Chapter 17
Tucked away in the quiet town of Pinevale, Emily had spent the last three months adjusting to small–town life. The slower pace, friendly neighbors, and simple routines had gradually become her new normal.
One of those neighbors was Joshua Brown-a Cresthaven transplant who’d moved here with his newly remarried mother. He had a younger half–sister, Lily, a ten–year–old girl with light skin, bright dimples, and a smile that could melt the iciest heart.
Lily had fallen in love with the violin from the moment she heard Emily play. Her eyes would shine with wonder every time the bow touched the strings.
So Emily started giving her lessons. And without fail, Joshua was always nearby during their sessions–pretending to read, fix something, or just “happen” to be passing through. His gaze often lingered longer than it should’ve. Sometimes, he got completely lost in watching her. Whenever she caught him staring, he’d quickly scratch the back of his head, mumble something awkward, and walk off
Joshua was nothing like Alex. He had this lightness to him–warm, open, easy to read, With him, she didn’t have to tiptoe around silences or brace herself for sudden mood swings. She didn’t have to make herself smaller to be loved.
One afternoon after Lily’s lesson, Joshua showed up holding two paper cups of coffee and offered one with a grin.
“Hey, Amelia Ever think about opening your own violin studio? There’s a little shop for rent on Main. I think it’s got your name written all over it.”
She hesitated for a second. The money she had–earned through investments Alex had once taught her to manage was more than enough. She hadn’t even touched the billion–dollar transfer he left her. Money wasn’t the issue.
But purpose? That, she was craving.
She smiled. “That actually sounds great.”
With Joshua’s help, she signed the lease. Every day after that, he and Lily showed up to help clean and paint the place. They wore makeshift dust caps and old T–shirts, music playing in the background as they scrubbed and decorated.
One day, Emily flicked her paintbrush a little too hard and splattered blue paint across Joshua’s face. He swiped at it, only to smear it further into a ridiculous mask. Emily and Lily burst out laughing
Catching his reflection in a window, Joshua gasped dramatically and pointed at Lily. “Alright, now it’s your turn.”
Shrieking, Lily ducked behind Emily, giggling uncontrollably as they chased each other through the half–painted studio. The laughter echoed, bright and
unrestrained.
But just as Emily’s laughter peaked, her smile faltered, and froze.
Her hand slipped. The paint can crashed to the floor, blue streaks splattering her canvas sneakers.
Her gaze locked on the doorway.
There he was.
Alex Harrington
Her vision blurred, her fingernails digging into her palms. She hadn’t expected him–at least not yet.
There was no
no joy. No warmth. Only a cold, colled dread rising in her chest,
Alex’s expression was calm on the surface, but his eyes burned with tightly leashed fury. He crooked a finger toward her, voice velvet–smooth but laced with threat.
*Sweetheart,” he said softly. “Come here.”
Emily didn’t budge.
Joshua stepped forward, putting himself between them. I
His tone was pollte but firm. “Sir, this is private property. You need to leave now” Alex’s eyes flicked to him, narrowing with menace as he sized him up, Josina had a few inches on him, but that didn’t seem to matter.
I’m here for Emily Harper,” Alex sald coolly, ignoring Joshua completely.” “I’m taking her home.”
Joshua looked back at Emily for direction. Her face had gone pale. Still, she forced a weak smile and spoke up, voice barely steady.
He’s my ex–husband. Amelia Quinn is the name I go by now. I used
to be Fr
Emily Harper.
Wex let out a soft, almost anused chuckle, “Sweetheart, don’t be difficult.” Chapter 17
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19.10.
Then he took a step forward, hand outstretched like he expected her to come willingly. “Ex? Since when did we divorce? Hm? This was just a little break. We can fix that paperwork whenever.”
