Chapter 2

"You ran away without giving me a chance to explain," he countered, his voice hardening again. "Do you think that was fair?" He asked looking into her eyes. 

Fair? The word echoed in her mind, the memories too painful to revisit. "This isn’t about fairness. It’s about survival. And right now, I don’t want to work here anymore."

"I had my reasons," Ryan said, his eyes narrowing. "But we’re not here to relive the past. We’re here to discuss the future of this company."

She was going to say that she was not interested in him or his company when her phone started buzzing. She looked at the screen and was stunned to see James calling her. 

Oh, no! He can't call me at this time. She thought. She could not talk to her son in front of Ryan. 

She was even scared to think what he might do if he came to know that they had a child together. 

He would probably kill her... She disconnected the call. She was very tense but could not let him see that. 

So she took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside her. "Fine. Why did you take over HW Financial?" She owed it to Henery. 

"I was looking for a new investment opportunity," Ryan said. "It’s a good business, but it needs new leadership to thrive."

"And by new leadership, you mean ousting Henry Wilson?" Emma challenged, her eyes flashing.

"Henry was a good man, but this firm needs fresh direction," Ryan replied evenly. "And I intend to keep most of the staff, including you."

Emma’s heart skipped a beat. "Including me?"

"Yes," Ryan said, his gaze locking onto hers. "Despite everything, I know you’re one of the best. I need someone like you on my team."

Emma felt a swirl of emotions—anger, confusion, and something she couldn’t quite name. "I’m not staying," she declared firmly. "I quit."

His expression hardened. "You can’t quit, Emma."

"And why not?" she demanded.

"Because your contract is still valid," Ryan said coolly. "You’re bound to this company and, by extension, to me."

"The management has changed," Emma argued, "which means my contract is null and void."

"Check with your solicitor," Ryan said, a cold smile playing on his lips. "I bought this firm with all its assets and liabilities. Your contract stands."

Emma’s hands clenched into fists. "You can’t force me to stay."

"I can, and I will," Ryan said, his voice like steel. "

"Then I’ll pay the penalty for breaking my contract," she retorted, her voice trembling with anger.

"I don’t want your money," Ryan said, his eyes boring into hers. "I want you."

"Sorry, but I’m not interested," she snapped.

"I’m trying to do this the right way, Emma," Ryan said, his voice softening slightly.

"The right way?"

"Yes, the right way," Ryan repeated, his tone firm. "I could have walked in here and fired half the staff without a second thought. But I didn’t. I want to make this transition as smooth as possible, and that includes keeping the best people in place. You’re one of those people, Emma."

" You can't treat Henery like this. " 

" Why are you being so protective of him? He also forced you to take a vacation... What is going on between you? Are you, by any chance, interested in him? " 

" Ryan! Stop it! " She was saying when her phone started ringing again. She looked at the screen and it was James again. She got very uncomfortable as Ryan was still standing near her. She disconnected the call again. 

" Why should I? I have a right to know what is going on in your... " He was saying when the phone started ringing again. 

Ryan got annoyed and cursed... " Who the hell is calling? " Her face became almost white; she didn't say anything but was about to disconnect when he saw the name flashing on her screen. 

My lifeline...with a little heart following the words. He lost his temper all of a sudden. 

" Who is it? " 

" That's none of your business. " 

" Show it to me. " 

" No, you have no right to barge into my life like this and order me to do as you say. I don't care why you bought this company, I am quitting. " She pushed him. 

" No, you are not. You vanished in thin air, back then. Not now. I will not let you go now. You belong to me. " 

Emma asked, " No! What do you expect me to do, just pretend like none of it happened?"

Ryan took a step closer, his voice dropping to a softer tone. "I don’t expect you to forget, Emma. Neither can I. I have been looking for you ever since you left without saying a single word."

"Why were you looking for me? I left because I could not stand your company for a single minute."

" You were in love with me. " 

" That's because I was stupid at that time, but I am grown up now. I don't  want to be anywhere near you. I hate you, you are a liar, you lied to me manipulated me, how could you? I will  never forgive you."

He came closer to her and cupped her face and she was rooted to the spot. He smirked and said. " You haven't changed. You still want me. " 

" No! " 

" Deny all you want but I can feel that  your body craves mine." 

" No! " 

" Want me to prove it to you? " 

" No, way! " She tried pushing him but he didn't even blink.

He smirked and bent his head a bit, and my heartbeat increased. 

No!! 

He pulled her in his arm with force and claimed her lips. She was shocked but pushed him. He smiled faintly but didn't release her. 

" Leave me or so will shout. Everyone  will be here in less than a minute." She said. 

" Do it, it will be easier for me to announce to the world about our relationship. They need to know that Miss Jones is actually Emma Ryan Taylor. My wife. Then you will have to explain why you told them the wrong identity and the impression that you were still single. Why did you do that?? you wanted other men to approach you as you were young, beautiful, and unattached. No, my love, in case you have forgotten, you are my wife. And I am here to claim you back. " 

" Will you shut up? I never wanted to get settled, and still, I made a mistake for once in trusting you, but I am not dumb enough to commit the same mistake again. Go back to where you came from, I don't want you in my life. I will not be around a liar like you. You manipulated me. I will never be with you again, get a divorce, and marry whoever you want. But just be clear that I don't want you." 

" You want a divorce?? Why? Is there anyone else? " 

" None of your business." 

" Everything regarding you is my business. Tell me, is there someone in your life? Who was calling you? If there is any, I  sweat, I will kill that bast***." 

" I don't owe you any answers. Stay away from me." She said, pushed him away, and got out of the office before he could stop her.