As Tina dragged Emma onto the dance floor, the pulsating lights and thumping music and seeing others having so much fun engulfed them. Emma lost herself in the rhythm, letting go of her worries with each sway of her hips.One shot. Two shots. Three shots. Emma lost count as the alcohol dulled her senses, blending reality with a haze of euphoria. Tina, equally intoxicated, danced beside her, their laughter mingling with the music.Emma's thoughts drifted to Ivanka, but she pushed them away, yearning for just one night without worry about anyone.Two more shots blurring her vision, and the club swirled around her like a kaleidoscope. Did those flashes of light resemble camera bulbs, or were they just illusions created by her intoxication?As time slipped away, Emma surrendered to the music, but a sudden urge to vomit clawed at her insides. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to leave, not with her favorite slow song playing at the moment.“Enough fun for one night, Emma.” A hand rested on h
Lucas retrieved his ID from his wallet and handed it over, his jaw clenched with tension. The guard examined it closely, his eyes flicking between Lucas and the ID before reluctantly nodding.As the guard stepped back to allow him through the gate, Lucas exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. His relief was palpable, the knot of anxiety in his stomach gradually unraveling.Arriving at the parking lot of the building, Lucas glanced worriedly at Emma, her peaceful slumber a stark to the chaos of the night. Gently opening the back door, he lifted her into a sitting position, her weight sagging against him as he maneuvered her out of the car.The vigilant gaze of the guard followed them as they made their way towards the lobby. Midway, Lucas paused, turning to the guard with a polite yet strained expression."Can you direct me to her apartment?" he asked, his voice hinting at urgency."Through the lobby," the guard replied.Lucas nodded in gratitude before continuing on his p
The remnants of the previous night's events lingered in Emma's mind, casting a gloomy shadow over the new day ahead. However, she pushed aside those thoughts, focusing on the task at hand: getting through the day, one step at a time.Emma poured another cup of coffee, the scalding liquid burning her throat as she downed it all in one gulp. Grimacing at its bitter taste, she quickly rushed to the bathroom, splashing water to wash away any remnants of caffeine staining her teeth.Hastily returning to her bedroom, she grabbed her work essentials, her mind consumed with the realization that she would be late for work if she didn't hurry. As she hastily headed out the door, the absence of her car in its usual spot jolted her into realization. Lucas had only dropped her off at home from the club last night; her car was still parked there.Panic rising, she frantically searched for her phone, the digital clock taunting her with its display of the time past nine. With her heart racing, she ru
Emma nodded in tacit agreement, her heart heavy with the gravity of what had transpired. They exchanged seats, and Emma assumed control of the car, her fingers tightening around the wheel with unresolved tension as she ignited the engine and merged onto the road.At Tina's urging, they made a detour to a nearby café. The cozy ambiance did little to dissolve the tension between them as they placed their orders – a simple coffee for Tina and a cappuccino for Emma.Tina's voice quivered as she spoke of wanting to give Trevor a chance to explain. Emma listened, her doubts gnawing at her insides, but she remained silent, understanding that Tina needed to make her own decision. She only hoped it wouldn't take too much time or effort before she realized that Trevor was no good for her, someone she needed to steer clear of in order to avoid becoming a victim of his downfall.After purchasing their drinks, they continued their journey to the office. Emma glanced at her watch as they disembarke
Damien's firm tone began as he reminded her, "Before heading to work, feedback on the outing with Tina was needed from you, but you neglected to provide it. As for now, I will let it slide.""But as soon as you're done, meet me at the outskirts of the city," Damien continued, his sense of urgency palpable. "At Elmwood Park, next to the broken-down ice cream truck. No delays, it's critical. I've found something significant.""Of course, dear, I'll grab the vegetables on my way back," Emma's calm facade mirrored Damien's instructions to the letter, her tone composed as a worker walked by past her."Come alone, without any..." Damien's words were interrupted by a sharp familiar voice."Emma?" The interruption caused Emma to startle, fluidly lowering the burner phone she was using for their conversation and disconnecting the call, tucking it away inside her shirt. Her heart thudded in her chest as she pivoted towards the source of the voice.There stood Trevor Maddox standing proudly, his
Mr ethan turned to look at trevor. A small scoff escaped his lips, “But that can't be. You said she was a poor low-life,” Mr. Ethan shook his head, struggling to comprehend the revelation.“That's how she was when I first met her, broke and alone after losing her father. She had nothing! Working as a bar attendant” Trevor's said, a devilish smirk on his face as he looked at Emma.Emma's mouth hung open as she looked at Trevor, " W..what? I was never an attendant!!" She defended herself, but it all stood out deaf ears as Trevor and his father stared at her.Ethan exhaled as he looked at his son, “Well,She's proven herself capable, unlike the last secretary who was lazy and rude,” Mr. Ethan dismissed Trevor's outburst with a wave of his hand, focusing his attention on Emma.“Why didn't you tell me you used to date my son?” His tone was now more curious than accusatory, as if he was trying to piece together the puzzle of their complicated past.With anticipation fluttering in her chest,
"I must address the earlier events today..." Mr. Ethan began, striding towards the mini refrigerator in the corner of his office. He retrieved a bottle of water and poured it into a glass, then drank it down in one gulp."...Had I known you were Trevor's ex, I would have avoided any involvement with you, but that is too late now," Mr. Ethan continued, returning to his chair, his legs crossed on the other as he stared at Emma."I apologize, sir," Emma lowered her head."It is of no consequence. I cannot afford to let you go at this moment, as you have proven to be efficient and valuable to the company and may possess sensitive information," he stated with a cold look, daring her to object. But Emma knew better but to keep quiet and let him talk."If you cannot work with Trevor's presence in the company, now is the time to make your decision. I will not tolerate incompetency or excuses," Mr. Ethan's stern tone echoed in the office, sending a shiver down Emma's spine. She nodded in compl
A bitter scoff escaped Trevor's mouth the moment he saw Emma, "Are you presently tracking my movements?" Trevor's penetrating gaze fixated on Emma, enough to elicit discomfort from her."Pardon me? You're the one residing in the opposite house to mine, yet you feel the need to interrogate me?" Emma gave a small laugh, she shook her head in unbelief, it seems as though it wasn't enough seeing hum since after their breakup in his father's office, but seeing him in her apartment which makes it twice in one day was more than enough and she could not wait for the day to pass away."How benevolent of my father to offer you shelter. Pathetic," Trevor sneered, oozing disdain as he eyed her from head to toe, emanating hostility."At least I'm not promiscuous,, a deceiver, a despicable person, a perpetrator of domestic violence, and a manipulator, all rolled into one," Emma countered, her arms folded as she stood her ground, staring him down."What did you just call me?" Trevor advanced toward