Blood Betrayal

CHAPTER 2: Coming Home

Andrew’s arms were wrapped around Emily. She froze for a moment, trying to get a grasp of the situation. She could feel her heart racing; her hands were stiff as her father hugged her. Jason came closer, stretching his hands for a handshake. It was supposed to be a simple and professional handshake, but the moment their hands met, something in her paused, a pulse sparked in her wrist, and she hoped he didn’t feel it. Her heart gave an unusual flutter; their eyes met. Jason’s grip was professional; he released her hands as if he were already moving on before their skin made contact.

“Jason! This is Emily, my daughter.” He stuttered on the word daughter. “Remember I told you how she vanished a few days after her mother’s death; I thought I had lost her. Emily’s chest tightened, her eyes filled with tears.

"Emily, this is Jason Scott," her father said, not really noticing her. "His father left him the family business. He’s a private investor and a real estate developer. We’re teaming up for a mountain resort project to expand the Cole Estate. He arrived from Los Angeles this morning and will be staying with us until everything is wrapped up."

I’ll leave you two to settle in, Andrew said, already reaching for his phone as he walked towards his room.

Too tense to handle another situation, Emily left before they could say anything to each other. Her room looked exactly the way she had left it, untouched and preserved, as if the house had been holding its breath for six years, waiting for her to return. She sat on the edge of the bed and finally allowed herself to look at the photographs lined up on her dresser. One showed her mother laughing on a boat, while another captured the moment her mother placed her hand on Emily's shoulder at her college graduation, looking proud and impressed.

Her fingers trembled as she traced the edge of one frame; she bit down on her lower lip, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill over. The pressure in her chest had been building since she got home, since her time in the study, and especially since the moment Jason's hand had touched hers, sparking feelings she wasn’t ready to confront.

She was deep in thought without realizing a light knock on her door until the second time. She walked to the door, sluggish, to find her dad staring right at her. She didn’t seem excited to see him, but deep inside she missed him. Where have you been, Emily? Her dad asked, looking concerned. She remained mute, refusing to meet his gaze. I missed you, Emily, Andrew said softly, holding her hands. Nothing has been the same since you left. I searched for you everywhere. I called your friends and reached out to Jessica.

Emily’s stomach tightened the moment she heard Jessica’s name; bitterness pricked her throat, and just hearing it made her skin crawl. You should talk to her; she’s been worried about you, Andrew said softly.

She asked about the family business, not paying attention to her father’s questions. It's been difficult running the business without you, Andrew said. You came back just at the right time, and you will have to work closely with Jason towards the success of the mountain resort plans in Asheville. You’ve been gone for a long time, so I’ll have to fill you in on what has been going on after you’ve had enough rest. Jason will have to be here with us throughout his stay in North Carolina, and I hope you get along with each other. Emily nodded sluggishly as her father made his way out of her room.

Later that evening, Emily roamed around the house feeling unsettled with thoughts of Jason’s presence; nothing made sense to her, especially Jason’s presence. This was more than a mere coincidence for her, yet no matter how hard she tried, it was hard to get herself to figure everything out at once. Halfway across the sitting room, she heard the front door open. Her father's welcoming voice echoed through the hallway, making her rush for a glimpse of the guest.

Jessica walked in, smiling at Andrew. This was the last person Emily expected to see, at least not on her first day at home. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she watched her father welcome Jessica in. Her thoughts flashed to the moment that triggered her sudden disappearance six years ago: walking into her father wrapped around Jessica’s arms barely three days after her mother’s death. She bit her lip in pain and disappointment; her anger shifted to the glass of water in her right hand, which she gripped tightly.

Jessica smiled at her, stretching her arms for a hug like nothing happened. Emily faked a weak smile, reaching out for Jessica’s hand before getting a glimpse of a ring on Jessica’s finger. Now that was new; it wasn’t just a fancy one. That was a wedding ring.

Another question popped into Emily’s head. Who was she getting married to? A chill swept through her chest. That was just another question, yet to be answered.

“Look at you! You look stunning. But why did you leave without a word? That wasn’t fair; I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’m sure you did,” Emily said, trying her best to control her emotions. “We both know you were waiting for me to leave, yeah?" Haha, I’m kidding. Nice ring though.”

“I know, right? I’ll fill you in later,” Jessica said, already glancing towards the door. It was obvious she wasn’t ready for that conversation. “I guess you’re still trying to settle in. I came as fast as I could after your dad told me about your arrival; we’ll make out time to catch up, but for now I’ve got to run along; I had to make a quick stop just to see you.”