Chapter 74 If You Don’t Get Close, I Won’t Let Go
Alex said, "I can't come over?"
Emily stepped back. "Mr. Baker, do whatever you want. It's just that Miss Miller is still on stage—don't you need to go back and keep her company?"
The way she saw it, Alex should be with his first love right now.
After all, Grace had been "wronged," so Alex should be buying her bags and jewelry to comfort her.
Not showing up here to bother her.
Alex frowned. "Why would I keep her company?"
Emily was instantly speechless.
If he could say that now, where was he all this time?
"Anyway, you've spent plenty of time with her these past three years—what's a little while more? If you're worried about media speculation, Mr. Baker, why not go upstairs and rest?"
So he wouldn't be an eyesore.
Alex said, "The back garden has nice scenery. I'd like to enjoy it too."
In other words, he wasn't leaving?
Fine.
If she couldn't provoke him, couldn't she at least avoid him?
Emily turned to walk around him, but the man blocked her path instead.
Looking at the long arm stretched across her way, Emily said coldly, "Move."
But the moment she finished speaking, a large hand gripped her wrist.
"Alex! Are you crazy? Let go of me right now!" Emily said impatiently. "If you don't let go, I'm going to call for help!"
Alex said, "Go ahead and call if you're not afraid of people seeing you."
"I—mmph!" Emily had just opened her mouth when someone covered it.
Alex's face darkened. "You're actually going to call out?"
With that, he pulled her directly into a corner, their backs against thick flower bushes. Even if someone came, they might not see the two of them.
Emily's pupils contracted slightly.
At this moment, the distance between them suddenly closed. In the cramped space, the atmosphere was both intimate and tense.
With her mouth covered by him, Emily's clear almond eyes glared at him furiously.
She opened her mouth and bit down on the man's hand.
"Ugh." Alex let out a muffled groan, unconsciously loosening his grip.
Emily frowned. "Get lost!"
A faint scent of alcohol lingered at her nose—not strong, but making her very uncomfortable. Just as she was about to leave, he gripped her wrist even tighter. The force wasn't great, but it wouldn't let her break free.
"Emily!" Alex looked down at her. "Really won't make up?"
His voice was low, tinged with hoarseness.
Suddenly, Emily's struggling movements paused. Though she was surprised he would say such a thing, what use was it?
Emily sneered. "Mr. Baker, do I need to remind you? We're already divorced. We won't have any relationship going forward, so please stop pestering me!"
Complex emotions churned in Alex's eyes, but he still refused to let go.
Her features were still delicate, as vivid and radiant as three years ago.
Except... she would never treat him like she used to.
Alex was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly leaned closer, saying playfully, "So what if we're divorced? That doesn't mean we can't date."
Emily almost didn't react in time.
Did those words really come from Alex?
Had he been switched out?
Emily suppressed the surprise in her eyes and said helplessly, "Are you sick? We'll never be together again. Let go of me and get lost!"
But Alex didn't budge. Everything he'd been suppressing during this time surged up completely in this moment.
He could no longer restrain himself. Looking at those constantly moving lips, his gaze deepened.
Emily's pupils contracted. She instantly realized what was happening and simply pushed him away forcefully, scolding sharply, "Alex, don't go too far!"
Her force wasn't small. Alex was pushed back half a step, his brow furrowing. "You—"
Just then, a series of light footsteps came from not far away.
"I clearly saw Miss Johnson come this way just now. How come there's no one?"
"Mr. Baker is missing too. Could he also be here?"
"Look around quickly. If we can photograph the two of them together, it'll definitely be big news!"
Boom!
Emily's breathing hitched.
The reporters had found their way here!
This place was secluded, with only flower bushes for cover.
Once the reporters photographed her and Alex alone hiding in a corner, especially... in such an intimate position, she wouldn't be able to explain herself no matter what. Without even thinking, tomorrow the headlines would be flying everywhere.
People would misunderstand that she couldn't let go, that she couldn't bear to part with Alex.
All the clarifications she'd worked so hard to make would be wasted.
Emily's palms were sweating with nervousness. "Alex, let go of me quickly. Didn't you hear someone coming? You don't want to be trending on social media either, do you?"
Alex smiled slightly, then leaned down a bit. "Kiss me, and I'll let you go."
Emily was shaking with anger.
He was actually taking advantage of the situation?
How shameless!
"In your dreams!"
"Then don't leave." Alex's smile deepened.
Emily was almost dying of anger. "What exactly do you want? To get revenge on me? To stand up for Grace?"
Alex gripped her wrist, gradually tightening his hold. "This has nothing to do with her. The reporters will be here any second. You choose."
The footsteps were getting closer and closer. The reporters could turn around the flower bushes and see them at any moment.
Emily's heart was racing.
Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. "Get lost! Playing hooligan—look who you're messing with!"
Without any hesitation, she immediately lifted her foot and stomped on the man's leather shoe!
She didn't hold back with this stomp.
"Mmph—" Alex winced in pain, letting out a muffled groan. His grip on her wrist also loosened.
Emily took the opportunity to break free, turned around, and left toward the other side of the garden, walking quickly without looking back.
Alex watched her resolute departing figure, his eyes dark and unclear.
Half an hour later.
The press conference finally came to an end.
Emily didn't linger and went straight home.
After showering, she took her folic acid and calcium tablets on schedule.
Ding—
A message notification sounded on her phone.
It was from Matthew.
A picture—a plane ticket to Paris.
Emily breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, all these matters were settled.
Once she left the country, she could welcome a new life.
Her slender fingertips slowly covered her lower abdomen. "Baby, Mommy will be able to take you away soon."
That night, Emily had a rare good sleep.
...
The next morning.
When she got up, Andrew and her mother were already waiting downstairs.
Andrew's eyes showed reluctance. "Emmie, once you leave, who knows when you'll come back. Make sure to take care of yourself, and call Dad if anything comes up."
Emily smiled, suppressing the tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes! You and Mom don't worry, I'll take care of myself."
Suddenly, footsteps came from the doorway, and a warm, smiling voice rang out. "Looks like you're all packed."
Emily smiled. "Matthew, you're pretty early too."
"The car's ready. We can head to the airport now."
Emily took a deep breath. "Okay. Then... Mom, Dad, I'm leaving."