Ryan's eyes narrowed as he showed the text to Emma, his voice low and cautious:
"Do you know who sent this or what secret they might be talking about?"
Emma's expression turned pale, her eyes widening in alarm:
"No... I have no idea. But my past is complicated - there are things I haven't told even you."
Ryan's grip on her hand tightened reassuringly:
"Whatever it is, Emma, I'm not going anywhere. Tell me what's going on."
Just then, Sophie interrupted, oblivious to the tension:
"Guys, your real date is waiting - dinner reservations at 8 PM at that fancy restaurant downtown!"
Emma forced a smile, trying to shake off the unease:
"Sophie, perfect timing. We'll talk later, Ryan - promise."
As Sophie dragged Emma away to get ready, Ryan's eyes lingered on the mysterious text:
His mind racing with questions -
What secret could Emma be hiding?
And who would threaten to expose it?
He decided to do some digging before their date tonight.