Emily sat in the well furnished office, She had just finished a meeting with the foreman, discussing the latest incidents and possible solutions.
She had to wait for the lawyers to arrive.... After ten minutes of waiting
The lawyers showed up. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for what was to come. The door opened, and two men in suits walked in. Emily stood up, greeting them with a firm handshake.
"Thank you for coming, Mrs Emily," he said, gesturing her to the seats in front of his desk.
The lead lawyer, Mr. Harrison, smiled.
"Mrs Emily.Please, tell us what's been happening."
Emily took a deep breath and began to recount the events of the past few weeks. The lawyers listened intently, their faces growing more serious with each passing moment.
Mr. Harrison nodded...
"We have heard all you just said we'll do everything we can to help you, Emily,before the saboteur could strike again."
Emily nodded her face lightening with hope.
Mr. Miguel pulled out a small notebook and began to scribble some notes.
"First, we need to review the ranch's security measures. Can you please tell us everything about the fences, gates, and surveillance systems.?"The lawyer asked his hands still busy on the notebook.
Emily nodded, relieved that the lawyers were taking a proactive approach.
"I have all the information right here," she said, pulling out a folder filled with documents and maps.
As they went through the documents, the second lawyer, Mr. Harrison, spoke up.
"Emily, can you tell us more about the staff? Is there any of them you find suspicious?"
Emily hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
"Well, I have only one staff member Rodriguez. Though,I can't actually vouch for him, his could be the only suspect."
Mr. Harrison's eyes narrowed. "We'll look into him. Thing else,that has not been mentioned?"
Emily shook her head. "No, that's all."
The lawyers nodded, making more notes. "We'll get to work right away, Emily. We'll review the security measures, interview the staff, and see if we can dig up any evidence."
Emily felt her hope building up again....
"Thank you, gentlemen. I really appreciate this."
Mr. Johnson smiled. "Don't worry, Emily. We'll get to the bottom of this. Your ranch is in good hands now."
As she left, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. with the lawyers on her side, she felt a sense of determination and hope.
Vincent pov
Just six hours after Emily's meeting with the lawyers, Vincent made his own appearance at their office, his intentions covered in secrecy and malice."
Vincent's black limousine pulled up to the lawyers' office, The vehicle's engine purred softly, a testament to its luxurious interior.
Two hefty men in black suits and sunglasses stepped out of the car, their eyes scanning the surrounding area. Vincent emerged from the car, his designer suit and gold watch shining in the sunlight. He adjusted his cufflink.
With a nod, his guards took up positions on either side of the entrance. Vincent went into the office, his arrogance beclouding him.
The receptionist's eyes widened as he approached, her fingers trembling slightly as she pressed the intercom button.
"Mr. Harrison,Vincent is here to see you," she stammered.
Vincent's smile was like a cold...
"Tell him I'm here to discuss...business," he purred.
The receptionist nodded in fright, her eyes darting to the security cameras in the corner of the room. She knew who Vincent was, a man who stopped at nothing to get what he wanted.
Harrison's voice over the intercom,
"Send him in."
Vincent's eyes never left the receptionist's face as he walked into the office.
Harrison rose from his seat, a mixture of curiosity and wariness etched on his face.
"Vincent, what can I do for you?" he asked, his voice firm.
Vincent's smile grew wider...
"Let's just say, Harrison, that I'm willing to make it worth your consideration to look the other way
Harrison's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications.
"I'm listening," Johnson said, his voice trying to hide the urgency growing up.
A sly grin spreading across his face.
"So, Harrison, have you had any interesting visitors today?' he asked, his eyes gleaming with malice.
Harrison shifted uncomfortably, surprised at the question.
"No, no one notable,' he lied.
Vincent chuckled, his hand slipping into his pocket revealing the pistol.
"Don't play dumb, Harrison. I know Emily came to see you. And I know she came for her ranch protection."
Harrison's eyes widened as the pistol was glinting in the light.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about." He maintained.
Vincent's smile grew wider.
"Stop playing games with me, Harrison. I'll make you a deal. You decline Emily's proposal, and I will be honored".
He pulled out a briefcase stuffed with cash.
Harrison's eyes fixed on the money, his face
pale.
"This is the sum of $100,000". Vincent said pushing the briefcase to Mr Harrison.
"I-I don't think I'm interested". He stuttered,returning the briefcase.
''Don't make me ask twice, Harrison .You know I'm not a patient man.'' Vincent's expression turned cold
With a shaking hand, Mr Harrison nodded.
"Okay, okay. I'll decline her proposal". His voice low.
Vincent's smile returned, his eyes glinting with triumph.
''Excellent choice, Harrison. You know how I hate incompetence."
He tucked the pistol back into his pocket and stood up, the briefcase still clutched in his hand.
Vincent's eyes, gleaming in malice.
"Remember, Mr lawyer. Our little chat never happened. You didn't see me, you didn't hear from me. I wasn't in town."
Harrison nodded, his eyes wide with fear.
"I understand, Mr. Vincent."
Vincent's smile was cold and calculating.
"Good. Because if you do, you'll be dancing to my music. And trust me, you don't want that.Have a nice day." Vincent smiled adjusting the lawyers suit.
After that, he turned and walked out of the office, leaving Johnson in a tense stage.
He reached the reception area, he paused and gave the receptionist a piercing look. "You didn't see me, got it?".
Vincent's smile grew wider. "Good girl," he whispered, before turning and walking out of the office.
His guards,walking behind him..
The car door opened, and Vincent got in, his eyes filled with deceit. As the car zoomed off into the distance,
Harrison couldn't shake off the feelings that someone was betraying Emily, knowing that he had just crossed paths with a man who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.
Emily's pov
Emily twirled around her living room, her feet moving in silly steps, her arms waving in the air in joy.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy.
Rodriguez,stood in the corner, a fake smile plastered on his face.
"Congratulations, Mrs Emily," he said.
Just then, the door burst open, and Samantha rushed in, a huge grin on her face.
"Emily! Oh my God! I just heard the news!" she exclaimed, rushing over to her friend.
Emily's eyes, shining with happiness.
"I know! Can you believe it? The lawyer accepted my proposal!"
Samantha screamed, her arms wrapping around Emily in a tight hug.
"This is amazing! We should host the best party ever to celebrate!" Emily nodded, her eyes sparkling.
"Definitely! everyone is invited,and we'll dance the night away!"
Rodriguez slipped out of the room, his face falling back into its usual scowl. He wasn't happy about Emily's victory, he had to keep up the charade.
The two friends continued the noise in happiness their laughter and excitement uncontrollable.
PARTY PLAN..
The night of the party arrived.Music pulsed through the air, and colorful balloons floated above the crowd.
Guests trooping in and out, enjoying the atmosphere
Emily and Samantha stood at the center of it all, beaming with joy. They wore matching outfits, their hair styled in identical braids. They danced their feet moving in perfect rhyme.
Rodriguez lurked on the sidelines, his eyes fixed on Emily with a mixture of anger.
As the night wore on, the music grew louder, and the dancing was more energetic.
Emily and Samantha took to the stage, microphones in hand.
"Thank you all for coming!" Emily exclaimed. "This is a night to remember!" The crowd cheered..
Samantha continued, "And a special thank you to our lawyers Mr Harrison and Mr Miguel, for believing in us!"
As the party reached its peak, Emily and Samantha shared a triumphant glance. They clamped their palms together. Celebrating in style.
Emily and Samantha embraced, their hearts full of joy and their spirits soaring.
Rodriguez watched his expression changing
He kept his thoughts to himself, and simply observed the celebration with a hint of a smile.
As the night wore on, Emily's victory celebration continued to draw well-wishers. People coming up to offer their congratulations, shaking her hand and patting her back.
Emily beamed with pride,she couldn't believe everything was going to end.
But then, something strange happened. A hand emerged from the shadows, its owner's face hidden by a face cap. The hand was cold and clammy, its grip like a force.
Emily felt a sudden pain as the hand pierced her palm with its rigid fingers. She gasped, her eyes searching for the identity.
But before she could react, the hand vanished, leaving her staring into the crowd, searching for the mysterious figure.
But her search were interrupted by Samantha's cheerful voice.
"Come on, Emily! Let's dance! You're the star of the night!".
Samantha pulled her onto the dance floor, and Emily's confusion was temporarily forgotten.
As the cloud grow darker, Emily's drinks added up, and her senses began to blur. She stumbled and giggled, her vision spinning. Samantha held her up, laughing and cheering her up.
When the party was going down, and the guests began to leave, Emily stumbled towards the door, her eyes blurry.
Emily, however, was still going strong, her eyes glassy in a drunken haze.
Samantha tried to lift her up, but Emily was dead weight, her limbs floppy.
"Come on, Emily, let's get you home,Samantha pleaded, but Emily just giggled and slumped further to the ground.
Samantha's face filled in frustration as she reached for Emily's phone, her fingers scrolling through the contacts until she found August's number.
She didn't hesitate for a moment, then dialed the number and waited impatiently for an answer.
"Hey, August, it's Samantha. I need your help," she said, her voice low and urgent. "Emily's completely wasted, and I can't get her home on my own. Can you come over and help me get her back to her place?"
She listened for a moment, then nodded and gave August the address.
"Thanks, August."
Samantha hung up the phone and looked down at Emily, who was just lying on the floor, her eyes closed and a silly grin spreading across her face.
"You're going to have slots of hangovers tomorrow."
Just then, the door opened to find August, his eyes concerned.
"Hey, what's wrong with her?" he asked, stepping inside.
Samantha gestured to Emily's limp form. "That's what's going on. I can't get her to move, and I can't carry her on my own."
"I will see what I can do".
He scooped her up in his arms, lifting her easily off the ground.
"Seems like she took excessive alcohol?" he said, his voice gentle.
Samantha nodded following them out of the hall locking the door behind them. She trailed behind August as he carried Emily to the car.
"Thanks, August," Samantha said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I would have done,if you didn't show up."
August replied with a smile and started driving, his eyes fixed on Emily's peaceful face. "Anytime, Samantha. That's what friends are for."
August appeared with Emily in his palms.
August carried Emily into her bedroom, his eyes fixed on her peaceful face. He laid her down on the bed, her face reminding him how vulnerable, so helpless she used to be but yet so beautiful.
Samantha returned in, with a pair of pajamas in her hands.
"Let me get her changed," she said, her voice soft.
August nodded, his eyes never leaving Emily's face.
He watched as Samantha gently removed Emily's clothes, her movements efficient and gentle. As Samantha changed Emily into her pajamas,
August couldn't put off his eyes from her face. Though he and Emily hadn't been on good terms lately, seeing her like this, vulnerable and helpless, brought back all the old feelings.
"You should stay over,"her voice brought him to reality."I think leaving her alone will be dangerous".
August hesitated, his eyes flicking to Emily's face.
"Samantha you are right, but you know Emily wouldn't want me to stay. Not after what transpired.I don't think that's a good idea," his voice low.
Samantha's face fell. "Okay, I understand. But we are left with no choice, you know I can't I have lots of things to take to work from home. So you are the only choice. Please". Samantha said rubbing her palms together. Her voice very soft.
August had to reconsider."I really don't want to fight with Emily again, but I will have to stay."
"Thank you August,I will talk to Emily for you when she wakes up.please, take good care of her. She's going to need someone to watch over her tonight."
August nodded, his eyes never leaving Emily's face. "I will."
Samantha smiled, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, August. I'll be back tomorrow.Have a pleasant night."
She got her things and left, leaving August alone with Emily.
He sighed,many thoughts running through his mind.He knew he shouldn't be here, but he couldn't bring himself to leave.
He sat down beside her on the bed, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair out of her face. She stirred, her eyes flickering open, and for a moment, their gazes met.
August's heart skipped a beat as he saw a glimmer of recognition in her eyes. But then, her hands got to August face caressing his face.
August was surprised,as he tried to put her hands down due to the alcohol influence. But her hands were strong enough,"
Without thinking Emily pulled August closer, and leaned her lips on his. August's eyes widened in shock, he tried to restrain himself understanding it was alcohol influence. But his body felt weak when her fingers ran through his body.
August returned the kiss,his voice husky."I love you Emily,I hope you forgive me for taking the advantage."
The kiss became intense as Emily was in high spirit their mouth moving in perfect sync.
"I need this.." Emily muttered. Her hands caressing August back.
The kiss became more intense, August hands massaging her waist. He kissed her from the lips, to her earlobe down to her neck. His hands running through her whole body.
Emily let out a small moan, enjoying the moment, after what felt like three hours August tried to break the kiss but Emily was not giving up.
Her eyes scanning August body. Their lips interlocked with August lips again,the moment so beautiful.
Finally they broke apart from the kiss .Emily, gave a small smile of satisfaction.
"I have wanted to do this for a long time." She muttered her voice barely audible."
August returned the smile."And I have always wanted you." He said, closing up her opened button. Before they both fell asleep...
Emily appeared back at the ranch,her heart pounding in her chest. She looked behind her and saw a man in a mask, his face unidentified.
Emily panicked as the man approached her. She tried to run, but her legs were heavy.
"How could you betray me?" she screamed, her voice rising in anger. But she wasn't talking to the masked man - she was talking to someone else, who was giving him directions.
The masked man drew closer, his eyes gleaming with evil.
Emily's heart was racing, her body filled with fear. And then, the man revealed a glint of metal in his hand.
She knew she had to act fast.
"Use your words,Use your words to distract him." The idea kept ringing in her head.
Emily's mind raced as she tried to think of something, anything, to say.
"Stop!" she screamed,"Don't come any closer!"
And in that moment, Emily saw her Chance, her legs pumping as she ran across. She could hear the footsteps of the masked man behind her,She kept running, her heart pounding in her chest.
Emily's eyes flew open, her body drenched in sweat. She paced around the room, her mind racing.
"It was just a dream", she told herself. Her eyes reached for the clock on the wall, she realized that it was 8:20. She had slept for hours She took a deep breath, her body still reeling from the nightmare.
As she sat up, her discomfort caused August to wake up too, and he turned to her his face etched with a concerned expression.
"Emily, what's wrong?"
Emily gave no response,She was staring at August in disbelief,
"August, what are you doing here?" she asked finally, her voice shaking with fear.
"I'm sorry I trespassed,but I had to stay over to take care of you," he explained. "You were really drunk last night, and Samantha pleaded with me to stay with you."
"Samantha has no right to ask you to stay with me," and even if she did, why did you lay in my bed,why not the sitting room or guest room."
August sighed. "I'm sorry Emily. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
Emily's anger boiled over. "You're not entitled to be here," she repeated. "Please just leave. Get out of my room, get out of my house, and get out of my life."
"I left a dosage in the counter for you,it is good to neutralize the excess alcohol you drank." August said his voice very low.
"Just leave please." Emily said pointing towards the door.
"I love you Emily." I will see you later at the ranch. He said and exited gently.
Emily ran her hands through her head. Her eyes, not leaving the door.
"Why do I feel guilty for what we did last night." Emily said tapping her head in confusion.