Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 15

A few beats passed before he finally spoke.

"I was under the impression Emily hasn't worked in years."

"If she's leading this project, can you guarantee its success?"

His tone wasn't aggressive, but the doubt in his words cut sharp.

Susan hesitated, then recovered fast.

"Alex, I don't make bad bets."

"Back in college, Emily won multiple awards for her work."

"She's more than capable, regardless of the time away."

Alex tapped his fingers against the file.

Silent. Considering.

Emily hadn't expected Susan to vouch for her like that.

She took a steady breath, breaking the quiet.

"This project is built on AI's adaptability—designed to offer women companionship tailored to their needs."

"In a world full of uncertainties, at least AI can promise them loyalty."

She met his gaze head-on.

"Users can customize their ideal partner, down to the last detail."

Alex studied her for a moment, then pushed the contract toward her.

"Then let's make it happen."

Susan's eyes went wide.

Just like that?

Alex stood, adjusting his cufflinks.

"I have another engagement, so I won't be staying for dinner."

"The bill's taken care of. My secretary will draft the contract tomorrow."

"Let's hope this partnership benefits us both."

And just like that, he was gone.

Susan finally snapped out of her shock.

She grabbed Emily in a bear hug.

"Holy shit, Emily! You're my goddamn lucky charm!"

Emily was still processing.

"He… just agreed?"

Susan beamed.

"Damn right, he did!"

"You have no idea—this guy is a nightmare to deal with. But you—"

She narrowed her eyes.

"Wait. Do you two know each other?"

Emily didn't bother lying.

"Barely. We've met once."

Susan sucked in a breath.

"No way. You think he's into you?"

Emily sighed, gesturing at her bruised face.

"You saying he's got a thing for battered women?"

Susan burst out laughing.

"Okay, okay, point taken."

"Screw it—let's celebrate!"

"We're eating good tonight, on Carter's dime!"

With Alex footing the bill, they went all out.

By the time they left, the sky was deep black, the moon glowing high and bright.

Pure. Steady. Unwavering.

Emily smiled to herself.

The past was dead.

The future? Just beginning.

A full day of silence.

Emily hadn't called.

"Watch and learn."

The night was just getting started.

Three days into the cold war.

The air at home felt different.

Lily had been coming over a lot these days, but he couldn't bring himself to deal with her.

The whole romance thing?

Lost its charm.

"Mia, the seafood chowder tastes off today."

Mia was the housekeeper he'd called over from the old estate.

With Emily gone, someone had to take care of his daily needs.

Mia sighed, seeing him so down.

"Sir, I just got here."

"If the chowder tastes off, it's not me—it's you. You're just not used to it."

It wasn't the chowder.

It was the person missing.

James put down his spoon, his appetite gone.

He pulled out his phone.

The screen was blank, no notifications.

Usually, her calls would blow up his phone, but now? Not even a single text.

Could it be...

Had she moved on?

He felt a surge of frustration and swept the dishes off the table.

Emily, how could you move on?

I won't allow it!

Mia came over to clean up the mess.

Watching her crouch down, James was overwhelmed with emotions.