CHAPTER 34

 EVAN

I had to halt Emerson from seeing that particular picture. I couldn't risk her misinterpreting my intentions, especially considering her past trust issues fueled by Gary's betrayal. My plan was to surprise her with a beautiful portrait of herself, painted by me. I wanted to love her in away that erased the pain inflicted by others. Despite not knowing the depths of her current struggles, I was determined to bring happiness into her life.

A knock echoed through the door, and when I opened it, there stood Emerson. She threw herself into my arms, tears streaming down her face. I guided her to the living room and settled her on the sofa.

"What happened, Emerson? Stop crying. Tell me everything. If Gary hurt you again, I will deal with that bastard. Just tell me what happened."

Gary's name seemed to shock her. We hadn't spoken since the incident that unfolded that fateful day.

"I'm just failing everyone. I don't deserve to be loved," she cried out,her distress echoing in the room."No, no, don't say that. You're just facing dark days, and we have to find light in those days. I'm with you always. Tell me what happened."She proceeded to share the heartbreaking story of Jules, her murdered friend, laying bare the tragedy that had befallen her.