Chapter 13
Emily’s POV
Frank drove me home, the silence in the car heavy with the lingering tension from the day. My thoughts kept drifting back to the encounter with Keith in the bathroom. I couldn’t shake the image of him, the way his eyes burned with an anger and
possessiveness I had never seen before. Why was he acting like
this?
I almost gave in. This was what I’ve always wanted but then I remembered that he was with Emma. That he had most likely kissed her and done some other things with her. That’s what gave me the strength I needed to push him away from me. I just couldn‘ t let him use me like that. Not anymore. He had Emma and I was nothing to him except the mother of his son.
As we neared my house, Frank glanced over at me, curiosity evident in his expression. “So, Emily,” he began cautiously, “that guy at the range, Keith… who is he to you?”
I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal, but I finally answered, “Keith is my ex–husband.”
Frank nodded slowly, absorbing this new information. A moment of silence passed before he spoke again, his tone more concerned. “I thought he is with Lily, your sister–what’s going on?”
Chapter 13.
I hesitated, trying to find the right words. “It’s complicated, Frank. It’s not something that can be easily explained.”
Frank nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I respect that, Emily. Just know that if you ever need to talk, I’m here.” His sincerity was clear, and I felt a small warmth spread through me. It was nice to have someone who didn’t push, who was just… there.
As we reached my front door, Frank surprised me by leaning in and placing a gentle kiss on my cheek. “Take care, Emily. And maybe next time, I can take you out somewhere nice. You deserve it.”
I blushed, caught off guard by his gesture. “Thank you, Frank. I’d like that.”
That night, sleep eluded me. My mind kept racing between thoughts of Frank and Keith. Keith’s jealousy, Frank’s kindness- two completely different men, both pulling my emotions in opposite directions. It was all too much to process. I tossed and turned, my heart heavy with confusion and a strange mix of guilt and longing.
The next morning, I was jolted awake by the sound of the doorbell. I groggily made my way to the door, my mind still hazy from lack of sleep. When I opened it, I was startled to see Lily standing there, her expression cold and calculating.
“Lily,” I greeted her, my voice wary. “What are you doing here?”
Chapter 13
She didn’t waste any time, her tone sharp as she spoke. “I’m here to warn you, Emily. Stay away from Keith. He’s mine. You’ve already stolen nine years of my life, and I won’t let you take any more.”
I felt a surge of anger rise within me, but I forced myself to stay calm. “Lily, I’m not trying to take anything from you. Keith and I… we’re only connected because of Zane. That’s it.”
Lily scoffed, her eyes narrowing. “Don’t play innocent with me. You think I don’t see what you’re doing? Seducing him, trying to worm your way back into his life. But it won’t work. Keith is marrying me, and there’s nothing you can do about it. You’re just a teacher, Emily. I’m a lawyer with wealth, status, and the right to be Keith’s wife.”
Her words stung, but I refused to let her see it. Instead, I met her gaze with a defiant look. “I don’t need to seduce Keith, Lily. We’ve already slept together more times than I can count. If you think that’s what I’m after, you’re wrong.”
Lily’s face twisted in anger, but she quickly composed herself, her voice icy. “Enjoy your little victories, Emily. They won’t last. Keith and I will have the life we were always meant to have. And you… you’ll be left with nothing.”
With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving me standing in the doorway.
I sigh. To be honest, her words don’t bother me. I’m used to
Chapter 11
hearing people say that Rowan and I didn’t fit just because he was a billionaire and I was a simple teacher. That was their opinion and it had nothing to do with me. I loved my job and that was enough.
As I closed the door, I started finishing my work–grading my student’s reports. After that, I was ready to get to the church. I grabbed my keys and headed to the car, my mind still swirling with thoughts of the argument.
Just as I was about to start the engine, my phone rang. Keith’s name flashed on the screen, and I hesitated for a moment before answering.
“What the hell did you say to Lily?” His voice was sharp, accusatory.
I rolled my eyes, already tired of the conversation. “Nothing that she didn’t deserve. I’m not the one who showed up at someone’s house uninvited, accusing them of things they didn’t do.”
“You always have to make things difficult, don’t you, Emily?” he shot back, his tone full of frustration. “Why can’t you just-”
JJ
“I’m done with this, Keith,” I interrupted, my patience wearing thin. “I don’t owe you or Lily any explanations. We’re over. You made your choice, and I’ve made mine.”
Keith’s voice buzzed in my ear, growing more insistent with every word, but I couldn’t be bothered to listen anymore. I lowered the
Chapter 13
phone from my ear, letting his voice continue, muffled and distant. I held it loosely in my hand, my patience worn thin.
I reached for the ignition, my fingers brushing against the key, ready to start the car and leave this conversation behind. But before I could turn the key, a sudden wave of heat surged through the car, hitting me like a wall.
There was a deafening roar, and everything around me erupted into chaos. The force of the blast threw me away, my vision
blurring as the world outside the windshield seemed to shatter into pieces. The sound of metal twisting, glass shattering, and the faint echo of distant screams filled my ears.
Chapter 14
