Emily tossed and turned, her eyes finally opening.
"Hi baby," she spoke in a weak tone, her voice husky from sleep.
"Why are you going without waking me up?"
August turned to her, his voice cracking.
"Oh, sorry my love. I didn't tell you, I have a scheduled meeting with the ranch president by 9:30 AM, so I need to be there early. He has a lot of work to do."
Emily sat up, her eyes wide with surprise. "Really? You never told me anything as such? Why did you come up with such a plan?" August hesitated, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions.
"Yeah, uhmm... let's say I thought of... uhmm... your ranch, how you've been running from your ranch because of some asshole. So I thought we need to involve the president's office so maybe you could get your freedom and secure your ranch."
Emily's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes welling up with tears.
"What!!" She exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.
"You are just so perfect in everything, August!". Her voice sounding very sweet. As she walked towards him, her arms opened wide, and hit him playfully on the shoulder before embracing him tightly.
"Thanks so much, I wonder how far I would have handled this ranch my aunt handed to me if not for you. I love you, August." Her head gently resting on his shoulder.
August's face lit up with a warm smile, his eyes gleaming with love and gratitude.
"I love you too, Emily. And I'll do anything to make you happy and secure your ranch."
He kissed her head slightly, his arms wrapped tightly around her.
August chuckled, "This is just a small part of what I do."
"I'm coming with you, since it's my ranch we're talking about." Emily disengaged from the hug her eye locked unto August.
August smiled,his hands patting her shoulders.
"You should stay and take care of the ranch. We can't leave it unattended, especially after what happened last time."
Emily's face fell..
"But we already let the other workers go after the last incident."
August's voice sounded reassuring.
"I'll be quick. And just in case, I'll leave my phone with you. If you notice anything suspicious, call my dad. He'll know what to do."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise, "Your dad?"
August laughed. "Don't worry, he's a softie when it comes to the ranch. Just mention it, and he'll spring into action."
Emily pouted, "But can't it wait? It's still early."
August grinned. "It's 8:20, and I know you are doing all of this for me to stay, but I'm not going to give in to your temptation. He teased.
See you later!" He buttoned up his shirt as he headed out the door.
Emily let out a sigh, feeling the bed with her legs, and flopped back onto the scattered pillows.
Vincent pov
Vincent settled into the plush chair, his eyes fixed on the ranch president.
"Thank you for seeing me, Mr President. I appreciate your time."
He put a small smile on his lip.
The president nodded, his expression casual.
"Of course, Vincent. Is a pleasure to have you here at my office,so tell me, why did you schedule this meeting? What's on your mind?"
Vincent adjusted in his chair, his voice taking on a persuasive tone.
"Chairman, I wanted to discuss the ranch with you. Specifically, the one owned by Emily Wilson. You see, I've been eyeing that land for a while now, and I believe it would be a valuable addition." His face stern.
The president raised an eyebrow. His face face ful trying to recall the ranch.
"Go on." He leaned forward, finding the discussion very interesting
Vincent leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"I believe Emily's ranch would be a perfect fit for my inheritance. And I'm willing to make her a very generous offer to acquire it."
The president steepled his fingers, his expression thoughtful.
"I see. And what makes you think Emily would be willing to sell?" His voice laced with amusement.
Vincent smirked.
"Let's just say I have my ways and I'm confident that, with your support, we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement."
The president leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing.
"I'm listening, Vincent. But I need to know more about your plans. And what exactly you're willing to offer.
Vincent smiled, his confidence growing.
"Ah, I'm glad you're interested. Let me tell you, my proposal is more than fair. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make this deal happen."
Vincent leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I'm willing to offer Emily a substantial amount of money, more than fair market value, for her ranch. And I'm willing to throw in some extra incentives, to sweeten the deal."
The president raised an eyebrow. His lip slowly turning into a loud laughter.
"I don't think Emily will accept any of your offers, Vincent. The ranch has been in her family for years, and she's not one to give up easily. Her aunt fought and her mother before her.It's a matter of pride and legacy. So I don't think your opinion will count."
Vincent smiled, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. "That's why I want to join forces with you, Mr. President. I know you're the one governing her ranch, and I'm willing to make it worth your while. Together, we can make this happen."
The president shook his head in disagreement.
"No, Vincent, I can't help you with that. Emily's ranch is not something to be taken lightly. I won't team with you, just stay clear from the ranch."
Vincent's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with a hint of malice.
"Ah, but I think you'll find that my interests align, Mr. President. You see, I've discovered a dark secret, one that could ruin Emily's reputation and her family's legacy forever. And I'm willing to use it, unless you agree to help me acquire her ranch."
The president's eyes widened, his face pale. "Is this some kind of threat?What are you talking about, Mr vex?"
Vincent leaned forward, his voice dripping with confidence.
"What I'm saying Mr. President, is that Emily's family has been hiding a deep, dark secret. One that could destroy everything they've built. And I'm willing to expose it, unless you help me get what I want."
The president's eyes narrowed, his voice firm.
"I don't think you understand the gravity of what you're suggesting, Vincent. Emily's family is well-respected in this community, and I won't let you blackmail them without concrete evidence."
His spoke his voice rising with annoyance.
Vincent chuckled.
"Since you are just too stubborn, I have something to bring you down as well if you don't comply".
His eyes gleaming with malice
The president's face turned red with anger. His tone dripping with amusement but a bit shaken.
"That's so useless of you,to threaten me,if what you are saying is right I demand to see this evidence, Vincent. And even if it's true, I won't let you use it to extort Emily's ranch from her."
Vincent smiled. His gaze malicious,as he slowly stood up from the chair his tall frame towering over the president's desk. "
Then a faint knock was heard.
Time's up, it seems," he said with a smirk, his eyes shining with confidence. "Nice of you to give me your time, Mr President."
He extended his hand, stretching out for a handshake.
The president gave a fake smile, his eyes cold and nervous. He stretched out his hand slowly and placed in Vincent palm, his grip limp.
"Thanks for coming," he replied slowly, his voice dripping with insincerity.
Vincent's smirk grew wider then he turned to leave. He lowered his base ball cap over his head, bowed in a gesture of mock humility.
He opened the door. Revealing another client in the doorway.
August stood in front of him, his eyes locked onto Vincent's face. But Vincent's head was still bowed, his eyes fixed on the floor.
He paused for a moment, as if savoring the tension between them. Then, he moved off quickly, disappearing like a ghost.
As Vincent walked out of the office, he felt a sense of triumph and power. A devilish smile playing on his lip.
August turned, his eyes following Vincent's retreating back.
"Something strange is off about this guy." He thought to himself. He watched him intensely trying to see if he would look back, but he was already gone.
August shook his head slightly,his mind still reeling with so much thought.
He jerked back to reality remembering that he was next in line to see the president, and he quickly entered the office, his heart still pounding.
The president looked up, his face brightened as August approached.
"Ah, Mr Flynn, good to see you," The president said, his voice dripping with gratitude.
August smiled back.
"Good to see you too, Mr. President. I hope you're doing well."
The president nodded, his eyes flicking to the side, where Vincent had just exited.
"Yes, I'm doing great. Thanks for asking."
August noticed the president's gaze and followed it to the door.
"Who was that guy?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
The president's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure.
"Oh, just a businessman. Nothing important."
August raised an eyebrow,his look suspicious he knew that something was going on but he couldn't place his hands at that.
The president's attitude was cold,and he suspected the president was hiding something but he didn't know what.
The president leaned back to the chair,his fingers trembling on the table.
"So, August, what can I help you with ?"
"It's about one of the ranch that has been under your care.Mr. President."
"Which of the ranch,you know there are so many ranch we see about." His gaze serious.
August hesitated, choosing his words carefully.
"It's about Whispering Creek ranch, Mr. President."
The president's expression turned neutral. "Ah, yes the ranch,What about it?". He stammered trying to hide his anxiety..
August took a deep breath. "I want to file a report of intruders and their recent developments, sir. Some saboteurs have been toiling around, trying to buy it out from under her. They are causing so much damage and passing so much threat,our lives are at risk." August spoke with urgency in his voice.
The president's eyes narrowed slightly, but his voice remained even.
"But how does that concern you, August?"
August stared at the president with surprises all over his face.
"Because Emily's a good person, sir. She doesn't deserve to have her family's legacy taken away from her. He said trying to maintain his self.
The president's face remained impassive.
"So what do you want me to do?"
"Sir, I'm asking you to file the ranch into your custody, at least temporarily. That way, we can keep it safe for now. They're trying to ride over Emily,and if they succeed, they'll ruin the entire town."
The president nodded, a pang of guilt filling his heart. He seemed to be considering August's request.
But then, his mind had a flash back.and he was taken back to his encounter with Vincent.
FLASH BACK:
Vincent gave a cold smile, his eyes gleaming with confidence.
"I'll offer Emily a deal she can't resist. I'll give her a substantial amount of money, more than the ranch is worth, and a guarantee of protection from any legal repercussions. And in return, she'll sign over the deed to the ranch." He lied..
The president raised an eyebrow. His lip slowly turning into a loud laughter.
"I don't think Emily will accept any of your offers, Vincent. The ranch has been in her family for generations. Her aunt fought for it, and her mother before her. It's a matter of pride and legacy."
Vincent leaned in, his voice taking on a stern tone. "That's why I want to join forces with you, Mr. President. You see, I have some information about your personal life, information that could ruin your reputation and legacy." He spoke give an evil smile.
"What.. information are you talking about you." His voice racing with curiosity."
"Information about your affair with a certain intern, and the child you fathered with her." His voice straight forward.
The president's face turned white, his eyes wide with shock.
"How did you...?" He leaned closer to Vincent's direction who was opposite him..
Vincent smiled. "Let's just say I have my way. And I'm willing to keep your secret safe, as long as you comply with me."
The president's face fell, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Are you this desperate, that you had to go as far as digging up what had happened seven to eight years ago"...
"That's just me being me." He said giving a dirty laugh.
"Your threats are worthless, my word still stands, I won't agree to your terms." His tone were final.
Vincent chuckled.
"Fine, I will just get the reporters and deliver your information to them. Then you should be getting ready to kiss your job goodbye." He said standing up to leave.
"Fine, Vincent. I'll help you. But know that I'm only doing this because I have no choice." The President spoke reluctantly.
Vincent's smile grew wide, his face gleaming with triumph. He returned back to his chair
"Excellent choice, Mr. President. Together, we'll make sure Emily's ranch is mine, and your secret is kept safe."
The president's eyes snapped back into focus, and he shook his head.
"I'm afraid that's not possible, August. I can't just take over the ranch like that."
August's face fell, with disappointment.
"But sir, you're the only one who can help us. You should tell me why you are declining the request".
"August if I should suggest is better Miss Wilson gives in the ranch,what is the point of fighting when her life is already at risk."
August was flabbergasted at the president's suggestion,he knew the president for his bravery to eradicate criminal acts and not being a coward.
"Emily's running out of options"
The president sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
"I'm sorry, August. My hands are tied for now.
August's eyes narrowed, suspicion dawning on him,as the office went silent.
The president's voice barely above a whisper.
"I'll adjourn your case in three days' time, August. I need more time to... gather myself."
August's eyes widened in shock.
"Adjourn?! But sir, this is a matter of urgency! Emily's ranch is in danger, and every minute counts!"
The president's expression was bleak. "I know, August. But I can't make any decisions right now. I need time to think, to figure out what to do. Come back in three days, and I'll... I'll try to help you."
August's face twisted in frustration." Is this the way, you are trying to die this case?"..
"Please August,you need to leave and do as I say. Don't upset me."
August knew he couldn't push the president any further. He nodded reluctantly, his voice laced with disappointment.
"Thank you, sir. I'll return in three days,just hope you stick to your promise."
The president nodded, putting up a small smile.
August turned and left the office, his mind racing with thoughts.He couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on with the president.
Emily pov
Emily was rigging some part of the ranch, unaware of the danger that was posing around her.
She got out in the fields,grazing her horse nearby, she was also repairing a fence post.
The work was a bit tedious. As she was working her eyes met a strange figure lurking in the distance.
She paused for a moment, trying to get a better look, but she saw the figure disappearing behind a tree.
Her heart began to race as she realizes that someone is watching her. She quickly finished the work she had at hand and scamper back into the ranch for safety her eyes scanning the surrounding area for any sign of danger.
She glances over her shoulder, but there's no one there. Suddenly, she heard a faint rustling coming from the backyard.
She spins around, her heart pounding, and that's when she saw August.
Emily's eyes narrowed, holding her chest in relief. "Thank goodness! I'm thinking August, I felt like someone was watching me. And I saw something moving behind that tree over there."
August followed her gaze, his eyes scanning the area through the window.
"I don't see anything, Emily.
Emily hesitated, unsure if she was just being paranoid.
"I don't know..maybe I'm just seeing things. But I swear, I felt like someone was lurking around, and watching me."
"No, maybe it was your imagination.But did you receive another threat?"
Emily hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper, "Not exactly... I thought I saw someone watching me from behind the tree, but it might have just been my imagination playing tricks on me."
August shook his head, " Actually I didn't't see anyone when I walked over here. It's fine I'm here already."
Emily gave a slight nod.
"That aside,August! You don't look happy,"
Emily said, concern etched on her face. "Hope the meeting with the president was fruitful?"
August stared at her,his eyes filled with sadness.
"To be honest, Emily, it was a bit of a disappointment. The president seems to be hesitant to help your ranch."
Emily's face fell.
"What do you mean? I thought he was on our side from the beginning."
August sighed. "I thought so too, but it seems like something has some kind of hold on him. I don't know what it is, but the president is definitely not going to help us."
Emily stood motionless, trying to understand the shocking news.
"The president is the least person I expected to back me in such a time,had been counting on the president's support to save my ranch. Without it, I think I will be in grave danger." Her voice breaking down.
"Well, we can't give up now,"August said, trying to comfort her. "We have to keep fighting, and I assure you without the president you can still win." August hands patting her shoulders softly.
Emily nodded, forcing a small smile.
"But the thing is, why did the president decline to help my ranch. He has always been a fan of the ranch." Her voice laced with inquisitiveness.
"You shouldn't let that get to you, maybe let's assume his facing some hard time." August suggested.
"I get it, let's hope he calls me back for reconsideration". Emily spoke
"That's the spirit, Emily. We'll figure something out, together."
August and Emily walked out of the ranch,
Emily's mind was still not at peace,the president's betrayal kept knocking at her inner heart.
"As you said, I agree with you, something must have been really off," Emily said, trying to encourage her troubling mind.
"The president won't think twice to come out to the ranch and take it into his custody. His name was in the diary,my aunt passed to me, saying he's one of the high authorities that can help."
August's expression turned grave. "Let's not jump to conclusions, but it's possible that the saboteurs are working ahead of us. We need to think fast and smart, Emily."
Emily gave a slight nod. " Thank you so much August. You look so tired have you had lunch?
But before August could reply Emily grabbed his hands and dragged him to his ranch so they could eat lunch she had ordered earlier.
James pov
James, Jake's father, looked at Rodriguez with a hint of skepticism.
"My son told me you're a professional masseuse?"
Rodriguez nodded confidently. "Yes, his right sire."
James raised an eyebrow. "How many years of experience do you have in massage therapy?"
Rodriguez hesitated slightly.
"Well, let's say four years."
James's eyes softened.
"That's nice. So how much do you charge for your services?"
Rodriguez smiled. "My services are quite affordable, sir. Just fifteen dollars monthly."
James's expression turned incredulous. "That's very cheap for a masseuse with five years of experience. Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
Rodriguez's face reddened with amusement.
"With due respect, sir, my prices don't reflect my skills. I just like to keep things affordable. And well, your son is my friend, so..."
James adjusted his glasses, his voice dripping with disbelief.
"That's still weird. Well, you may commence work immediately. I assume you have your equipment, like ointment and all that?"
Rodriguez shifted uncomfortably. "Ointment... Ointment.., no, I don't have any ointment. I usually rely on my clients to provide their own favorite ointments." He stammered trying to hide his unskillfulness.
James's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Everything about you sounds strange. I've never heard of a masseuse who doesn't carry their own ointment.Fine, you are lucky I have some ointment,I'll call my son to get the ointment,"
James said, his voice laced with frustration.
Rodriguez stood still thoughts reeling through his mind.
"Jake! Jake!! Jake!!!" But there was only silence. "Where could he be?"
James muttered to himself. He turned to Rodriguez,
"Look my dear, go to the room at the far left. You'll find a counter,you will find a small white container labeled 'ointment'. You're a masseuse, so I'm sure you'll recognize it."
Rodriguez nodded slightly and bowed,
"Ah, yes, sir. I'll retrieve it immediately." He turned and walked away. His heart racing, to avoid getting caught from his mischief.
He slowly got to the room, the door creaked open, and Rodriguez felt a sudden chill run down his spine. He couldn't quite put his finger on what was causing the strange feeling. As he approached the counter, he was hit with a wave of nostalgia.
The scent in the room was unmistakable, transporting him back to a place he thought he'd left behind. His mind flashback to pinpoint the source of the familiarity.
"Was it August's presence I'm sensing?" He thought Or was his guilty conscience getting the better of him, punishing him for the lies he'd told James?
With a deep sigh, he waved off the idea and grabbed the ointment and hastily retreated from the room, shutting the door behind him.
Vincent pov
"Sir, this number has been calling Emily's phone repeatedly since you left for your meeting with the president." Jephter his house boy said, holding out the phone.
Vincent's eyes remained fixed on the TV,then he asked,
"What's the caller's name?"
"It says 'UNKNOWN' on the screen," Jephter replied.
Vincent's expression was indifferent.
"Just put the phone on the counter for now. I'll deal with it later... if the caller tries again."
The house boy did as instructed and left, leaving Vincent alone with his thoughts. He leaned his head against the back of the couch, gazing up at the ceiling.
"Emily still looks as stunning as ever," he murmured to himself, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "This is getting interesting. Let's see how the game unfolds."
James pov
"Jake, what kind of masseuse did you hire!!? My leg is worse, and I think you're just trying to get back at me!" James was yelled at Jake, his frustration taking control of him.
Jake stood unshaken,his tone calm and defensive.
"Dad, stop blaming Rodriguez. He's not responsible for your leg's condition. You've had permanent damage, and even medication can't help."
James's anger boiled over.
"You call that iron bender a masseuse?"
Their discussion was interrupted as August entered the scene, noticing the atmosphere.
"Hey, what's going on? What did Jake do now, Dad?"
Jake fired back,
"Hey August, who invited you here,mind your own portion of business which is the only rubbish you are good at "ranching!".
James turned to August, excitedly, ignoring Jake.
"My son, welcome home! How's the ranch work?and hope we're not stressing you."
August smiled. " Not at all dad,the ranch is going great, Dad. I booked a rental for $500."
James beamed with pride.
"Wonderful! This is the type of information that is good for my health,not like Jake, who's trying to ruin me."
August teased, "Let me guess, Jake hired a masseuse who's not exactly professional?"
James started to explain what transpired, but August interrupted,
"Jake was his name,? I mean the masseuse?"
Jake's defenses rose.
"Are the guys really for me?, August!"
August chuckled.
"I'll post an ad for a new masseuse dad, you would have expected such baggage from Jake."
James sighed, grateful.
"Thanks, son. I think you should go and shower, Jake will make dinner."
"Thank you." August said and left his dad's room.
Emily pov
As August stepped out of the shower, Emily stood at the shower door, her face scrunched up in a childish mood.
"I couldn't find any food items in the kitchen," she said, her voice laced with frustration.
August wiped off the water from his face,his eyes gazing in confusion.
"What do you mean? There's always something to eat."
"I'm as shocked as you, I mean I haven't prepared dinner because there's no food to prepare!"
August chuckled, thinking she was exaggerating. But Emily's expression remained stern. He gave her a gentle push towards the bed and stormed out of the room.
"Hey, where are you going?"Emily's tone concerned.
"August, wait!" But he was already gone.
" Where is he going to still wet" Emily wondered aloud.
A few minutes later, August burst into the room, his face red with anger and his eyes blazing with hurt. "Can you imagine it was Jake that seized all the foodstuff!"
Emily exclaimed, her eyes wide with confusion.
"But why would he do such a thing?" she asked
August's voice rose in outrage, his words tumbling out in a torrent of anger.
"He said he can't keep feeding us and still feed you like his the one that brings money to shop. Can you believe it? The nerve of that boy! He's always been selfish and manipulative, but this takes the cake!" .
August's anger boiled over, his fists clenched at his sides. "That Jake, he's really trying my patience! I swear, I'll unleash my full wrath on him, and he won't know what hit him! How dare he try to starve us out for the foodstuff I provided money for? Does he think I'll just stand by and let him do whatever that pleases him?"
Emily's eyes widened in alarm,she had never seen August in such an angry manner. and she was confused on how to calm him down.
"August, please..." she tried to intervene, but he cut her off.
"No, Emily! I won't be lenient with him again! Jake needs to learn that he can't push me around! I'll show him who's boss!" August's voice thundered through the room, leaving Emily feeling a bit frightened
"It's fine, August, Emily said, rubbing his back,
"You don't have to go through all that trouble,it's just foodstuffs not like he killed someone.
I'll just go buy food from my friend's place. Okay?"
August hesitated, his anger starting to dissipate.
"It's late already, Emily. You know it's not safe, especially for you."
Emily rolled her eyes. "It's just 6 PM. I'll be fine. Besides, the sun is still out. It's not like the clouds have darkened already."
August chuckled, his stomach grumbling.
"Okay, if you say so. I'll just send you some money. I won't lie, I'm very hungry." He burst into laughter.
Emily smiled and headed for the door. "Okay, I'll be back soon."
And with that, she shut the door.
Sophia pov
Emily pushed her way through the crowded restaurant, her eyes scanning the hall until they landed on Sophia.
She was dressed in a red and black uniform, a face cap on her head, and a white apron wrapped around her waist. Emily squeezed through the throng of people, finally reaching Sophia's stand.
"Hey Sophia!" Emily waved, still trying to catch her breath.
Sophia looked up, surprised, and then broke into a wide smile. "Hey Emily! Long time no see! I thought you were no longer in town."
Emily nodded, her eyes shining with amusement. "I left, but I came back a few months ago. And to say more I've even ordered from your restaurant online a few times."
Sophia's eyes lit up with astonishment.
"Really? I had no idea!"
Emily teased, "Yes, I can see why this place is so popular with just ordinary food.You're working so hard."
Sophia laughed. "Hey, it's not easy, but someone's gotta do it. Why don't you come and help me out, and tackle this crowd."
Emily grinned, pointing at Sophia.
"You're going to give me extra food after I buy mine, deal?"
Sophia smiled back. "Just come and help me first, and we'll see what we can do."
"I'm not teasing at all you must give me an extra plate."
Emily spoke, walking to Sophia's counter. She died in to distribute foods to the customers. The restaurant was so busy with customers making orders of different dishes.
Emily was taking a short break from helping Sophia, she grabbed on a glass of water at the counter gulping it down her dried throat.
Her eyes scanning the whole place,then she noticed a tall, dark-haired man watching her from across the restaurant. He was leaning against the wall, his eyes fixed intently on her.
Emily felt goosebumps growing under her skin.She turned back to Sophia dropping the glass hard on the counter.
"Hey, who's that guy over there?" Emily asked, nodding towards the mysterious stranger.
Sophia paused,following her gaze and frowned.
"Oh, him? I don't know. He's been coming here for a few days now. Keeps to himself mostly."
Emily's curiosity was piqued. Her eyes locked onto Sophia's anticipating for answers.
But as she turned back to look at the man, he had disappeared.
"Hey! Ma'am. I ordered grilled cheese and lettuce,but you have being staring."
A man with a wrinkled and strict face spoke with annoyance slamming his fist on the counter.
" I'm.. sorry.. I will package your order immediately." Emily said jerking back to focus.
Emily was packaging another order, chatting with Sophia as she worked.
"You will have to give me extra food, this your customers are something else". She said with a grin.
"Here is it sir, thanks for your patronage." Sophia said smiling handing the customer's order to him.
Emily was packaging order, gisting and laughing with Sophia when she felt a presence in front of her.
As she raised up her head.
she saw the man's backside, his broad shoulders and his curled dark hair.
She realized he was facing Sophia, but she couldn't see his expression or hear what he was saying.
Emily's curiosity was piqued,the same man staring at her from afar,but she tried to maintain her composure, pretending not to be interested in their conversation. She kept serving, her hands moving on autopilot as she tried to eavesdrop on their conversation without being obvious.
But the man's low tone and Sophia's neutral responses gave away nothing. Emily was left wondering what was going on, her imagination running wild with possibilities. She kept serving, her eyes darting back to the man's backside, willing him to turn around and reveal his face.
After some hours of discussion Emily's eyes not leaving the man for him to reveal his face. But he followed the opposite door and disappeared.
Emily finished packaging the food and turned to Sophia. "I'm done finally, I'll be going now." Her voice exhausted.
She reached for her wallet, but Sophia waved her hand. "No need to pay, Emily. It's already taken care of."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean? I didn't ask you to pay for me."
Sophia smiled mischievously. "The man from earlier, the one who was watching you? He asked me if I knew you, and when I said yes you were my best friend,he paid your bill."
Emily's jaw dropped. "How did he...? Why would he do that?"
Sophia shrugged. "I don't know, tho the discussion was more about myself,but he seemed insistent. And see, here's the proof."
She showed Emily the receipt, with a nod. "He paid for both your orders and extras."
Emily's mind raced with questions.
"Who is this mysterious man? And why would he pay for my food without even speaking to me? something must be wrong, she thought unsure what to make of this strange encounter."
"Thank you, I will be going,it's late already."
Emily said forcing a smile..
As Emily walked home, her mind couldn't shake off the uncertainty of the mysterious man. She couldn't shake the feeling that he had been watching her, and the fact that she hadn't seen his face made her feel uneasy.
She quickened her pace.
"Why would he pay for my food without even speaking to me?" she wondered aloud.
"And how did he know I was friends with Sophia?"
The more she thought about it, the more confused she was becoming.
"I don't feel safe about this," she muttered to herself, her food clutched tightly in her hands.
As she turned the corner onto the street, she saw a figure standing outside the apartment building. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered if it was the mysterious stranger, she dragged her legs slowly towards the building, then she saw it was just August neighbor, Mr. Jenkins.
"Hey, Emily," he said with a smile. "How was your day?"
Emily smiled her tensed mind calming down. "It was...interesting," she said finally. "I'll tell you about it some other time, Mr. Jenkins."
She hurried past him and into the building, locking the door behind her. She leaned against the door, taking a deep breath.She was safe now.
"I just hope things haven't gotten complicated." Emily spoke the whole place was very quiet and still. She looked at the time it was some minutes past nine.
She sighed and made her way to the kitchen to dish out the food...