Contracted by fate

Episode2

Emily's POV

The next morning, I threw my eyes open to an unfamiliar environment. I blinked, trying to adjust to the bright light flickering in through the glass window. My eyes darted across the room, taking in the grand chandeliers glinting above, the opulence furniture. And the sheer extravagance of the space. There's no way. This is my room.

My head throbbing In pain, a reminder of yesterday's indulgence. A wave of nausea rolled through me as the fragmented memories of yesterday resurfaced-Charles and Isabella tangled together in bed, my father's biting words, the sinking company, then the stranger at the bar. Beyond that, my mind was a blank slate.

I stood up abruptly, only for my hand to brush something - or someone. My heart pounded as I saw a man beside me, his chest rising and falling in a rhythm that suggested deep sleep. Panic surged through , my throat tightening. Swallowing hard, I glance down at myself and froze. I was stark naked.

A sharp breath left my lips. No, no, no. This can’t be happening.

Trembling, I reached out and tapped his shoulders lightly. "Hey....wake up," I whispered, my voice trembling.

He stirred, groaning slightly and stretching his muscles, before turning to face me. His eyes cracked open slightly, but when they landed on me, they flew wide open. He bolted upright, the sheets falling to his waist.

"Who are you? What the hell are you doing here? He demanded, his voice laced with irritation.

"I'm...I'm.....I stammered, unable to form a coherent response.

His expression darkened. "Get out," he growled.

"But... I'm naked," I protested weakly, clutching the sheet closer.

He gestured dismissively. "Get dressed in the corridor."

The bluntness in his words sting, but his glare left no room for argument. I scrambled out of bed, picking my clothes before retreating to the hallway. Once outside, I lean against the door and let out a shaky breath.

"What an asshole," I muttered under my breath as I dressed.

Stepping out into the crisp morning sun, I stopped to take in the mansion that loomed ahead. It was way massive and luxurious than my family's estate . Shaking off the thought, I hailed a taxi and head home

After a quick shower, I dressed in a floral gown that clung to my body like a second skin. I took a glance at my reflection in the mirror. I nodded, satisfied. Today I don't look like someone who has been betrayed and defeated. No. Instead I looked like someone ready to conquer the world.

With a deep breath, I brushed away a stray tear. “You’ll be fine,” I whispered to myself, as if saying it aloud would make it true.

****

The minister's office buzzed with activity when I arrived. The receptionist greeted me with a polite smile before directing me to the waiting room.

Moments later, his secretary approached with an unreadable expression.

I stood up offering a polite smile, and extending my hand. "I'm Emi-"

"The contract is off," he interrupted flatly.

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. "What? Why?" I asked, panic setting in.

He didn’t answer, already turning away. I hurried after him, my heels clicking against the polished floor.

"We found evidence of illegal dealings in your company and the minister won't like to associate with such company. It's a stain on his reputation," he said curtly. His words felt like a slap.

"Illegal dealings? That's not true."

He didn't respond, instead he slammed the door shut in my face.

I barely registered the ride back to the office, my mind swirling chaotically with different thoughts of what could have gone wrong. As I stepped inside, two officers were seated in the lobby. Grace, my receptionist approached hesitantly.

"Ma'am, the officers are here to see you," she muttered.

"Thank you," I whispered. My lips curled in an unease smile as I approached the officers, each steps heavier than the last. My heart pounding.

"Good morning officers," I said in a low but firm tone. "How can I help you?"

"Yes," the taller officer replied, standing. "We've received reports of illegal business dealing, and the use of substandard materials for your clients," he stated firmly.

"What!" I exclaimed, my voice rising unintentionally. "That's not true! I'll never -"

"There are solid evidences and witness testimony against you," the officer interrupted. "We need you to come with us."

I opened my mouth to argue but stopped. "Miss Hart," he said in a final tone. "Please," he gestured towards the door.

I hesitated before turning to Grace. "Call my father," I said quietly. "Let him know what's happening," I instructed, keeping my voice firm, despite the tremor in my hands.

Grace nodded. "Yes ma."

The officers led me out. On the first floor, I spotted Isabella and Charles. They walked towards me, their hands interwined, smug smile plastered on their face.

"Oh, Officers," Isabella gasped, her voice dripping with fake concern. "What offense has my sister committed."

"She has been accused of illegal business dealing," one of the officers replied.

Isabella faked shock, her hands flew to her mouth. "I warned her, but she doesn't listen," Isabella said.

"You did?" The officer asked, intrigued.

Isabella nodded solemnly. "Yes.... she's too reckless."

Charles chipped in, shrugging in disgust. "And that's the reason I left her. I can't cope with a dangerous woman,"

The officer scoffed. "And now, she'll learn the hard way."

Anger burned in my chest as Isabella leaned closer, her breath warm against my ears. As she whispered. "I did this. I have your man and your company. Enjoy prison, sis."

My anger spilled over. "You b***h," I choked out. But the officer shoved me forward before I could do more.

At the precinct, the officers wasted no time, their voice sharp and condescending. The evidences presented against me were damning, and witnesses came forward, their testimony perfectly rehearsed.

"You've been charged with tax evasion," one of the officers, declared, his voice devoid of sympathy.

I froze, the word echoing in my head. Tax evasion? I had entrusted Isabella, that convining witch with tax payments and other important levies. But she had betrayed, setting me up to take the fall for her actions.

The witnesses came forward.

"You bought me a cheap wedding ring," the first woman said, her voice laced with false indignation.

I scoffed, before speaking in a cold voice. "But I told you we had to do that to cut price and you didn't mind."

"Of course, I mind," she replied, her voice breaking as she dabbed at imaginary tears with a tissue.

"You got me a fake vintage wedding dress," the second woman said.

I frowned, disbelief written all over my face. "But..you said, you love vintage that you didn't mind if it's a fake," I countered, my voice sharp with exasperation.

They came bearing different false allegations, one that I had been truthful with them about. I clenched my fists in anger under the table. My heart raced with helplessness as I kept darting my eyes backwards. But no one came. Not even my father.

By the end, the detective leveled his gaze. "Miss Hart. You'll be charged to court. You need a lawyer."

Before I could respond, a voice replied behind me, his voice sharp and commanding. "Her lawyer is here."

I turned, stunned, to see the man from this morning and another man who I assumed to be a lawyer. He approached, his presence commanding and his eyes dark locked onto mine.

He halted beside me. "Hello, darling," he said, his voice annoyingly sweet. "Sorry I'm late."