she had begun to weaken, gradually re-erected themselves.

Isabella's visits to the mansion increased, which only made things more tense. She frequently dropped by without warning, eager to spend time with Alexander and vocal in her dislike of Emily.

Emily overheard a little portion of a conversation between Isabella and one of the maids one night while she was getting Joshua ready for bed.

"That little nanny thinks she's special, but she doesn't know who she's dealing with," Isabella grumbled.

The maid answered, "Miss Emily is a good person," although plainly not feeling at ease. And she really does love Master Joshua.

Isobel laughed at her own joke. Only her family's debt has kept her here. Alex will become tired of her quickly.

Emily felt suffocated by the enormity of the news. It looked like everything she had feared was happening. She felt helpless, like her feelings were being manipulated by forces she couldn't comprehend.

Alexander, noticing the rising tension in the estate, made an effort to comfort Emily. But the barriers she had erected were too great, and the gaping hole of miscommunication too deep.

The longing and confusion in both of their souls were palpable, but pride and uncertainty were powerful obstacles. The formerly majestic and luxurious estate had become a fortress of silence and repression. There were undoubtedly difficult times ahead for Alexander and Emily, but they could not fight the attraction they felt for one another.

The subsequent weeks were quite turbulent. Emily and Alexander's exchanges were increasingly brief, and they discussed only the topics that were absolutely necessary. Joshua, perceiving the shift in dynamics, frequently wore a bewildered expression, wondering what had caused the sudden chill.

Alexander, tormented by regret over Isabella's interference, yearned badly to mend fences with Emily. He longed for their shared laughter, playful banter, and, above all, their affection. But no matter how much we tried, Emily always managed to avoid answering our questions directly.

Meanwhile, Isabella took great pleasure in the fighting. Every time she came, she purposefully stoked the flames of miscommunication by throwing hints about their shared history that Emily was bound to overhear.

Emily spent one stormy evening curled up with a book in the library. The howling wind and pouring rain were an appropriate setting for her tumultuous feelings. She was so immersed in her book that she missed the entrance of the person who had interrupted her reading.

Alexander's voice was soft but urgent as he said, "I wish we could talk."

In shock, Emily raised her head. "Now's not a good time, Alexander."

The right time never seems to come, he sighed. I really need you to come closer to me, Emily.

The sound of rain against the windows was the only thing that could be heard for a few seconds. Next, Emily said softly, "I saw you with her, in the garden."

Alexander's pupils drew together in shock. "Isabella. Emily, she's in the past and I've moved on. No longer does anything stand between us.

Thunder rolled loudly and a bolt of lightning illuminated the library. The storm's fury was a visual representation of the intense emotions being felt inside. Emily said with a quiver in her voice, "Then why is she here? I'm curious as to what she meant by "the secrets you two shared."

Alexander paused, debating how much information to give away. Isa and I were really close back in a world I've been desperately trying to escape. However, I can't just ignore her because of my uncle's heritage.

Emily's eyes flashed with pain. I really believed in us, Alexander. But now I can't tell truth from fiction.

Alexander extended a hand and gently took Emily's. I assure you that the connection we share is genuine. It's clear Isabella wants to cause friction between us. Do not allow her to do it!

A moment later, there was a tremendous crash and the sound of scared voices throughout the mansion. The main entrance was blocked by a tree that had fallen during the storm. The sudden catastrophe brought Emily and Alexander closer together, and they immediately jumped into action to help the staff deal with the problem.

The craziness of the rainy night drew the two of them closer together. By the time morning arrived, the tree had been removed and the home was back in order. Equally as essential, however, was the fact that barriers between Emily and Alexander were beginning to fall.

When they were alone on the balcony in the early morning, Emily said, "I want to believe you, Alexander." Alexander had just finished telling her that he had seen the sunrise. But it will take some time.

Alexander embraced her and nodded. "I'm willing to wait, no matter how long it takes."

With that assurance in hand, the two set out on a mission to mend their broken relationship, doing their best to ignore outside influences and let fate choose their next steps.