Don't Say You Love Me (Emily Carter and Ethan Wilson) novel Chapter 345

Chapter 345 Abused

In a tender embrace, Alexander held Emily close as she let out all her pent–up emotions.

With her nestled against his chest and his chin resting atop her head, his eyes and heart were brimming with pity.

He remained silent, understanding that his mere presence was the solace she needed most at that moment.

Once Emily’s sobs subsided, she felt a bit of relief wash over her.

Thoughts of Vanessa then crept into her mind. She wriggled free from Alexander’s arms, gazing up at him with a worried look. “Vanessa’s gone missing,” she blurted out.

Looking down at her, Alexander calmly replied, “I know. Michael’s out looking for her.”

Emily’s brows knitted in confusion. “Mr. Winslow?” she questioned.

Alexander still had his hold on Emily, and she seemed to have forgotten she was in his arms.

With a nod, he explained, “Yeah, the dude who was supposed to/meet Ms. Taylor? That was Michael.”

Emily was utterly perplexed. “What’s the deal?” she asked.

Alexander let out a soft chuckle. “Love. That’s what it is,” he said.

Emily fell into deep thought. She had no clue about Michael’s feelings for Vanessa, nor when they had blossomed.

But if Alexander was saying it, there had to be some truth to it.

After a moment, she simply murmured, “Oh.”

Suddenly realizing she was still in Alexander’s embrace, she quickly stepped back.

Regaining her composure, Emily declared, “I gotta go find Vanessa.”

Rather than being annoyed, Alexander just smiled. When she wasn’t paying attention, he grabbed her hand.

“Let’s roll. We’re gonna meet up with Michael. I bet he’s already found Ms. Taylor,” he said as he led her towards his car.

Alexander opened the passenger–side door for Emily.

She glanced back at her car, which had crashed into the small house. The front end was all mangled, and there were bits and pieces scattered around it, covered in dust.

Hesitating, she began. “The car…”

Alexander gently guided her into the car and buckled her seatbelt. Standing up, he flashed her a smile and said, “Screw it. I’ll get you a new one later.”

Emily wasn’t really after a new car from Alexander. Right then, finding Vanessa and making sure she was okay was the top priority.

So, she kept her mouth shut.

Once in the car, Alexander dialed Michael’s number.

The car was dead silent, and Emily could hear Michael’s voice, hoarse and low.

Something about his tone didn’t sit right.

Emily’s heart leaped into her throat.

Alexander also sensed the unease but didn’t pry. “Where are you at?” he simply asked.

“At Ms. Taylor’s place,” Michael replied.

Then, Alexander hung up the phone.

Vanessa bit down so hard it seemed she wanted to tear a chunk of flesh from Emily’s shoulder.

Finally, when Vanessa let go, she shouted at Emily, “Bastard, you’re a bastard!”

As Emily saw Vanessa like this, her own tears started to fall.

Outside the door, Alexander had heard everything. He cast a worried look at Michael, who was a picture of anxiety and unease.

Alexander stepped forward and gently placed a hand on Michael’s shoulder. Without a word, his gesture conveyed comfort and concern.

Michael turned to him, his face full of guilt and self–reproach. “It’s all my fault. I let Derek abuse her like this,” he said.

At his words, Alexander opened his mouth but found no words.

Michael lowered his eyes. “I was too late. If I’d been here a few minutes earlier, she wouldn’t be in this state.”

Alexander understood Michael’s feelings. He knew words were of little use, so he simply asked, “So, what’s the plan now?”

Michael let out a long sigh. “I’ve called Kyrian over. We’ve got to take this to court.”

“We need to keep this under wraps. If the news gets out, it’ll be Ms. Taylor who suffers the most,” Alexander warned. 6/7

Michael nodded. “Yeah, I get it.”

Alexander then turned to him again. “What about Derek?”

“He’d run off by the time I got here.”

After a moment’s thought, Alexander said, “Don’t worry. He won’t get away.”