Chapter Five

“I’m so sorry…I didn’t see you. Hope I didn't hurt you?” Alexander said, bending low and extending his hand to help Samantha up.

Samantha winced and held her waist before bursting into tears. Emma felt a wave of nausea rise within her.

What sort of witchcraft was this?

“My waist... I think I need a medical check-up... I...” Samantha's voice broke.

“No, you don’t...You were not hit,” Emma snapped, her eyes blazing with anger. Her vision blurred with tears, and the weight of the frustration they've burdened her with heightened. it's barely 24 hours since they got back into her life, and they were already making her life unbearable. She had questions—so many questions. How did Samantha know they were heading to the outskirts of the city? How?

“Emma…” Alexander said softly, turning to her. He studied her but couldn’t quite read her expression. Emma was compassionate, but why the sudden change?

He’d just make one call, and his men would have an ambulance here in no time.

“Let’s go, Alex...” Emma said, turning away.

“No, she could be hurt… I’ll get an ambulance here right away.”

“The car didn’t hit her. Not even a scratch… you swerved,” Emma snapped.

Alexander pressed his lips together before leaning toward her to whisper, “This is so unlike you… What’s going on?”

Her heart ached. He knew her too well.

“She’s my sister…” Emma blurted out, without thinking.

“Your sister?” Alexander asked, confusion and surprise evident on his face. He glanced at Samantha. “How did… What…? I’m confused.”

“She came into town today, and I don’t know how she got here,” Emma said, her voice tight. “But she isn’t hurt.”

At that moment, Alexander’s phone rang, Brian’s name flashing on the screen. He hesitated, his gaze still on Emma, before picking up. He signaled Emma and took a few steps away from her.

Emma stepped closer to Samantha, bending down to meet her gaze. “You’re embarrassing me... Are you crazy? Has it come to stalking now?”

“Anything to ensure you don’t ruin Father’s plans, sis,” Samantha replied with a smirk before wincing in pain again.

“I’m not doing it… Don’t you get it?” Emma whispered firmly, barely keeping her composure.

“You’re already in this, big sis,” Samantha said, her smirk widening. “When you left the company, I followed. Then Father came up with a plan—how about a little drama to shake you? That way, you won’t get too carried away when you're alone with Alexander.”

It all clicked into place for Emma. The car that had sped past them when Alexander parked—it had to be Samantha waiting in front, staging the stunt.

“Samantha… we’re sisters. Why are you so determined to make my life miserable?” Emma’s voice broke as she spoke, but she wasn’t giving up. She had to try, at least.

“Oh, come on, sis,” Samantha said, leaning forward with a mock sympathetic look. “Your Prince Charming is approaching. Why not be a nice big sister? Or are you going to make him doubt you?”

“Emma… I’m still confused…” Alexander said, his voice filled with concern, though he was unsure of what was happening.

Emma glared at Samantha before turning to Alexander. “She just got into town with my father. And, as usual, she can’t stay put in one spot. She wanted to explore the city... I’m sorry I lashed out. I was just upset she didn’t inform me she was going off on her own.”

“That’s okay,” Alexander said, his tone gentle. “I’m sorry, Samantha… Most importantly, I’m sorry our meeting had to happen like this. I’ll make it up to you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Reed,” Samantha replied sweetly, her smile charming.

Alexander observed how shaken Emma was, his gaze flicking between the two sisters. He couldn’t see any bond between them, or was it just Emma’s outburst that had made her distant? He looked at Samantha again, noticing her pained expression. A strange coincidence. Why hadn’t Emma mentioned her sister was in town? She didn’t mention her father either. He would have loved to meet her and host them both for dinner.

“Alex…” Emma called softly, her voice faltering.

Before she could speak further, they heard the siren of an ambulance approaching.

Emma knew beyond any doubt that the brief still waters she was willing to enjoy with Alexander were suddenly ruined. And she knew why, they wanted to cripple her emotions and make her see the murderous obligation they are proposing.

*******

Jefferson Reed kept glancing at the door, patiently waiting for his son to walk in. Alexander was his pride.

“Are you sure he’s still coming, Jeff?” Mark Reed asked, biting into a juicy shrimp.

Jefferson sensed an edge in his brother’s tone but chose to ignore it.

“Alexander will be here soon. He wouldn’t miss our family dinner—he knows how important this is to me.”

“Does he now?” Justin Reed said, his tone laced with sarcasm.

“Oh, come on… he’s just thirty minutes late. Give it a rest. I’m sure he’ll be here soon,” Amanda Reed chimed in, slightly buried in her thoughts as she gave her husband a soft jab at his side. Justin groaned in response.

Jefferson smiled at Amanda. She had always had a soft spot for Alexander, but he couldn’t help feeling the burden that came with his son's absence.

“I’m sorry I’m late…”

A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. It carried such charm, and that was precisely why Jefferson felt she was worthy of a place at the Reed family table. His face lit up as he looked toward the door. A floral cologne filled the air, its delicate fragrance cutting through the rich aroma of the delicacies spread across the massive dining table.

“Darling Isabella…” Jefferson greeted warmly.

“Good to see you, Mr. Reed,” she said, leaning in to give him a light peck on the cheek.

She glanced around the room quickly, her eyes searching for only one person.

“I can’t seem to spot Alexander…”

“He’ll join us soon, Isabella. Come, have a seat at the table.”

She nodded and followed his lead. As she walked toward the table, she had only one desire - To see Alexander. Her floral scent lingered, commanding attention, much like her presence.