Lured into Love (Blossom in Winter #2) - Melanie Martins Page 0,9
my lips upon recognizing the familiar voice. “Emma!” As soon as we step out of the lift, Emma plunges me into a hug that nearly leaves me out of breath, but it feels too good to say something. “Oh, Emma…” With my head resting on hers, I close my eyes, treasuring this moment as much as I can.
“I missed you so damn much,” she whispers in my ear.
Matching her low tone, I say, “I missed you too.”
Once she releases me, Cynthia helps me walk toward the lounge.
Emma promptly asks, “Um, what happened? You can’t walk?”
“Not much, no. My muscles are still very weak,” I tell her. “But in a week or two, I should be fine. I’ve got an intensive training including aqua gym and electrotherapy.” And as I look at her, I can’t help but ask, “What happened to your long hair?” I realize she is now sporting a short bob with bangs. “Why did you cut it so short?”
“It’s been a rough year,” she confesses before pressing her lips against my cheek and embracing me tightly in her arms again. “I’m so happy you’re finally awake.”
“Thanks,” I reply, reveling in her hug. “I’m so happy to see you.”
Afterward, I observe her for a moment and notice how she has started to cover her chest, neck, and shoulders with new tattoos. A big butterfly with open wings now covers her décolletage, and as we reach the lounge room, I can’t help but also ask, “So your parents are finally okay with them?”
“Yeah… A small reward for me getting out of jail.”
“Always the same, huh?” I tease.
She gives me a big, bright grin. “Always the same, babe.”
“What have you been doing this year?” I ask her as we sit on the sofa. “Dad told me about the pandemic. I might not be able to go back to Columbia because of it.”
“Yeah. The world is going nuts. I just came back to New York two weeks ago,” she tells me. “Fucking cunt I was. I should’ve stayed in Saint-Tropez. But Laura was planning an underground concert for her birthday party and I wanted to attend. As soon as I landed, those motherfuckers started asking me to wear a mask. Heck, even on the street, and then someone at her party called the cops! I’ve got no idea how they found out.”
“And the police put you in jail because of that?”
“Well”—Emma lets out a quick chuckle—“I also told them to fuck off and shove their masks up their—”
“How was Saint-Tropez?”
“Oh, it was great. The beach clubs, the vibe, the food, everything was dope. I’m thinking of flying back there ASAP.”
“Do you mind staying until my engagement party?”
“What?!” Emma finally looks down at my left hand and grasps it. “Fuck! I can’t believe it! Damn, girl.” She then observes the ring more attentively. “That’s a beautiful ring. When did he propose?”
“Um, actually, I did it when I woke up.”
“Oh, wow. You don’t waste time.”
“I don’t want to,” I tell her. “I… I had a terrible nightmare…” As I look her in the eye, I announce, “I’ve got a feeling he’s gonna leave me sometime soon.”
Her jaw drops just as fast. “Huh? Why? Like, after everything you went through? Why on earth would he do that?”
“Mom told me Alex promised her that he’d leave me and move to Singapore.”
Her eyes widen like a startled owl. “You already spoke to her?”
“In my nightmare, yes.” Then her brows crease in confusion, so I add, “And I don’t think this is a coincidence.”
“Then why did he accept your proposal if he intends to leave you?” she asks, perplexed. “That doesn’t make any sense. And why would he even promise that to your mom? I don’t see Van Dieren making such a promise to her.”
“Neither do I, but I’m sure this nightmare didn’t come out of nowhere.”
“You guys have to talk. I’ve always told you that. You must confront him, and you need to have an open conversation with each other,” she lectures, even though she’s right. “Hiding that pregnancy was fucked up.”
“I know…” My gaze goes down to my lap at the embarrassing truth. “Well, now it’s gone.”
Emma presses her hand to mine. “I’m sorry for your loss.” Her voice is unusually low and serious. “I know it meant a lot to you.”
“It’s alright.” I take a deep breath, silencing the sadness that my heart can hardly bear. “I’m sure she is in a better place looking after me.” As I close my eyes, I recall the