abcnovels
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
15 A Meeting of Changed Paths
15 A Meeting of Changed Paths
Alex, driven by a need for clarity about Bella’s situation, reluctantly agreed to meet Emma. As she
approached, he was struck by the transformation in her. Gone was the modestly dressed, unassuming
wife he had known. In her place stood a woman radiating confidence and independence, her aura akin
to a blossoming rose.
Emma’s demeanor was all business. “I need the bracelet I gave you,” she stated without preamble, her
gaze fixed on her watch, mindful of her tight schedule.
Alex, slightly taken aback by her directness, removed the bracelet and tossed it onto the table. “Never
meant much to me anyway,” he said, his voice tinged with a mix of indifference and bitterness.
Emma picked up the bracelet, her expression briefly softening as she recalled the sentiment behind it.
It had been a precious gift, a symbol of hope and love, now returned to her as a mere artifact of a past
life.
“You’ve become accustomed to taking my efforts for granted,” Emma observed, her voice steady.” Just
as I’ll learn to live without you, you’ll adapt to Bella’s presence. And as for Bella, she’s made more
enemies than you realize.”
Alex’s frustration flared as Emma spoke. He wanted to hold on to something, anything from their
shared past. “And what about my sister’s jewelry? Will you return that too?”
Emma turned to leave, pausing briefly at his question. “Your sister’s actions are her own. You should
look into it yourself.” Her words were a quiet indictment of his lack of awareness, a subtle reminder of
the misjudgments and oversights that had marred their marriage.
As Emma walked away, Alex sat in a daze, her cryptic parting words echoing in his mind. He quickly
discovered that his sister Lillian had sold the expensive necklace he had gifted her, squandering the
money recklessly.
Fury
boiled within him as he realized the extent of Lillian’s irresponsibility. He called her, his voice barely
controlled. Lillian’s panicked response and the background noise confirmed his worst suspicions about
her behavior.
Alex demanded Lillian’s return within three days, his threat clear and unyielding. As he ended the call,
he was left grappling with the chaos in his family, a stark contrast to the composed and self- assured
woman who had just walked out of his life.
In that moment, Alex understood the profound changes both he and Emma had undergone. Their
paths, once so intimately entwined, had diverged, leading them to very different destinies. The
realization filled him with a sense of loss for what had been and what could never be again.
To Unraveling family Tensions