Out of four well-known screenwriters, Neal managed to find a loophole to their signed contracts that gave him the advantage to expose their dishonesty towards their work. This exposure was not the only thing that shined light to his attention.
For past two weeks, he deliberately made several appearances out in public alongside his mother. These appearances made it known to the press that this secret lover of Emma Swan was not only Milah's son, but was on the verge of becoming Killian's new son.
Whenever reporters and the paparazzi caught up with Neal in public, he avoided making comments or answering any of their questions. Until one morning, he went outside of his mother's apartment for a stroll. As expected, photographers and reporters bombarded him. He hid his eyes with a pair of sunglasses, a single cigarette tucked behind one of his ears.
The reporters and paparazzi gathered around him, moving the same time Neal did. By the time he was away from his mother's apartment, he paused. This excited them all, reading this as a way of him finally making a statement.
Neal retrieved the cigarette from his ear and placed it in his mouth. Cupping one of his hands around the end of the bud, he lit it with his lighter. He took his time stuffing the lighter back in his pocket and taking a long drag of the freshly lit cigarette. Strangely, everyone fell quiet as well, while others flashed their cameras and filmed his every move.
His eyes were low to the floor. Without needing to hold the cigarette, he puffed out the smoke out of the corner of his mouth while holding the cigarette on the other. With a kick of his foot, he declared this was the time to give what they all wanted.
"I feel like talking today. But I'm not gonna answer any of your questions. So take it, as you will. Then fuck off."
None of them argued, but stayed quiet to hear what he has to say. So far, the press failed to receive any statements regarding the upcoming scandals, not including Ellie's interview. This was their opportunity to finally get something, even though it will leave much more unanswered.
Neal took the cigarette from his mouth and held it still between his fingers down by his side. He took another long moment to pause, looking still on the floor. From how he was filmed, the viewers are able to see he is thinking very carefully on what he has to say. At the very sight of him, he almost appeared very pitiful because the way he composed himself at that very moment, he looked incredibly unbothered, however, upset at the same time.
For a close up, some of the cameramen zoomed close to his face for viewers to see the face of the broken man who have been ruined.
"..I only loved two women in my life. My mother and..Emma Swan. There was a time in our lives when we were together very happily. But when it took its flight, I lost my mother to my friend who not only proposed to my own mother, but a woman who was not officially divorced. As of by now, I get I have a few enemies in Hollywood who hate my ass for exposing them. But the art of writing never skips a generation in my family, I just couldn't continue to keep my mouth shut and allow everything to go to wasted. And, if you can't write, let alone read a contract properly, you should have been out of a job years ago."
Neal placed the cigarette back in his mouth and took another long drag. After that, he simply walked away. Some of the reporters and paparazzi followed him all the way to the point he called for a cab and disappeared. Others left him, immediately racing to be one of the first to post what they have recorded thus far.
~ Emma changed into her black suit and a white blouse. This was the only suitable outfit that was not wrinkled or stained. Having been so busy with filming, she was behind on her usual trips to the laundry mat to get her suits properly dry cleaned and pressed. Bizarrely, this was the same outfit she wore the day she met Killian and Milah. It felt unusually fitting for this occasion for today was the day she will be resigning.
By a cab, she arrived to her workplace. As she exited the vehicle, she took a moment to stop and looked up at the familiar building. For years, she only came to this part of the city strictly for her job. Once she quits, she will have no other reason to come here.
She carried so many memories here. The first day she arrived, she was late and the morning security guard instantly made the impression she was going to be a late one for now on. She remembers so distinctly of her many trips to the stairs, and the lucky times she was able to use the elevator. However, going for the stairs was better at times because when she was late she would be impatiently holding onto the bar, hating anytime the elevator stopped to retrieve other people below her department.
Wedding planning was something she never thought she would allow herself to enjoy. Looking back, she never did then, and she still does not now. This was the alternative career for her when had to throw away her future plans to get into theatre. But she still felt immense gratitude for the job. Through trial and error, she learned to carry herself in a presentable way through proper choice of clothing and encouraging mannerisms that never crossed the line, knew how to budget no matter how high or low, studied cultures and trending brands, and never shied away from a challenge. It did build her to be stronger with skills she would have never learned without this experience.
Now today will be her last memory of her stepping foot in the building and never coming back.
The morning security guard saw Emma arrive. She turned her attention away from the building. Together, the two eyes' met. Some part of her feared he was going to reject her. All the security staff that worked day and night knew her as the tardy girl. They all were nothing but kind to her. However, with all these upcoming scandals, she wondered if she was going to be treated the same way – the old Emma who spent only a few seconds of her day to look at them because she was always running late.
The morning security guard opened the door for her. Emma held her breath as she slowly approached the entrance. They both continued to hold their gaze. When she reached the threshold of the entrance, the man slowly laid a hand on her arm and smiled.
"Is this the last time I'll ever open the door for you, Miss Swan?"
He was not going to judge her. He still saw her as that same person. Emma sadly nodded, deeply touched by his kind gesture.
"Sadly, yes. This will be my last time. Nobody trusts me to be their wedding planner anymore."
"Yeah, I've heard something about that. But they will find in themselves to trust you on something else. End things here and find what that is. Maybe, it'll be something you'll look forward to that it'll be impossible for you to be late for."
Emma grinned at that last remark. She gently took his hand that touched her arm, giving it a light squeeze.
"I will. Thank you, sir."
"I wish you luck."
After hearing his words, the whole trip to the elevator went by a breeze. The nerves she felt since arriving here melted away. It almost didn't bother her how others who shared her ride up the elevator stared at her, recognizing who she was.
Entering her workplace with confidence was key that Emma religiously followed. Not only did it convince her colleagues she was ready to begin the day, however, it prepared her mentally for the next couple who will be highly relying on her for a long-term commitment. Today will be her final walk of confidence.
Her boss normally did not stop by at work most days of the week. However, today was his rare days of coming by due to Emma's cheating scandal left the company's name tarnished.
Their meeting was short and brief. She didn't even sit down. They both knew very well of what they wanted. She no longer served any purpose for the company. He viewed her as replaceable.
She handed over her resignation letter and thanked him for trusting her to work independently after all these years. With a quick bow of her head, she left.
All aside from the guilt she felt for ruining the company, she could not help but feel relieved at the same time. It was a thorn removed from her back.
On her way down the elevator, she mentally gave herself a pep talk that what she was doing was beyond the right thing to do.
She survived a horrible car accident that almost took her life. She swallowed her pride on her desire to pursue acting, and found another career that served her well financially for herself and her parents. Now at twenty-eight, she finally found love, traveled the world that was not due to work, and returned to acting. Despite all the falls, she knew something greater would be in store for her.
The elevator reached the lobby and the doors opened. The people who were waiting to get on were surprised to see her. Some spoke loud enough for her to hear their disbelief of seeing her back at her workplace. She would normally look the other way and move quickly. But this time, she continued to not care. From across the room, she saw the kind morning security guard opening the door for a couple to enter the building.
Emma rushed over to the man. He turned around by the sound of her heels clicking. The minute he saw her, he presented her with the same smile he gave her every morning.
"Well, I did it. Now this will be the last time you'll have to open the door for me."
"Must feel good to end a chapter. Now you just gotta find what's coming for you. Look carefully now."
Emma nodded. "I will. Don't miss me when I'm gone. Any time soon, you'll be opening doors to another tardy wedding planner."
"Then, you yourself better catch up on finding what you wanna do. My ears will hear about it out in these streets. I'll have you know, I'll find out, certain it'll be nothing but good news."
He opened the door for her. Before stepping out, she took one long look at the man.
"Thank you. Really. Your words meant a lot to me. I'll make you proud out there, sir."
"You're very welcome, Miss Swan. Succeed in all you do. And continue to not put your head down. You cannot chase time with your eyes on the floor."
Emma grinned widely at the man. "Goodbye, sir."
"Goodbye to you, Miss Swan."
Emma stepped outside of the building and did not turn back. Today was an end to a long chapter.
A round of reporters and paparazzi spotted her and ran toward her. In the corner of her eye, she caught them coming her way. She composed herself and did not run or put her head down. She simply went on her own way even though they made it difficult as they crowded around her.
Emma blinked a few times at the strong flashes of light from the cameras. They were closing in on her personal space by the second. Fortunately, the morning security guard exited the building and had the other security staff come to her rescue. They broke through the gathering until they reached Emma. The morning security guard stood nearby her and brought his arm out to keep all of them at a distance.
She was unable to hear from everybody's shouting. Many of the reporters asked dozens of questions after another. It was impossible for her to hear their questions completely because they were talking over one another. Worst of all, their voices were combined with the security staff shouting at the reporters and paparazzi to back away from Emma.
"Give her space! It's a crime to crowd someone like this!" The morning security guard shouted aloud.
Together, the security staff circled around Emma and they moved altogether until they reached the street for Emma to get in a cab. The morning security guard stepped out of the circle to hail for a cab for Emma.
In recent pictures, there are endless shots of her constantly looking down or covering her face. Today, she allowed the cameras to photograph her the way she was, taking a good look at her appearance all exposed. She waited a little impatiently for her ride. There was a backing of traffic; it wasn't an easy task to hail a cab so easily.
The morning security guard yelled the loudest out of the other staff member. Due to his brief absence, Emma was now in a position of finally hearing the questions the press wanted her to answer.
"It is believed you had a relationship with Neal Gold?! Isn't that correct?!"
"What does Jones think about almost becoming a father to his own best friend and marrying his mother?!"
"Were you only recently in a relationship with Gold?!"
"Is the premiere for the upcoming movie canceled?! Will you be attending or not?!"
Emma was beyond overwhelmed by the swarm of questions they had. However, what caught her instantly off guard were their questions regarding Neal. She continued to avoid the news after Graham showed her and Killian the video clip of Ellie's interview. She knew the news would somehow creep up to her no matter how much precautions she took. Only, today the news came right to her.
He opened his mouth. Now everyone knows...
The morning security guard again broke through the crowd until he reached Emma. He laid a hand on her back and guided her forward, lifting his other arm out to encourage everyone to back away. When they reached the cab, he opened the door
for her to enter.
"Be safe now. Until again, Miss Swan. Good luck to you."
He shut the door and quickly turned around backing the reporters and paparazzi away.
The driver steadied his rearview mirror to be able to look at his next passenger. He cleared his throat to grab Emma's attention.
"Where to, miss?"
Emma was lost in thought she did not know how to answer that question. Her plan after this was to head back to her apartment and remain hidden from the press. But now knowing Neal exposed to the public of their past relationship, she did not want to go home.
She needed to see him. By now, she is aware that he will go as far as he desired, even if it meant bringing her down with Killian.
Compared to Killian, she was the only one Neal would be willing to talk to.
"Uh, actually, something came up. Can you just drive around the block? I just want to confirm with a friend if we're going to meet or not. Sorry."
The driver nodded and drove on.
Fortunately, the traffic bought her more time to decide what she should do next. She did not have Neal's number. And going to Milah's apartment to see if he's there was the last thing she wanted to do.
Then, a sudden thought came to her. She dug her hand in her purse and searched deeply inside until she felt Neal's cell phone in her hand. She remembered she left the phone he secretly gave her in her purse since she came back from London. She pulled it out and turned it on. It had enough battery for her to make a phone call.
She went to the contacts that only had one number saved: Neal's number. Her mind was racing over the fact she had no plan on what to do or say, other than, she needed to meet with him and talk.
The idea was mad to go talk to him, especially with the press knowing her as his ex-girlfriend. But knowing Neal, she was not going to get through to him by phone, she needed to speak with him in person and get to the bottom of his revenge.
She pressed the call option and nervously held the phone to her ear.
By one ring, he answered.
"Missed me already?"
Emma sighed deeply. She adjusted herself from the seat and leaned closer to the doorway. She took notice of the driver. For privacy, she slid the glass window shut that separated her from the driver. In case the driver might still be able to eavesdrop her, she mentally prepared herself to be careful with her choice of words, reminding herself not to use any names.
"I want to talk to you."
"We're talking now, aren't we?"
"You know what I mean. I am not planning on going on my knees and begging you to stop whatever you're planning to do next but…I got some things to say to you in person. I don't care where. Let's just meet and talk things out."
Neal fell quiet.
Quietly in her head, she prayed he would agree to see her.
There was not much she could do to persuade Neal to side with her. However, out of all this exposure, there was one thing that must be done no matter how far Neal will go: Neal and Killian must come to terms for their mistakes. If Neal was the same person he was many years ago, Emma knew that version of him so well just as much as he did of her.
Trust was strongly difficult for Neal to build. Killian passed to Neal as trustworthy at one point. But once broken, Neal did not believe in second chances and chose to always walk away from people who violated his trust.
For Milah and Ellie, Killian has a way to confront them of his wrongs, regardless if they accept his apologies or not. However, for Neal, he was the puppeteer to all the upcoming scandals. Being the craftsperson to build all this out in the open, he is by far the one person who will never make peace with Killian.
Emma still cared for Neal. All those times they spent together weren't for nothing. They were memories she treasured for years. She feels terribly heartbroken to see her friend going above and beyond to succeed in his revenge, by the end, he will continue to give no mercy. He will only push himself to no satisfaction.
"Be careful what you wish for," he finally spoken.
Emma broke away from her thoughts. She did not like the sound of that at all. Quickly, she regretted the way she worded her words. She licked her lips and was ready to defend herself for whatever scheme he had in mind.
"We are all being watched every single minute. Those crazy stalkers might squash me for good if you're going to pull something crazy out in the open."
Neal knew she was joking. However, hearing her say this brought worry to him. Using the press was the mold to his entire plan to bring Killian down. There was a part of him that he was worried all the amount of attention Emma will be receiving will do harm to her both mentally and physically.
But he shook away his concern. After all, she still refuses to come to his side. She chose to bake in the fire alongside her boyfriend. Then so be it.
"No, I'll spare you the humility for one day. If you want to talk to me and you don't care about the location, then come by to my place and we can have that conversation. I have a..well, you could say a 'safe house'. Haven't caught any paparazzi hiding around there, so you'll be fine."
Emma cursed inaudibly under her breath.
The idea of meeting Neal in person was horrible already. Meeting him at his place is just as horrible. The thought of Killian came to her mind instantly. He too will not be thrilled with her going over to Neal, regardless if there is no paparazzi, that was not the only concern. The two still have history together. From the few encounters she already experienced with him, he made several implications of still carrying feelings for her.
However, she desperately wanted the feud between Neal and Killian to end. The two men have not spoken to each other for years. As a result of never coming together, this is where they stand.
Emma chewed on her lower lip nervously. She sighed deeply and said the first thing that came to her head that was far from an answer.
"You know he is not going to be happy with me meeting you, especially at your place."
Neal chuckled. "You didn't tell, Jonesy? Why am I not surprised?"
"I..I guess it's crazy I want to meet you in general. Fuck, I'm half-convincing myself right now that I should just forget about all this."
"Just come over, Emma. I'm not going to leave trails of rose petals to my bed when you get here. Like you said, you want to talk to me, although there is nothing you have said to me that I have not heard or anything else I can only expect you to say. Whatever. Just come."
Emma believed Neal was telling the truth. It still was not right. But it gave her comfort for him to flat out and say exactly what she was concerned about.
"Ok. Alright, let's do that then. Just text me the address."
"Good. But also another thing, don't tell Killian until after we're done with our meeting."
Emma closed her eyes, knitting her brows together to the center. Her grip on the phone tightened to annoyance.
"Why? You know that's a bad idea."
"I think we both know that Killian will stop you at all cost for you to meet me. I have a strong guess he feels guilty towards me. But he also sees me as harmful. I mean, for fuck sakes, you two only arrived to New York for two weeks and I've managed to ruin you guys this fast. So, if you want to get through with meeting me and getting whatever you have off your chest, don't tell him. Tell him after."
Many ex-couples do not share relationships or fully know each other's new significant other. However, Emma and Neal had a special case. Both of them knew Killian very well in different lives: one during his youth and the other in his present adulthood. This provided them both advantages and disadvantages.
At this very situation, the advantage was fairly in Neal's favor for he was right to consider putting Killian in the dark about Emma meeting Neal. As for Emma, she was at a disadvantage that Neal was undeniably right and she will have to side with him.
"..okay. What time?"
"Why not now? You just quit your job. Don't you want to finish all your errands and go home right after? I know you. It gives you the deepest satisfaction to complete everything all in one go and get the fuck home."
Emma almost asked Neal how he knows about that. However, she stopped herself immediately. She was in the public eye. Any pictures to video shots of her breathing, standing outside of her apartment, or saying a single word were all put in the media as fast as lightening.
"Right now it is then. Text me the address."
"Looking forward to seeing you. Not much of what you have to say though. A little warning, Emma, if it's something I've heard before, I don't want to hear it."
Emma nodded. "I know. I'll see you soon."
She hung up the phone.
