Chapter 7

Emma's POV

It had been an hour since he came and I sent him back, but he was still there in my mind. I tried to sleep but could not as my past incidents kept coming and going in front of me like some shots of a movie. All those parts that I wanted to forget desperately... 

I recalled quite vividly how and when he came into my life and changed it forever. 

A little more than 6 years back... No

I was deeply immersed in the final touches of my latest collection when a gentle knock interrupted my concentration. With a sigh, I looked up, momentarily irritated at the intrusion, only to find Tina, one of my old friends, standing at the door with her trademark grin.

“Emma! I hope I’m not interrupting,” she said, stepping inside without waiting for my reply.

A smile crept onto my face despite myself. “Tina, it’s been ages! It’s great to see you.”

She chuckled, making herself comfortable in one of the armchairs across from my desk. “You’ve become quite the elusive figure lately. We hardly see you anymore.”

“I know,” I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “I miss our outings, but time has become such a rare commodity these days.”

“You’ve built an empire, Emma. Emma’s Creations Inc. is the top fashion house in the country. Everyone knows your name. Why would you have time for us now?” Tina teased, but there was a hint of reproach in her voice.

“Don’t say that,” I said, shaking my head. “It’s not like that at all. I barely have time for my family; I haven’t seen them in months.”

“You need to relax and have some fun. Come join us on the weekends—recharge those creative batteries.”

I smiled at her suggestion, though I knew it wasn’t feasible. “I’ll try to make time. Now, what brings you here today?”

Tina’s expression brightened. “My sister is getting married and wants to buy her wedding dress from your collection. She absolutely adores your work and is hoping you can help her choose something special.”

I nodded, rising from my seat. “Of course, I’d be delighted. Let’s go find her the perfect dress.”

We made our way to the showroom, where Tina’s sister, a shy young woman with a soft, pretty face, was waiting. Her eyes lit up when she saw me, and I could tell she was nervous yet excited.

“Oh, so this is the bride-to-be,” I said warmly, taking her hand in mine. “You’re absolutely stunning. I’d be honored if you wore one of my dresses on your special day.”

She blushed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’ve been dreaming about this for so long. I just love all your designs, but I can’t seem to choose.”

“Don’t worry,” I reassured her, guiding her to the racks of dresses. “We’ll find the perfect one together. Based on your height, figure, and complexion, these three would look particularly beautiful on you. Why don’t you try them on?”

As she went off to the dressing room, my assistant Lily approached me, holding her phone as if it were a ticking bomb.

“Ma’am, your mother called,” Lily informed me, her tone apologetic.

I nodded, though the cheerful smile I had worn for the bride-to-be faded. “What does she want now?”

“She said you need to meet someone this evening. She’s already booked a table and gave me explicit instructions to make sure you go. She even threatened to… well, to have my head on a platter if I didn’t tell you.”

I sighed heavily, feeling the familiar weight of my mother’s expectations pressing down on me. “Why didn’t you just tell her I’m busy?”

“I tried,” Lily said, her voice defensive. “But she wouldn’t listen. She scolded me, said I always use that excuse. I even mentioned you’re swamped for the rest of the week, but…”

“It’s fine, Lily. I’ll handle it,” I said, waving her off. She looked relieved and hurried back to her duties as I made my way back to my office.

Once inside, I took a deep breath and closed the door, but before I could sit down, the phone rang. It was her, of course. My mother was as relentless as she was loving. I ignored it at first, but the ringing persisted, echoing through the small space until I couldn’t stand it any longer.

“Hello, Mom.”

“So, you finally decided to pick up,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Mom, you know I have an exhibition this week. I’m drowning in work right now. I really don’t need any more stress.”

“Oh, please, Emma,” she scoffed. “You’re always busy. I won’t have it. When was the last time you went out on a date?”

I nearly laughed at the absurdity of her question. “A date? Mom, I barely have time to breathe, let alone go on dates. I’m trying to prove myself.”

“You’ve already proven yourself, darling. You’re at the top of your game. It’s time to enjoy life a little,” she insisted, her tone softening, but I could sense the underlying push.

“I’m not good enough for Dad, though, am I?” I said bitterly. “I’m not a man. I’m not the son he always wanted, the heir to run his empire. I didn’t choose the right profession or the right man to marry, so I still have to prove my worth.”

“Emma, that’s not true. Your father loves you—”

“Mom, please spare me the lecture,” I interrupted, tired of hearing the same worn-out lines. “I know where I stand with Dad, and I’ve come to terms with it. Now, can we talk later? I’m really busy.”

“No, Emma. We’re not finished. You’re meeting the man tonight. I’ve booked a table at the Hilton for 8:30, and you will be there.”

“Mom, I can’t,” I said, exasperated. “I’m working late, and I won’t be able to make it.”

“No excuses!” she snapped. “You’re always busy, always working. It’s time you did something for yourself. Be there on time, and be nice to him.”

“Mom, I’m not interested in meeting anyone right now. I can go next week, at the earliest. But I’m not going anywhere tonight, and that’s final.”

There was a long pause, and I could practically hear her fuming on the other end. “Fine. Next week, then. But no more excuses, Emma.”

“Thank you. I’ll see you next week. Now, I really have to go.”

“Alright,” she said, clearly still annoyed. “But remember, you’re not getting any younger, and neither am I. I want to see you settled with a husband and cute kids before it’s too late.”

"Tell Eva to get married and have kids," I retorted.

"I want to have your children too. Go and meet him."

“Bye, Mom,” I said, cutting the call before she could guilt-trip me further. I dropped the phone on my desk and let out a long, frustrated breath.