Harmonizing Hearts (Darkest Symphony #1)

6. Chapter 6 Emma

A fter a shower, I sneak out of Jax’s room and hide in mine. After braiding my hair and wearing a pair of shorts and a top, I head downstairs. The delicious bacon smell makes my stomach grumble.

“You look happy.” Charlie's voice make me stop in track.

“I always am,” Jax replies. I want to move a step forward but I’m afraid to be caught eavesdropping.

“Nah, you look different and less grumpy.” It seems to be Dex’s voice but I can’t see from where I am. “You got laid.”

“Is it because of Emma?” Liam asks.

“Wait, you and…”

“Emma? What makes you think it’s because of her?” Jax’s voice cuts him off, his tone more serious now.

“Dunno, you two look friendly and I admit she’s gorgeous,” Liam continues.

“Nah, she’s not my type. I wanted to make her feel part of the family and involve her in our life since she has her nose on her laptop all day.” Jax replies. “She did a lot for us this week and I thought it was nice to… you know...”

I cover my mouth with my hands while I spin around and go back to my room. My foot slips over the last step but I manage to stay up while everything becomes blurry.

The words echo in my ears, searing into my heart like a knife. I can’t believe what I just overheard. The pain is raw, unbearable, as his words confirm my worst fears—that I was nothing more than a temporary distraction, an amusement to fill his time. What was I expecting? It’s just the way he is.

Fetching my cellphone, I frantically type out a text to Luke before letting it drop on my bed.

My hands tremble as I hurriedly pack my bags, trying to hold back the tears that threaten to spill over. How could I have been so blind? I thought we shared something real, something meaningful and for once he would have chosen me. Truth is I knew his rules but still I fooled myself.

I grab my suitcase and take one last look at the bedroom. With a heavy heart, I make my way to the door, steeling myself for what lies ahead.

As I step out onto the hallway, I take a deep breath, determined to find solace and clarity in this storm of emotions. Jax’s words replay in my mind, fueling my resolve to walk away from the illusion before getting hurt even more.

“Hey, Em, where are you going?” Jillian’s voice makes me freeze in place.

Gripping on my bag, I shrug. “Hey, I have a meeting in LA,” I lie.

“You sure?” She grips my shoulders and spins me around, “You seem ready to cry.”

“My face soap creeps in my eyes, I’m fine.” I giggle, silently praying that she believes it.

“I hate when it happens.” She sighs, “Come let’s have breakfast.” Jill links her arm to mine and we head downstairs.

“And here’s the ladies.” Dex chuckles, “Jax made pancakes and Emma, trust me, you’ll love them.”

“Why the bag?” Jax asks, placing the plate with pancakes on the kitchen island.

“I…” My eyes skirt to Luke since I’ve informed him already.

“If you’re ready,” Luke gets up, “we can hit the road, I don’t want to get stuck in the traffic jam.”

“I am, let me grab a coffee first,” I say while walking in the kitchen. Act normally, relax, and breathe. I pour myself a cup of coffee and drink it under Jax’s surprised gaze as he approaches.

“Is everything okay?” he asks as I drink as fast as I can.

I nod. “See you at Royals tonight.” Maybe , I silently add while forcing a smile.

He comes closer but I shake my head, “If you need a lift let me know.”

“I’m good.” I say while rinsing my cup, “Thank you all for the hospitality and see you tonight.”

“I’ll miss you, Em.” Jill squeezes me in a hug, “Text me, okay?”

“Absolutely, I’m a call away whenever you need me.” I wink at her while one at a time the guys come to say goodbye. Jax stares at me and I wear my glasses avoiding his gaze before I leave the house.

Luke peers at me and I shake my head at him, “Not now.”

With a mixture of anger and sadness, I hail in my car while Luke waves goodbye, my destination clear in my mind. I need to regain some common sense before tonight and going back to LA means I should inform Angel, which I’m not that fond of.

“Em, what’s wrong?” Luke peers at me in the rearview.

“I haven’t slept much and I’m a bit nervous,” I lie but it makes him shut up and leave me alone.

“Okay, now seriously, what’s going on?”

I feel the tears roll down my cheeks and I flop my head back shutting my eyes.

* * *

The night at Royal is a blur of lights, laughter, and music. During the dinner where I put up a happy face and act like nothing happened, it was easy since Jax was missing but I couldn’t miss Luke’s stare. After moving in the music area, surrounded by strangers and my friends, I dance, losing myself in the rhythm, hoping to forget even for a moment the ache that still lingers in my heart. But deep down, I know escapism won’t heal the wounds left by Jax’s words. I was too stupid and now I’m paying the consequences of my stupidity. Tonight I want to celebrate and forget everything, erasing the pain that slays me.

As the night progresses, I catch the eye of a stranger. He approaches me with a charming smile, offering a brief respite from the pain that threatens to consume me. There’s an undeniable attraction, and for a fleeting moment, I allow myself to be swept away by the allure of something new. He joins our table and I introduce him to everyone. Jax is nowhere to be seen but Jill assured me he’s taking care of something at the Casino and will join us soon.

Trey, the new guy, has his arm around my shoulders and I lean into his embrace. I know the exact moment Jax has joined the room and spotted us. I can feel his eyes on my back but I don’t care. Laughing at a joke, I look up at Trey and he winks at me. There’s a genuine fire in his eyes that ignites a spark within me—a reminder that I am more than the hurt I carry. The cell phone keeps buzzing in my clutch, getting on my nerves and I peek at it.

Jax: The fuck you’re doing, Em?

Jax: Lose him, now.

Jax: Em, I swear god I’ll break all his fucking fingers if he touches you again.

I know it’s an awful payback but that’s okay, I read the texts and lock the cell phone back, ignoring him.

When Jax finally joins our table, I can feel his eyes burning me but again I play cool and lean on Trey’s arms. He leans closer but I rest my forehead against his chest.

“Can I have a word?” The hardness in Jax’s voice didn’t pass unnoticed to any of the presents.

Lazily and with an annoyed voice I ask, “With me?” Jax clenches his jaw a few times before nodding. I get up and follow him toward the bar.

“What are you doing?” he snaps at me.

“Enjoying my night?” I fire back. Not that I have to explain anything to him. I turn my back to him and walk to our group, leaving him standing there.

As the night draws to a close and the others go to the Club, I make a bold choice—I leave with Trey. The guy gets the hint I don’t want company outside the Club but he walks me to my car and wishes me goodnight.

The night ends in my apartment, alone. As I lie there, tangled in the sheets, the emptiness seeps back in, mingling with a sense of loss. Trey has offered a temporary distraction, but it can never replace what I thought I had with Jax. It was all in my head and I fooled myself. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a happy ending.

With a heavy heart, I slip out of my bed, and start packing my luggage for the weeks I’ll be off. The weight of my actions settles upon me, a reminder of the depths to which my pain has driven me.

But despite the anguish, a flicker of strength stirs within me. I won’t let Jax’s words define me. I won’t allow myself to be swallowed by bitterness. I’m ready to face the consequences of my choices, to rebuild my shattered illusions, and who knows one day find a love that is genuine and true.