Claimed By My Boyfriend’s Daddy

Emily’s POV I brought him a gift on our third anniversary, but caught him unwrapping my best friend instead. They say pain changes people. But betrayal? It burns you alive. And I was finding out first-hand what that felt like. When I arrived, everything was perfect. Red dress hugging my curve and sexy lingerie underneath, painted red. I even got rid of my glasses for the first time ever, thinking I would finally be enough for him. Austin always said I was “too quiet, too obedient.” Tonight, I wanted to change that. I wanted to look bold and sexy. I had everything ready. The cake, candles, roses and a romantic dinner reservation at our favorite restaurant. Even his favorite cologne was sitting pretty in the gold paper bag I held. I sent him a quick text. “I’m here, my love. Can’t wait to see you.” I added a heart. Cheesy, I know, but I was stupidly and blindly in love with this man. I added another text. “I love you,” added a few more hearts, then grinned and pressed the send button. I had missed Austin so much. I gave the text a few minutes, but there was no reply. Weird. Austin always gave fast replies to my texts. But then, these past days, he had been acting weirdly. He was always busy and barely had time for me. It was okay though, everything was going to change tonight. I was about to knock when I noticed the door was unlocked already. An unsettling feeling gnawed at my chest. Austin never left his door open. I pushed the door open and stepped into the dimly lit place. “Austin?” I called, forcing a smile on my face. This was supposed to be the most romantic night ever. There was no way I was going to ruin this special night for us. I tried to ignore the knot in my stomach but it only tightened the further I went. That was when I saw it. A pair of red heels lying carelessly on the floor. I frowned, those weren't mine. At the same time, I heard a familiar laughter. I froze. I knew that laughter everywhere. My heart pounded in my ears as I followed the sound. No… It couldn’t be. It can't be. The sound of bed creaking and skin slapping filled my ears. My stomach twisted. Austin’s bedroom door was wide open and what I walked into wasn’t romance. It was a goddamn nightmare. I saw her first. My best friend’s legs were wrapped around my boyfriend, her head thrown back as she moaned his name like it belonged to her. My body froze before my brain registered the scene in front of me. What the hell was going on? “Oh,” Gina paused, glancing over her shoulder. “You were right, babe". She came early.” Babe? My voice cracked. “What… is this?” “This is called fun,” Gina smirked, not even trying to cover up. “You should try it sometime.” Austin just grinned beside her. “Baby, it’s not what it looks like.” I blinked. “You’re literally inside her.” “Don’t be dramatic, Em. We were just messing around.” My heart shattered. I couldn't believe my ears. “Gina… how could you do this to me? You’re my best friend.” She flipped her hair. “Correction, I was never your best friend. And Austin? He was always mine. You just didn’t know.” The surrounding room spun. “Wait… what?” She laughed. “You really thought he loved you?” Austin rolled off the bed and started dressing like nothing had happened. “Yeah. Don’t tell me you bought all that nonsense.” He looked me up and down with disgust. “Why would anyone love a plain Jane like you? Have you even seen yourself? You’re just the boring, four-eyed heiress whose only good trait was her daddy’s money.” His words sliced through like knives. I met Austin at the hospital the night my parents died. It was all my fault. Dad died on the spot. Mom was rushed to the emergency room but she didn’t make it either. I was shattered but stayed strong for my little sister, Sophia. Austin was there for me. He was kind, comforting and showered me with love. Or so I thought. And Gina? I had known her for years. I can't believe the two people I trusted the most would rip me apart. “I can’t stand your face, Emily,” Austin sneered. I was sick of pretending. Do you know how exhausting it was to fake wanting you?” “Then why?” My voice broke. “Why lie to me for years? Why make me believe you loved me?” “Isn’t it obvious?” he scoffed, “Because you're rich. I thought I'd get myself some of your wealth, but it turned out you can only get your full inheritance when you’re married. You were just a damn ticket, Emily.” I staggered back. Of course. It was always about the money. “I’ve tried to get us married several times but you just wouldn't budge. You wouldn’t even let me touch you. What kind of foolish selfish woman does that?” “A stupid one,” Gina cut in, laughing. “I mean, how could you not know we’ve been screwing behind your back all this time?” They laughed together like it was some sick joke. Like I was the biggest fool in the world. And at that moment, I felt I was. “Oh, and Em?” Gina smirked. “You really think someone like you deserves to be happy? After killing your parents?” I gasped, her words shattering me completely. I stood there, trembling, the gift bag still clutched in my hands and tears burned my vision. My face flushed with shame. Austin asked me to come over. Was this all a set-up? No…. No way. Austin wouldn't be so cruel. Or would he? “Is this why you called me here?” I asked, my voice barely audible. “To humiliate me?” “Yes,” Austin's smile was unapologetic. I was tired of the act. “I wanted to show you what a competent person looks like—” I slapped him hard across the face, causing him to stumble back. Gina gasped. “You b***h!” “How dare you slap me?” Austin growled. “How dare you play me for a fool?” I snapped back, hand shaking with fury. I resisted the urge to slap him again as he stepped forward, eyes blazing. He opened his mouth to talk but I beat him to it. “You’ll regret this,” I whispered, a single tear rolling down my cheek. “I swear on everything I have left, I’ll make you both pay for this.” And with that, I turned and walked out. I should be grateful to them though. Because if I hadn't walked out that night, I would've never met the man who would ruin me.