CHAPTER3
1036 Words
It's been two weeks since I had a one night with a stranger, a night I wish I could forget. I always feel guilty anytime I think about it.
So many questions run through my mind, who was that man? How did I end up in that hotel room? And why did I think he was Jake? I clearly remember Samantha taking me to the hotel, but the next day she claimed to have been looking for me all night. If it wasn't Samantha that took me to the hotel then who did?
I've been writing in my journal to clear my mind. but it hasn't helped. I wish there was someone who would listen without judging me. I wanted to tell Jake, to confess everything, but I'm scared of his reaction, he would never trust me again. I've always trusted Samantha, but I can't bring myself to share this with her either. It's a burden I feel like I need to carry alone.
Our wedding is getting close, Jake and I have been preparing for it. We went out for some wedding shopping.
Do you like these roses, Jake asks, holding up a bunch of white flowers.
They are nice, I said, forcing a smile. But my mind is far away, stuck on the mistakes I've made.
Then, Jake's phone buzzes. He checks it, and his face changes instantly. He seemed like he received a terrifying message.
What's wrong? I asked, nervous.
He didn't answer me at first, he was staring at his phone with a wide eyes, and then he looked at me with a disappointed expression full of anger.
What is this, Emily? He asked, passing his phone to me.
My heart dropped when I saw the screen. It's my nude with that stranger. Different things run through my mind as I think of what to say. Who sent this to Jake? Did anyone see me, or could it be the man that sent my picture to Jake? I really needed an answer.
Jake, I don't know what this is, I stammer, trying to process what's happening. It must be fake. Someone is trying to ruin our relationship.
Jake was clearly not buying the idea. This isn't fake Emily. You are telling me this is Photoshop? Really? This is so real to me.
Tears streamed down my face. Jake, I have never cheated on you. Someone is trying to set me up. Please you have to believe me. A notification popped up on his phone again, and I saw his face change, this time his expression was more serious. He presses play, and I could hear sounds I wish I could unhear- my own moans. It was a video of me having s*x with that stranger.
I feel like the ground is falling away under me. I was numb with shock, unable to believe what was happening. I felt weak and almost passed out, I had to grab the furniture beside me for support.
Jake, I don't know how, I mean, I can't remember when all this happened. I was drugged, I must have been. Please you have to believe me. I went down on my knees and begged him, desperate for him to believe me.
Jake looked at me, and the hurt in his eyes was almost unbreakable. How could you, Emily? How could you do this to us?To me? I thought you loved me.
I do love you! I cried, I love you more than anything, Jake. This wasn't me,I don't remember any of this.
Emily, you are lying. I can't believe anything you say right now. You know what? I'm going to talk to Samantha myself. Maybe she'll tell me the truth since you clearly won't.
I nodded, Yes, yes, please she'll tell you the truth. I have never cheated on you, Jake.
I was happy that he wanted to talk to Samantha. She was my best friend and I know she will cover up for me. But little did I know that Samantha is the mastermind behind all of this.
Samantha betrayed me in the worst way. When Jake confronts her, she acts shocked at first, then slowly shakes her head as if she's been holding back something terrible.
I'm sorry, Jake, she said. Looking sad. Emily isn't who you think she is, I have kept this secret from you because I never wanted to hurt you, but you need to know the truth. She has been sleeping around with different men, more than you can imagine.
Samantha!! I screamed, I found it difficult to believe all that was coming from her. Where did you get all this idea from? Are you drunk? I questioned her aggressively.
She looked at Jake, ignoring me. Your bride to be is a chronic cheat, I would leave you to make your decision.
Jake turned to me speechless, his loving eyes now filled with disgust.
That's not true. I shouted, but the words felt empty. I have never cheated on Jake and you know this. Why are you doing this to me?
Well, "I know she will deny it," Samantha said with a smirk. She then pulled out my journal—the one I've been writing in since that night. Every guilty thought I had written down, every detail of that night with the stranger, was there in black and white.
She opened my journal and read out loud. July 14th: I can't stop thinking about that night with the stranger. The way he touched me, the way he made me feel...
Stop! I screamed, reaching for the journal, but Jake held me.
My heart dropped as she handed it to Jake. He flipped through the pages, his eyes narrowing as he read it.
Jake looked up at me, his expression hardening. "So, it's true," he said, with a cold voice "You've been lying to me all this time. I was stupid to have believed you."
I was short of words, embarrassed and overwhelmed by guilty. I couldn't find the right words to defend myself.
"It's over between us, Emily," Jake said with an authoritative voice. Then, without another word,
he stormed out of the house, leaving me standing there, broken and alone
- Writer
