ISABELLA Alex calculatively walked up to me. I watched as he dropped his jacket on the chair, and I shook my head.All forms of shock had weaned off from his face, and all he wore was anger.None of us spoke. I was waiting for him to say something.“What are you doing here?” He finally asked,I giggled, trying to push back the effect of the alcohol.“I needed a break from the planning of the opening of my business venture, so I decided to take a break. I was about to book a ticket when I realized my husband had recently booked a ticket without informing me. ‘where could he be?’ I thought to myself. Only to find out he is in fucking Manhattan. Oh, and his favorite fuck buddy is there too.” I stood up from the bed, “Is this what you're all about Alex? Running back to the woman that destroyed our marriage. You promised to change! You promised to be different! You promised to love me! What happened to new beginnings? Why can't you leave her alone? What does she give to you that I can't g
ISABELLAIt was hard to believe I had made it back home without losing my shit because at some points, I genuinely thought I would die on the spot.I touched three buttons on my remote, hoping to find a channel that would take my mind off everything.I couldn't explain how I felt. On one hand, I felt relieved, like a large boulder had been uplifted from me. On another hand, I was beyond sad that all I had worked for just slipped through my hands. But how long would I keep working for it?How much more would I try to show him that I was perfect?I had damaged myself, trying to show him that I was good enough. This wasn't me. I wasn't this pathetic.I sighed, dropping the remote. In an attempt to reduce how much I have been overthinking, I reached out to John earlier this morning, and asked for the meeting to be scheduled.I wanted to be out of his life as soon as possible. Who knew how much time it would take for him to get Emma back? I wouldn't be surprised if it took only a few days
EMMA.Kristina and Zara left the day after we had had our first date. That was three days ago. Samuel had not changed from the gentleman he proposed to be. He called once daily, in the evenings. I could tell his schedule was tight, but he always ensured to call and check up. So far, everything was smooth, and fine. Alex had disappeared the same way he came, and I read something about him having a divorce battle with his wife. I really couldn't care less, but if that kept him out of my business, it worked for me.I sprayed my oil perfume on my knuckles, performing my last ritual in preparation.“Are you ready?” My mother asked stepping in. I turned to find her approaching me with a large smile on her face.“I am,” I replied, trying to shake off the anxiety in me.Samuel had assured me everything would be fine, and there was nothing to worry about, but I couldn't help it. This would be the first time I would be applying for a job in over four years. I couldn't even recall the etiquett
EMMA “Hello,” Kristina's voice rang through the room.“Hey, what's up?” I asked, picking up my last pair of jeans, and dramatically folding them. I was trying as hard as I could to avoid packing by myself.“I'm good. Are you fine?” She asked,“I am. Is there any reason I shouldn't be fine?” I asked, confused.I knew what her reply would be already.“I'm just checking in to ensure the interview didn't weigh you down,” she said,Ever since the day Alex interrupted my interview, I had refused talking about it to anyone. Yesterday, I had mustered up the courage to actually talk about it, and Kristina got herself worried. I wasn't sad, because my hopes for that job weren't at its highest.“ I'm actually good. Most people don't get a job on their first try.”“You're right,” she agreed.“Yeah, so what's up with you?” I asked, referring to her makeup.“I'm actually preparing for a dinner date with a few clients.”“Dinner date with clients? Why not lunch?” “We've all been occupied with wo
ISABELLAChrist. I never knew heartbreak could hurt this bad. My chest was heavy, my eyes were watery and as much as I didn't want to admit it, I was hurt.I sniffed, trying to cool myself. This shouldn't hurt. I shouldn't be hurt. I picked up a wipe, trying to clean the makeup off my face. My media team had somehow managed to get the people convinced that I was the one who had asked for a divorce, and over a thousand and one people were behind me. They all supported that I left Alex because of his cheating scandal. If only they knew…Now, a number of people were on our tails. Distant friends were calling, and offering help, “trying to see if they could help us reconcile”. If only they knew how bad our marriage had been destroyed. It was beyond reconciliation.Worst part was, the media was on our heels. Someone had discovered that Alex was in the same town with Emma. Of course, rumors were already out, claiming that they had returned together. As no pictures had been posted by blogs
ISABELLA.The dial tone clicked.I stood in my room, confused. I obviously didn't want to open the door for him, but I had to.If he was honest, and did all those things he said he did for me, then there was no need to be scared. Was there any need?I huffed, trying to calm my nerves.I had to come up with a better plan. I was an intelligent woman, and I would know how to navigate this.I walked to my closet, picking out a set of fresh, clean clothes.As I picked out my joggers, my eyes sighted the perfect weapon at that moment.I picked the dagger up. Three years ago, I had gotten it from one of my trips to Egypt. Silently, I placed it at the back of my pockets. I walked out to the entrance of the house. The windy aura of the environment welcomed me into the night. I looked at the time. 9:59 pm.I had 911 on the speed dial.“I'm outside!” I shouted, trying to get his attention.How did I go from fighting for a divorce to dealing with a murderer?“I know,” he answered,I felt goo
ISABELLA“What's wrong?” I asked, into the phone.I heard more panting, and heavy breathing, but no reply.“John! What's wrong?”“You need to come over,” he said,“Where are you?”There was no response.“Are you at home?” I asked,“Yeah,” his voice came out in a hollow whisper,“I'm on the way.” I walked towards my shelf, and picked up my car key.Quietly, not locking the door, I walked out.Ross would have to choose between watching over my house, or me. I didn't give a single flying fuck.I stepped into my car, and got the car to start. In no time, I set out for the road.As I drove down to his residence, I occasionally looked around, taking in the environment. Ever since the divorce proceedings had started, John and his boss had advised that it was wise for me to stay low-key until Alex returned. —I stepped down from my car, after parking at the perfect spot. I knew Ross could see me from wherever he was, but I didn't care. Moreover, it was good to have an extra eye when necessar
EMMAWhat to wear when your boyfriend wants to introduce you to his friends, and possibly their girlfriends too?I sighed, sitting on the bed. I had packed up most of my clothings, and getting ready for this date meant I had to unpack almost everything. I bit my lower lip, trying to think of what to do next.I walked off the bed, and out of the room. I had been packing for hours, there was no way I would mess it all up right now. “Emma,” I heard my mother's voice call me,I turned around to find her stepping in through the backdoor. She had three grocery bags in hand, and I offered to help.“Thank you,” she appreciated me as I dropped the bags on the counter. I looked through the backdoor. It would probably be the last time I saw it. As much as I loved my family, I prioritized my private space. I would visit, but surely not for long hours. “I'm waiting for the moving company to come help me move my things,” I informed her.Her eyes widened. “I didn't think you'd be leaving so soon,”
EMMA“You know what? Prepare, we are going out for dinner tonight.” I giggled at his words. He was radiating excitement. “You're so excited about this,” I said, again.“Who wouldn't be?” He asked,“Having the best woman in the world bring your child is one of the best gifts life could ever give to me. I feel like we need to plan a more elaborate celebration.” He said,I watched as he moved around.“I'll get a makeup artist, and some designers over. The dinner won't be tonight, it'll be tomorrow. I need to plan this dinner specially. It needs to be a celebration to remember.”I smiled widely at him, “all this for a child that hasn't been born yet?”“Of course.” He exclaimed.THE NEXT DAY.I had been bursting with excitement ever since I got back from my doctor's office. It had been confirmed that I was a three weeks pregnant. The makeup artist had arrived an hour later, alongside the designers.I sat still as they worked professionally, giving me the outlook I had chosen.Samuel had
EMMASIX MONTHS LATER.I stared at the strip test, not knowing what to think. There were two red lines on it. I wiped my eyes, then looked at it again. Two lines.My attention diverted as I heard footsteps approach the door. A knock followed, and then he spoke, “babe, are you in there?” He asked,I wiped my nose of the snot before answering, “yes,” I replied.“Are you alright?” He asked, again.“Um, yeah.”“Are you sure?”“Yes.“Are you still feeling nauseous? I could get a doctor to come over.”I really wished he would stop pondering with tons of questions, but I knew Samuel enough to know that he wouldn't rest until he was convinced that I was healthy.“I'm fine. I'm actually fine,”“You don't sound fine...but I'll be in the kitchen if you ever need me.”“Thanks,” I curtly replied.My eyes fell back on the strip in my hands. I should have been excited, I should have been jumping with ecstasy, but I didn't know what to feel. I didn't know how to react.I leaned forward, placing my h
EMMAAs I approached Isabella, she eventually paused then turned around. I watched as she crossed her arms across her chest, “what do you want?” She asked ,with a sneer.“I want to talk,”She chuckled. “You want to talk. After years of ruining my marriage, you want us to talk? What do you want to talk about?” She spat,I pleaded an arm forward. “Please, just calm down. I have left Alex, haven't I?” She hissed, “We know you only left my husband because you found another site to dig your gold.” I sighed, “you have every right to be mad at me, and to have awful thoughts about me.” I continued, she only glared harder, “I just want you to know that I am sorry. I truly am. I have wronged you in many different ways-”“And you'll do it again.” She cut in.I sighed deeply, “no, I won't. I won't do it again, because I'm sorry. I have left Alex.”“Oh, no no no. You can have him. Gone are the days when I wanted him. You can fucking have him. I'm done with him.”I sighed, “fine. For what it's wo
EMMA I stared at him in shock. He couldn't be serious, could he?“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.“I already knew.” He repeated,He had a sly smile on his lips. I was too stunned to speak. Could this be a dream? A crazy dream. I blinked twice.How could my mother tell him, and not tell me.He saw the confusion on my face, and began to speak, “I know you're confused, but let me explain. Your mother and I already talked about you before you arrived at manhattan.” He explained, “she always complained about you and Alex and how she wished you would always leave him. When I met you at first, I didn't know you were her daughter, but as time passed, I found out.”“Why didn't you say anything?”“You said you weren't ready to talk about it and I didn't want to force you.”I don't know what to say, “I-I…if you knew, why did you still stay with me?”“I met, and studied you. I realized you were more than just a silly affair. Emma, your affair went viral, there's barely anyone who doesn't
ISABELLAI watched as Chris's face bent into a frown. I expected him to stand up to Alex, and claim his position, but either he was too chicken or just knew his place, so he stepped back. Alex stood before me, and I ensured I had anything but the slightest of smiles on my face.I watched as he skimmed me from head to toe. “You look…stunning,” he said,I couldn't remember the last time he had looked at me like that, or even looked at me at all.“Are we going to dance, or will you keep gawking at me?” I asked, raising a brow.He took a step back, “let's dance,” he said, stretching forth his hands. I took it, and followed him to the dance floor.The song chosen was a slow, and soulful one. We danced rhythmically, with his hands on my waist, and mine on his shoulders.I took a whiff of bus perfume, and my knees weakened. Alex never played with scent, and that was one of his most attractive attributes. The dance continued, and I silently searched for El through the crowds. It was hard t
ISABELLA A knock pounded on my door. I knew it could be no one else but him.“Come in,” I said, applying the final touches to my makeup. I knew he wasn't aware that I had changed my mind and would be attending.I listened as the door opened, and he stepped in.“You're coming,” he simply stated,“Yes.” I replied, dropping my lipstick. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, “do you have a problem with that?” I asked, facing him.“No,” he replied, but I could clearly hear the tension in his voice.“What? You don't like that I'll be able to see you stalking her?” I wanted to ask, but I suppressed it. Talking about Emma had gotten me nowhere. It was time to play fair.I picked up my bag. “Can we go now?” I asked,I watched as his eyes fell on my legs. My dress wasn't exactly short, but it held my curves accentuating my look. The dress had an open back, and thin arms, giving way for me to show off my toned skin. My hair was down to my shoulders, and I had red lipstick on.I watched as h
EMMA.The burial was done soon enough, and I wanted nothing more than to return home. New York just felt like the place where all bad things happened to me. I didn't want to return here.I silently remembered Kate and Faith. Both had been unable to make it for the burial, and although I wanted to be infuriated, I knew I couldn't blame them. Faith was in the last month of her trimester, and her husband had informed me she was due at any date. I couldn't risk her losing the baby due to a heart attack from such a news, so we kept it away from her.Kate on the other hand had relocated out of the country with her husband. I was wise enough to know the expenses for returning back were too much. She could repay her respects later on.God, how did we get separated so soon? I always thought we would all grow old together. I sighed. Truly, Kristina had left all she owned in my care, and I didn't know what to do with it. I wasn't sure I wanted to sell the house just yet, but I didn't know what
EMMAAfter days of trial and error, we had finally been able to get Kristina laid to rest. I had thought that by now, I would have left the denial stage, but that was a lie. I was still in denial as much as ever. My mind just couldn't grasp her not being alive and with me. It made no sense.I crossed my arms across my chest as the priest read from the bible. I looked around. Not even one of her family members had made an attempt at attending. Samuel had offered to invite his family to stand in, and luckily, they all did. I was eternally grateful for that.I looked around. The only person that wasn't seated was Samuel's mother. She had excused herself minutes ago.I sniffed, trying to push back the tears that had been formed in my eyes.What would happen to our dreams of growing old together? They were all just…gone! Just like that! Everything we had budgeted.Samuel held my hands tight. He hasn't known Kristina for the longest time, but even he knew how kind of a person she was. If o
EMMA.Okay. This resemblance was beyond extraordinary. I stared at her for a long time trying to decipher if I could spot any difference between her and Kristina. Finally, I closed my eyes.If I hadn't seen Kristina's body rotting on that floor, I would have been so confused she was the one.“Any problem, ma'am?” She asked,I shook my head.Samuel helped me place an order. I sat still, not knowing what to say or do.“Hey,” Samuel said, bowing his head to meet mine.Tears had piled up in my eyes. I wanted feedback from the cops. I wanted to know what had happened to my best friend. “Have you heard anything?” I asked,He picked up his phone, and scrolled through, “nothing yet,” he said, dropping his phone.I sighed. “They're not taking this seriously enough! They need to do better!” I screamed,He touched my back, “darling, I'll ensure that they work faster and put this at the top of their books.”“Thank you,” I thanked him.I was drained. “I want to go home. I'm tired.” I said,and by