Novel Palace
Chapter 97
Chapter 97
97 The Intricacies of Past and Present
Desmond’s feelings of annoyance simmered beneath the surface. He couldn’t help but think that
Emma was still taking Alex’s side. Why else would she constantly herself in his orbit, despite
their divorce? To Desmond, it seemed like a sign that Emma hadn’t fully let go of her past with Alex, a
thought that gnawed at him.
Meanwhile, Alex, who just so happened to be at that same restaurant, struggled to maintain a facade of
indifference. Despite their separation, Emma’s proximity stirred something within him, a mix of
discomfort and an inexplicable pull.
Emma, aware of the situation’s complexity, suggested, “Let’s focus on our meal and not draw attention
to ourselves. I need to get
with Alex, preferring to keep ho back to work soon.” She wanted to avoid any further interaction
personal and professional lives distinct.
As they resumed their meal, Desmond’s actions spoke louder than words. He casually draped his arm
around Emma’s shoulder, a gesture that didn’t sit well with her, but she chose not to react, not wanting Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
to escalate the situation further.
Alex, observing this from across the room, felt a surge of emotions he couldn’t quite place. Was it
jealousy, irritation, or something else entirely? It was a question he couldn’t answer, but the sight of
Emma with another man was unsettling.
Lennox, who had accompanied Alex to the restaurant, noticed the tension. “Seems like there’s still
some unfinished business between you two,” he commented, trying to gauge Alex’s reaction.
Alex, attempting to brush off his feelings, responded, “It’s nothing. Let’s just focus on our own table.”
Back at Emma and Desmond’s table, the mood was tense. Desmond, still trying to make sense of the
situation, questioned Emma, “Do you still have feelings for Alex? You can’t seem to take your eyes off
him.”
Emma sighed, her patience wearing thin. “Desmond, we’re divorced. Whatever feelings I had for Alex
are in the past. Let’s just enjoy our lunch.”
Desmond wasn’t entirely convinced but decided to let the matter rest for the moment. Their lunch
continued in an uneasy silence, both lost in their own thoughts.
Across the room, Alex’s mind was a whirlwind of memories and emotions. His gaze kept drifting back to
Emma, each glance a reminder of their shared past. The sight of her laughing and talking with
Desmond stirred something in him, a sense of loss and longing he couldn’t shake off.
Lennox observed Alex’s internal struggle with a mixture of sympathy and curiosity. “It’s hard to move
on, isn’t it? Especially when there’s so much history between you two.”
Alex didn’t respond, his thoughts too tangled to articulate. He took a sip of his drink, hoping it would
ease the turmoil within him.
As lunch came to an end, Emma and Desmond prepared to leave. As they stood up, Emma caught
97 The Intricacies of Past and Present
Alex’s eye one last time. There was a moment of unspoken understanding between them, a recognition
of their shared history and the complexity of their current situation.
Desmond, noticing the exchange, felt a twinge of jealousy. He couldn’t help but wonder if Emma would
ever truly be free of her past with Alex.
Alex watched them leave, a sense of regret washing over him. He had let Emma go, but part of him.
wondered if it was the right decision. The sight of her with someone else was a harsh reminder of what
he had lost.
As Emma and Desmond walked out of the restaurant, the weight of their past hung heavily between
them. Both were grappling with the aftermath of a marriage that had left them both changed, for
better or worse.