Chapter Fifty-Three

**Nicholas’s POV**

The atmosphere inside Emma's apartment felt dense, like the first breath of air after emerging from deep water. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat in sync with the growing tension between us. This was the moment I had dreaded yet anticipated for so long.

I couldn't utter the real reason I was here. "Emma," I began, my voice breaking, "I... I just wanted to see how you were doing. You've been through so much."

She blinked, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "I'm doing okay, considering.”

She stood there looking confused, and I knew I needed to steer this conversation before my resolve faltered. "I don't expect you back at work for a little while," I said, trying to sound as professional as possible, "but I hope once you are feeling better, you'll return."

Emma nodded, her usual resolve flickering back into place. "Of course, Nicholas. I'll be back."

There was so much more I wanted to say—needed to say—but the thought of Lena, unfaithful Lena