From Duty To Desire

CHAPTER FIVE

James was looking over some documents when his sister, Lydia, burst into his study, her blonde hair bouncing with each step.

“James, darling! I heard about your proposal to that lovely teacher, Emily Lohan. The idea was great, wasn't it?"

James raised an eyebrow. "Lydia, what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to offer my support, of course!" Lydia plopped down in a chair. "I think it's brilliant, James. You need someone to shake things up around here. And in no time, we'll be having mini yous playing around. This place will be filled."

James sighed. "It's just a business arrangement, Lydia. Don't get too excited," He didn't like her being overly excited over a fake marriage.

Lydia's eyes sparkled. "Oh, I'm not excited. I'm thrilled! You deserve to be happy, James. And who knows? Maybe this fake marriage will turn into something real."

James shook his head, but Lydia's words struck a chord. Could he really risk opening himself up to love again?

He doubted. This was just business and that's all it would ever be.

"You're so stubborn and pessimistic. Think positive energy for once, James. You're not going to die alone, are you? Ha! Like I'd let that happen," She rolled her eyes.

"She hasn't even said yes to the contract proposal, so hold your horses. The last thing I need is mom getting all over me to take her home already," He shuddered.

"You'll be fine. She seemed like a great person. I'm sure she possesses all the great qualities. Besides, she has the same fashion taste that I do. That alone is a bonus point."

"Oh God," James groaned. "Who even told you about it? I was trying to keep it to myself until she agreed."

"Maxie is a great cousin, don't you think? He's better than anyone I know for sure."

"Why don't you go play with him then? I'm sort of busy here," he said, waving at the stack of documents on the table.

"Oh and please, don't try to bore the lady to death when she comes. Take her out, let her enjoy herself. Lord knows if you could, you'd get married to your documents and files," With that, Lydia stood up. "Boy is Corkie going to be mad when she hears you are potentially taken.”

Pointing at the door, James said to his sister. "Get out of here you chi—"

"I'm not a dog, James, and certainly not a Chihuahua." Huffing, she stomped out of the study.

James chuckled and got back to work.

Meanwhile, Emily was dealing with her own family drama. She had just come back from work when she decided to make dinner and retire early.

She put some music on and hummed softly as she cooked.

Tomorrow was another day with the possibility of her landlord showing up on her doorstep to ask for her rent, which she didn't have.

Her phone rang abruptly. Pausing the music, she picked it up and answered.

Her mother, Karen, spoke, frantic. "Emily, It’s about Ethan. He's been calling me, threatening to hurt you if you don't take him back,"

Emily's heart skipped a beat. She knew she had to protect herself, but she also knew she couldn't do it alone. She felt her stomach drop and her heart race.

"What exactly did he say, mom?" She turned off the cooker, losing her appetite and grateful she hadn't gone far. She put everything in a container and stored it in the fridge. God bless her landlord for not cutting off her electricity.

"He blamed me for making you leave him. Said if you didn't take him back, that he'd find and hurt you. I changed my number like you told me to but somehow, he still found it. I'm afraid he'll find you much sooner than later."

"He won't. And even if he does, he won't be able to harm me. I'm fine, mom. You are too. Nothing will happen." All she could do was reassure her mom.

They talked some more before calling it a night.

Feeling exhausted, Emily headed for a box of cereal instead of finishing her cooking, only to realize she'd had the last of it for breakfast.

Fighting the urge to scream, she tossed the box in the garbage can, turned off the lights and headed for her room.

Maybe James' proposal wasn't such a bad idea. As long as Ethan was gotten rid of, and she could pay her bills comfortably, there really wasn't any problem.