JUST LET ME GO

I Love Him

Emily’s POV

I slowed down my pace as I approached the house, my heart racing with anxiety. Fred was sitting on the porch, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of concern and anger. I could tell he had heard about the party. That must be the reason he came this very early to my house. My parents are not even out yet.

"Emily, where have you been?" He asked, his voice firm but controlled. He couldn't even allow us to exchange greetings. Fred have never look this angry before.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "Fred, I...I can explain," I stammered.

He stood up, his eyes narrowing. "Explain what? How you got drunk at the party and ended up God-knows-where? Have you forgotten we are engaged?”

I felt a surge of defensiveness, but I knew I had to remain calm. Yes, I got drunk, but nothing happened thereafter. "Fred, please listen to me. It's not what you think."

He crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "I'm listening."

I took another deep breath and began to recount the events of the previous night, intentionally leaving out the details of my encounter with Bryan in the hotel room. "I went to the party with Jessica, and I had a drink. I don't know what happened after that. I woke up in a strange room, and...and I didn't know how I got there."

Fred's expression tightened; his eyes still held a hint of suspicion. "And you didn't do... F*ck with anyone? That's c**k and bull story. How could you lie to me Emily?" he added.

I became so furious; my blood is boiling in my vein. How could it be so easy for Fred not to believe me or at least calm down a little bit. All these years we have been together I have not f*ck with other men except him. Where ever I go, men chases me but I always choose Fred over them. "Listen, Fred, the man in question was a total stranger. He just saved me from bad boys who could have seen my vulnerability and taken advantage of me at the party. Yes, we slept under the same roof but the he was kind to me and didn't touch me even when I made advances at him thinking I was with you.

The anger on his face has not disappeared. "Who is this stranger?" he asked.

"Bryan from the lake. I guess he's from the Brandon's. Now I know money caused it. Emily, you have been enticed. You….”

“Stop it,” I stopped him mid-sentence. “I have had enough from you this morning. You have to stop this now before it get into my parents ears.”

In annoyance, Fred left. I began to blame myself for not giving Bryan my phone number. It would have been better if I didn’t lose both men. At this point I felt crucified for what didn’t happen. Though I can’t deny the fact that I still deeply love Fred. But at least he should have believed me because this has not happened before.

I went in to just rest. I don’t know the fate of my relationship with Fred. I partially blame him for not understanding my explanation but as they say, for every fight between two people, there is always a bone of contention, I knew getting myself drunk caused it all and I only have to give my self junk of the blame.

That same evening, at about 4:00pm, I heard a knock on the door. I was very tired to stand up and open the door. No one was at home except me and Leo. But he is too ill to get up. The alcohol has made me weak. But the knock was persistent, and I had to go know who it was.

As I flap the door open, behold Jessica and the stranger, Bryan, standing. A mixed feeling crossed my mind. I can’t believe Jessica could come to my house with him unannounced.

I composed myself and ordered them to come inside, but Bryan objected. “I only came to know whether you are safe. You know you left without giving your phone number. Now you are safe, I may take my leave.”

As he turns to leave, I know he craves something more than just to check on me. As he got inside his car, he brought out two envelope and handed one to Jessica and the other to me. And then he drove off without a word.

“Jess, how did you get in touch with him?”

“actually he was looking for you, the drunk pretty lady in the party and he was directed to me that I’m your friend. I asked him why he wanted to see you. He told me, you are a nice girl and he just want to know you’re safe.”

“okay.”

“Let’s see what’s inside the envelopes.” Jessica said. She opened it, and the sum of a hundred dollars was inside. I opened my mind, and it was the same amount.

“You’re a lucky girl; alcohol has brought you fortune,” Jessica said.

I looked into her eyes. “I don’t understand. What do you mean dear?”

“It’s obvious, Emi he loves you. Can’t you get it? I’m happy for you, a billionaire guy had falling for you.”

“Hope you have not forgotten I have Fred, I’m engaged.”

“Emi, grab this opportunity. That’s a rich guy. You need him in your life. You really need him. He could take care of your brother’s medical bill. You can’t just let him go, you need him to pay your bills. Fred has nothing to offer you and your family.”

“It’s enough! You should have told me before bringing him to were I stay. He can’t just come and ruin my relationship with Fred, and my reputation before my family. Do you even care about how Fred will feel if I break up with him?”

“ I’m sorry about that,” Jessica said as she gently tap me.

“ Eni think about it… I have to go. Remember to come bid my sister farewell as she travels out of the country with her husband tomorrow.”

“ okay, I will.”

As Jess left I knew I have to think about nothing. My mind is made up, Fred or no one else. If money can buy other people’s love, I’m not inclusive. How can I just welcome a man I know nothing about. He may be a wolf in sheep clothing. Fred and I may have thrown words at each other today, but certainly this will not lead to our end. Neither Money nor power can take me way from him. I love him so much.

I went back inside, feeling a sense of relief. I was able to tell Jess that my heart belongs to Fred. I knew that I still had to deal with the aftermath of my fight with Fred, but I was determined to make things right between us, no matter what it took. I knew that our relationship is what fighting for, and I was willing to do whatever it took to save it.