ISABELLA.My fingers were as good as nonexistent. I grunted in discomfort as I tugged them from within me. Maybe I just needed some sleep. If my brain was shut, I would forget all about this. Maybe tomorrow, I'd be too busy to remember. Moreover, I had a planned trip with my husband, and daughter.I grinned as I snuggled into the duvet. Sleep was all I needed.I shut my eyes, willing for the thoughts in my head to stop, but it didn't. Every time I closed my eyes, an image of Emma would just pop up. She was living rent-free in my head.I sighed, turning to the other side. I usually slept better on the right side of the bed. The thoughts only worsened. The sex tape played repeatedly in my head. I sighed, looking at the ceiling.Maybe laying upwards would help me sleep. I placed a palm on my chest, closing my eyes.My eyes could barely remain shut for five minutes. I immediately sprang off the bed.A little bit of workout should help.I started with some squats, then a few jumps.Panti
ISABELLA.“Wow!” He gasped,I giggled, too weakened to speak.“That was-”“-the best sex of my life,” I completed it for him.He nodded in agreement. I wished I could deny it, but that was an impossibility. What had happened between us was nothing short of mind blowing.We remained in silence, taking in the moment. He bent to kiss my forehead.“I have something to tell you,” he said,“What's that?” I asked, eagerly.“You wouldn't believe it, but the first time I met you, I almost couldn't resist the urge to kiss you,” he confessed.My eyes bulged in surprise. That wasn't the reaction I had expected. John was a good guy. I expected some guilt, and the part where I would have to convince him, and-“-well, I couldn't do that, because you're someone else's wife,” he continued, “and at that time, I was still with Emma. I didn't believe in cheating, or compromise, so I pushed everything back,”“Would you have said anything if I didn't make the first move?”His eyes bore into mine for a minu
ISABELLA.“Let me get something straight,” I started, pointing a finger at him, “you don't want me to help Emma?” I asked, in disbelief.“Why should you help her?” He asked,If this was a prank, he had to end it here. I blinked repeatedly, unable to understand what he was saying.“We're talking about Emma Martinez,” I explained,He chuckled, before speaking, “I know,”“No, you don't get it. I don't think you get what I'm saying. I'm saying I want to try helping her out of this case so she doesn't rot in jail,” I tried explaining. He had to be misunderstanding me.“I totally understand you. What I don't understand is why?”“Because she needs to be helped!” I exclaimed,“She has her attorney. Why would you want to help the girl that tried to ruin our marriage?”What the actual fuck? This couldn't be Alex. It had to be someone else. The Alex I knew would be on his knees worshiping me because I decided to help his mistress.“Who are you?” He chucked at my question, “sit, baby” I sat, wa
ISABELLA.I stepped down from my car, casually stepping into the building. As much as I wanted it to seem like I wasn't interested in any sort of attention, I knew I couldn't appear in public alone at this time. The two bouncers I allocated to myself walked before, and behind me. After the reservation I had made, Laura came up with the silly idea of us meeting at the station. It was easier to for us to discuss in the presence of Emma Martinez, plus our appearance in public would make it known that this was a plan. People had to think I had decided to make the move. I had, but not in the way I wanted them to think.I walked into the station, ignoring all the ogling, and cameras that were flashed my way. It was good to know I could pull this much attention.“Excuse me,” I called out to an officer. He turned, and on realizing my identity, beamed at me.“Mrs Blackwood,” he acknowledged me in a jovial tone. “Great to see you,”I forced out a polite smile, ignoring his familiar attitude. P
ISABELLA On seeing that we had reached a clear, and concise agreement, I rose from my seat. “I have no money,” Emma whispered,I turned to face her, “how's that any of my business?”“I need some money from you,”“The fuck you don't. What do you want my money for?”“I can't leave town without money. Where would I go? How would I survive?” she asked,How was that any of my problems?“You'll find a way around that. If you could find a way to fuck my husband in my face for three years straight, I'm sure you'll definitely come up with a way to survive. There are many husbands out there,” I replied, with a smirk.I watched as her face fell in shame. It took her two years, and barely two months of me showing her what I was capable of before she realized she needed to feel some shame.I sneered in disgust. “Make a budget of the town you're relocating to, and get your attorney to send the bill to me,” I said to her,I watched as her eyes lit up,She did not say a word after that, but I knew
EMMA.The gruesome horror I felt when Isabella's face came to light was unexplainable. I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest.I thought she was here to gloat or cause a scene. Knowing the kind of person Isabella tended to be during one of her moods, I knew better to underestimate how crazy she could be.Never did I think she would come here to give me an opportunity at redemption. In the past months that I had been in this cell, a whole lot had happened. More than I could even speak about.I wished I could cancel every memory from this place.I was still deep in thought when Laura, and John walked in.My breath hitched halfway, as soon as I sighted him. He was looking as good as ever. His hair was slicked back, and the white shirt he wore hugged his chest.Seeing him was like the first breath of fresh air. Of course I had seen him earlier, but I was too scared to speak up, and Isabella had interrupted soon enough.They both took two seats opposite me.“How are you feeli
EMMA.“Laura?” I called her name, trying to push out some answers.Her eyes were still darkened, but she was silent.“All these while you've been helping me…you were doing it because you wanted to get back at Isabella?”She still didn't answer that. I, honestly, didn't care that she was helping me out of spite for Isabella, but she could have at least informed me.Of course, it came as no surprise that Isabella had made a ton of enemies. It was her motto. She loved to thread, and trample on anyone.I watched Laura in silence, what could have motivated her to hold such a grudge?My memory went back to the past few hours. I had noticed some sort of discomfort between both parties, but never did I think it would be deep.“Laura talk to me,” I urged,She leaned forward, “my business with Isabella is unimportant,”“Is it unimportant if you're willing to do everything to take her down?” I queried, “I don't really need to know the details. I just want to know why you're so hell bent on ensur
ISABELLA.There is nothing money can't solve. Absolutely nothing.I smile to myself as I watch John walk into the courtroom.Rather than just releasing a press statement, I decided it was best to get Emma out of that place as soon as possible. I wanted John all for myself, and I knew it was impossible, as long as she was still in there.So, I made a quick call, and got him an impromptu meeting.Of course, Kaitlyn knew better than to pass a guilty verdict, but I didn't want John to know that. It was exciting to find him preparing his speech for the judge. Given that he was informed only thirty minutes beforehand, he better have solid proof.I had gotten Kaitlyn to post bail for Emma. An exorbitant amount I knew she wouldn't be able to afford. That way, she would have to return to me, and she would owe her freedom to me.It was a solid plan. Why bother being the villain when you can turn the narrative by playing the role of the good guy?I remained seated in my car, listening through th
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