Page 43 of The Bad Boy's Fake Wife

She shrinks back, her expression shifting from predator to victim in an instant. “I wasn’t going to hurt her! I just wanted to scare her.”

I ignore her excuses, rushing to Emma’s side. She’s trembling, her breaths shallow, but when I wrap my arms around her, she clings to me.

“Are you okay? Did she hurt you?” I ask, my voice tight with worry.

Emma shakes her head, though her hands remain unsteady. “No. I—I didn’t see her coming. She blocked the doorway, and then there was the knife…Jonathan, who is she?”

I exhale sharply. “My ex. She’s been following me, causing trouble—but this is the last time.”

Jessica glares at me, arms crossed. “You can’t be serious! You belong with me, not her.”

I step forward, my voice firm. “You need to leave, Jessica. If you ever come near Emma again, there will be consequences.”

Her eyes dart between us, as if searching for an ounce of hesitation. When she finds none, she huffs and storms out, leaving the knife where it fell.

I look back at Emma, my worry growing. But instead of fear, I see something else—frustration.

“She’s your ex?” she asks, crossing her arms.

I nod. “She’s been harassing me for a while. That’s what I was trying to tell you… I don’t want her, Emma. I never did.”

Emma exhales, still shaken. “When can you have her stopped? I don’t feel safe knowing she’s out there, willing to threaten me with knives.”

I take out my phone and send a quick message to security. “She won’t bother you again. I promise.”

Emma’s eyes soften, misty with unshed tears. “You’re sure? You’ll stay with me?”

I smile, brushing my thumb across her knuckles. “Of course. But maybe we should get out of here before someone thinks we’re up to something in this restroom.”

Emma laughs, her fingers lacing through mine as we step out together. The hum of conversation fills the banquet hall, the world outside unaware of what just happened. But all that matters is Emma, safe in my arms. And I don’t plan on letting go.

***

Of course, the party doesn’t end without more drama. I know things are about to go downhill fast when Zain walks in with Jessica on his arm. How did she evade my security detail?

She doesn’t look as terrified as she did in the restroom. If anything, she’s smirking as Zain guides her to the podium. Security guards are closing in on them. I hold the champagne flute in my hand a little too tightly as Emma gasps next to me.

“Absolutely not!” Reed mutters before leaving to deal with the situation while I stay with Emma.

Zain grabs the mic and smiles at the murmuring audience. Everyone here knows about our power tussle.

“I know I’m about to get booted out of my cousin’s fancy party, but I have something to say,” Zain begins. Somehow, his eyes find me in the crowd. “My dear cousin doesn’t know I don’t quit, and I won’t start now. The company is rightfully mine.”

Jessica is smirking next to him, oblivious to the fact that she’s just another pawn in his game. A part of me wonders if she even realizes it, or if she’s too blinded by resentment to see how disposable she is to him. I should feel sorry for her, but after tonight, I don’t think I have any pity left to give. Does she truly believe Zain has her best interests at heart, or is she too desperate for revenge to see she’s being used? Zain is married, so she won’t gain anything from this.

He turns to Jessica and gives her a scathing look. “But this time around, I’ll let him be the champion. Not because I give up, but because I’ll get him when he least expects. As for her, she’s no longer of any concern to me.”

Murmurs are loud as Jessica turns scarlet with embarrassment. Zain smirks and nudges her away as a security guard finally gets to them. Zain doesn’t fight the restraints.

“Watch your back, dear cousin. Iwillreturn.” His promise is chilling, and I know he’s not lying. Jessica is also taken away by security, and the atmosphere of the party changes as everyone wonders what a nut job Zain is.

“What an idiot,” Reed murmurs, his words somehow carrying through the room. Everyone laughs, and the mood shifts as everyone forgets about Zain.

I hold on tightly to Emma next to me, wondering why Zain is so determined to bring me down. Is it jealousy? Revenge? Or is he simply incapable of letting go of a battle he’s already lost? In a way, I understand it—I got everything and he has nothing. I just hope that one day, he lets this rivalry die.

Chapter 19

Emma

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