Chapter 65

(Emily’s POV)

"Mike, I’m afraid you’re gonna leave me."

The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. But I couldn’t take them back. The fear that had been festering inside me ever since that encounter with Ellen finally spilled over.

I hadn’t meant to blurt it out like that, but the anxiety had been gnawing at me for days. No, weeks. And now, I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

I suddenly wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tightly as if holding him close would somehow stop my fears from becoming a reality.

My heart pounded in my chest, and I buried my face in his neck, willing the tears that threatened to spill to stay at bay.

Mike didn’t flinch. Instead, he wrapped his arms around me immediately, pulling me onto his lap, his hands gently rubbing circles on my back. His touch was soothing, but the fear—the fear that had taken root in my heart—remained stubbornly in place.

"Hey, hey… Love, look at me," he said softly, his voice calm, but I could hear the worry behind it