"Emily, about what you're doing," he started, his tone somewhat stern.
"This sneaky journalist approach, digging into my past, isn't going to get you anywhere."
Emily looked taken aback by his harsh tone and quietly replied.
"I'm just doing my job...
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***Walking Away***
The days after Isabella's surgery were a whirlpool of emotions for Amy. With Alex almost entirely consumed by his vigil over his lost love, she found herself struggling with a complicated blend of concern, frustration, and loneliness.
Amy's visits to the hospital became increasingly uncomfortable. Seeing Alex's devotion to Isabella stirred emotions in her that she couldn't quite understand. Of course, she was happy for Isabella's recovery, but there was a pang of jealousy, a longing for something she couldn't quite put her finger on.
With each visit, the hospital's walls seemed to close in on her, amplifying her feelings of isolation. The subtle glances shared between Alex and Isabella were a constant reminder of something she felt she'd lost.
Unable to bear the situation any longer, Amy stopped going to the hospital altogether. She buried herself in work, allowing the demands of her job to consume her. It was a welcome distraction, a way to escape the whirlpool of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
But even at work, she couldn't entirely shake the sense of loss. Her thoughts would drift to Alex, the hospital, and the unspoken feelings that lingered between them. It was a gnawing ache, a wound that refused to heal.
Marcus, noticing her struggle, became a steadying presence. He was there to offer a comforting word, a reassuring smile, and a listening ear.
"Amy, you're working yourself too hard," Marcus said, leaning against her office doorframe, concern etched on his face.
Amy looked up from her cluttered desk, her eyes weary. "I need to, Marcus. It's the only way I can keep my mind off... everything else," she replied, her voice faltering.
Marcus walked over and took a seat across from her. "You can't run from your feelings forever, Amy. You're allowed to feel what you feel. And you don't have to face it alone."
She sighed, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I know, Marcus, but it's not that simple. I don't even know what I'm feeling anymore."
He reached across the desk, placing his hand over hers. "It's okay to be confused. It's okay to be hurt. But you don't have to carry this burden by yourself."
A small smile played on her lips. "I'm glad you're here, Marcus. Your support means a lot."
He grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Hey, that's what friends are for, right? Now, how about we take a break and grab some lunch? You look like you could use some fresh air."
Amy hesitated for a moment, then nodded, her smile growing. "You know what? That sounds like a great idea."
They headed out to a nearby café, where Marcus managed to draw genuine laughter from Amy with his playful banter and lighthearted stories. For a little while, the weight on her shoulders seemed to lift.
