JACK'S POV.
Matthew was someone I always watched out for. There was something about him that made me dislike him. He was up to no good and I had to protect Emily from him. I prayed never to meet with him again."Your brothers are coming back son." Father said bringing me out of my trance.
"Oh....right. Peter called me. They said they are coming for your birthday party." I said remembering that my brothers were visiting for Father's birthday. We always celebrated it every year.
For centuries, the Blackwoods were always known for their massive celebration whenever it comes to Mr Blackwood's, my Father's birthday party. My two older brothers always visited with their families. They stayed in other countries after my Father retired and have them his different companies just as I inherited one. As the second to the last son, my Father loved and cherished me so much, which was why he gave me one of his companies which was closer to him.
"Emily is an event planner right?" He asked me.
"Yes father." I answered.
"I think she should organize this birthday. We will get her all the help she needs." Father said as he started coughing heavily.
"What is it father? Are you ok?" I asked him as I rushed to him, rubbing his back.
"Yes yes yes. It's just a cold. I caught a cold last night while sleeping under the air conditioner." He said. I knew there was something he was not telling me and I will later find out.
_
The birthday party was already set. My older brothers, Peter and Ethan were already in town. My little brother, Brian was not also left out. We all marched in with our black suits. The last time I checked, my designer told me my suit costs $200,000 and above.
My beautiful Emily also showed up in a grand style. She wore a white flowing dinner gown. I was still admiring my beautiful wife when I suddenly saw the person I least expected to be there. Matthew!!!
I quickly rushed to Father to ask him. "Dad did you invite that young man?" I asked him pointing at Matthew who stood with some other guests.
"Oh.....I'm so sorry. I invited some of our investors and shareholders." He said.
Just as we were still discussing, Matthew walked to us. "Hello Mr Blackwood. Happy birthday to you." Matthew said as he stretched his arm and presented dad with a gift.
"We were just discussing before you came in." I fired at him in such a way that he could see my anger in my eyes.
"It's fine Jack. He just came to pay his respect to me." Father said.
I rolled my eyes in an annoyed way before leaving them. I went to the bar tender and requested for a glass of champagne. "Are you ok? You seem furious." I heard those soothing voice say behind me. At that point, I felt like an ice block that was melted. I turned and saw Emily staring at me with worry.
"I'm fine dear. I'm just worked out." I lied.
"Then take a break instead of breaking down." She advised me. She didn't understand how I was feeling inside.
"It's fine dear. Have you met with my brothers?" I changed the topic immediately.
"Mmm...mhmm I haven't." She said as she smiled. Whenever she smiled, it made me smile and my heart beats twice than normal.
"Come on, let's go and meet with them." I grabbed her soft hands and took her to meet with Peter and Ethan.
They were elated to see her for the first time. "Hello there sister in-law." Peter said as he embraced her. Ethan also did so.
"It's so nice to finally meet with you guys." Emily told them grinning from ear to ear like she just saw a celebrity.
"It's nice meeting you too Emily." Peter and Ethan said smiling.
I left Emily to enjoy herself while I discussed with my brothers. We laughed and cracked jokes about our childhood as we drank our champagnes. Few minutes into our discussion, I saw Emily laughing so hard. I wondered what made her laugh like that and behold, it was Matthew.
My mood changed immediately that my brothers noticed it. "Are you ok Jack?" Peter asked me.
"Yeah.....yeah....sure. I am." I said almost stuttering. I couldn't breath well. "Excuse me, I need to take care of something now." I said leaving them as I walked to where Emily and Matthew were.
"Come over here Jack, Matthew was just telling me how funny he was while he was a child." She said laughing. Her cheeks were already red.
"Do you want to go somewhere nice dear?" I asked her.
"Sure." She said before turning back to Matthew. "I'm sorry Matthew, I'm going with Jack now. It was nice chatting with you." She said before we started going. Along the line, I acted like I forgot my wallet then I ran back to where Matthew was.
"Don't you dare come close to my wife ever again or else I will break your bones." I warned him looking him deadshot in the eyes before running back to Emily. I assumed that was going to be the end of him coming close to Emily since I threatened him.
_
After Dad's birthday party, we usually organize a picnic at one of his hotels resort centres. It was like a ritual that followed it that has been observed for over 30 years. We all put on all white.
"Honey, please help me button up my gown." Emily said that morning. Her white short dress complimented her white beaded necklace I got her on her birthday. It was worth 3 million dollars.
"Mmmmmm..... you look beautiful darling." I told her as I pecked her cheeks.
"Of course. I'm always beautiful." She said flattering herself as we both chuckled.
Max and I were in uniform with our white shirts and white pants. Ashley was with her nanny and my Mom. My mom took liking in Ashley ever since she was born. She was always with her.
We got to the venue and everything was set. The barbecue stand, the pizzas, drinks and snacks were there. Peter's family and Ethan's family were also there. Brian babysat Max; those two were always fond of each other.
I was still enjoying my day when a black Jeep drove into the premises. Everyone watched to know who it was and Matthew came down from his car. "This fool!" I cursed him under my breath.
"Mmm...did you say something?" Emily asked me.
"No. I didn't." I said rubbing the brink of my nose.
Matthew walked to where my Father was and greeted him like he was his father. His presence continued irritating me every single time I saw him. "Hey Matt." Emily said as she hugged him. I folded my hands in a fist, holding back my wrath.
"How are you doing?" He asked her.
"I'm fine." She answered. He smiled as his hands stylishly relaxed on her waist. I turned red out of anger. My anger was visible at this point. His hands rubbed her waist up and down and that was it. I lost it!!!!!!!!!