Emily's POV
The sound of the alarm interrupted my sleep. I groaned and tried to ignore it. I was enjoying my dream. Lucas and I were on a yacht.
We clinked our glasses and…urgh, this alarm again.
I reached for it and stopped it before it rang for the third time.
Why did I dream of him again?
Last night was crazy.
Lucas was at the front of my in-laws' house, what were the odds of it being a coincidence?
The way his eyes lingered on me made my heart race fast.
My heart was beating so fast, I couldn't control my body's reactions whenever he was in front of me.
I turned slightly in bed.
Brian was already awake, sitting at the edge of the bed.
"Good morning." I greeted him but he didn't respond.
"I've told you already," he whispered low. "I will handle it."
I cleared my throat to get his attention.
"There will be no delay tonight." Still whispering but sharp.
"Is everything okay?" I asked, my tone laced with concern.
He turned his head and our eyes met.
His expression changed immediately, and he ended the call. "Morning." He said casually.
"You're up early," I said while sitting up.
"It's work," he replied briefly.
His hands started fidgeting, he stood up, slipped his phone into his pocket, and walked out of the room.
There will be no delay tonight?
What was he talking about?
I got out of bed and followed him out. He was acting restless and suspicious.
"What work?" I folded my arms as I stopped right in front of him. "Last I remember, the last business project didn't work out."
He looked at me and scoffed.
"Who were you talking to?" I asked again, still standing on business.
"I am the man of the house, how dare you keep on interrogating me in such a tone. I said it is work!" He shouted, pointing a finger at me as he paced around the living room.
Ever since I caught him cheating with Vanessa, I have been on edge. Maybe I need to tone things down. If I ever want to win this battle against them, I need to act like a fool in their game and beat them at it.
"I am sorry, I didn't mean to talk to you that way," I said softly, catching him off guard.
His shoulders relaxed and his eyes were shocked. "It is fine, it is business."
He walked towards the front door and stopped. "You're not going anywhere today right?"
"Uhm why?"
"No reason."
"Actually," he paused, scratching the back of his head. "Vanessa will be coming over."
He left after that without waiting for a response.
***
"Emily!"
Her voice could wake even the dead up, she needed no speaker.
"Come in," I called out.
Vanessa walked into the Sitting room with a bright grin on her face, her handbag hanging loosely on her arm- a bag I presumed my husband bought.
"You would not believe the kind of morning I had!" She said dramatically as she sat on the couch.
"Oh really," I said, trying to play along with her.
"I just came back from the recruitment process for the opening you referred me to."
I had forgotten I had referred her for a posting at work.
"How was it?"
"Girl, you did most of the work. I just got there, was asked a few questions, and was to start work next week." She said happily.
"That's the least of the things I could do for my friend." I faked a smile, irritated by just sitting with this Judas.
"Oh by the way, I would love to ask something." She said as she leaned forward, up close to me.
"What is it?"
"Why didn't you tell me there were a lot of hot men in your company?"
I blinked my eyes.
I couldn't believe her.
Even after sleeping with my husband, she still wants to chase other people?
"Vanessa," I said slowly, staring at her. "You just got the job and you're already planning your office romance? That's…real fast."
She burst into laughter. "Girl please."
"I'm serious," she said. " When I was at the company, I heard some people talking about the new executive."
I shifted uncomfortably on the couch.
Lucas.
She continued excitedly. "They said he was transferred from the headquarters and that he's some kind of big deal."
My shoulders became tense but I tried to be as calm as possible. "Oh, that's right."
Vanessa raised one of her brows. "So you have met him too?"
My stomach tightened.
Lucas.
I stood up so quickly.
"Let me get you some juice," I said, already halfway to the kitchen before she could answer.
The thought of Lucas looking at her the same way he did to me got me worried.
I returned with two glasses of juice and gave her one.
"Thanks Em."
Vanessa leaned back into the couch and let out a sigh.
"I can't wait to lay my eyes on him. I bet I will feel motivated to work every time I see him."
I forced a smile while imagining the best ways I could use to throw her out of my house. "You haven't even started yet."
Vanessa waved her hand to dismiss what I said.
"Why don't you tell me what he looks like?"
I almost choked on my juice.
A man full of a powerful aura and confidence.
The way his eyes lingered on me was too long to make my heart race.
My heart beats fast whenever he is in front of me.
Vanessa snapped her hands in front of my face. "Hello!!"
"Are you even listening to me?"
"Sorry, what did you say?" I blinked my eyes.
"If a man like that looks my way, I'm not asking questions. I'm removing his clothes ASAP," she said with a grin.
My eyes opened in shock at what she said. "Vanessa!"
"What?" Vanessa laughed. "Don't act shocked. You have seen him too."
I looked away quickly. "I'm married."
"Well you're lucky you are, otherwise I would have to steal your CEO crush from you." She shrugged and then smirked.
"But if you weren't married, I would have a serious competition."
If only she knew.
If only.
Brian walked into the house.
I observed the interaction between him and her.
"Vanessa, you're here already." He said while smiling at her.
"I just got here not too long ago, and my girl has been making me feel at home." She said as she rubbed my arm.
I yanked my arm out of her hold. Surprised and caught off guard, she looked at me with shock. "What the hell, Em?"
Brian glared at me and rushed to Vanessa. "Are you hurt, are you okay?"
Vanessa looked uncomfortable, because I was right beside her. "I am fine Brian."
"Okay, I will leave you girls to have fun," Brian said while retracting his steps and leaving the room.
My mind went to the strange message I had received about Lucas.
What was that about his Mother?
There is something strange about him…darker than the charming man I had met that night.
I don't know if I should be scared or not.
"Why do you look like that?" She said after noticing my silence.
"Like what?"
"Like you saw a ghost."
"I'm just tired."
Vanessa looked at me carefully.
"You've been saying that a lot lately."
She leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Is everything okay with you and Brian?"
I looked at the devil in front of me with the kindest eye you could ever find on earth.
I hesitated at first, unsure of the answer.
"Yes," I said.
She raised her eyebrow. "So why did you hesitate before answering?"
"I didn't."
"You did."
"We are good," I said softly, so she could get off my back.
She crossed her arms. "I've known you since high school. When you act this way, things aren't good."
Just as I was about to respond, Brian's voice cut through the room. "You shouldn't be threatening me right now!"
He was on the phone again.
Vanessa glanced towards the hallway and leaned closer. "He doesn't sound very happy."
Of course, she would know when he sounds happy considering he has been moaning into her ears behind my back.
Brian's voice was low but I was able to catch some words.
The money has to be moved tonight.
Make no delays.
I felt a chill run down my spine. What has Brian been up to these days?
Vanessa stiffened beside me. "It's probably just work." She said.
"Whatever it is, he will sort things out." I stood up. " I need to grab something at the store. With that, I left the house.
You might think I was stupid for leaving them alone in the house. But I just installed some spy cameras in the house, so I have decided to play smart and grab as much evidence as I need.
Whatever business he has gotten into, I am sure Vanessa is on it too.
As I walked down the street, absorbed in my thoughts, my phone buzzed.
It was a message from Lucas.
We need to talk.
My heart began to race.
The more I get entangled with him, the more my life starts getting complicated and this is just the beginning.
I knew talking to Lucas Reed again would change everything.