A ONE NIGHT STAND

Chapter 8- A web of deception. Emma Part 2

We all headed outside to where the cigarette butt lay. I vividly remembered where Brittany had thrown it the day before. My gaze shifted to her as she searched for it eagerly. When she spotted it, she attempted to crush it and bury it in the soil, but I intervened just in time. I hurried over to where she stood and grasped her hands.

"Ah-ah, what do you think you're doing, dear sophisticated sister?" I said, holding her hands firmly. "Don't even dare."

She glared at me fiercely and forcefully withdrew her hands. Her gaze seemed to say, "You're dead meat."

After she let go, I exclaimed, "I've found the cigarette butt!" I beamed at my dad, who looked puzzled by my enthusiasm. I thought to myself, "Laugh my f*****g ass out, but I'm definitely not the culprit."

I turned to Amelia, who sneered at me immediately. "When will the doctor arrive, Dad?" I asked.

"Almost," he replied, his tone curious.

I nodded at my dad, and seconds later, Dr. Lucius approached us, shaking my dad's hand respectfully.

"Good morning, Mr. Smith. It's a pleasure to see you," he said.

My dad replied, "Good morning, Lucius. Sorry to bother you so early, but I need your urgent assistance with something."

Dr. Lucius nodded, and my dad led him to where the cigarette butt lay. He explained the situation, and the doctor quickly understood. He did what was necessary, and when the results came out, it confirmed that Brittany was the one who had smoked. My dad's gaze turned deadly as he looked at Brittany.

He thanked Dr. Lucius for his help and escorted him out. As soon as the doctor left, my dad shouted and strode towards Brittany, but Amelia stepped in, blocking his path and shielding her daughter.

"How dare you!" my dad thundered, his anger restrained by Amelia's presence. Brittany cowered behind her mother, her eyes wide with fear.

"Honey, please calm down," Amelia said, trying to placate my dad. "What if the results were tampered with or fake?"

My dad's expression changed from anger to disbelief, his eyes widening in surprise. "Can you even hear yourself, Amelia? Are you in your right mind? Leave my sight right now; I need to speak to Brittany."

But Amelia stood her ground, refusing to back down. "No, I'm not leaving," she said, her voice firm.

My dad's irritation boiled over, and he forcefully dragged her away. Amelia pretended to stumble, trying to create a scene, but I quickly intervened, catching her before she could fall. Her gaze darkened as she glared at me, but I just smiled and let her go, unfazed.

"Did you smoke the cigarette?" my dad asked Brittany, his voice firm. Her face turned pale, and Amelia tried to intervene, but my dad silenced her with a loud "Shut up!" Amelia shivered, and Brittany knelt down, tears streaming down her face.

"I'll ask you again," my dad said, his voice stern. "Did you smoke?"

Brittany stammered, "I-I-I did, but it was accidental, Dad. I wasn't in my right mind. I promise not to do it again." Her voice trembled as she spoke.

My dad's response was harsh. "You're only admitting this because you got caught. I've spoiled you too much, and that's why you defy me. You accuse Emma of something you did yourself. What has Emma done to you?"

Brittany replied, "She slapped me, Dad. You're not even considering my side. Can't you see my face is swollen?"

My dad's response was unforgiving. "You deserved it." Brittany and Amelia exclaimed in shock, their faces pale with disbelief.

"Why would you say such harsh words on your own biological daughter, not even to your illegitimate daughter?" Amelia said annoyingly.

My dad's expression turned stern. "Amelia, let me make one thing clear: Emma is my flesh and blood. Never use that word against her again. And I haven't even gotten to the part where you slapped her twice for no reason. Did you think it wasn't painful? But she said nothing, so Brittany deserved it."

Amelia trembled, looking hurt, as my dad continued, "Don't interrupt me again, Amelia. I'm not done with Brittany yet."

He turned to Brittany and said, "Next time, respect the dead and never speak ill of Emma's mother again. You have no right to do so."

I watched the scene unfold, feeling emotional as tears welled up in my eyes. It was touching to see my dad defending me, something my mom used to do before she passed away.

"Apologize to Emma," my dad ordered, his voice firm.

Brittany's anger and embarrassment were palpable as she dug her nails into her palm, causing blood to ooze out. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to apologize.

"Are you deaf? Apologize to Emma right now!" my dad commanded, his voice stern.

I intervened, feeling exhausted from the drama. "Dad, it's not necessary. We all make mistakes sometimes."

He replied, "This wasn't a mistake, Emma. It was intentional, something she had planned."

I sighed heavily. "To be honest, I wasn't going to make a big deal out of this. When I saw Brittany smoking yesterday, I wanted to ignore it and pretend I didn't see anything. But she came downstairs accusing me of something I had no intention of spreading. Accusing me is one thing I won't tolerate, except I want to let it slide. Let's just forget about everything and move on. I'm sure we have more important things to do. I forgive you, Amelia, for slapping me twice on both of my cheeks, and Brittany, for accusing me."

I felt a surge of happiness in my heart. "Honey, Emma doesn't have any issues anymore. Let Brittany go," Amelia pleaded.

My dad looked at me with sympathy and then back at Amelia. "Can't you see that Emma doesn't want any problems? Why can't you both do the same? Is it difficult to live in harmony? This must not repeat itself again. And if you ever smoke in my house again, Brittany, I won't let it slide. You know how much I detest smoke."

"Get up," he ordered, and Brittany stood up immediately, her knee hurting.

"Dad, I'm so sorry. It won't happen again," she said, her voice contrite. "Emma, I'm sorry." She hugged me tightly and whispered, "You won't get away with this."

I replied, "I'm waiting for whatever tricks you have." We released each other and smiled lightly.

Suddenly, women started entering the house with various brands of clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics, and jewelry - everything a lady needs to look good. We all looked at the items in surprise, except for my dad. Brittany was excited, thinking the items were for her, but my dad walked over to me, his gaze locked on mine. Brittany and Amelia looked on in surprise, waiting for what he had to say.

"Emma, I promised to get you a new set of designer clothes and items since you refused to go shopping with me. I'm begging you to accept them, and I know this is little compared to what you've lost," he said.

Amelia exclaimed, "Little!" but my dad silenced her with a glance.

"You promised to accept them, so don't go back on your word," he said.

I was deeply moved, but the items were overwhelming. I didn't want to disappoint him, so I smiled and thanked him. He embraced me in a hug, and the scene was emotional. Most people felt the fatherly and daughter love, except for Brittany and Amelia, who looked angry and sneered inwardly.

As I gazed around the room, my eyes lingered on Mary, and we exchanged a warm smile. She winked at me, and I felt a sense of gratitude towards her.

After the maids had taken the items to my room, my dad called out to Elena. I thought to myself, "Wait a minute, is it the famous hair stylist Elena or some random person? God have mercy, I've been dreaming of seeing her ever since I saw her work on TV and in people's hair. Please tell me it's really her." And when she came out, I stood frozen, unable to move, entirely shocked that it was indeed the famous Elena.

I couldn't believe my eyes! The famous Elena, known for her incredible talent and celebrity clients, was standing right in front of me! I felt like I was dreaming.

Brittany screamed "Elena!" and the stylist smiled, her warm, captivating smile lighting up the room. She wore a stunning red gown that reached her knees, its layers of silk chiffon flowing over a silk satin fabric that shimmered in the light. Her beautifully curled hair was styled in different waves, making her look like a princess. Everything about her was perfectly matched.

In an instant, Brittany rushed over to Elena, excitement radiating from her voice. "Hi Elena, I've seen so much of your work and I love every single one! Your hair styling is so alluring and explicit."

She then hurried over to my dad and hugged him warmly. "Thank you, thank you so much, Dad. I love you. I knew you wouldn't stay angry with me."

Amelia chimed in, "Honey, thanks a lot. Brittany is so happy."

The mother and daughter smiled, but my dad just looked at them, waiting for them to finish their drama. Then, he delivered a huge slap on Brittany's face, and some of the maids lurking around laughed lightly to avoid embarrassing them.

"This hair stylist is for Emma," he said sternly. "You already have one, Brittany."

Brittany and Amelia chorused "her" in surprise, and I echoed "me" in shock, my eyes wide with disbelief.

"Emma, this is your hair stylist," my dad said, and I greeted Elena lightly, trying to play it cool despite my excitement.

Brittany and Amelia watched, their faces etched with embarrassment.

"Not a fan?" Elena asked, raising an eyebrow.

I smiled. "Who wouldn't be a fan of the famous hair stylist? I definitely am," I replied, and we both laughed.

Elena nodded. "I like her," she said, and my dad chimed in.

"Of course, who wouldn't love her? She's my child, and she's lovable." He gave me a side hug, and the three of us started conversing, ignoring Brittany and her mother.

To avoid further embarrassment and humiliation, they decided to make a discreet exit, leaving the scene altogether.

Finally, my dad said, "You'll be Emma's hair stylist for special events and occasions. I know you're busy, but thank you for honoring this invitation."

Elena replied, "You don't have to thank me. You've supported me in the past, and this is just a small favor for your beautiful daughter."

We decided to chat over a cup of tea and some snacks, laughing excitedly. I felt honored to be sitting with one of my favorite celebrities, and the fact that she was going to be my hair stylist was just the icing on the cake. I was beyond excited!

Meanwhile, in Amelia's room, Brittany tried to wreak havoc, but her mother intervened, her voice laced with irritation. "Don't you dare! What would I tell your father if he finds out his room has been turned upside down? This is all your fault, Brittany. You're the one who got us into this mess. I got so humiliated and embarrassed because of you, those low-life maids even laughed at us. I've never been so disappointed in you."

Brittany approached her mother sympathetically and hugged her. "Mom, I'm so sorry. This is all Emma's fault. She's the one who's been manipulating Dad, turning him against us."

Amelia broke free from the hug and stood up, her eyes blazing with determination. "Ever since that girl came into our lives, everything has changed. Your father has been favoring her over us, but we can't let that continue. Emma may seem weak, but she's smart, and we need to be smarter. Let's not act rashly or irrationally, Brittany. Today's embarrassment has affected us both, but we must keep our cool. I warned you about her, but you didn't listen."

"Mom, she provoked me," Brittany replied, her voice laced with defiance.

Amelia's expression turned stern. "Brittany, Your father's trust in us has been shaken, but we need to regroup and come up with a new plan. No more sneaky moves for now. Let's keep a low profile and wait for the right moment to strike."

Brittany nodded, but deep down, she was already plotting her next move, determined to take revenge on me.