BENEATH THE FACADE

Chapter 9

BENEATH THE FACADE

Behind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaits.

CHAPTER 9

Emily’s POV:

“Emily at least pick it up to know what he wants”,Nyla said as she began straightening her hair.

As I stood in front of the mirror, the soft folds of my sleeveless brown organza wrap-up dress rustling around me, I struggled to tie the delicate knot at my waist.

My eyes scanned the array of lipsticks on my dresser, my fingers hovering over the shades as I deliberated which one would fit with my dress.

“Nyla, do you mind helping me with my knot?”

My phone buzzed again, it's insistent ringing disturbing the morning serenity.

I sighed, my gaze darting between the phone and the lipsticks, my attention torn between getting ready for work and answering the call.

Nyla's eyes narrowed as she stopped halfway with her hair straightener, her gaze piercing mine in the mirror.

She slipped into a green sleeveless blazer, the vibrant color accentuating her radiant complexion. The fitted white pants hugged her curves, showcasing her effortless elegance. Her features, bare of makeup, glowed with a natural warmth. The gentle light danced across her skin, highlighting the subtle contours of her face. As she moved, her eyes sparkled, their brightness seeming to intensify with each passing year.

"Emily, you're not even listening to me, are you?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of annoyance. I hesitated, my eyes darting to the lipsticks on my dresser. "Uh, what shade of lipstick do you think I should go with? The nude gloss or the red?"

It was first one missed call and ten missed calls and fifty missed calls. I refused to pick up any of my father's calls.

“Nyla, since Saturday, it's Wednesday for goodness sake!”,my voice pierced the air as I slammed my hand onto the dressing table, the sound echoing through the room. Makeup brushes, lipsticks, and compacts clattered to the floor, a colorful mess scattering at my feet. “No calls, no texts, he didn't care if I died or not. It's always being his selfish desires”,I said my tone still raised

“My Emily”,she said as she moved over to where I was, ignoring the spilled contents on the floor.

“Your emotions are valid, your anger is very valid but look you're hurting yourself”,she added as she placed her hand over my shoulder, her gold infinity knuckle ring glowing under the light

Her fingers gently brushed against my cheek, her thumb catching a stray tear as she dabbed my eye. I felt a slight smudge of mascara spreading beneath my lashes, and her concerned expression met mine in the mirror. My gaze faltered, and I caught sight of the faint streaks on my face, the black smudges a stark contrast to my pale skin. Only then did I realize the tears had begun to fall.

When he had given up on calling, he resolved to send a text.

“Emily my darling, I know I went overboard and it took this long to realize. I'm sorry my baby girl, the guilt is killing me.”

That was all I needed and all the resolve I had built over the weekend came crashing down. The torrent of tears I had struggled to fight came all at once. As Nyla pulled me into a hug, I cried even the more.

***

As I stepped into the room, the familiar scent of cinnamon oud wafted up, surrounding me in a warm comforting aroma, that was unmistakably his. I breathed it in deeply, feeling a pang of nostalgia wash over me.

“Alright Mr. Ken I'd be expecting the document”,he said as he closed the door after him.

The moment became still, the air thick with unspoken words as we stood facing each other, our eyes locked. The silence was almost palpable, only the soft ticking of the grandfather's clock could be heard.

His weathered hands cupped my face, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.

“Dad, I'm sorry”,my voice barely above a whisper.

He took a step closer, his arms opening wide as he pulled me into a tight hug. I felt his chest rise and fall with a shuddering breath as he whispered into my ears “No Emily, I'm the one who's sorry.”

As we hugged, the distance between us melted away and the past seemed to fade into insignificance. We were never going to have reasons to be apart again.