As Emma waited patiently over the phone for the person to pass it to Ryder, she heard him say, "Sir, someone wants to speak to you." "It's urgent," he added. Emma could feel Ryder's hesitation until the phone was passed to him, and he spoke in an emotionless tone, "Who's this?"
"Ryder..." Emma replied, her voice choking and fading off. She felt a lump form in her throat, and for a moment, she couldn't speak. Nausea washed over her, and she had to gather herself to continue. Meanwhile, Ryder's eyebrows rose as he recognized her voice.
"I... it's me, Emma," she stammered. "I've missed you so much, Ryder. I've been searching for you since you suddenly went distant and started acting strange. I—"
Ryder cut her off, his voice devoid of emotion. "What do you want?"
"It's important, Ryder. We can't discuss it over the phone. I really need to see you again. Besides, I've missed you..." Emma's voice cracked, and tears filled her eyes.
Ryder's response was swift and scornful. "Since you can't discuss it over the phone, then don't bother."
Emma took a deep breath and blurted out, "I'm pregnant. I just discovered it last week."
"How long?" Ryder asked curtly.
Emma hesitated before responding, "Four weeks... it's a month now. I'm going to have our baby." Her voice was laced with tears and a hint of desperation.
Ryder's words were like a slap in the face. "This child isn't mine. And as long as I'm concerned, it's a bastard. If you know what's good for you, terminate that thing and never bother thinking of calling me or this line again. In fact, we're done. What we had was fake. I have a family and a life to pursue."
The words were like a knife to Emma's heart. She sat frozen on the bed, her phone still clutched in her hand, until it slipped to the ground. The only sound was her anguished whisper: "Nooo..."
The theme of this chapter appears to be the pain and heartbreak that can come from unrequited love or a toxic relationship. Ryder's harsh words and Emma's desperation highlight the emotional struggle she's going through.