The Interrupting Event

Emerald's POV

The tense atmosphere in the room was oppressive. Ivy's words had left a bitter aftertaste, and my heart was still pounding from our conversation.

I felt like I might break at any second because every muscle in my body was tense. However, I couldn't—couldn't allow myself to lose control, not in this situation, not with Ivy's eyes staring at me like needles.

I had to resist the urge to back off when Ivy's expression changed from one of disdain to one that was darker and more possessive. She wasn't finished with me yet.

She had an obvious need to be in charge of everything and my refusal to play her game was only making her want to destroy me. But before we could exchange words again, a strong, deep voice broke the stifling quiet.

“Why is this happening?”

Upon hearing the abrupt interruption the hairs on the back of my neck stood high.

My heart was pounding in my chest as I froze eyes wide. Ivy tensed up as well, her gaze flickering toward me before swiftly turning to face the voice origin.

A sense of authority grew in the air making me want to hide and retreat. However, I was immobile.

Ryker. He was unmistakably there standing a few paces behind us. Even though he was cool under pressure there was something in his eyes that made me shudder. His intensely focused gaze flicked to Ivy after a brief moment of meeting mine.

He wasn't here by accident, I knew. He was drawn to this particular moment for some reason, and now that he was here, he would not permit us to go on.

Ivy's response was quick. A mask of cool indifference abruptly replaced the mocking arrogance that had previously adorned her face.

With a slight tilt of her head, she curled her lips into a thin, controlled smile. She stated, “I don't see how this concerns you, Ryker,” in a tone that was icier now but still tinged with the same haughtiness. “This discussion is private. If you will, a lady talk.”

I stood between them feeling my stomach turn. Ivy's remarks were sharp, but I was unable to allow her to provoke a reaction.

Not with Ryker here not now. Ryker didn't recoil at what she said. Rather, his jaw set with silent resolve, and his eyes hardened. With a low, steady voice, he said, “I heard everything, Ivy.”

“Everything?. Ivy's eyes flashed with anger, and she briefly felt astonished before a well-practiced sneer swiftly covered it up.

With each deliberate step, her heels clicked on the stone floor as she moved closer to him. Her voice was poisonous as she hissed, “You've heard enough to know your place. Ryker, you shouldn't be concerned about this. Don't get involved.”

Ryker remained silent. His arms were crossed, and he maintained a straight stance and an unwavering gaze.

They were visibly tense and the tension was strong enough to pierce the atmosphere. My heart began to race once more and I could feel the knot in my stomach getting tighter.

“You're incorrect,” he said, his tone unflinching despite a flash of annoyance in his eyes. “It's not just about you and her. It's about respect.”

“That's too far for you.”Ivy laughed icily and cruelly

She took another step toward him, her eyes narrowing, and said, “Respect? Is that what this is about? Do you think I need your respect, Ryker? I have dedicated my entire life to achieving my current status. You think I'm going to destroy everything I've worked so hard to create by letting a pregnant girl waltz in here?”

My throat constricted as the words stung. To keep her from seeing how much her words were affecting me I had to will myself not to respond.

However, their weight was suffocating me, pressing down on me. Ryker stepped forward his face hardening and his eyes darkening.

Ivy, he said in a low menacing voice, “You've crossed a line. And you must quit considering everyone as a piece in your scheme. You are not as impervious to criticism as you believe.”

Ivy's lips curled into a sneer as her eyes, for a moment, crossed to me. I knew she wasn't finished yet. Her voice was becoming more and more poisonous and I had a terrible suspicion that this was not the end of it.

Her tone was brimming with contempt as she spat, “Well, it's not like I'm going to stand here and take lessons on respect from you. I don't have to justify myself to anyone, least of all you. Ryker, I've been here long enough to understand how this game operates. Your time is being wasted.”

Ryker's jaw tightened, but he took a moment to answer. I saw the way his eyes glinted with something cold and dangerous and he was too calm.

“Ivy, I'm not the one wasting my time he said softly and purposefully. You are… And you're mistaken if you believe that you can continue to bully people in this way with no repercussions.”

Ivy appeared to be about to say something else but the fire in her eyes died after a brief moment. After exhaling sharply she shook her head in disdain.

“You don't understand, do you?. It is none of your concern. I'm leaving.”Muttering she turned on her heel.

Before either of us could reply, she hurried away, her heels making a loud clicking sound on the limestone floor. I felt both relieved and uneasy as the sound reverberated in the ensuing quiet.

The tension was still heavy and oppressive even though Ivy was no longer there. When I turned to face Ryker he was already staring at me with an unreadable expression.

I could sense the rage radiating from him in waves as his fists clenched at his sides and his jaw remained taut. His tone had softened, but it still had a sharp edge as he asked, “Are you okay?”

I tried to calm my breathing and nodded. “Yes, I'm alright.”

The annoyance was still simmering just below the surface but his eyes softened. Quietly, he said, “Emerald, she's out of control. That shouldn't be your problem. Nobody ought to…”

To that, I wasn't sure how to react. Not that I wanted to be the object of Ivy's wrath, but I also had no idea how to stop it.

It felt like I couldn't get away from the chaos even though all I wanted was to be left alone and raise my child in peace. “Thank you for filling in,” I said at last quietly.

I didn't want to start any more arguments. Ryker's facial lines softened a little as he shook his head.

“You didn't start anything. She is the one exacerbating it. For defending yourself, you don't have to say sorry.”

When I opened my mouth to speak the words became stuck in my throat.

While I was relieved that Ryker had stepped in I was also uncomfortable. I couldn't let this go, and neither could Ivy.

There were many unsaid words in the thick silence between us. The storm was obviously not over and I had no

idea what would come next.

But I was certain that a change was on the horizon.