“Okay. Are you ready to see how you look?” Emma asked Winter who was backing up the mirror as she zipped up the dress. Winter nodded. The clothes fit her perfectly, so she knows how wonderful she will look when she looks at herself in the mirror. Ever since she had gotten to the office with her brother, the words her brother had said about Emma before they left home were replying in her mind. Winter turned around, and a sudden gasp left her mouth as she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. “Is that me?” Emma nodded with a chuckle. “You are gorgeous, Miss Queen.” “I didn’t know this would look this perfect. Of course you made it, but I didn’t know I would look this fantastic.” She looked at Emma. “Thank you.” She leaned in for a hug, which caught Emma by surprise. As she released herself, Winter said, “I hope you remember that you and I will be coming into the party together, right?” “You said that before, but I wonder why. Isn’t it your grandmother’s birthday? You should definite
Emma yawned, dropping the cloth she had completed on the couch. She stood up and stretched. Feeling tired, she reached for her phone to check the time. “5:00 am.” She let out a low groan. She didn't know she spent that much time on the cloth. She dropped it back on the table, adjusted her newly sewn cloth, and placed it in a corner, then used the couch for a little nap. Just before she was about to start with the cloth, she received a call from Phoebe. Emma had informed her she wouldn't be able to come home until after the party. Phoebe had promised to care for Zoella while she did her work. And ended the sentence with, “Make sure you become the eye of the party.” Emma replayed those words in her head. She adjusted herself on the uncomfortable couch as she closed her eyes to sleep. The sound of the alarm woke her up a little after seven, leaving her with just two hours to sleep. She got up from the couch and used the bathroom to freshen up. Since no one would be present at the offic
Emma and Heather walked into the room filled with crowded people of higher class. Heather took two glasses of champagne from the waiter who had passed them by. She handed one to Emma. “You could use a little of this.” As Emma took it, she said, “Thank you.” She sipped a little. “Is this how it happens every year?” “Actually, it happens at the Empire. I guess Jada just wanted to feel at home, so she changed the venue for this year's birthday.” Emma nodded. It makes sense why the limo pulled up in front of this enormous mansion rather than the hotel. She heaved a sigh of relief. She won't have to think about the past anymore. She won't need to return to that hotel any longer. Her eyes darted about. It looked beautiful. Ezra was raised here. Heather remarked, "I'll be right back," as soon as she saw Josie. Heather hugged a stunning, slim woman who appeared to be in her 50s as Emma watched from a corner. Once she noticed a waiter passing her, Emma averted her gaze. She picked up another
Holding her cheek with his strong hand as he kissed her, Ezra Queen felt he had been there before and he would be there again. He couldn’t control himself. She was the same woman he had tried his best not to look at that afternoon on their way to the mansion; now, he is settled on her lips, savoring it like it was a goblet of wine. Like it was some kind of treasure he couldn't dare put away. Like it needed to be cared for, and that was what he was doing. Taking care of it like it deserved. Like it was intended to be placed inside of his. As he rocked his tongue into hers like the monster he is or is about to become, his hand combed through her hair. He made an effort to maintain control, but he was failing. Perhaps it was the taste of her or the scent of her perfume that kept him from moving, but he just didn't want to be free. Not yet. She was always filled with innocence when he looked at her, and he has tried to avoid shattering that innocence. But how could he not? Tonight, just
Emma closed the door behind her as she entered the home. Just telling Ezra about that made her sick to her stomach. She had believed it would go smoothly, but she now believes she was mistaken. To reflect, Emma sat on the couch. The house was quiet, so she guessed that Zoella had spent the night over at Phoebe’s. She reached for her purse to find her phone. Once it was in her hand, she called Phoebe. In one ring, Phoebe's voice bloomed through the phone. “I have been anticipating your call. How was it? I heard the party was a success.” Emma was quiet for a while, and that hit Phoebe. “Okay. What happened?” Emma took a deep breath. “I am embarrassed, Phoebe. I don’t even think I should be seeing him anymore.” “What happened, Emma?” “Ezra yelled at me after I told him about it. It’s like he will never acknowledge the fact that Zoella is his kid. When I looked into his eyes, I saw hate and confusion.” “Of course he would be confused. He discovered he is a father all of a sudden. If
The following morning, Ezra awoke with a slight headache. He blinked at the ceiling and dragged himself out of bed. When his phone buzzed, he reached for it and saw the news feed that had appeared. “New Favorite Designer of Queens Fashion Company. Miss Facer” There was a picture of her next to it. It was being taken when she got out of the limo. He knew she would win the title. Because of how she had presented herself and handled Winter's cloth, he had no doubt that she would triumph.He reached for the aspirin near his bed and placed it in his mouth, pushing the drug down with the glass of water he picked up from his table. As he approached the curtain and raised it, Ezra yawned. The morning sun flashed across his face as he inhaled deeply. He shifted his focus to the door where Cody was standing after hearing him bark. “Come here, boy.” He motioned. Cody ran to him, and he patted him on the head. “Are you ready for your morning walk?” Ezra interpreted Cody's roll on the ground as an
“I’m so sorry about earlier.” Emma moved out of the way for him to pass through. Ezra inspected the house with his eyes. “Please sit down.” Ezra sat down on the couch and looked up at her. “Would you like to have some water?” “No. Thank you. Why aren’t you at work today? You must have seen the news about getting the title.”Emma nodded. “Yes. I did. I didn’t even think I would win. How did you find my place?” Emma focused her gaze at him, waiting for his reply. “Ah. Scott gave it to me. I have only dropped you off at bus stops and not in front of your house, so I needed more help. When did you relocate here?” Emma said nervously, “I have always lived here, but there was a time this place was under repair. I had to stay with my aunt for a while until now.” “Oh.” Ezra had never felt so shy before. Was it because he had come to know that she was the girl he fell in love with three years ago? “Okay. Why are you here, though?” Emma laughed a little. When Ezra raised his head to her a
At precisely 3:15 p.m, Emma was waiting outside the school to pick up Zoe. She had gone to the closest restaurant earlier to look for work. She needs to spend some time apart from Ezra. People had recognized her, but she had changed her name and appearance to make it appear as though she wasn't the person they said she was. After the interview, the restaurant manager assured her that he would get in touch with her. Even though it isn’t what she has a passion for, Emma is doing this to get out of trouble. She decided that it would be best to put a temporary distance between herself and Ezra since he won't be bringing any legal action regarding what transpired three years ago. Emma stepped inside the school. She saw Zoe leaving the classroom. “Hey hun.” At her, Emma waved. Zoe sprinted over and gave Emma a big hug, encircling Emma's neck as Emma knelt down to be at Zoe's eye level. Releasing the little girl, Emma said with a smile, “I have missed you.” “I have missed you too.” “How w
Phoebe exclaimed, turning her head towards Emma, as she stood in front of the large mansion. "You never mentioned your friend was loaded." On the ride to Susan’s home, she’d been glaring at the houses they passed by. When Emma said she had a colleague, she never imagined it was a wealthy one. “Susan doesn’t like to brag.” “Emma. Why are we in Bella’s house?” Zoe asked. "You are going to have a play date with Bella. Are you not pumped?" Zoe shook her head. “No. I am not in Bella’s class anymore.” Emma rolled her eyes. She is a kid, so she should act like one. Why is having a special child so difficult? There is a difficult situation at hand, and Phoebe is unaware that Ezra wants her to begin living on his estate so Zoe can live comfortably. "You are a kid, Zoella, so you are going to have a playdate today. Whether you like it or not." “But…” Her eyes began to well up. "Emma must attend to some business. Come on.” She held her hand as they walked to the door. Emma pressed the door
Emma arrived home around 10:30 a.m., and the driver had dropped her off at Ezra's request. He could not bring them himself, which she understood, but that was not the issue. Things were becoming increasingly complicated, and Phoebe would be furious if she found out. Winter is aware of Zoe, so there is no doubt that the rest of the family will be as well. Her heart was racing as she stepped out of the car with Zoe. “Thank you.” She thanked the driver and watched him drive away before returning her attention to her building. She would be leaving this place and moving into Ezra's estate by tomorrow. Things will not get any easier from there. “Emma. I had fun today. I think Winter likes me.” Zoe stated, but there was no response. Emma, on the other hand, was deep in thought. Zoe called her name as she tucked her pants repeatedly. "Is there something wrong?" Emma inquired, looking down at her. “Why are you staring at the house? Is it because Daddy wants us to move to the new house?" E
Emma froze on her feet as she met Winter's widened eyes. Her plan had been to run into the bathroom and emerge when Winter was gone, but she was apprehended on her way out of the kitchen. “Winter.” She chuckled nervously. “How are you doing, love? Happy Sunday.” Winter looked her over and examined her. “What are you doing here? It appears from the way you are dressed that you spent the night here.” "No, I didn’t.” She flatly denied it. "You are dressed in Ezra's shirt." She gave a nod. "Yes, you slept here." With a sly grin, she approached Emma and muttered, “Don’t worry. I am rooting for both of you. Oh, it is as if my dream is coming true." Emma was watching her as she rejoiced. “Emma. You have my permission. Now, where is my phone?” She moved over to the couch and noticed it behind her bag. She held it out for Emma to see. “Found it. I will be seeing my brother now.” Emma remembered Zoe was upstairs in Ezra's room as Winter walked to the stairs. "I think it is best if I call h
His mouth tasted like cold, fresh juice. The kind that reminds you of summer air, the sea, and the sun. As Emma kissed him further, she didn’t want to let go. It was something she yearned for. It was something she had always desired. To be held by him. To be in his arms. Protected, safe, and loved. It reminded her of three years ago, when he carried her into the hotel room and made love to her. If only things had gone differently, she would have stayed and tried her luck. She would not have stolen from him and fled. What kind of woman would consider harming a man like Ezra Queen? She, of course. She had done so and continues to do so, and she felt guilty as he kissed her more. The thought made her break away from the kiss and she met his gaze. His ocean blue eyes locked on her, and Emma was certain he could see her soul as her heart beat faster.“Are you okay?” He asked. She wanted to scream, "Ezra, I am so sorry. Zoe isn’t yours. She is adopted. But I love you, and I went through a
"I'm so, so sorry." He turned his head away as soon as he stood up. Emma draped the shirt around her body. The shirt was larger and longer for her, and it completely covered her. “You weren’t at fault.” She looked at him. "It is all right; you can look at me now." Instead of turning to face her, Ezra walked to the door. “Goodnight, Emma.” He spoke, and as he was about to close the door, he paused due to the growling in her stomach. He sighed and moved his gaze to her. "I just realised I only served you tea, not dinner." “Yeah.” Her arms were encircling her. "Zoe has not eaten either. I should wake her up so she can eat something before going back to bed." “You are right. Come on.” She accompanied him out of the room. Ezra told her he would meet her in the kitchen and turned to walk in a different direction. Emma complied and went into the kitchen to wait. After a few minutes, she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. As he approached the kitchen, Zoe was in his arms, her hand ru
Emma stared out the window as the car drove through the streets on the way home. It was 6 p.m., and Zoe was fast asleep in her seat. Her thoughts have not been settled in one place since Ezra mentioned buying her a house on his property, and she has been silent the entire time. The rain suddenly started to pour, blurring the view out the car window. Emma sagged back in her chair and sighed. “Is everything okay?” He’d noticed she hadn’t said a word since they left the park. “Yes. Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?” She laughed a little nervously. "Because you have not said anything? If this is related to the house, Emma, please understand that I am only trying to look out for my daughter and want her to have the best.”Can he please stop saying that? Her stomach turned just by hearing that word. Zoe is not your daughter; she wanted to yell but instead she said, “I know. She is fortunate to have you as a father, and I know you want the best for her." “She will live a normal life and co
"She is no longer there! Zoe is gone!” “Emma, Calm down. Breathe.” Ezra said, both hands on her shoulders, trying to smooth her. Emma raised her gaze at him. “Don’t tell me to calm down. She is gone!” Her eyes were starting to well up with tears. She sniffled. “We will find her. I promise. First and foremost, we must contact the police." He reached for his phone, but she shook her head. “No.” “What?” “No. We can not call the cops." Ezra gave her a curious look. “Why not? This place is huge. She could be anywhere.” "What if she injures herself before they arrive? We have to find her. Quick, Ezra. Nothing should happen to my daughter because I will not be able to leave with myself!" Emma yelled as she jerked away from Ezra and ran towards the swing where Zoe was last seen. If Zoe is hurt, she will be taken to the hospital, where the truth will be revealed. If that happens, she will be doomed and imprisoned for the rest of her life. No. She cannot allow this to happen. She needs
Blinking several times, Emma continued to look into his eyes. The hardest part was getting her gaze away from him. She was salivating. She was daydreaming. And she wanted to stay there for a long time—until she heard Zoe speak. “Oopies. Emma. Are you okay?” Ezra balanced her and released her. "Are you all right?" He inquired, and she fell again, but she was caught in his arms for the second time. “Hey. Easy there,” he laughed, setting her on her feat again. Emma tucked her hair behind her ears, nervously laughing, hoping he would notice how much work she had put into her face and compliment her. He did not seem to notice. “So sorry about that. My legs become weak when I meet someone who takes my breathhhhhhhhh…” She dragged out the last words so long that she had to correct herself as soon as she came back to her senses. "I mean, I am getting older, and these heels are making it so difficult. It makes my bones brittle. The legs bones.” He looked down at her legs. "You do not have
Two days later...Ezra turned off the gas when he heard his phone ringing in the distance. It was placed on the dining room table. He removed his apron and walked over to the dining table to see who had called him early Saturday morning. “Mother?” That was clearly visible on his phone's screen. He picked up his phone and placed it in his ear. "Good morning, mother." "Good morning, son." She sounded depressed, but Ezra knew it was just another of her jokes. She either wants him to return home with a woman he loves so they can plan a wedding, or she wants to complain about something he is unaware of at the moment. "It is very early, mother. This is my day of rest." “It is 8 in the morning, boy. How are you doing today?” "Exactly the same as yesterday." He had talked to Emma before he left work about what time he should get to the house for the outing. Emma had told him about enrolling Zoe in her class and how surprised everyone was when Zoe was introduced. A young boy had yelled. “