Chapter 8 - THE BROTHER WHO CAME BACK FOR WHAT HE'D LOST
Ryan appeared outside my workplace on a rainy Thursday evening.
He stood beside a black Mercedes.
No flowers.
No apology.
Just that familiar smile.
“Emma.”
I stopped.
“What are you doing here?”
“We need to talk.”
“No.”
He stepped closer.
“Don't be childish.”
I felt my stomach tighten.
There it was.
The voice he used when I disagreed with him.
Soft.
Patient.
Condescending.
“I know you've been spending time with Daniel,” he said.
I stared.
“That's none of your business.”
His jaw tightened.
“He's manipulating you.”
I almost laughed.
“That's an interesting accusation.”
Ryan stepped closer.
“You think he doesn't want something?”
I folded my arms.
“He wants me to make my own decisions.”
Ryan's expression darkened.
“Daniel has always been good at playing the victim.”
I stared at him.
“He took a bullet for you.”
Ryan looked away.
“That was years ago.”
Something inside me went cold.
I had once loved this man.
I had defended him.
Trusted him.
Imagined growing old beside him.
Now I could barely recognize him.
Ryan reached for my wrist.
I stepped back.
“Don't.”
He stopped.
“Emma.”
“No.”
I looked directly into his eyes.
“You lied to me for months.”
His expression hardened.
“You don't understand what was at stake.”
“Then explain.”
He hesitated.
Then said:
“My future.”
I stared.
There it was.
Not love.
Not regret.
His future.
I shook my head.
“Goodbye, Ryan.”
He caught my arm.
“Don't walk away from me.”
A voice came from behind him.
“Let her go.”
Daniel stood near the curb.
His cane rested against his leg.
Ryan laughed.
“Of course.”
He released me.
“Big brother to the rescue.”
Daniel looked at him.
“Leave.”
Ryan stepped closer.
“What are you going to do? Chase me?”
Daniel's expression didn't change.
“No.”
He took out his phone.
“I'm going to call the police if you touch her again.”
Ryan stared.
Then laughed bitterly.
“You've changed.”
Daniel nodded.
“Yes.”
Ryan looked at me.
“You'll regret choosing him.”
I met his eyes.
“I haven't chosen anyone.”
May you like
Then I took Daniel's hand.
“But I know who I'm not choosing.”
