Emma's POV
I paced around the rooms, moving from corner to corner with the tears rolling down my cheeks and smudging my makeup. It was the first time in my life I could say that. It was getting late, almost morning, and the medical team was still at Halley's side, doing all they could to revive her; she was pulling through slowly, very slowly.
But the scary part, Mr. Hollen was on his way back home.
At 9:00 in the evening a black car pulled onto the pavement. Sharon stepped out carrying one of her suitcases with Mr. Hollen following right behind. They burst through the front door and walked over to me; I panicked.
"Who are you and where's Emma?" he demanded.
He didn't recognized me?! Breathe, Emma, breathe. I became speechless, wondering how to tell him it was me standing right in front of him.
"Sir, she's right here," I responded.
"Where?" he looked around.
What? Do I really look that different? "I am Emma."
Ethan's POVI woke up to the sound of footsteps on the floor outside my bedroom. I looked at the wall clock; it was only 5:30 am. Was Emma up already? I glanced over at Sharon. She was fast asleep, exhausted and jet lagged. I put on a T-shirt and a sweat pants and went to the second floor. I peered over the banister and saw Emma was already up, mopping the floors of the rooms downstairs. Her eyes caught mine as she mopped.I headed to my office to forward over a fax for Linda that she had been messaging me about in the Bahamas.The phone buzzed and I picked up."Good morning Mr. Hollen. Your coffee is ready.""I'll be right down."I must say I was impressed. I'd never been so happy for coffee in my entire life. I missed her coffee and I missed her too. What was I saying?Emma stood beside the kitchen counter looking like an angel-- so peaceful, happy and perfect. I took the coffee from her hands. She headed towards the living roo
Emma's POVHalley had broken down into a fit. I cuddled her with a hug and told her that everything would be okay. Something was wrong with her, apart from being drugged.Matt must have mortified her.Detective Sam and the others looked on, unsettled."Halley, please tell them what happened. You have to talk about it," I whispered calmly, making sure I didn't sound mean or harsh to upset her more."I don't want to. I can't," she cried.What on earth happened to her?"Halley, I know you're scared. I know you want to put this behind you but we need your statement on what happened when Matt pulled you into the house," Detective Sam pressed."I can't talk about it. I don't want to," she cried again and hugged me tighter.Mr. Hollen looked like he was about to explode."Where's the driver? Maybe he could describe what he saw when he fetched Halley," Sam said to Mr. Hollen who began
Ethan's POVWhy couldn't I just keep my hands off her?I'd rushed after her as she ran out of the kitchen, looking sad and scared. I'd followed her directly to her bedroom, forgetting about everyone else. When I kissed her she'd stopped me before it escalated any further.What she said made sense. I was engaged to another woman and there were police officers in the house conducting an investigation. Any of them could request my presence at any moment. And there she was, laying on the bed with me hovering over her like my prey.I got up, straightened my clothes and left her room. I had to put that to the back of my mind, for now, but I was becoming crazy about her, having dreams and fantasies about her. God, I wanted her. To have and to hold.___________One week later, Halley was in much better health and had recovered wonderfully. The NYPD, along with Detective Sam, tracked down the two culprits and had already stuck them behind ba
Emma's POVSharon came and turned the entire house upside down within one week.It was Wednesday afternoon, the last Wednesday in June. I had just finished wiping the tables in the living room and mopping the floors. Today was scheduled to be my half day. I wanted to visit the library and get some new books. I had already taken my bath and was on my way out. When I got to the living room area I almost had a heart attack. Sharon had her two four year-old twin nieces over and they were making a huge mess on the floor I had just cleaned. Snacks, juices, chocolates and sodas were everywhere."Aren't you going to clean that up?" she asked with a smirk on her face, peering down from the banister.I wanted to say no but I knew Mr. Hollen wouldn't be too pleased about my attitude if I did. So I went back to my room, frustrated, changed into a rag and cleaned up the mess as she took the children outside by the pool."You two did such a good job
Emma's POVThe Miami weekend was just one day away. Halley and I decided to take our half day together to do a quick shopping before leaving. Luis drove us to the mall where we bought clothing, including a formal dress to wear to the auction fundraiser event, and Halley insisted on getting our hair done.When we got home late that afternoon we packed. I was extremely excited to be going on this trip with the two people I was getting accustomed to. I had never been on a trip before. I had never even stepped foot out of New York, so going to Miami was like a dream come true. I was overjoyed!I went to the chambers when I was through packing and sat on Halley's bed. I watched her scan the room, putting things she thought she'd need in Miami."My toothbrush, dress, hairdryer..." she went on, moving like she was trying to prevent herself from forgetting something important.I laughed just watching at her. It wasn't her first time in Miami; it was
Emma's POV"Ah, Emma is that you?" Agnes asked when she stopped what she was doing to take me in. "Wow, my child. I always knew you were very beautiful," she added as she wrapped her arms around me.I wiped a tear of happiness from my eye. I had missed her. I felt kind of guilty for forgetting about her, but Halley had become nice to me and we were bonding nicely."I've missed you at the house. What are you doing here?" I asked breaking from our hug."Mr. Hollen called me a few days ago and invited me here to cook while you all are here. Now, get out of my kitchen. I've got everything under control. Go and enjoy the beach or the front yard.""I came here because I was hungry."She opened the oven and took out several large trays. She prepared a plate of pineapple chicken, rice and peas, potato salad, macaroni pie and a slice of lasagna.My mouth watered."Eat dear," she said as she handed me the plat
Emma's POV"The last place I saw him was down at the beach," I answered, knowing damn well that the last place I saw him was with his mouth all over me in the bathroom.She glanced around my room. "Nice room," she remarked, moving towards my body mirror which was one footstep away from the bathroom door.Don't go in the bathroom! Don't go in the bathroom!I was panicking on the inside as her feet got closer and closer to the bathroom door.She looked at her reflection in the mirror. She started straightening her clothes and smoothing her hair with her hands. She turned towards me. She took one more look at the room and walked out the door. I heard her heels descending on the stairs. I locked the door and ran back to the bathroom."What is she doing here?" I asked with anger and fright."I don't know. She's supposed to be in Italy.""Maybe the fashion show was cancelled. Oh my gosh, you have to get ou
Ethan's POVI couldn't believe Sharon was here. I had crept out of Emma's room and tiptoed over to mine. I closed the door softly and hopped in the shower. I heard the door open and closed and the sound of heels hitting on the floor as I soaped my body."Baby, are you in here?""Yeah, I'm in the shower," I answered.She entered the bathroom. "Where were you? I've been looking everywhere for you, Ethan.""Just came from the beach. I didn't know you were coming," I answered, the water running over me."I'll wait in the bedroom. I need a favor from you."When I got out of the shower she was sitting on my bed, bouncing her heels over the floor with her long, crossed legs. "Hi, sweetie." I gave her a quick kiss. "What's going on? You're supposed to be out of the country.""I know, I know. I was but I had to fly back because I didn't have enough money for a clothing line I plan to take over in the f
Emma's POVMotherhood is beautiful, but it's not always smooth. I help my eldest son through his first breakup and my daughter through her first heartbreak. As life came their way there would be more of that, and I wouldn't always be around to help them, but, for now, I was doing the best I could for themLove. Support. Provide. Three words that should be in every parent's dictionary. Without these three things you'll suck at parenthood.Loving your children means putting their needs before yours. You don't come first anymore. Love unconditionally. You have to respect them so they'll respect you in return. You have to be open with them so they'll tell you what you need to hear. You have to listen to them so they'll listen to you as well. No one is perfect, but you shouldn't use that as an excuse to not try.Support your children in every way you can. Be there for them when they need you to be or when they want you to be. Let them know they can cou
Emily's POVAs I stood in the hallway at my locker, getting my text books for the last subject of the day, I overheard a group of girls whispering about me. It was funny how they were talking about me and I standing right there. They knew I would hear them so, of course, they were seeking my attention, and I ignored them.I continued to get my textbooks and closed my locker when one of them said his name-- my Sebastian's name. Something in me lit, like a flare shooting into the skies. My blood boiled and I turned towards them and approached them."You have something to say, say it to my face!" I snapped at the ring leader, Ania Haynes.She backed away a few feet behind her friends, Samika James, Karrie George and Jamie Sams."All we were saying is that Sebastian is cheating on you," she said.I paused to process what she had just said, but I couldn't believe her. Those girls were miserable with their own dull lives, and onl
Emma's POVI watched my family sitting around the dinner table, eating the food I prepared. Ethan was at the head table, eating away at his delicious juicy steak. Evan was eating slowly because he was texting on his phone, which he hid underneath the table so I wouldn't notice. Emily was looking at the food carefully and always asking if it was going to make her fat or if it was full of calories. EJ was eating like the good boy he ought to be. His behavior had changed around for the better. He had made friends with everyone in his classroom and we had no more bad reports about his temper.I couldn't help but look at what I'd accomplished with the man of my dreams. Never had I thought I'd be here in life, sitting in a mansion around a huge dinner table with my own family. Everyone in the foster homes and group homes told me I was worthless and I'd amount to nothing in life. No one loved me, cared for me or protected me-- even my parents deserted me.
Emma's POV"Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice Mr. and Mrs. Hollen. I just wanted to talk to you about Ethan Junior's behavior and conduct."We were sitting in Ethan Junior's classroom with him and his class teacher. EJ had gotten into a fight with another kid in his class."First, Ethan Junior is a very brilliant and intelligent student. He's punctual and brave. Over there is what I call the Star Chart," she pointed to a poster on the wall that had the names of students and the stars they received for their academic performance.EJ had a full line. I was impressed. But there was another line for conduct and behavior, his had only one star while other students were all above five. I was disappointed, and Ethan was too. His eyes were getting darker and darker as he looked at our son."Ethan Junior has a temper that needs serious controlling. He got into a fight with another kid last week because that child accidentally s
Ethan's POV"How do you expect to take two girls to the high school dance at the same time?""Because they both agreed to it.""Young ladies are like that these days?""Not really. But when you're the most popular guy at school some girls just don't wanna miss out on you, so they'd rather share you than not have you at all.""Mmm, mmm, mmm.""Dad, I've got this. I'll just need one tiny favor from you.""What's that son?""Can your driver take us in the limo? I wanna roll with style.""Okay.""Thanks Dad, you're the best.""Have fun tonight and be safe. Your mother, brother and I are going out for dinner tonight. Call me on my cell if there's any emergency, and keep an eye out for Emily.""Yeah, yeah, yeah.""I'm serious Evan!""Okay Dad. I will."My sixteen year-old son were turning into a man and he had so much of me in him. His facial features resembl
Emma's POV"Evan. Stop right there. You have to come and take your bath!""No. I don't wanna take a bath mommy. I bathed yesterday already.""Evan!"He was running in all the corners and hiding spaces in his room so I couldn't reach him. It has been seven perfect years."Evan, if you don't come out of there I'm going to call your dad!""No! Don't call daddy. I'm coming out mommy!"He appeared in front of me smiling innocently like an angel. Well, at least threatening him by putting his dad on his case worked.I handed him his bath towel and toothbrush and led him to the bathroom. I turned the temperature of the water to warm."I don't want you to watch me bathe this time mommy. I'm a big boy and I could do it myself.""Okay, my big boy," I said with a smile and sat down on his bed."Mommy. Mommy!" Emily called from outside."I'm in your brother's room!" I called, hoping
Emma's POVIt was my birthday and Ethan wanted to throw me a party but I just wanted a small get together with my household staff and Nana.I took a shower and put on one of my favorite black dresses. I applied my makeup and combed my hair into a neat ponytail. The children were sleeping in their crib. Ethan came out of the shower wrapped in his towel and another drying his hair as usual."Happy birthday baby," he pulled me into him, kissing my lips sweetly. He was ruining my lipstick."Thank you sweetie."We went downstairs for dinner, leaving the kids upstairs with the nanny. They were too young for the dinner event we were about to have.Nana arrived a half hour later. Halley, the chef and the three evening shift security guards were seated. Wine and food were catered and served to everyone."Happy Birthday to Emma and Nana," they toasted to us."Thank you," I said. "Also, we have an announc
Emma's POV"I don't want a birthday party," I said to him as we attended to the children."Baby why?""Because I don't want a bunch of people meeting the twins at just a week old. I want to just have dinner here with the staff and Nana.""Okay.""Ethan, you're going to spoil Evan if you keep raising him every time he cries for affection." I watched as my soon-to-be husband took the baby boy out of the crib and placed him against his hard chest.Evan stopped cried and began to smile in the arms of his father. He was already spoiled by Ethan and it amazed me how much he was attached to him instantly, like he had been waiting to meet his dad."I love him and he smells so nice," he said sniffing him, which made me laugh.I picked up Emily and cuddled her in my arms. She was more attached to me than Evan. Evan only wanted my milk but longed for his father's time and attention. I didn't know what I'd
Ethan's POVI watched them sleeping so soundly in the double crib in our bedroom. I had redecorated and arranged a bedroom across from ours for them, but Emma wanted them in the room with us so she could keep a very close eye on them. The first pregnancy was unsuccessful and I believed she would become very overprotective of the twins.The twins had come into the world yesterday, July 8th, at 11:04 a.m and 11:07 a.m.Emma's birthday was only four days away and I planned on making it extra special for her and my Nana.As I watched my children Evan's eyes opened. They were a bright gray like mine. I couldn't help but smile as he looked up at me and gave a bright toothless smile. He was silent. He didn't make a sound, only stared as if he were judging me. I was tempted to pick him up and hold him in my arms. The son I'd always wanted was now here in my room looking up at me, and he was perfect.I couldn't help myself anymore.