*****Emma***** I stared at the whole family in shock and couldn't help but feel like a stranger. “I…I didn't do anything to the food” I stammered, as hot tears rolled down my cheek “Well if you didn't, go ahead and taste it,” Mrs Brooks said, anger evident in her voice. As we all stood in silence, Ethan walked up to taste the food on my behalf but was immediately stopped by his mother for fear that her son might lose his life. “I won't let my wife be insulted in this house if you won't let me taste the food, and neither will she," Ethan said as he held my wrist firmly. “And you better be right about what you saw Bella, else you would hate me" he spat with anger in his voice. We all stood in awkward silence for a while that felt like almost an eternity, when suddenly Bella burst into a loud laughter throwing everyone into a frenzy. “Relax, relax everyone. I was just kidding.” She said with a smile. “I was just playing a fast one Bella to see her reaction. Stop being uptight and
*****Emma*****I was too lost in thought that I didn’t hear my name being called, but after some time, I jolted back to reality.As Ethan called my name and asked for a pillow, I snapped out of my reverie, realizing that I had been lost in my imagination. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I quickly retrieved a pillow for him, trying to shake off the lingering traces of desire that had clouded my mind just moments ago."Here you go," I said, handing him the pillow with a sheepish smile."Thanks," he replied, giving me a curious look, though he didn't press further.As Ethan settled onto the couch, I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at the abrupt end of my daydream. It was clear that nothing had happened between us beyond my own imagination.Turning away, I focused on preparing for bed, trying to push aside the lingering feelings of longing that still lingered. The night had taken an unexpected turn, leaving me to confront the reality of my own desires and the compl
*****Emma*****Standing in shock staring at Bella I couldn't help but wonder what could be running through that mind of hers. She wore this crazy smile that made me nervous and uncomfortable, but I had to put on a confident look just not to get intimidated by her.“Bella” I called, as she stood still without saying a word. “You know nothing happened between me and Jake. He was just being an ass, so do not make this a big deal please”“I am not making a big deal out of anything. I saw what I saw. I saw you and him in a suspicious position, and I will only say what I saw when the time comes, nothing more.” She said with a smile “Unless, of course, you decided to do what I say” she addedTaking a deep breath, I went on to ask what it was she wanted, and just before she could respond, Ethan showed up. “Hi Emma,” he said, but held his horses when he saw Bella “Bella” he called, confusion written on his face“What are you doing here? What are the both of you discussing?” he questioned curio
“It looks like I will have to make the decision for you, considering that I introduced her to you,” Alex said as he looked at Ethan.“We were happy, weren't we? This was supposed to be a contract marriage but then I felt my heart yearning for you and wanting to give you the best. Everyone was against this union, but I fought for you, but this is what I get in return right?” Ethan questioned with tears forming in his eyesEverywhere was dead silence as the only thing I could hear was the beating of my own heart.“I would ask you these questions one more time in the presence of Ethan, Isabella, my mum, and Ethan's mum” Alex began, staring deep into my eyes as though he wanted to control my thoughts and answer“Did you or did you not have an affair outside your marriage?” he questioned. In that cold moment, my eyes met with Alex and I noticed the sly smile on his face “I did,” I eventually responded, my eyes landing on Ethan's disappointed face. I didn't want to meet eyes with my mum, I
***Six months earlier***____Phone Beeps_____*****Emma*****Today was like every other day for me, although there was something special today. My morning started with my phone beeping with both text messages and threatening calls from my father's creditors and it had been my alarm for the past few days.My mother, Jane Parker, and I had just moved to New York City after my father passed away, leaving us with debts to settle. I wanted a fresh start for myself and my mother, and this came with the hope of getting my dream job.I had an interview with Brooks Modelling Agency, an interview I had prayed and fasted to get and now it was here. I wanted to make the best first impression, so I woke up earlier than usual, did my house chores, and got dressed for the interview an hour earlier.With nothing else to do, but just wait, I brought out my phone and began surfing the internet for past audition videos, and also to perfect my cat-walking skill, as I rehearsed.“Mum!” I called, as the su
*****Ethan*****It has been a stressful day and the thought of having a wife hung on my neck like never before. I guess bearing the last name… Brooks… comes with a lot of responsibility than I bargained for. "Seriously, man, what were you thinking before making that post? You should have consulted me before making that announcement," Alex lamented to me as we walked into my office.Alexander Harrington, Alex for short, was my best friend, and we've been friends since childhood. A few months ago, I was just announced as the CEO of my family's multi-million-dollar empire, the House of Brooks, making me the youngest CEO in New York City, and immediately I made Alex my right-hand man.The House of Brooks controlled different subsidiaries which include; the Brook Jewelry, the Brooks Club, the Brooks Fashion House, and the Brooks Modeling Agency. They were all top-notch and high-quality. Amongst all these subsidiaries, Brooks Chemical was the primary source of my family income.“Come on, E
*****Emma*****…Considering how famous Ethan was, with his face boldly printed on every magazine and news outlet in the whole of New York City, everyone would know him, including me, but he came with his face fully covered with sunglasses, a face cap, and a nose mask. The darkness of the room and the face cover made it impossible for me to know who was behind the disguise.The smack on Ethan's face was not just felt by him but also by Alex, as this was all new to him."This would teach you to respect a woman and not talk trash about anyone just because you have some change in your pocket," I yelled angrily."Have you both lost your voices suddenly? Or do you want me to give you a second smack to restore the voices?" I asked.Feeling the heat and pain of the slap, Ethan took off the glasses, mask, and cap to have a breath of fresh air.Suddenly, a heavy wave from nowhere pushed me back to my seat, with my hands in my mouth."What have I done?" I murmured. A few hours ago, I was just re
*****Emma*****Suddenly a lady, luxuryily dressed stepped out and took a stride to the car, flinging her fingers indicating that I lowered the window and I did without a thought.Although I couldn’t recall where I had met her before I could tell that her face was so familiar.“Who are you?” she suddenly asked before, throwing me off balance as I locked eyes with herSnapping her fingers in my face, I snapped back to reality.“I am nobody” I responded, not wanting to piss her off. I've had a long day and my presence was needed at the hospital, Arguing with some overgrown baby was not on my agenda“Do I look like a fool to you? So you are the reason Ethan has been avoiding me?” she questioned. her eyes bulging with a stern face“Madam, I do not know who you are or what your problem is with me. But if you would please just take your car off the road and just let me…”I had barely finished my sentence when she suddenly held my hair, forcefully pulling it out from the window. Just when I