Chapter 4 Alexander's new interest

The house was quiet, too quiet. Emily lay curled on the couch in Carmen's modest living room, Carmen's spare blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The keys Carmen had pressed into her palm earlier sat on the coffee table like a reminder that this was just a kind gesture.

But no matter how tightly she closed her eyes, sleep wouldn't come.

The clock ticked relentlessly, each second dragging her closer to dawn and the results that could alter her life forever. Time felt slower this time around, every second her gaze turned towards the clock and still their wasn't much difference. Her mind spun with questions, with fears: What if I am not a match? What if the test was pointless? What if tomorrow is just another disappointment? What if I end up disappointing Lilith?

She sat up, pressing her palms to her face, whispering into the silence. "Please, just let something go right for once..."she whispered .as though she was expecting some sort of reply but all that came next was.

Her phone buzzed, startling her. The screen lit up with a familiar name. Michael.

For a moment, she hesitated. A part of her wanted to throw the phone aside, to let him fade away like the disappointment he'd been too many times before. But another part-lonely, tired, desperate for comfort-pressed accept.

"Emily," Michael's voice poured through the line, smooth and warm like honey. "Thank God you picked up. I am at the house, where are you? Are you ok?."he asked his voice filled with concern

Emily exhaled shakily, leaning back into the couch. "Michael... I am fine, I am at a colleague's place... I was too tired to come home, especially a home that feels more like a house ... you know what, it's late. Can we talk in the morning. I am really tired" her voice layed back, yet couldn't hide the irritation.

She couldn't tell him about what happened at the hospital, not because of how he would react; the shock. But, the fact that it wouldn't change anything and their was nothing he could do.

"I know and I am sorry" he said quickly, "but I couldn't sleep. Not when I know you're out there, probably worrying yourself sick. Listen to me, sweetheart-I've got this covered. All of it. You don't have to break your back working like this anymore. I told you, I want to build a life with you. A family. Just us. You, me, and... everything we've dreamed of."

Her heart twisted at his words. She wanted so badly to believe him, to let the warmth of his promises drown out the gnawing doubt.

"Michael..." her voice trembled, caught between yearning and fear. "You've said that before. And then-"

He cut her off softly, like a man trying to soothe a child. "I know. I messed up before. I wasn't ready then. But I am now. Trust me. I'll make it right. I'll make us right. You'll see."

Emily pressed her hand to her chest, trying to quiet the storm inside. She wanted stability, safety, love-the things his words painted so perfectly. But reality was colder than dreams, and deep down she knew Michael's promises had cracks running through them.

She wished she could believe him this time around, but she knew they were never going to happen especially with the problems in their lives.

Still, in the dim light of Carmen's living room, with dawn still hours away and her loneliness pressing in, she clung to his voice like it was the only lifeline she had.

"I hope you mean it this time," she whispered.

"I do," Michael said firmly, with that same charm that had once swept her off her feet. "Tomorrow will be the start of everything, Emily. Trust me."

And though her gut twisted with doubt, she closed her eyes and let herself believe,if only for a moment.. that maybe he was telling the truth.

They both said there goodbyes. Emily desperately trying to keep her feelings afloat,but with each passing day... the tidal wave of pain and empty promises keeps pushing it down.

---

~~THE NEXT DAY

Emily stood at the hospital entrance, a paper bag of donuts in one hand, a cardboard tray with two steaming coffees in the other. She hadn't slept-not a wink. Her eyes burned, her body ached, but her spirit clung stubbornly to hope.

For hours through the night, she had spun little dreams in her head-fantasies of walking Lilith out of those prison gates, of finding a tiny apartment where the two of them could finally live, laugh, and maybe... maybe she could even have a chance at love. Maybe Michael's words weren't all lies.

"Open mind, open heart," she whispered to herself, shifting her grip on the coffee as she pushed through the hospital's glass doors.

The waiting area was buzzing more than usual, a steady tide of patients and nurses, voices rising and falling with urgency. Carmen appeared down the hall, her hair in a messy bun, her scrubs wrinkled, exhaustion stamped all over her face. She still somehow managed to smile when she spotted Emily.

"You know you could pass as a doctor or a nurse now" Emily teased before handing her one of the donoughts and coffee.

"You didn't have to," Carmen said, taking the coffee Emily offered. "But bless you for it and as for me being called a nurse, you can say that.I've been running on fumes since the accident last night." Carmen breathed a sigh of relief as she scanned the busy room checking for any unattended patient and what needed cleaning.

Emily smiled faintly, her own exhaustion tucked behind her eyes. "You've been helping everyone else. The least I could do is help you." Emily flashed a smile at Carmen before taking a sip of her coffee. Mean while her heart has been doing a summersault since she passed through the doors of the hospital.

" Oh, before I forget. I remember overhearing some of the nurses saying the results for all the tests conducted yesterday are out... we should go check it out" Carmen said as she turned facing the direction towards the doctors office.

Together, they made their way to the diagnostics wing, Emily's pulse hammering in her chest. Each step closer to the results felt like stepping closer to destiny.

The doctor's office was sterile, his words clinical at first-but then the phrase Emily had been praying for spilled out.

"Emily Jacobs?...You're a match."

It took a second for the meaning to sink in. Then Emily's lips parted, her hands flew to her face, and tears blurred everything. A choked laugh broke from her chest as Carmen squeezed her shoulder.

"Thank you, thank you..." Emily whispered, over and over, like a prayer of gratitude. She turned to Carmen, clasping her hand. "You're my angel. I couldn't have done any of this without you."

Carmen, a little startled by the tears, gave a sheepish smile. "Don't thank me, Em. This is all you. You did this for her."

The doctor cleared his throat gently. "I'll inform Mr. Moretti at once. He'll want to know immediately."

At the mention of him, Emily's heart skipped. A cold shiver ran down her spine, colliding with an odd warmth she couldn't name. Just the thought of being near him unsettled her-an intensity she didn't want to feel. Not for him.

"Can I... see the little girl?" Emily asked softly.

Minutes later, she stood at the little girl's bedside. Amara's face lit up when she saw her.

"Angel" she whispered, her small arms opening wide.

Emily leaned down, hugging her carefully. "Morning, sunshine." She smiled, tugging a strand of hair that was close to Amara's eyes behind her ear.

"How are you doing?" Emily asked as she stared at Amara's beautiful eyes. She admired Amara's strength; going through all this and still having this beautiful energy.

She felt so bad for her. 'No child deserves to go through what she is going through' Emily thought to herself.

"I am fine... you look familiar " Amara said while trying to sit up on the bed. Emily saw how she was struggling and assisted her.

"I was here last night.. but you weren't fully awake... never mind, I just came to keep you company... You called me Angel, right? So your angel is here" Emily chuckled, holding Amara's beautiful and soft hands

The girl's delighted laugh filled the room, and Emily laughed with her. Relief poured through her chest like sunlight after a storm. For a while, they joked, Emily pulling silly faces, Amara giggling so loud it startled a passing nurse.

And that's when he walked in.

Alexander.

He filled the doorway, tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a suit that probably cost more than Emily had ever touched in her life. His presence was magnetic, commanding. Hiis eyes softened as he saw Amara's laughter.

His daughter's joy warmed the edges of his famously cold heart. But what unsettled him more was the sight of Emily beside her, her smile radiant, her presence... different.

"Daddy!" Amara chirped, waving him closer.

Emily's laughter died, her smile faltering as the weight of his gaze settled on her. She turned slowly, standing awkwardly as silence wrapped around them.

"Emily, this is my daddy," Amara said proudly. "Daddy, this is Emily. She's my angel."

Emily swallowed, unsure if she should bow, shake his hand, or simply vanish.

But then, to her shock, Alexander extended his hand toward her. His eyes were steady, unreadable, but his voice carried a low warmth that made her pulse stutter.

"Sweet cheeks," he said. Smirking while looking into her eyes. Unapologetic of the words that flew out of his mouth.

Emily's eyes widened. Heat rushed to her face, not from pleasure but indignation, disgust, and confusion all tangled together. Sweet cheeks? In front of his daughter? What kind of man called a stranger that? How many other women had he charmed with that line?

Her hand hovered, hesitant, before she shook his. "Emily," she said stiffly, her voice thin.

Alexander studied her. He'd expected her to blush, simper, maybe giggle like women usually did when he teased. But instead, she looked... appalled. The flicker of disdain in her eyes intrigued him. Most wouldn't dare show it.

"I'm Alexander," he said next, his tone deliberate.

Emily blinked. Not Mr. Moretti. Not the name that carried weight and power like a crown. Just Alexander.

Amara's head tilted in surprise. "Daddy?...you never let people call you by your first name."

Alexander's lips twitched, but he didn't look away from Emily. "Some people earn exceptions."

Emily's heart stumbled again, her grip tightening on the herm of her blouse. She wasn't sure whether to be honored, insulted, or terrified.

"Thank you for being with my daughter," Alexander continued, his voice low, silk edged with steel. "She hasn't laughed like this in weeks."

Emily cleared her throat, finally breaking his gaze. "She's... she's a wonderful girl. She deserves to laugh every day."

Amara grinned between them, oblivious to the tension. "Daddy? Did you buy my chocolates? If you didn't I will tell my Angel to take you away."

The room stilled at those words. Emily forced a smile at Amara, but inside, her thoughts were racing.

Angel. Sweet cheeks. Alexander. Take him away?

She wasn't sure what game he was playing, but one thing was certain-being near him was dangerous, and not just because of who he was. It was dangerous because of how she felt around him or by the mention of his name.

--

Emily stood there, feeling awkward,yet satisfied with the fact that she met Amara and made her laugh. Now, she would like nothing more than to leave. She meant to leave quietly, but Alexander's voice stopped her.

"Emily," he said, his gaze steady. "Stay a while longer. Amara seems... brighter with you here."

Emily hesitated, shifting on her feet. "I shouldn't intrude, you are her now. I was only..."

"...keeping my daughter smiling," Alexander interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "That counts for something. Besides, I was just here to see her and talk to the doctor, I still have some important things to take care of"

"Please?" Amara chimed in, pressing closer to Emily. "Daddy doesn't know how to tell jokes. He just stares at people until they get scared."

Emily tried to hide her laugh, covering her mouth with her hand. Alexander caught it, his brow lifting, and for the first time in a long while, his lips curved faintly.

"Then perhaps I need a teacher," he murmured.

Emily's cheeks warmed. She sat back down, Amara leaning into her, filling the space with giggles and whispered secrets. Alexander watched silently, his ruthless mask softening as he took in the sight of his daughter so alive, so joyful. And yet, his eyes kept returning to Emily. Something about her presence stirred a strange calm in him, one he hadn't known he missed.

The moment shattered when the door opened sharply.

"Alexander," Sophia's voice cut through like poisoned honey. She swept inside, heels clicking, perfume far too heavy for a hospital. Her eyes landed on Emily instantly, sharp and disdainful. "You again?"

Emily stiffened.

Sophia stepped forward, brushing a hand along Alexander's sleeve as though she belonged there. "Why is she still here? Haven't you done enough for your little charity case?"

"Mommy," Amara frowned, clutching Emily tighter. "Don't be mean."

Sophia's lips twitched, but she didn't break stride. "oh honey, mommy's not being mean... I am just putting someine in her place" she pressed on, pitching her voice for effect. "She's trying to worm her way into your good graces. Into Amara's life. Into yours."

Emily's throat tightened, but before she could speak, Sophia leaned closer, her tone dropping, silky and poisonous. "I will always protect what's mine. Alexander. I know women like this...lonely, desperate. Stalkers." Her lips parted as she tilted her chin up to him. " I am your wife and the mother of your child and it's about time someone gets that."

She leaned in to kiss him.

The air turned to steel.

Alexander shifted, blocking her without raising his voice. "Sophia." His tone was soft enough not to unsettle Amara but edged with warning. "Not here."

His daughter's wide eyes flicked between them, confusion etched into her small face. Emily's chest burned at the spectacle, but Alexander stood tall, expression unreadable.

"I'll be right back," he told Amara calmly, brushing her cheek with a tenderness that startled Emily. Then, without another word, he took Sophia firmly by the arm and guided her out into the hall.

Emily's eyes followed them till they were both out of sight, wondering how this sweet child could be the daughter of such a paranoid witch.

The door shut behind them.

---

IN THE HALLWAY

Alexander's composure cracked like ice under fire. He spun Sophia to face him, his voice dropping low and lethal.

"Have you no shame?" he demanded, eyes blazing. "Our daughter is eleven. Eleven, Sophia. And you thought it wise to put on a show like that in front of her? To humiliate another woman...someone you don't even know...just to claw for attention?"

Sophia's jaw tightened. "I was only-"

"Only what?" he cut her off, stepping closer, his presence towering. "Making yourself look like a cheap distraction in front of your child? If you can't be a mother to her, at least learn to be a good example." His voice dripped disdain. "Not a cheap slut parading around hospital rooms."

Sophia flinched, her painted confidence slipping for the briefest second. But Alexander didn't stop.

"You forfeited the right to call yourself my wife the day you cheated. Don't make me strip you of the right to call yourself Amara's mother as well. Behave yourself-or stay out of her life entirely."

He released her arm with a final glance of cold disgust and turned away, leaving Sophia trembling in the hallway as he walked back into the room.

-

AMARA'S HOSPITAL ROOM

The silence after the door shut was heavy, pressing against the walls of the room. Amara stared at the space her parents had just vacated, her little hand tightening around Emily's.

"They're always like this," she whispered, her voice small but certain. "They think I don't know, but I do. They don't love each other. Not anymore." a little tear escaped from the side of her left eye.

Emily's chest ached. No child should have to say words like that, no child should have to watch the cracks in her parents' lives widen. She tucked a strand of Amara's hair behind her ear and pressed a hand gently over hers.

"Sometimes grown-ups forget what matters most. But what actually matters is you and they will never stop loving you, no matter what happens." Emily said softly, choosing her words with care. "You shoikdnt allow it bother you, sweetheart. You're too bright for that."

Amara's lower lip trembled. "I just wish... I wish we could be a real family. Like the ones in the stories."

Emily's throat tightened. She wanted to give her truth, but instead, she offered the only comfort she could. She bent closer, brushing her thumb across the girl's small hand.

"You will be, Amara. You'll get better, stronger, and one day everything will feel wonderful again. I promise."

The child looked up at her with those big eyes that seemed far too knowing for her age. "Do you really believe that?"

Emily smiled, though it felt heavy, painted across a heart that knew the weight of empty promises. "Yes," she whispered. "And until then, you're not alone. You've got your daddy. And for now... you've got me."

Amara leaned into her, and Emily wrapped an arm around the girl, holding her until the door creaked open again.

Alexander stepped inside, his sharp presence cutting through the warmth of their embrace. His gaze lingered on Emily, and something unspoken passed between them before he turned his attention to his daughter.

"Sweetheart," he said quietly, brushing a hand along Amara's cheek. Then, after a beat, he looked at Emily. "I owe you an apology. For Sophia's behavior."

Emily shook her head, managing a small, soft smile. "There's no need. I understand."

She stood, smoothing her clothes as though preparing her escape. She had to leave-before the truth slipped out. She didn't want him knowing she was the match for his daughter... she didn't plan on being entangled with this family... if not for circumstances, she wouldn't be here either.

But as she neared the door, Alexander's voice caught her.

"Why did you come today, Emily?... After last night?" His tone wasn't accusing, but probing, heavy with suspicion.

Emily paused, her back to him. She clenched her hands, forcing the lie to her lips. "I just wanted to check up. On her." She nodded faintly toward Amara.

Silence stretched. She could feel his eyes on her, could almost sense the disbelief etched into his face. He didn't buy it, not for a second.

But Emily kept her chin up, forced her steps forward, and walked out before his gaze could pin her any deeper.

Behind her, Alexander stood motionless, his jaw tightening, questions stirring in his chest he wasn't yet ready to voice.

---

The door clicked shut behind Emily, leaving the room quiet again save for the steady beep of the monitors.

Alexander remained where he stood, one hand still resting lightly on Amara's shoulder. His gaze lingered on the space Emily had just vacated, the soft imprint of her presence somehow more palpable than Sophia's dramatic storm.

Intriguing. That was the word that struck him, though it felt too simple. Women had circled him his entire life-society beauties, ambitious schemers, polished heiresses who knew exactly what to say to lure a man like him closer. He had grown so used to their tricks that he could read them before they even opened their mouths.

But Emily... Emily was different.

She hadn't tried to catch his attention. If anything, she wanted to avoid it. No painted smiles, no fluttering lashes, no coy advances. Just sincerity, raw and unguarded, as if she had no interest in him beyond the little girl lying in the bed.

That alone made her dangerous.

He lowered himself into the chair by Amara's bed, his expression unreadable as his daughter leaned against him, content with his presence. "She's nice," Amara murmured drowsily, already half-asleep again.

Alexander's hand brushed gently over her hair. "Yes," he said quietly, his voice softer