Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth!-Chapter 127: Planning A Surprise

Emma curled up on the plush sofa, her head resting on Alex's lap as they watched the flames dance in the fireplace. The soft crackle filled the cozy living room, blending with the gentle rain pattering against the windows. Outside, Zeden was quiet, but inside, warmth cocooned them in a rare moment of peace as they waited for Claire to return from work.

Alex absentmindedly ran his fingers through her hair, his touch soothing. His other hand rested protectively on her waist as if to remind himself she was really there. Safe. With him.

Emma closed her eyes, breathing in the scent of his cologne mixed with the faint trace of coffee lingering from earlier. She felt so content, yet a gentle tug in her heart told her she needed to bring up tomorrow's plans. But she hesitated, not wanting to disturb this perfect evening.

Alex noticed her sudden stillness. "What's on your mind, babe?" His voice was soft but laced with curiosity.

She tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. His gray eyes searched hers, patient yet intense in the way only Alex could be. The man who had become her home.

"Nothing really... just thinking," she murmured, hoping he'd let it slide. He didn't.

Alex shifted, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Emma, I know you better than that. Talk to me."

She hesitated for a beat, then sighed. "I'm meeting Ivy tomorrow. Just a hangout, you know, girl time," she said hoping he'd take it casually as she intended.

His brow furrowed slightly. "Where?" He asked not liking the sound of Emma going out alone with Ivy while Vanessa was still on the run.

She sat up, giving him a playful look. "Alex, it's just a lounge Ivy wants to show me. Chill, okay?"

But his hand on her waist tightened a little, his protective instincts flaring at how casually she was making it seem. "What kind of lounge? Is it safe? Who else will be there?"

Emma couldn't help but laugh softly. "It's not some underground club, Alex. It's a quiet place, well, so she said. And it'll just be the two of us. I'll be fine."

Alex's lips pressed into a thin line. He wasn't pouting, not exactly, but the slight frown on his face was enough to melt her heart.

"I don't like the idea of you being out there without me, especially after... after Vanessa," he admitted, voice raw with emotion.

Emma's smile faded as she cupped his cheek, understanding the depth of his worry. Vanessa had been a nightmare, a threat neither of them had expected. And it had left scars, invisible ones that Alex still carried more than he let on.

"I'm okay now, Alex. You don't have to—"

"I do," he cut in gently, his forehead pressing against hers. "I do have to, love. You're everything to me. I can't lose you. Not again," he said softly.

A lump formed in her throat as she whispered, "You're not going to lose me. I promise."

They stayed like that for a moment, their breaths mingling, hearts in sync. But then, Alex pulled back, a mischievous smirk replacing the vulnerability.

"So... can I come with you tomorrow?"

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Emma blinked, pretending like she didn't know he'd suggest that. "Come with me? On a girls' hangout?"

He nodded, expression far too innocent. "Yes. What if the lounge has bad service? Or sketchy lighting? Someone needs to protect you. I volunteer."

She burst into laughter, swatting his chest lightly. "Alexander Sterling, you are being ridiculous!"

He grinned wider. "And you're beautiful when you laugh. But I'm serious, Em. Let me tag along. I won't be okay letting you be on your own again after.... you know what I'm taking about."

Emma shook her head, trying to suppress her smile. "No way. You'd be bored out of your mind. Ivy and I will be talking about skincare, rom-coms, and gossiping. You'd hate it."

He leaned in closer, whispering near her ear, "I don't mind. As long as I get to be with you."

Her heart flipped, heat rising to her cheeks. "Stop using your charm against me. You're staying home."

Before Alex could say anything else, Claire returned, an involuntary smile appearing on her face when she saw how cozy they were.

"What's going on here? Don't you both have a room?" She asked with a shake of her head but none of them paid her attention.

Emma rolled her eyes before giving Claire her attention. "Welcome, Claire," Emma said and Claire sighed dramatically.

"Finally, someone's seeing me. I can't wait for tomorrow to be over so Alex can resume his duties at JB. I want to see how you'd live without Emma with you at the office," Claire said and Alex turned to her, remembering that he needed to have a conversation with Claire.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" Alex asked turning to Claire.

Seeing the seriousness on his face, she nodded, pushing aside her teasing comment.

"Sure, let's go to my room," she said looking at Alex before turning to Emm. "And I already had dinner so I'll be going to bed after the conversation."

Emma simply gave her a nod as she watched as Alex followed Claire to her room, the quiet sound of their footsteps filling the hallway.

The warmth and laughter from earlier lingered, but there was a shift in his demeanor. He needed Claire's support for something important—something that would mean the world to Emma.

Once they reached her room, Claire closed the door gently, her brows raised as she crossed her arms. "Alright, Alex. What's with the serious face? Is everything okay?"

Alex exhaled, running a hand through his hair before meeting her gaze. "Actually...yeah, everything's fine. I just need your help with something. It's about Emma."

Claire's expression softened instantly. "What is it? Is she okay?"

He nodded, his lips curving into a small smile. "She's perfect. But...I want to do something special for her. Something she'll never forget. Actually, it's been on my mind for quite some time now."

Intrigued, Claire sat on the edge of her bed, gesturing for him to continue.

Alex took a breath, his voice calmer now. "You know how passionate Emma is about her work—both her clothing designs and her graphic art. I was thinking of surprising her with a gallery. A place where she can showcase her designs, her artwork...everything. Not just fashion, but her creativity as a whole."

Claire's eyes widened, clearly impressed. "A gallery? Alex, that's...that's beautiful. She'd love that. You're serious about this, aren't you?"

He nodded firmly. "Completely. I want it to be something meaningful. She's always been so focused on her career, but I don't think she's ever really been celebrated the way she deserves to be. I want this gallery to honor that. To show her how proud I am of everything she's accomplished and is accomplishing."

Claire tilted her head, considering the idea. "What kind of gallery are we talking about here? Like a permanent space or a one-time event?"

Alex thought for a moment. "More of a permanent space. I want it to be a blend of her two worlds—her fashion line and her graphic designs. She's so talented in both areas, and I don't want her to have to choose. A space where both can coexist beautifully."

Claire nodded slowly, clearly picturing it. "That sounds...incredible. And you're right. Emma's never been the type to seek out the spotlight. But I think this would really show her how far she's come."

Alex's face softened as he spoke, his mind already racing with ideas. "I was thinking of opening it next month. For her birthday. It feels right, you know? Celebrating her art and her birthday together."

Claire's lips curled into a genuine smile. "That's really thoughtful, Alex. And you're doing this all by yourself?"

"I was hoping you'd help," Alex admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I've never planned something like this before. I could use your eye for detail...and maybe your connections?"

Claire chuckled softly. "I'd be honored. Whatever you need, consider it done."

Relief washed over Alex, and he reached forward, squeezing her hand gently. "Thank you, Claire. I just want her to know how much she means to me...without all the words for once."

Claire's eyes softened, seeing the sincerity in his. "She already knows, Alex. But this? This will be unforgettable. You're setting the bar pretty high for the rest of us, you know?"

Alex grinned, standing up. "Well, she deserves the best. And I'm going to make sure she gets it."