CHAPTER FOURTEEN - FLOWERS DON’T FIX BETRAYAL

Emma's hand trembled as she turned the doorknob. The door swung open, revealing Marcus standing in the rain, his dark hair plastered to his forehead. He clutched a bouquet of sunflowers - Emma's favorite - and a worn photo album. "Emma," he breathed, his blue eyes wide with a mixture of hope and fear. Emma's voice wavered. "Marcus, what are you doing here?" Sarah appeared behind Emma, her face a mask of disapproval. "I think you should leave, Marcus." Marcus swallowed hard. "Please, I just want to talk. Five minutes, that's all I'm asking." Emma glanced at Sarah, then back at Marcus. "Okay. Five minutes." They moved into Sarah's living room, the tension palpable. Sarah hovered nearby, arms crossed. "Sarah," Emma said softly. "Could you give us a moment?" Sarah's eyes flashed. "Are you sure?" Emma nodded. "I'll be okay." Reluctantly, Sarah retreated to her bedroom, leaving Emma and Marcus alone. Marcus set the flowers and album on the coffee table, then reached into his jacke