EMMA.I walked into the office with my head held high. I knew everyone stared as I walked by. I was wearing a new suit. One that I bought for myself. I wanted everyone to know I could afford my clothes. The theory of me stealing Isabella's clothes was fake, and far fetched.“Good morning, Ms Martinez,” Anna greeted with a smile as I passed by her desk.I had purposely walked in late just so everyone could see me.“Morning, Anna. Any meetings scheduled today?” I asked, lingering outside the office. More people passed, and I watched as their eyes lingered. That was good.“I'll come in with your schedule, ma'am.” She replied. I could tell she was even more excited than I was.“Good. I'll be expecting you,” I replied.I strode into my office.I watched as Isabella watched me from her desk. I dropped my new handbag on the desk.Anna walked in immediately. “Did you see the look on everyone's faces?” She asked, her eyes glistened in excitement. “It's good they have something else to talk abo
EMMA.At about six-thirty, I heard my phone ring. I picked it up to find out Faith was calling. This would be the first time I was speaking to her since the wedding. I answered the call immediately.“Hey, babes!” her vivacious voice came through the phone in a squeal. I loved how she was always excited to speak to everyone.“Hey, darling. Or should I say Mrs Marcus?” I teased.“That's about right!” She replied with a smile. I placed the phone by a stack of books, revealing my upper half.She had the phone close to her face.“Where are you at?” “Guess,” I bit my lip. There was a possibility they had flown to a different country to round up the honeymoon. “Maldives?” I guessed. I could see a bikini strap on her shoulder.“Why would you think that?” She asked, with a grin.“You're wearing a bikini,” I pointed out.“Oh, that. I just went for a quick swim in the pool” she replied. Her moist hair was plastered on her forehead.“Where are you then?”I watched as she pulled the phone backwa
ANNAEverytime, the thought of Alex passed my mind, I would always tell myself I was done with him. I would always promise to never return back to him, but I would always find myself back in his arms. As I picked up my panties from the floor, I felt tears welling up my eyes. I had let him use me again. I succumbed to his schemes. I turned to find him buckling up the belt in his trousers.I quickly threw my shirt over my head. I stashed the bra in my hand bag. It was already too late.I picked up my phone, and walked out the door without another word. I wasn't sure I would be able to actually speak to him without crying. I had betrayed myself l, yet again.I heard his footsteps fall behind me, as he hurried to catch up. I increased my pace.“Emma,” He called my name. I wiped my eyes, as I walked even faster. I didn't want to ever see his face, again.His hand gripped me, pulling me towards him. I turned to face him, and before I could even think better of it, my hands flew right across
ANNA.I stood by the door, holding my breath. I didn't want to walk in. I couldn't even fathom what would happen if I walked in. I silently pictured Alex sitting on his favorite couch with his long legs on my table. He would probably be half asleep, and two of his bodyguards would be standing by the door. John would be lucky to leave in a healthy condition, and even if he did, I doubted if he would ever want to speak to me again. How would I explain my married boss sitting shirtless in my living room?“Are you alright?” John asked, pulling me out of my trance. “The door is unlocked,” I revealed.Maybe it would give him a bit of sympathy if he thought I had no idea Alex would be in my home. “Let me go in,” he offered.My eyes nearly bulged out of my socket. “It's risky,”“I'm the risk,” he replied.I took a step backwards, and let him take the lead. I watched as he walked in. I expected commotion, shouting, probably some hitting, but none of that happened.“Uhm, Emma?” He called my a
ANNAAs I stepped into the large hall, I was in awe. I had to clamp my mouth shut, to prevent myself from gawking at the designs. This was supposed to be the dinning? I silently wondered what the office would look like. I looked around, noticing every carving, every design, every turn. It was truly a work of art.“Card?” The butler present asked. I pulled out my invitation card, and handed it over. He scanned it, then returned it back to me. I smiled as he paved the way for me. I walked in.The view was even more beautiful from the inside. “Wow!” I exclaimed.“Isn’t it the most beautiful sight?” A feminine voice came from behind me. I turned around to find a beautiful blonde in a red dress. Her lips spread into a bright smile. It was a wonder her thick red lipstick hadn't stained her teeth.“I'm Laura,” she greeted, as she extended her arm. “Emma Martinez.” I replied, taking her hand. She was drop dead gorgeous.“You're from Locus Architects Ltd,” she suggested with a hint of doubt.
ISABELLAI thought that minor argument was the last one for the night, but obviously, I was mistaken. “Stop the car,” Alex said to the driver, barely five minutes after we had exchanged words.“Now, sir?” The driver asked. I could understand his disbelief. It was almost midnight.“Stop the fucking car.” He demanded with more enthusiasm. The driver quickly screeched the car to a halt.I watched as the other cars stopped. It was night time, so we were the only ones on the road. Alex picked up his jacket, and pushed the door open.“Where are you going?” I asked, with a strained voice. I was exhausted.“Take her home,” he ordered the driver, clearly ignoring me. I watched as he walked into one of our other cars.I hissed, as I wrapped my arms around my chest. Everyday, his attitude worsened. He despised me even more.The car Alex had stepped into separated itself from the rest of us, and I watched as it took another route. He was definitely not heading home, but I knew where he would be-
EMMAThroughout the entire party, John introduced me to everyone he knew, and had access to. I met the entire partners in his firm, his assistant, his colleagues. The list was endless. Occasionally, he would massage my hand with his thumb. “Are you alright?” he would occasionally ask, and I would nod. I grew to realize that most of his colleagues were married, and even a few were expectant. He, Laura and about two others were His tone only changed when Laura walked up to us. She smiled, as she sat directly next to him. I felt his body stiffen.Laura carried the conversation easily, as they argued about politics, human rights, and the likes. I was left out, but not offended. I liked to listen to elites speak about their interests.Occasionally one of his colleagues would ask for my opinion, and I would try my best to give an appropriate answer.All seemed to be going well until Laura and John got into an argument. Unfortunately, it was a topic I had no experience in, so I silently wa
ISABELLA.I barely slept last night. Not after what I had seen at Alex's hotel room. I even tried to lay my head there, maybe the scent or feel of his presence would make me feel less horrible. It didn't.I walked into my office, silently hoping I didn't look as horrible as I felt. I wiped my eyes, as soon as I pushed my shades off.My assistant walked towards me, and I glared at her. I wasn't in the mood to work. I just wanted to see my husband. Why wouldn't anyone get that?“Good morning, ma'am.” She greeted me.“What do you want?” I barked. Did she want to use me to get to my husband too? Did she want to ruin my mood even further?She flinched at my question.“Are you deaf?” I sized her up with my eyes. “I wanted to help you with your bag,” she muttered in a low tone.I glared even harder. “My bag isn't heavy. As lazy as you think I am, I can actually lift a bag myself.” “Ma'am, I don't think you're lazy. I just wanted to help.” She replied, with a croaking voice. I could see te
EMMA.The soft, slow, yet strong push of the wind, moved me gently towards the water.My eyes were still closed as I heard, and felt the splash.I closed my eyes refusing to give into the kick of opening my eyes.Soon enough, I felt the water flow into my nose, and that was when I got back to my senses.I flapped my hands in the water, trying to find a way to stay atop but the pull of the water kept trying to pull me in. The water which had seemed calm was suddenly ready to swallow me. I grew on alert immediately.I opened my mouth, trying to get some air, but salty water flowed right in.Right there, fear set in. I flapped repeatedly, trying to stay above.I didn't want to die. What was I thinking?Why did I jump?Why did I take that step?Tears built up in my eyes as I tried my best to stay above the water.“I don't want to die,” I kept repeating to myself. I really didn't want to die.I looked around, trying to find a way out, but I was lost. I was in a large lake, and no one would
EMMA.Soon enough, our food arrived and Kristina was brave enough to ask the waiter for his number.First, he had smiled politely as he rejected the offer.I wasn't the least bit surprised. I knew it had to be against some sort of rule for them to give out their numbers or identities. There would be compromise.“He'll be back,” Kristy said as he walked out.I chuckled silently as I dug into my meal. It was truly amazing how much she believed in her beauty and energy.Of course, a lot of good looking people knew what they were but hers was divine. It was lovely.Hours later, we had somehow finished all our meals and were ready to leave. Luckily, Kevin returned to pick up the bill.She paid, and he handed us a receipt.As he walked away, I watched Kristina smile into the receipt.“Why are you smiling?”“Nothing,” she replied, tucking the paper into her jeans.“Kristina!” I exclaimed in a low tone,“I told you he'll be back.”“Girl…”She pursed her lips, smiling broadly.“Girl, you're go
EMMA.“So, you're worried there's a chance someone will recognize you?” Kristy asked,“Of course. It'll be a shame.”“No it won't.”“Do you know what you're saying? If someone recognizes me as the girl from Alexander's scandal, they will label me a slut and home wrecker. I would be doomed.”“No one will recognize you. The media focuses on too many people at once. By now, they're already looking at other celebrity scandals.”“You have a point though,” I agreed, taking a seat.We looked around, watching other booths. They were filled with different people, each having casual conversations.“Everyone looks so normal,” Kristy stated out.I turned to face her with a smile, “I was thinking the exact same thing!” She grinned. “No extra dinner dresses, not really any heavy makeup. Everyone just looks casual, and normal. It's beautiful.”“Indeed, it is.” I agreed.A waiter approached us with a menu in hand. “Welcome ladies,” he greeted us with a broad smile,Kristy sheepishly smiled back, a
EMMA.We both walked out of the house. I left my head hanging low, I didn't want Kristy seeing me so teary.“I'll drive,” she offered, taking the keys from my hand. I didn't resist it.I didn't think I would be fit to be behind the wheel.I sat into the shotgun seat of the car, still keeping my head low. There were so many reasons tears kept pouring from my eyes, but I couldn't focus on one.I sniffed hard, as Kirsty got in.I wiped my eyes, looking up to meet the pitiful look on her face.“Are you good?” She asked,I nodded.“We need to find where we can lay our heads tonight,” I said to her, looking at the road.“Where do you suggest?”“I don't know anywhere here. It's so foreign, and different.” I replied,“I'll just look up some places,”I remained seated as she scrolled through her phone.“Okay, there's one a few streets from here. We'll check it out,”That was fine by me.“Or would you prefer somewhere far from your home?”“No, it's cool.” I replied,She turned on the car, and
EMMAI watched as my-our mother rather- walked them towards the stairs, and watched as they climbed up.“Walk careful, darlings.” She said to them,She had never cared for me or Zara like that. We were always pains in her spine.She turned to face me, and for the first time, I noticed how much she had aged.Her eyes had wrinkles all over them, and her lips were thinned. She was older, but seemed lighter.The dark aura I had grown to know had dissipated.She sat on the chair opposite ours.We watched each other in silence. Me, in anger, and her in…I couldn't tell what emotion it was.How dare she treat them like actual children after what she had done to us?I knew there was no way those children were biologically hers, but she treated them better than she treated us. Weren't we deserving of her love, and attention?“It's been years,” she finally spoke up, breaking up my spiral.“It has,” I replied matter of fact.“How have you been?”“been good.” I replied.I didn't want to start up
EMMA.I stared into the empty space, watching the grass filled lawn. Kristy looked around, carefully taking in the arena.All the vibe , soft joy, and excitement had faded, and now it was time for business.I took a deep breath. The entire street was silent. I repeated that again. If anything were to happen, everyone in the neighborhood would know.Our voices would be loud.I shut my eyes, recalling how my mother used to slam pans as she shouted at us.The neighbors would come out, listening as she threatened to cut us off, and send us into the streets if we didn't behave.Why didn't Zara remember that?I clearly did. I recalled how a neighbor approached us, asking why we always defended our mother whenever the cops came to save us, and we would recite what she taught us, “she is our mother. We cannot survive without our mother.”Bullshit. Our mother had been ready to choose a man over us. Our mother threw tantrums because the man she wanted didn't want her in return.Our mother wa
EMMA.Kristy drove swiftly through the roads, with cool music playing in the background.We had driven off the part of town with numerous buildings, and we were currently passing through a number of line trees. I watched how beautiful nature could be.The silence and soft waves coming from the trees. It was beautiful to see.“How are you feeling?” Kristy asked, pulling my attention.I turned to face her, “I'm good. How about you?”“I'm alright.” She replied, with a deep heave.“Do you want to switch?” I asked,I knew I would eventually have to take the wheel for a while, but I didn't think it would be so soon.“No. It would just be helpful to have someone to talk to.”“Oh-” I sat up straight, “what's up?”“I'm just curious about your plans. I wasn't eavesdropping or anything, but Laura mentioned the possibility of you not returning. I thought this was just a short visit to see your sister. Are you really leaving us?”I took a deep breath, “I honestly don't know how it'll play out for
ISABELLA Slowly, my eyelids pushed open. I looked around, noticing that Alex and I had somehow ended up falling asleep on the balcony. We were laying on a spread chair, and I was on him.I wiped my eyes gently, clearing my view. How had we ended up here?I remembered us talking, and then I said a lot of things that had been needed. He said the things on his mind too. We eventually cuddled, and fell asleep.I remained in the same position. I could hear his heart beating gently.I loved the way we were. Just silence and peace. We hadn't even had sex in over a week but I felt this was the closest we had been.I heard him grunt, and shuffle, so I lifted my weight off him.He opened his eyes gently.“You're awake,” I said to him.As I watched his lashes move repeatedly, my heart swell with joy. Was this what it felt like to be in love?He grinned gently as he saw my face. “Good morning,” he greeted.He reached out, touching my face.“You look so pretty today,” I grinned at his complimen
ISABELLA.For the first time in years, I pulled out a blunt, and lighted it.Looking down through the windows, I watched as most people were gathered at a cubicle, partying, while the others stood nearby.They seemed happy, and…content. The exact opposite of what I felt.I took in a deep breath, before moving the cigarette to my mouth.A deep sip, and I pulled it out.How did I end up in such a life?I had imagined so many ways my life would turn out, but never did I think, despite all my hard work, that I would end up unsatisfied, sad, and tired.I had worked for this. I had worked for the money, for my home and for my husband. Now, I had lost almost everything.My daughter seemed like a distant relative who had no relationship whatsoever with my husband. Even I couldn't have a stable relationship with my husband. The memory of Emma still lingered in my marriage, and when it wasn't lingering, I was still bothered who he might be sharing his bed with.Emma wasn't entirely the problem,