Chapter 2. Mr. Bennett.

Emma Spencer.

After witnessing that pathetic bastard who, unfortunately, is still my husband, fuck his secretary in my house, I got in the car and pressed the accelerator. I know I can’t go to my mother’s house. Not yet. I need to process everything I see.

Maddie can’t see me like this. God heavens! Maddie. How will I justify her daddy is a bastard? What will I tell her when she asks me why don’t we go back home? She may only be five years old, and Albert may not be the best of parents, but she doesn’t miss a beat. Sometimes I feel like talking to her is like talking to an adult, in a small way.

Fuck! I’m so shocked! And honestly, I’m too stubborn to cry.

Fury flows through my veins like thick, burning lava. While I’m arguing with my inner self about which path to take, my cell phone pulls me out of my thoughts.

I stop on the avenue and see who is calling, and it is none other than Albert-moron! I cut the call without wanting to listen to that insignificant worm and block his number.

I don’t have the heart or the head to deal with him, so I sigh as I squeeze my eyes shut. It seems like I'm about to experience a severe headache.

I don’t know if I’m in shock, but if I’m honest, it’s not pain I feel, it’s anger. The kind that makes you do stupid things. And I know myself. I’m capable of doing stupid things, like setting his car on fire. Hmm…actually, that’s not a bad idea.

Again, the sound of my cell phone takes me out of my internal dialogue. I saw the screen and the phone number; I don’t know who it is.

I frown and answer. “Hello?” A man surprised that I answer him speaks to me in a husky, velvety voice. “Dr. Spencer, I didn’t think you would answer me.” I think for a moment, remembering who he is. The truth? I don’t give it much effort and ask him. “Who is it?”

“I’m Peter… Bennett. We met at the conference a few hours ago.”

I sigh and say. “Mr. Bennett, how did you get my number?”

He answers me. “I have my ways.”

Annoyed, I tell him. “Oh yeah? Well, you are harassing me and invading my privacy. Are you used to being this way with people around you or with those you just met?”

There is an awkward silence on the other end of the line until he answers me. “I’m so sorry for bothering you, Dr. Spencer. I didn’t think you would get mad at calling you.”

“Well, guess what? Yes, it makes me angry, it makes me furies that all the men believe that someone will be thrilled with you invading her personal space. Well, no, Mr. Bennett. At least I’m not like that. Stop bothering me!”

And without realizing it, I’m yelling at him.

He just listens to me and says. “Are you okay? Is there anything I can help you with?” 

And just like that, the tears that refused to come out begin to flow like waterfalls. Concern is heard in his voice when he demands. “Where are you? I will come for you.”

I cannot speak. Tears prevent me from speaking. Sue again. “Stay where you are. I will go for you. Don’t leave the avenue.”

That catches my attention. Without stopping crying, I asked him. “How do you know I’m on the avenue?”

He sighs and says. “I’ll tell you when I come for you and make sure you’re okay. Please. Wait for me. It will take me ten minutes to get there.”

I wanted to refute, but he cut the call. I stare at the screen for a moment, still lost and confused with everything that has happened. My tears now refuse to stop, and I hate myself for crying over that fake, stupid, conceited man named Albert.

True to his word, Mr. Bennett is outside my car in ten minutes. He opens the door, making me jump. He bends down and looks at my face, which is red and swollen from crying.

With a tender and compassionate voice, he frowns, sighs, and asks me. “Who was capable of harming you?”

I cover my face with my hands and cry again. He takes my chin with his big hand, and I feel sparks invade my entire body, sending shivers down my spine. What is this feeling? I wonder. I open my eyes wide, hold my breath, and unconsciously touch his hand. I tremble at his touch.

He smiles at me, pleased, and in a whisper says. “Mate!”

I frown and say. “What?”

I let go of his grip, coming to my senses, and told him. “What do you mean by that? Excuse me, Mr. Bennett. You didn’t have to bother coming here. I appreciate your concern.”

He frowns, his gaze darkens, and he says. “Don’t appreciate it. I’ll escort your home. I won’t let you drive in that state.”

I open my eyes wide and shout at him. “NO! Not to my house!”

A confused look crosses his handsome face, and he says. “Well, you tell me where you want me to take you, but I won’t leave you alone. And that is final.”

I sigh, resigned, as I change seats. He gets into the car, looks at me out of the corner of his eye, and says. “Where am I taking you, madame?”

I examined him and asked him. “Why are you here?”

He turns in his seat and looks at me with a penetrating gaze. His almond-colored eyes shine brightly as he says, “I’m here, Emma, ​​because I’m unable to leave you alone.”

I should be furious about addressing me so casually, but I can’t help but blush at hearing his statement. My heart beats strongly, hearing how my name sounds on his appetizing lips and, without avoiding it, I find myself staring at them.

He smiles, amused, when he notices it and says. “Is there something you’re watching that you like?”

I shake off the thought, as I say. “What are you talking about?”

He smiles again as he says. “It doesn’t matter. Since you didn’t tell me where to go, I choose. Stay calm.”

I’m going to debate, but he’s already driving and deep down, I’m deeply grateful that he showed up and is pulling me out of this, taking control.

Peter drove for about half an hour and we arrived at a beautiful place. I look around, not recognizing where I am.

I asked him. “Peter, where are we?”

He smiles at me and says. “I’m so glad you call me by my name, Emma. I was honestly getting angry that you called me Mr. Bennett.”

I frown and say. “It wasn’t by choice. Since you called me by my name a while ago, I thought it was only fair I do the same.”

His smile widens as he says. “Whatever the reason, I’m happy. Now, regarding your question, we are at my house.”

I open my eyes wide and scream. “WHAT? NO! This is so bad! I am still a married woman, and my reputation must be impeccable if I want to remain in the university as a professor! Being unemployed is not an option for me. I can’t right now.”

He frowns and says. “Emma, ​​what are you talking about? We’re not doing anything wrong, well. Not yet, anyway.”

I watch him laugh amusedly while I’m hyperventilating, panicking.

He tells me. “Hey! Eyes on me, Emma. I would never let you get into trouble because of me. When I tell you that everything is fine, you must trust that it is.”

“Easier said than done.” I tell him, linking my arms. “You don’t know what it’s like to be a woman in a man’s world, Peter. Just because you are a man, no one questions your position. However, just because I am a woman, I must justify my position to everyone. Everyone constantly questions my intelligence, my achievements, and findings. And let’s not even talk about whether you’re a pretty woman. Now that is a debate for a full day.”

He parks in front of the immense mansion, which is… amazing.

He hangs his head sideways and says. “I know I can never be in your position, since I was not born a woman. But there is not a day that I do not ensure that my workers have the same opportunities and that these biases, especially gender bias, do not occur. It’s true, it’s a titanic battle, Emma. But it starts somewhere. Now, I understand that you have a hard time trusting people, because of the same thing. But I want you to know that you can trust me. I will never deceive you.”

I sigh, defeated, as I say. “Only time will tell, Peter.”

“And I will prove to you every day that I am worthy of your trust, Emma.”

I look out the window, processing what he just told me, as I nod at his words.

Then, I hear him say cautiously. “What did you mean, just now, when you told me you are still a married woman? What did your husband do to you?”

I look at him nervously, bite my lip, sigh as I say, “I just saw him fucking his secretary at my house.”