Chapter 10

As the figure approached them, Emma’s mind began to race with fear. She recognized him, he’s someone from her past. She had borrowed money from him to take care of Lukas medical bills and hadn’t been able to pay up. Emma cringed behind Ryan as fear gripped her the more,Tte man's ruthless reputation preceded him, and his cold gaze confirmed it. 

"You've been quite active," he sneered, his tone heavy and cold. “I thought you could hide from me, but it seems you’ve found yourself a new plaything.” He giggled.

⁠Ryan's gaze shifted anxiously between Emma and the approaching figure, his chest constricting with a mix of protectiveness and uncertainty.

Yes, he gets treats like this considering his personality but the figure standing at his front , he hasn’t seen him before. “Who the hell are you?” Ryan asked with curiosity 

“Stay out of this,” the man warned, his eyes narrowing. “This is between me and her, pointing his finger towards Emma. “She’s the one who owes me.”

Emma felt her stomach drop. She had wanted to tell Ryan eventually but not like this l, she never expected this to come up this soon. 

“I can explain,” she stammered, stepping forward despite Ryan’s grip on her arm. “Just give me a chance to pay you back.”

The man laughed, a cold, mocking sound that made Emma shiver, she took one step backwards at the sound of his voice. 

“You think you can pay me back? You’re out of your depth, Emma. You’ve put yourself in a situation you can’t handle.”

“Enough!” Ryan’s voice boomed, cutting through the tension. “You’ll leave her alone. Whatever debt she owes you is none of your business. If you want to talk, you can do it with me.”

Emma’s heart raced as she watched the two men exchange words. She couldn’t let Ryan get hurt because of her mistakes. “Ryan, don’t—”

But before she could finish, the man’s attention shifted back to her, a sinister smile spreading across his face. “You really think he can protect you? You’re going to regret ever getting involved with him.”

“Stop!” Emma shouted, her voice trembling with desperation. “I’ll get you the money. Just… just give me more time.”

Ryan’s grip tightened on her arm, his eyes narrowing at the man. “You’re not taking anything from her. If you have a problem, deal with me. Whatever she owes you, I will pay.” 

Ryan said, looking at him eyeball to eyeball as he stretched his business card to the stranger; “Call be so we can sort this out.”

The man was surprised but impressed by Ryan’s attitude. He leaned forward and collected the card, putting it into his pocket he said; “I will consider this for now, but make no mistake if not i would be back and this time not to talk.”

Emma’s heart continued to race and her breath shallow as she watched him turn back and walk to the sedan. 

The car started and as it sped away, Emma felt a mixture of relief and dread. She wondered how she was going to start the whole explanation to Ryan.

“Emma, what the hell was that?” Ryan turned to her, his voice low and intense. “You need to tell me everything. Now.”

Emma’s mind raced as she faced Ryan, the weight of her secrets finally crashing down on her. The least she could do now was to tell him the truth about everything. 

“Okay,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. “I’ll tell you everything. But we need to sit down first.”

Ryan’s expression softened, as he nodded. Yes, they had both agreed on a contract marriage but matters like this could put him in danger and also ruin his reputation. She needs to tell him everything before things get out of hand. 

They both turned back and went into the vehicle. Emma stayed silent as she watched him drive into the mansion. 

As they walked back to the mansion, Emma’s heart pounded in her chest, knowing that the confrontation had just opened the floodgates to her past, wondering how best to begin her explanation. 

Once inside, Ryan sat on the sofa, his expression was unreadable, a mixture of concern and frustration as his eyes were focused on Emma, waiting for her to speak up.

Emma looked down, she wasn’t scared per say but was looking for the right words to begin with. They had just met and he shouldn’t expect to know everything about her.

Ryan noticed her silence and how uncomfortable she was. “You need to trust me to be able to help you, Emma.

“I worked for him back in the day, Emma finally spoke up as she continued. “But when Lukas' ailments became too serious I borrowed some money from him and promised to pay back, but when I couldn’t, he—” She stopped, choking on the memory.

“He began to make sexual advances to me saying I could pay in kind instead.”

Tears surrounded Emma”s eyes as she explained her pains to Ryan. “Horrified and feeling trapped, I knew I had to escape. I promptly quit my job, blocked his number, and relocated to ensure my safety and well-being.”

Ryan listened attentively as he felt pity for Emma, he understood how restless one could be as has found himself several times in that situation when he was still very young.

Ryan stood, running his fingers through his hair as he paced the room, his mind struggling to process everything Emma had just confessed. “So that’s it? You just ran? No plan, no backup?” His voice, though controlled, carried a sharp edge.

Ryan's mind wandered as Emma spoke, but he sensed something wasn't quite right. A tiny detail bothered him, and he couldn't shake the feeling. He remained quiet, hiding his growing unease.

Emma paused, wiping away tears. Ryan leaned in, his expression neutral, but his mind racing. He needed answers about this man - for Emma's protection and his own peace of mind.

Ryan broke his silence, his voice low but steady. “You didn’t just borrow money, did you?”

Emma blinked in confusion. “What do you mean? Of course I did—”

Ryan stood up suddenly, his voice firm. "No, there's more to it." He turned away, pacing across the room. His expression darkened, reflecting on past encounters with those who wielded power like this. 

Looking from the way the man he had met threatened them, there must have been a bigger reason than money.  "This isn't just about the money, Emma."

The room suddenly fell Into an eerie silence. Emma's face looked down,  her heart pounding, as Ryan’s voice cut through the quiet. “There’s more to this and you need to tell me.” Ryan’s voice this time was calm and comforting.