Chapter Three

Despite recognizing Trevor's imperfections, Emma believed in his inherent goodness. Despite his flaws, she entrusted him with her whole heart, confident that they could weather any storm that came their way.

Caleb had always been a pillar of support, more akin to a family member than a friend. Whenever Emma encountered challenges with Trevor, Caleb would step in to help soothe the turmoil. She intended to seek his counsel and have him mediate with Trevor.

Relationships are rarely flawless; they can be complex and demanding. Sometimes, conflicts arise, forcing individuals to reevaluate everything, even though staying with that person still feels right.

As they both committed to safeguarding their love and partnership, the situation began to brighten. However, this time, Trevor's demeanor exuded an unfamiliar iciness, and the suitcases he had brought hinted at an irreversible departure. Emma was repulsed by the emptiness in Trevor's gaze, as fear and unease settled within her, threatening to unleash a cry of despair. The mere thought of another man's touch, of a body that wasn't Trevor's pressed against hers, made her queasy.

Upon releasing a trembling breath, she scrambled to comprehend the circumstances unfolding before her. "Well, it's actually quite positive, isn't it? I believe every couple requires some space for reminiscing and cherishing the vows exchanged between them, don't you think? Therefore, it seems like a favorable proposition."

Trevor’s chilling stare conveyed multitudes, while his lips remained motionless, withholding his innermost thoughts.

"What?" Emma queried, suppressing the urge to reiterate her unanswered query about the perfume, as a more urgent matter loomed large in her mind; a critical situation demanding immediate attention was unfolding. Trevor seemed alien to her, an unfamiliar presence, despite having shared a bed with him just a few nights ago.

His silence and steely countenance evoked a sense of foreboding within her. "I don’t think you grasp the gravity of the situation, Emma... I..."

"No, Trevor, I do," she interjected, resolute in her determination to salvage their love and bond. Eager to persuade Trevor that reconciliation was possible and essential for their relationship’s survival, she pressed on, fueled by adrenaline. "We've weathered storms in the past, haven't we? Taking a break allows introspection and fortification of our bond. When your time away concludes, we can reconvene and work towards rebuilding our connection."

With a dry scoff, Trevor averted his gaze, rubbed his temples in frustration, cognizant that Emma would be reluctant to acknowledge the inevitable direction of their conversation.

Trevor hesitated, his head shaking slowly, "More than a fortnight will be necessary, I will require a significantly extended period."

Emma nodded as she swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, "Got it. How long do you think you'll need? I'll be waiting here for you. You know I will always be by your side," Emma asked, her heart racing frantically.

Even as she set her gaze on Trevor, taking mental notes of his body language, Emma couldn't trace back to where everything had started going sour for the both of them, was it when he traveled back home to New Zealand to visit his father?

Is this unusual behavior displayed by Trevor a result of the burden he had to shoulder in order to inherit the Maddox empire? Had work really been draining him, or is she the one?

Emma needs answers. She needed someone to come to her aid right now, where's Ivanka and Caleb when she needed them the most right now! the man standing right in front of her, in this once huge bedroom where she had spent most of the night alone and cold had suddenly turned into a small room, suffocating her, increasing her temperature to another 50°

She looked at the man who was the love of her life, a look of plea in her eyes as she waited for his response.

Uncertainty clouded Trevor's expression as he averted his gaze, remaining silent. "I'm unable to specify a timeframe, Emma."

The overwhelming urge to touch him surged within her. She yearn to reach out, to reassure him that everything would be okay, that they would overcome this together as they always had. To let Trevor know that she would be by his side always, there's no going back for them both.

They had spent five years together, five years of devotion, five years of what she had seen and known to be ' Perfect love' she had seen a future with Trevor, she had seen herself starting a family with Trevor and no one else.

Yes, they will get through this together.

Despite her resistance, Emma couldn't help herself. Trevor's touch had always brought her comfort, even during the toughest times. It was how their love had blossomed. Her heart pounded irregularly, causing her physical pain, yet she hoped Trevor could sense it.

She hoped he could feel the intensity of her love beating solely for him. From tracing her hand up his attire to exposing his sculpted chest, Emma was relieved to find his heart as unsteady as hers.

"Sweetheart, at this moment, all that matters is our love and support for each other. We'll conquer this together, alright? You know i love you, and i know that you love me more."

Every couple faced their share of fears. The dread of loss, separation, or betrayal was common among partners, typically leading to divorce after a decade or two.

Although Emma and Trevor were confronting their fears earlier than expected, she remained confident they would prevail. Trevor's face drew closer to hers, tears glimmering behind his lush lashes. His unshed tears emboldened Emma to reach for his face.

His eyes closed instinctively at her touch, concealing any signs of tears. It was as though the tears had vanished behind his captivating black lashes, which Emma often envied.

"I no longer feel the same way about you."

Emma was jolted by shock, a surge of humiliation making her recoil, as if scalded by a hot surface. The shame she felt drained the color from her face, a sensation she had never experienced before.

"I've always believed in your love for me. You've always shown and told me how much you love me!"