Betrayed By My Husband; Claimed By My Boss

Emily’s POV “Can she just die already?” “Honestly, that would make things easier.” I take two steps forward. “Stop! That’s harsh coming from her husband.” “You know it’s only on paper. I can’t wait to get all her money and divorce her.” “Maybe you could have checked up on her in the hospital.” “I can’t stand the sight of her. I’m thinking of convincing her to invest in my new business plan.” “Isn’t that, your eighth fake business plan? Do you think she will still believe it?” “Of course, she always does. She is a fool.” I stopped. My heart skipped. “How about the bag you want to get me?” “Once I get more money from her, I'll transfer it to you.” “Thanks, darling.” “You know I’ll always love you. But remember we need to be careful. We must get everything from her before she finds out.” “You don’t need to tell me that, I have been her best friend for seven years.” I clutched the doctor’s report in my hand, tears now gathering in my eyes. I turned and ran out of the house. I had been in the hospital for a week, and my husband didn’t visit, but she did and I now know why. I booked a ride without knowing where I was going. My phone buzzed. Brian’s Mum. I picked up my Mother-in-law’s call with hesitation. Brian’s Mum: Hi Emily, yesterday Brian told me today was your discharge day. I am sorry I couldn’t make it. Are you now out? I inhaled deeply before responding. Emily: I am out, Ma. Brian’s Mum: That’s good hon. Can you transfer some money to me? My friend’s daughter is having a baby shower next week, so I need to get a new dress. Emily: Alright, I will. Brian’s Mum: Of course you will, try to move around carefully. With that, she ended the call. She never checked up on me, yet I am sending money to her. My ride arrived and I got in. “Where to, Ma’am?” *** “Give me something strong,” I said as I took a stool at one of the barstools, the bartender looked at me with a raised brow and I rolled my eyes. All I wanted was the strongest drink they had. I finished the drink in one go. The alcohol burned, but it couldn’t compare to my aching betrayed heart. I have never felt this broken, not even when my parents died. My two-year marriage was a lie and they planned to take everything. Vanessa has been my best friend for seven years. I never thought there’d be a day she’d betray me like this. I treated her like a sister and even paid her debts. I can’t believe I fell in love with a con man. I thought he was in love with me. My aunt had said he was up to no good. Someone sat beside me, and I suddenly became aware of my surroundings. “Hi gorgeous,” he said, facing me. My breath hitched and I felt dizzy. His elbows rested on the counter, jacket draped over the back of his chair. His sharp jawline and mesmerizing eyes caught me off guard. I let my eyes rake over for a longer time before looking away. “Looks like you need something stronger,” his smooth voice jolted me from my haze. “Not sure anything stronger can do,” I muttered as I poured another drink into my cup. He raised his eyebrows, shocked at my response. “I am not the one to support drowning sorrows, but it seems you need company.” He ran his hand over his freshly cut black curly taper fade, my stomach tightened as I watched him. “Company?” I asked, glancing at him. “Yes.” “You know it is not every day you find a pretty woman sitting by herself in a bar during a weekday.” He smirked, a hint of warmth in his expression. “How many women have you used this line on?” I rolled my eyes, caught him off guard. “You should have asked about the success rate too. And I must say you are the first who the line hasn’t worked on before.” A small laugh slipped out of my mouth. “Is the drink solving the problem?” He asked with a serious face. “No,” I said, swirling the drink in the glass cup. “The drink’s not doing its job.” “I’m Lucas, nice to meet you, Emily,” he said with a grin nodding at the beaded bracelet with my name on my wrist. I looked at it with disgust. I need to take it off. Vanessa gifted it to appreciate me for paying her rent. “A bad day?”He asked, and I nodded without saying anything. “What happened?” He asked further, with a concerning expression. “I found out my husband and best friend have been having an affair.” I smiled with a faint lift at the corner of my lips. I signaled to the bartender to bring another bottle. “Your best friend and husband?” He echoed, his gaze sharpening. “They’d been planning to take everything…my money.” I poured another drink into my cup. “He never loved me, it was all about the money.” Just as I was about to drink it, he stopped and took the cup away from my hand. “Emily! You need to slow down.”He said calmly. “Who are you to take my drink away,” I said, slurring my words. “You’ve had too much,” he said, pausing, “I know you’re in pain but this will only leave you with regrets in the morning.” I let out a bitter laugh. “And you think I am not full of regrets right now?” “You’re stronger than you think you are,” he stared at me, “Don’t let people like that ruin who you are.” He leaned forward, “What are you looking for tonight?” I swallowed hard, “I need a distraction.” “Come with me,” he said. Without a word, I stood up and grabbed my bag, and let him lead me out of the bar and to the hotel across the street. *** The door clicked shut behind both of us. Lucas walked towards me, “Do you still want that distraction?” “Yes,” I whispered slowly. He pulled me close, his hands brushing my hair. His touch was slow but steady. I melted at his touch, the way he held me, and his breath against my skin. My lips brushed against his, his hands on my waist, and my hands curled into his shirt. He pulled back, his forehead lightly pressed against mine. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered. He lifted me effortlessly, carrying me to the bed. My heart throbbed as Lucas was now above me. “Emily,” he said softly, his eyes dark and full of lust. And I forgot about Brian and Vanessa. And as his lips trailed slowly down my neck, I closed my eyes and let go of any guilt or pain. *** I opened my eyes. I must have had too much to drink. Wait a minute, this ceiling is not mine. Where am I? How did I get here? I tried to get up, but the movement only made my headache get more intense. “Jeez,” I muttered under my breath. The sheets slid against my skin And it was at this moment that it hit me…that I was naked. The other side of the bed was empty. I tried to remember what had happened the previous night. The bar…A man…the drinks…His voice…the way he whispered near my ears. What was his name? I pressed my fingers against my forehead, trying to bring the memory back, but it only made the headache worse. A folded piece on the bedside table caught my eye. My stomach twisted as I reached for it. Emily, I didn’t plan for yesterday to happen but it did anyway. I enjoyed every bit of it. I really meant it when I said you deserve better than the people who hurt you. But last night has to stay where it belongs- the past. Take care of yourself. I folded the note slowly. “Last night has to stay where it belongs- the past.” As I stared at the empty side of the bed, a question lingered in my mind. What exactly happened last night?