Blood Betrayal

CHAPTER 4: Behind Closed Doors

Monday morning was not one of those normal days. Emily dressed carefully; she changed into different outfits, unsure which would be best for her first day back at work after six years. She was nervous; her dad’s words kept ringing in her ears. She wasn’t sure of what to expect, but she knew whatever she’d see would not be just a mere adjustment, like her father had initially labeled it. She pulled her hair back; it was something her mom labeled “armor.” They’d always do that anytime they had important deals to close at work.

Jason was in the office before she arrived; he was dressed in a white shirt that fit him, hugging his shoulder blades. The material was smooth, each button fastened properly, and the trousers were tucked in. He was rehearsing something under his breath at the hallway mirror before straightening at the sight of her; he gave a professional nod acknowledging her presence and walked ahead of her into the conference room.

Emily followed behind, preparing for the surprises, the new faces, and the ones she hadn’t seen in six years. She wasn’t ready for the woman seated across from her, just next to her father, a document neatly open and arranged in front of her like she was in charge of decision-making. That was an important seat, the seat her mom occupied in meetings like that one.

It was “Jessica”

She sat like the seat was specifically made for her, and smiled at other board members like she’d known them longer. Emily’s smile faded slowly; she stood frozen at the doorway. Her father’s secretary approached the boardroom holding a tray of glasses with water. In an attempt to move back, Emily bumped into her, crashing the tray on the floor.

That sound hit a nerve in Emily. For a moment, she was standing in the doorway of a huge mansion in Baltimore Forest, loud music pulsed through the house, a different glass of Veuve Clicquot Brut shattering at her feet as she watched her father’s arm wrapped around this same woman six years ago, barely three days after her mother’s death.

That short memory passed immediately. The secretary was apologizing, already reaching for the shattered glasses, and Emily was back to reality, her heartbeat racing for a reason no one else could understand.

“Emily, you’re here.” Her father’s voice pulled her consciousness all the way back; the board members looked at her, confusion written on their faces. Jessica was smiling at her, like nothing was wrong. They had met a few days ago, talked for a bit, but she mentioned nothing about holding a position in the company or even being a part of the board. That was betrayal wrapped in a smile.

She took a seat. Andrew introduced Emily to the board for the benefit of the new one who joined after she left. He also introduced Jessica to Emily as the President, her mother’s role before she died. Jessica had that position for over 4 years. Emily squeezed her hands in pain, trying to hold herself back; it was a family problem, so causing a scene would only reveal a lot about her family to strangers.

They talked about the new project; Jason made a presentation while she talked about figures, potential investors, and timelines.

She made it home later that evening; it was a relief she didn’t have to put up with whatever madness they had going on at the office. Jessica had taken over her mother’s position for the past four years, and her dad said nothing about it to prepare her. The detail kept playing on her mind on a loop, refusing to stop. For four whole years, her father watched it happen, let it happen, and was even the reason it happened, yet he said nothing to her for the seven days she’d been home.

She decided it was time to face him; she was done waiting for him to bring it up on his own.

She went up the staircase towards his room with anger, ready to confront him for an explanation about the ring, the position, about everything. Getting to his room, the door was half open; she stopped right outside at the sound of a moan she seemed to recognize. She tiptoed closer to get a look anyway, even when she knew she didn’t want to see that reality.

Her father had pressed Jessica on the bed, kissing Jessica, holding her firmly as he made his way to her n*****s, kissing her neck gently while unbuttoning her shirt. This was a confirmation of what happened six years ago. Emily walked back slowly, tears rushing down her cheeks. She had hoped her dad had an explanation for everything.

She retrieved her steps before either of them noticed her, shaking badly as she walked back to the sitting room, almost missing the last step on the staircase.

The liquor cabinet had a bottle of Don Julio 1942 among others; that was the first drink she grabbed. She gulped it down straight from the bottle without bothering to find a glass; she stood in the middle of the sitting room, her head spinning due to countless thoughts.

She didn’t know how long she had stood there, clueless. She had gulped down the liquor at least four times. She needed a distraction, something to take her mind off the resentment she felt. That day had cost her a lot, and being alone was the last thing she’d want. Somewhere in that vagueness, a thought emerged: “Jason."

Suddenly, he moved past her, heading straight to his room. He said nothing, almost like no one was there. She tried to control the urge to follow him, but after thirty minutes she walked sluggishly, holding the bottle; her heels tapped with elegance, but the timing had begun to stray; she was off to Jason’s room.

She stood at the door and gave a little tap over and over again. The door swung open; Jason was in front of her with a towel wrapped around his waist, and water still dotting his chest. She pushed him in, rushing into the room with him as she shut the door behind her.

“What are you doing?” His voice was low, steeled, nothing like the tenderness from two nights ago. She gave a naughty smile, took a reckless gulp from the bottle while strolling close to him. He was clueless and unable to move for a few seconds; he looked into her eyes, wondering what to do next. Her eyes were innocent, filled with pain and desire; he retreated with the towel clutched to his waist. “Don't come any closer,” he warned, looking helpless. She laughed, moving closer, and her eyes fixed on him like a challenge. “Afraid?” she kept moving.

He backed away once more, and the towel slipped. In his helpless effort to grab it, he fell on the bed, the towel falling to the ground.

Emily dropped the bottle and gently placed her hands on his chest, rubbing it gently. She leaned forward and brushed her lips against his, letting her hunger for him take over. She could feel her n*****s responding to the emotions inside her. She let out a soft moan, kissing him down to his chest. She reached out for her shirt in an attempt to take it off, and then Jason pushed her to the other side of the bed. He rushed for his towel, tying it firmly around his waist once again. “You are desperate and reckless!” Jason yelled.

Emily sat up, feeling like a mess. Everything flashed back: her mother’s death, the meeting, her father’s affair, the liquor, and the humiliation, making it worse. She ran all the way to her room without looking back. She locked the door behind her, jumping on her bed; shame washed through her as she sat alone, her heart pounding with regret. She couldn’t help but remember the kiss; it tormented her. Her fingers stroked her skin as she recalled, her body quivering with remembrance.

A buzzing sound from her phone interrupted her. She tried reaching for it, but her eyes were hazy, the room was tilting, and she felt numb. She gave up and was dozing off when two more buzzing sounds from the phone revived her curiosity.

She reached for the phone again. It was a message from a contact she couldn’t recognize. “How are you? I thought you’d given up. Glad to have you back. I hope you’re ready for the truth.”