EMMA.My jaw remained clenched as John inspected his car. I could tell he was panicking, and I understood why. If whoever Alex had sent to mess up the car had stolen a few items, it would have made more sense. We would have tagged it as a burglary. Now, I didn't even know what to call it.“This is messed up,” John said as he took a step backwards. “Anyone who did this really needs help,” I voiced out with more enthusiasm than I imagined.John turned to face me, obviously surprised. I'm sure he hadn't expected me to be so enraged over the situation. On a normal day, I would be worried rather than annoyed, but today, knowing who was behind it all, I just wanted to snap someone's neck.“I need to get you home,” he spoke, as he walked closer towards me. I massaged my arm with my left hand. It was getting chilly. John noticed that, and took off his coat. He wrapped it around me.“Let's book a cab for you,” he said as he led me into the street.“What about you?” I asked. I wasn't comforta
EMMA. I couldn't breathe. I touched my neck, trying to force the air down my lungs, but it wasn't moving. All eyes were fixed on me. I could see smug smiles on the faces of many, and a look of disdain on others.“She's such a loser!” I heard a woman whisper.I closed my eyes. “What more do you want from me?” Isabella asked. She had been ranting for what felt like forever. I wanted to run, I wanted to disintegrate, but I couldn't move. My lips quivered as she spoke.Soon enough, someone else stepped up.“That's enough, Mrs Blackwood.” I heard a male voice say. His voice was thick, and loud. He sounded aged. “This isn't professional, hand over the microphone.” He demanded.I stood, unable to speak. “Get out!” Isabella barked at him. He remained unfazed. I recognized him from the board of directors.“Hand over the microphone, or I'll have no other choice but to throw you out.” “You wouldn't dare!” She threatened.I saw how stern his eyes looked, and I could tell he was more than rea
ISABELLA.It was two minutes to midnight, and Alex was yet to return. I hissed as I took another glance at the clock. Why did I expect him to return on time? Most times he didn't even spend the night over.I crossed my legs, placing a pillow on my thighs as I recalled our last major fight. It was two months ago. Alex had returned barely past three am, and when I tried to confront him, I was ignored. I tried explaining that the public was getting wind of our marital issues. We no longer appeared as a couple in public, we no longer went out together. We were falling apart, and it was drastic. Blogs would soon be out for us. I didn't want to be the woman who couldn't keep her husband. Why wasn't he seeing my reasons? Despite all I had said, Alex was unmoved. “If they think there's something wrong with our marriage, then they're most likely right,” he replied.That night, I felt something snap in my chest. I recalled the first night I had found him in bed with that whore. I was shocke
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.
EMMA.At about five pm, Samuel had texted, telling me I would get picked up by eight. That meant I had three hours to prepare. Kristina and I had already chosen the dress, shoes, and bag I would use so it wasn't that much work left, but I still panicked.I needed to get my hair, and make up right.We eventually started preparing by six pm. A girl needed her time to prepare right?I sat before the mirror as Kristina worked her magic with my hair. Luckily, Zara had some curlers around and we made judicious use of them.“This date will be amazing,” Kristina said, brushing my hair.“I hope so,” I replied, trying to ease the tension I felt in my chest.It had been a while since I went on a first date with anyone. What were the etiquettes? What would we talk about?For someone who had decided to dump the dating pool for a long while, it surely was too early for me to be rehearsing what to say on a first date. What would we even talk about? I couldn't think of one thing we had in common. Su
EMMA.I knew Kristina often worked out to tone her body, and maybe gain some strength, but I was beyond surprised when she lifted the heavy box off the floor, and headed into the living room.I stepped out of the way giving her all needed chance just so she could do what she wanted.She slammed the box on the floor, turning to face me.“It wasn't even that heavy,” she said, breathing heavily. Yeah…“It wasn't that heavy but you lifted it off the floor, and slammed it down like a two hundred and sixty five pounds man. Oh, and the delivery man himself refused to lift it because she thought it was ‘too heavy’”“Come on, you know I work out. I lift weights often. This is a breeze.”“I work out too, but you don't see me lifting things like superwoman.”.She laughed out, wiping her face.“There's absolutely no point in arguing over this. Samuel gave you a gift, and I helped you bring it in. The least you could do is appreciate me.”“Fine,” I agreed, “thank you.”*You're welcome.”“Now let'
EMMAOh well. The day I agreed to go on a date had arrived.I didn't inform Kristy, neither did I tell Zara. Not even my mother was aware.I sat on my bed, pondering on what to wear. I knew I should have told them what happened, but after yesterday's event, we all clocked out.Since then, I just couldn't come up with a way to tell them. Not that they would be annoyed or anything.I knew they would be excited for me. They loved me.Kristina on one hand would be over the moon. She had been waiting for this for a long time.But in my heart, I harbored some thoughts.Was it wise to start something with Samuel?What if it didn't work out? What would happen to his lovely relationship with my family? He knew them before me. I didn't want to get in the way of anything.If I ended up ruining their friendship, I would be pissed at myself forever. I couldn't even tell if I would recover from that.Then again came the question of time. Wasn't it too early to date? Did I want to fall in love jus
EMMA Well, it was safe to say this was the sweetest and most intentional thing any man had ever said to me.I was dumbfounded, and couldn't even come up with any concrete reply. “Emma,” he called my name.“Yes?” I croaked out.He seemed to be genuine. As I stared at him, I will ndered if his words were genuine? They could always be lies.I would be a fool to believe his lies.“Emma, I want to take the appropriate step. Can I take you out on a date tonight?”Tonight? I had nothing to wear. All the clothes I had brought were casuals, and it would be almost impossible to find an outfit that would work in less than six hours.“What's the time?” I asked,He pulled out his phone. “Six thirty three.” He answered.No. Definitely too late.“I don't think I can,” I replied, slowly. I just hoped he didn't get the wrong message. I did want to go on a date with him, but I was beyond unprepared.“Why?” He askedIf I asked for a dress for the date would I come out as entitled?I mean, he had alrea
EMMA.He turned around.“Are you sure about that? I can always come by later.” I closed off my phone, “I'm sure.” I replied.His smile was all too bright for his excitement to be hidden. It somehow made me excited too. He had this boyish glow in his eyes whenever he was excited.I walked up to him.As I approached him, I noticed his eyes following my chest.Little did I realize that I wasn't exactly clad. I had unbuttoned my shirt, and while I had covered up, the buttons were mixed up, giving him access to see my chest. He looked away immediately. What a gentleman. Well-behaved. He maintained eye contact with me, and in his eyes, I could see him battling not to look again.Something about that turned me on.“Please come back,” I said.I said out loud just because. It was good that I did. I wanted to choose someone who wasn't Alex, and I had done that. I verbally, outrightly chose someone who wasn't Alex.I had broken free away from his grasp. I was my own woman.I took a breath, l
EMMA.The first time I had made an attempt at calling Alexander Blackwood after his wife pleaded, he did not answer.I was immensely grateful for that. At least, I could say I tried.I mean, it would go down in record that I dialed his number, right?Yes, it would. I hadn't done anything wrong.I laid in bed, watching the ceiling, engrossed in thoughts.The day had gone all so well. Kristina and Samuel had gotten into a deep conversation about me, and I didn't want to be there while they analyzed my lifestyle.Well, two hours had gone by, and neither of them had come up to me.I looked out the window, only to find the entire family, and some friends in the backyard. They seemed to be having fun discussions, and eating together.Did anyone notice my absence?Did it matter?I was sure they were preoccupied with activities.I laid back.Looking at my screen, I stared at my wallpaper. There was a picture of me in sunglasses, and red lipstick. My smile was broad, and genuine. I was all too
Emma.“Hey, Emma. We need to talk,” Mrs. Blackwood's voice came out as soft and gentle, but it was enough to send a chill down my spine. I sucked in a deep breath and wondered if picking her call was a good idea. I hadn't thought it through before picking her call.“Mrs. Blackwood,” I replied, sounding a little apprehensive. “How may I help you?”I didn't need a mirror to know my face had turned pale. I could easily tell from the weird and worried look plastered on Samuel and Kristina's faces. Kristina mouthed the words, “Are you okay?”I shrugged.Mrs Blackwood let out an audible breath before continuing. “It's about my husband.”My mouth ran dry. I knew bullying Anna wasn't far from him, but talking his wife into speaking with me? I didn't think he'd go that low.“Firstly, my husband didn't send me to call you, if that's what you're thinking,’’ she continued.“Okay,” I whispered into the phone. I could feel my heartbeat pick up pace. If Alex had not coerced her into calling me, the
EMMA.“Well,” Samuel started his speech, still standing really close to me, “I would try to initiate a conversation to see if there's any remote chance we could have anything serious.”“And then?” Kristina urged,I knew what she was searching for, and judging by the kind of person Samuel seemed to be, he would play along, and that would ruin me.“After that, I would try to make a grand gesture for her. That is after she has given me a green light of course,”Did I, by any chance, give him a greenlight?“And what's the definition of a greenlight to you?” Kristina probed,“I don't think it's wise to disturb,” I tried to divert their attention, but Kristina was so focused on what she was trying to achieve.Knowing the kind of person she was, I let her be. If she wanted to prove, she better do it.Moreover she would be gone in three days, and after that, the only source of information she would have would be me. I would definitely make her suffer. It wasn't time yet.I just had to endure
EMMA.I didn't know how to react to that message. Well, it was obvious Samuel wasn't trying to hide his status, but what was he doing in such a small town? He was supposed to be with the top leagues.I had heard of the johnsons. Although I had never met or had any personal encounter with them, I had attended some of their parties. Of course, Alex had been invited to some of their parties, and when I worked as his assistant, I was an immediate invitee.I bit my lips gently. If I was wiser, I should have taken advantage of that opportunity.I should have made some friends, even at the least a few connections with some elites. They would have helped.I took a deep breath.“What is he doing here though? As a sheriff at that,” Kristina finally asked the questions in my heart,“We have no idea. Although some say his father is trying to build a brand here so he's kind of preparing the place for him.”“Hmm…” I took a breath, “so, he's brooding this place.”“Something of that sort,” my mothe