Not A Criminal

CHAPTER 89

In the evening, we found ourselves in the living room, an awkward silence hanging between us that has become more familiar these past few days. Alexander was perched on the edge of the cushy armchair, his eyes fixed on the antique clock on the wall. I was sprawled on the couch, a book in my lap that I wasn't really reading.

"I didn't mean for things to get this complicated, Emma," Alexander finally broke the silence, his voice filled with regret. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, my heart pounding in my chest. But I didn't respond, merely turning a page in the book.

"I... I just thought I was helping them," he continued, his gaze now fixed on me. "I thought I was giving them a platform, an opportunity to showcase their talent, it's complicated now but it will-."

I scoffed, finally closing the book and turning to face him. "By exploiting them, Alex? By taking advantage of their dreams?"

He flinched as if I had physically struck him. "I.