Her Sins, His Rules

Chapter 001

Emery's POV

As I danced, the music's bass pounded in my chest, and I could feel the crowd's enthusiasm everywhere. I felt alive at this party because of the loud music, the flashing lights, the drinks I was holding, and everything else. I let the rhythm take over as I yelled and threw my head back. This was my life's work.

“Hey, look! Over the commotion, Lily yelled, "Jake has been staring at you," gesturing to the man on the other side of the room. He was your average party boy, constantly on the search, constantly seeking a partner to flirt with. I shook my head and rolled my eyes.

As the music drew me back into the present, I responded, "Not interested, Lily." Guys weren't important to me tonight. The only guy on my mind wasn’t here, anyway.

I pushed an idea that tried to enter my mind. Why even bother? Wishing for something I couldn't have was pointless.

“Freeze!” The music stopped abruptly, and the energy in the room shifted. Everyone froze in place, the hum of excitement settling into bewilderment.

"Nobody moves. A voice broke the silence with a boom, "Stay where you are." It was a uniformed officer, closely followed by two other police officers. I had to let out a sigh. Fantastic. A raid by the cops. After years of clubbing, it was starting to feel too familiar.

"Don't be concerned. I grumbled to myself, "This will take a while," before getting up on a stool and taking out my phone. I was familiar with the procedure. Hours would pass as they checked bags and possibly discovered something.

"This bag belongs to whom?" A policeman with my purse in hand materialised in front of me. I looked up, and my stomach fell.

"I own that. What's wrong? In a casual tone, I inquired. I was already in a bad attitude and was eager to leave this place.

The officer pointed to a tiny container of white powder and said, "You're going to want to explain this." I blinked. What on earth?

With a look of bewilderment on my face, I rose from the stool and approached him. In an attempt to understand it, I questioned, "What is that?"

"Cocaine," he said, seemingly unconcerned.

I shook my head and said, "That's not mine." "I abstain from drug use. How did that find its way into my bag?

That didn't sit well with the officer. That will be explained at the station. He tightened his hold on my arm and stated, "We're taking you in right now." I tried to pull away, but another police rushed forward, making sure I didn’t get away.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I snapped. "I have to give my dad a call."

Another officer snatched my phone out of my hands before I could extract it. His voice was icy as he said, "No phones."

Without warning, they put me in handcuffs. A feeling of panic swept over me, but I forced myself to ignore it. I couldn't allow myself to be broken.

The muted music sounded like a faraway echo as they escorted me out of the club. I had no time to worry about my buddies, who were standing motionless and staring in disbelief. I couldn’t make sense of this. Why was I being arrested? I didn’t do anything wrong.

It felt like a long ride to the station. The police car's metal bench was uncomfortable and cold, and I couldn't stop staring out the window at the outside world. I didn't anticipate my night going like this.

I suppressed the tears that tried to fall. I had strength. Even though everything felt terrible, I couldn't allow this to break me.

We reached the station at last. I was pushed inside the building from the car. Everyone's stares were palpable, and the walls seemed chilly. They all seemed to be aware of what was happening, as if they already suspected me of being responsible. I waited for someone to explain what was going on while chained at a counter.

At last, one of the officers approached me, his expression severe. "All right, let's make things simple. Maybe we might make things easier for you if you tell us where you acquired the drugs," he said.

I gave him a scowl. "I informed you. How that ended up in my bag is beyond me. I abstain from drug use.

That response did not sit well with the officer. He said, "You want to do this the hard way?"

I declined to respond. As I looked around the room, I noticed him. My father, Mr. West, was entering the room. I felt a wave of relief and knew that things were going to change.

He approached the counter right away and gave me a quick glance. Feeling the weight of his stare, I bowed my head. He turned to the commanding officer without saying anything. The questioning resumed, but I remained silent, refusing to answer. I had no intention of repeating my explanation.

After a few minutes, Mr. West emerged from the office and shook hands with the responsible officer.

The officer declared, "She is free to leave." I was relieved to get up, but as I turned to follow my father, I noticed that we were silent.

Silently, we made our way to the automobile. I remained silent, and neither did Mr. West. The driver began the engine as we climbed into the back seat, and I could feel the tension building. At last, I was unable to handle it any longer.

I tried to break the stillness by saying, "Those drugs weren't mine." I wanted him to trust me.

"Really?" Mr. West laughed. "Liarry is not necessary. There are no police present. You can quit acting.

A knot started to grow in my stomach. "You believe I'm lying, then?" My voice cracked as I asked. "You genuinely believe that I use drugs?"

His hand crashed into the armrest. "Letting you live this way is the worst mistake I've ever made in my life. I spoiled you. Now observe what you have become.

I was struck hard by what he said. "I didn't do anything wrong!" I screamed, my anger exploding.

He said, "Who gave you the drugs, huh?" "Inform me about your supplier."

"No one is there!" I yelled back. "There isn't one at all!"

I didn't see the slap coming because it happened so fast. My cheek ached, and I experienced my father's rage for the first time in my life. Tears started to form as soon as my eyes opened in disbelief, but I fought the need to cry.

His voice was heavy with sadness as he mumbled, "I thought I raised you better." He averted his gaze and gazed out the window as if I hadn't been there.

At last, the tears came. I swiftly removed them while gazing out the window at the hazy outer world. I had no idea how to resolve this. What could have gone wrong?

We didn't say a word when we got home. I needed to be by myself, so I virtually sprinted to my room. The night's weight eventually slammed down on me as I fell onto my bed. I had been charged with a crime I didn't commit. Even my own father didn't think I was real. Everything seemed to be collapsing.

My tears would not cease.

How did my luggage contain those drugs? Who would act in that manner? My mind was racing, searching for the answers. However, there were only questions and no answers.

I had to be told the truth.

I made the decision to head downstairs for some water, but as soon as I got to the steps, I recognised the powerful, commanding voice. It chilled me to the bone.

It was my godfather, Garrett Lawson.

"Where is she now?" His voice sounded icy and irritated.

Even though I knew it was probably just another one of his scathing speeches, I couldn't help but feel anxious.

She's in her chamber. With sadness in his voice, Mr. West remarked, "I should have handled her better." "She's using drugs now because I've spoiled her so much."

Garrett remained silent for a while. It might be time to reduce her allowance. She shouldn't go out so frequently. Have a few men nearby to keep an eye on her.

That was his remedy; I froze.

Mr. West said once again after a pause. "I've got a better idea." I became anxious as he stopped. "How about she stays with you? Garrett, you correct her.

A beat skipped in my chest. This was not what I wanted to hear.

I whispered to myself, "No way."