The Return
1065 Words
Emily was looking at her reflection on the mirror. She saw a woman with a beautiful face. But more than that, she saw a woman who had gone through hell but managed to succeed.
Many people, especially businessmen and business women, envied her. At the age of 28, she had managed to make a name for herself in the business industry. No one would say that she used her family’s name for wherever she was now.
She would go home late and come to the office earlier than the employees. She was a good leader to her subordinates and she expected nothing less from them.
She was brilliant, and Marcus would always praise her for all the successes they both achieved through helping one another.
Yes, she deserves the award. Yes, she has moved on. Yes, it’s time to go back.
She dialed Albert's number.
“Al? I’m ready.”
***
“She has returned with Mr. Zorel.” His personal assistant, Peter, reported to him this morning.
Kai was in his office drinking a glass of wine and thinking about Emily. She had returned. After 4 damn years.
No, he didn’t like knowing that she returned with Zorel. No, he didn’t like the idea that Zorel was the one who was able to persuade her to come back.
In the past, Emily used to tell him that Albert was just her friend, and he believed her. But now…
Aaaahh.. he had been waiting for her return. She was more likely going to attend the Business Elites Ball.
“It’s time for us to see each other again, Emily Fort.”
***
“I’ll be staying at the penthouse, Almira. No, I won’t drop by there. Maybe tomorrow or the next day. I’ll inform you. Bye.” She made a deep sigh.
Albert glanced at her while he was driving. They were on their way to the penthouse Marcus bought for her 27th birthday.
“Do you want me to drop you off at the mansion?”
“No, Al. I don’t think I have the strength to face Father today. I’m so exhausted. My jet lag is killing me.”
Besides, she knew her father wouldn’t express happiness in seeing her again. He had never contacted her for four years, after all. Yes, she cried for that, too.
She was okay now. She had moved on and accepted that her father would never love her.
When they arrived at the penthouse, she told Albert to just stay and sleep in the other room. Both of them were dead tired, after all.
***
“Sir, according to our source, Mr. Zorel stays at Ms. Emily’s unit."
Damn.
Kai tried his best not to sound irritable.
“Okay. You do not need to report about Ms. Emily from now on. I’ll call you if I need your services again. I’ll take it from here.”
He went to his personal bar and poured himself a glass of whiskey.
He needed to see her. He needed to talk to her. He needed to ask her why she aborted their baby.
He waited to receive pictures of her with her tummy getting bigger, but he received none. Even when it was already her 4th month. That's when he realized that she had gotten rid of it.
"Damn you, Kai. It’s your fault after all. You told her to do whatever she wanted to do with it.” He said to himself.
Yes, he did say that. But he relied so much on the thought that Emily would never do such thing. She was the most loving person he had ever known. She loved children. Or so he thought.
He didn't plan to attend the ball this year. He had gone weary attending such. But when he learned that Emily Fort was to be awarded, he thought it was impossible for her to come back just to receive the award.
But because of Albert Zorel... Huh!
I'm looking forward to see you, Emily Fort.
***
“Good evening. Thank you for this recognition. First off, I would like to say that this award is not for me alone. I am dedicating this award to all my employees who have been working so hard all throughout these years, and also to my brother and sisters for believing that I could contribute more in our family’s business.”
She was looking at the faces of all the people in the ball. They admired her for her efficiency and dedication. Most of all, they admired her beauty and elegance.
Emily was wearing a round neck and long sleeve green gown with tiny sequins. Her hair was set into a simple and chic updo.
“Most of all, I’d like to dedicate this award to Albert Zorel.” She looked at him and gave him her most beautiful smile. Albert smiled back at her. He was so proud.
“Thank you for all your help, Al. Again, good evening.”
Everyone stood and clapped their hands while she was leaving the stage. Some people offered their hands for a handshake with her.
Albert hugged her when she arrived at their table.
“I’m proud of you, Em. You made the right decision.”
She beamed at him. “Thanks to you.”
Albert offered a chair for her and they sat and continued with what they were talking about before she was called on stage.
***
“She’s happy.”
So different from when he last saw her. Kai thought as he focused his attention to her.
He felt a pang of jealousy as Albert put his arm around her shoulder and kissed her on her temple. She seemed used to his gestures.
He didn’t like it. No, he didn’t like it at all.
“I’m not done with you, Emily Fort.” He thought.
“Kai? Are we not gonna dance?” Vanessa nudged him. He had almost forgotten that he had a date.
“I’m not in the mood, Vanessa. Go dance with others.” He continued drinking his glass of wine, without taking his eyes off Emily.
Vanessa was irritated. From the moment Emily Fort had arrived with her partner, Kai Steven had never taken his eyes off her.
“Do you like her?” She bravely asked. Kai just looked at her. “You’ve been staring at her from the moment she arrived. Hey, I’m your date tonight in case you have forgotten.”
He just completely ignored her.
She actually felt bad because she thought that she already caught his attention. She was ecstatic when he asked her to go with him for tonight’s ball. Her father was also happy. Having Kai Stevens as his future son-in-law would mean building a business empire.
““Kai! I’m talking to you!” She lost her patience.
Kai stood and leaned on the side of her face. “I don’t like noisy girls.” He whispered in her ear, then he left.
- Writer
