Meanwhile, at the Li company...
Ryder hung up the phone and handed it to his assistant, his movements swift and precise. "Never let her call again," he said coldly, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Yes, boss," the assistant replied, bowing slightly before leaving Ryder's office. The door closed softly behind him, leaving Ryder alone with his thoughts.
Ryder slumped into his chair, letting out a deep sigh as he ran his hands through his hair. He couldn't believe he'd spoken to Emma like that. The words had come out of his mouth like venom, poisoning the air between them. He felt a pang of guilt, but he pushed it aside. He had to do what was best for him, for his family, and for his future.
As he sat there, his mind began to wander back to Emma. He remembered the way she used to smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed. He remembered the way she felt in his arms, the way she fit perfectly against him. Ryder's chest tightened, and he felt a lump form in his throat. He missed her, he realized. He missed the way things used to be between them.
But he couldn't go back to her. He couldn't be with her, not now, not when he had responsibilities to attend to. Ryder's phone rang, breaking the silence in the room. He checked the caller ID and cursed softly. What now? he thought, irritation rising to the surface.
"Hey," he said curtly, answering the phone.
"Darling, your mother wants you home now. It's urgent," the voice on the other end said, with an air of authority.
Ryder sighed, feeling a sense of dread wash over him. What did his mother want now? "Fine," he replied sharply, not wanting to prolong the conversation. He hung up the phone and picked up his keys, heading out of the office.
Meanwhile, at Emma's place...
Emma sat on her couch, staring blankly at the wall as tears streamed down her face. Ryder's words echoed in her mind, cutting her deep. "You're just a bastard," he'd said, his voice cold and detached. The words felt like a knife to her heart, twisting and turning, making her feel like she was worthless.
She slapped herself hard in the face, the sting of the slap bringing her back to reality. She couldn't believe she'd let Ryder treat her like this. She couldn't believe she'd let herself fall in love with him. Emma broke into sobs, the pain and hurt pouring out of her like a flood.
As she cried, she felt a strange sense of determination rising up inside her. She would not let Ryder's words define her. She would not let him break her. Emma wiped her tears, her eyes red and puffy. She looked down at her belly, feeling a sense of wonder and awe. She was carrying a life, a tiny human being who depended on her for everything.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Emma placed her hand on her belly, feeling the tiny life growing inside her. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "I will raise you on my own," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I will give you the best life possible, no matter what."
As she sat there, feeling a sense of determination and purpose, Emma erased Ryder's number from her phone. It was a symbolic gesture, but it felt liberating. She was cutting ties with the man who had hurt her, the man who had broken her heart.