The president's private favorite: Her counterattack

 Emily Thompson slowly opened her eyes, feeling as if her head was splitting open, as if countless little hammers were pounding inside her skull. She looked around in confusion. The unfamiliar room made her memories seem like shattered glass, scattered and blurry. She tried hard to recall that last night was her friend's birthday party. Those twinkling lights were like dreamy stars, flickering in her mind. The deafening music was like surging waves, constantly pounding on her eardrums. Glass after glass of cocktails were constantly handed to her. The colorful liquids had an alluring charm that made her unconsciously get drunk. She remembered dancing merrily in the dance floor, her body as light as a fluttering butterfly. As the rhythm of the music played, her world gradually became hazy, as if she had entered an illusory dream. Then, everything became chaotic until she woke up and found herself lying in this strange bed, with Jack Harrison beside her. At the thought of Jack, a complex emotion welled up in Emily's heart. Jack, the eldest grandson of the powerful Harrison family in City A, was a man who had great influence in the business world, the political arena, and the military. His name, when it rang in Emily's ears, was like a spell, making her feel both excited and scared. She recollected their conversation last night. Those discussions about fate and destiny were like a beautiful melody, echoing in her heart. His sweet words were like a ray of warm sunshine shining into her heart, making her heart beat faster. However, now, when she saw the delicate diamond ring on the ring finger of her left hand, her heart almost stopped beating. "Are we married?" Emily's voice was almost a moan, echoing in the empty room. Her heart was filled with shock and confusion, as if she had been struck by a sudden bolt of lightning. Jack sat up in bed, rubbed his eyes, and then showed a lazy smile. There was a hint of playfulness in that smile, making it hard for Emily to figure out what was on his mind. "It seems so, dear." His voice was deep and magnetic, yet Emily couldn't sense any regret or surprise from him. Emily's heart was like a turbulent sea, with waves churning. She was a person who believed in fate and had always dreamed of the kind of love at first sight. On countless quiet nights, she had fantasized about her own wedding and the man who would make her heart flutter. He would have gentle eyes, a warm smile, and would hold her hand tightly when she needed it most. But she had never thought that all of this would happen in this way, especially with a man she hardly knew. "Are we... are we really married?" Emily asked again, her voice trembling like a leaf in the wind. How she wished this was just a dream, a dream that would disappear once she woke up. Jack nodded, and a hint of seriousness flashed in his eyes. "Yes, Emily. We got married in a small chapel in Las Vegas last night." His voice was calm, but Emily could feel the weight behind his words. It was an inescapable reality, a sudden responsibility. Emily's thoughts were in a mess. She tried hard to recall every detail of last night. She remembered how they were surrounded by friends, feeling the liveliness and joy in the laughter. Under the influence of alcohol, everything became unreal, as if they were in a fantasy world. She remembered how she was attracted by Jack's charm. His eyes were deep and charming, and his smile was as bright as the sun. At that moment, she felt that she had found the right person, as if fate was guiding her in the dark. But now, as the sunlight of reality shone through the gaps in the curtains into the room, she began to doubt her judgment. Were she and Jack really suitable for each other? Could they really build a future together? This question was like a heavy stone, weighing on her heart and making it hard for her to breathe. Jack stood up, walked to Emily's side, and gently put his arm around her shoulders. His movement was gentle and natural, as if they had known each other for a long time. "Don't worry, Emily. We'll figure it all out." His voice was gentle, like a breeze blowing across the lake, creating ripples. But Emily could sense an unfathomable depth in his eyes, a mystery that made her both curious and scared. Emily nodded, but her heart was full of uneasiness. She didn't know what the future would be like or whether they could truly understand each other. She put on her clothes, walked out of the room, and came to the lobby of the hotel. She needed fresh air and time to think. The outside world had already started a new day. People were hurrying along the streets, each busy with their own lives. Emily took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Looking at those busy figures, an inexplicable feeling welled up in her heart. They all had their own goals and dreams, but what about her? Her life and her dreams seemed to have changed overnight. She needed a plan and to figure out what she really wanted. She dialed her best friend Sophia's number, her voice trembling a little. "Sophia, I need you." She said, as if looking for a glimmer of light in the dark. Sophia's voice immediately filled with concern. "Emily, what happened? Where are you?" Emily briefly explained her situation. Sophia was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone, and then said, "Stay there. I'll be right there." Emily sat on the bench outside the hotel, watching the people coming and going. Her heart was full of confusion. She didn't know where to go or what challenges awaited her in the future. Her life and her dreams seemed out of reach. Before long, Sophia arrived. She sat beside Emily and held her hand. Sophia's hand was warm and strong, giving Emily a sense of security. "Tell me, what do you want, Emily?" Her voice was firm and warm, like the warm sun in winter. Emily took a deep breath and then said, "I want to figure all this out. I want to know if Jack and I are really possible." Her voice was full of expectation and uneasiness. She was eager to get an answer, an answer that could put her heart at ease. Sophia nodded, and her eyes sparkled with understanding and support. "Then, let's start by getting to know Jack." In the next few hours, Emily and Sophia went back to Emily's apartment together and began to gather information about Jack. They checked news reports and browsed social media, trying to piece together Jack's life and personality. As the information gradually became clear, Emily got to know Jack better and better. She found that Jack was not only a powerful family heir but also a sponsor of many charities and had a deep interest in art and culture. He had held many charity events and lent a helping hand to those in need. His artistic taste was elegant, and he had unique insights into music, painting, and literature. However, Emily also discovered another side of Jack. His name was often associated with various socialites, and his private life seemed full of scandals and controversies. Those photos and reports made Emily start to have doubts in her heart. Could she really accept such a Jack? She didn't know if she had enough courage to face his past and accept everything about him. As night fell, Emily sat by the window, holding the diamond ring in her hand. Her heart was full of contradictions and struggles. This diamond ring, which once symbolized happiness and commitment, now felt unbearably heavy to her. She didn't know how to make a choice or whether she should continue this marriage. Her cell phone rang. It was a message from Jack. "Emily, can we talk?" The message read. Emily took a deep breath and replied, "Okay, Jack. We really need to talk." Her heart was full of nervousness and expectation. She didn't know what the result of this conversation would be. She stood up, put on her coat, and walked out of the apartment. The night air was cool and fresh, which calmed her mood a little. She knew that what she was about to face might be the most important conversation in her life. She didn't know what the result would be, but she knew that she had to face it bravely. Emily arrived at the agreed coffee shop. Jack was already waiting there. He looked a bit nervous, and there was a hint of uneasiness in his eyes. But when he saw Emily, a gentle smile appeared on his face. That smile was like a spring breeze blowing on her face, making a warm current rise in Emily's heart. "Emily, I'm sorry for our behavior last night." Jack's voice was low and sincere. "I don't know how we should solve all this, but I'm willing to find the answer with you." His eyes were full of expectation and sincerity, making Emily feel his genuineness. Emily looked into Jack's eyes. She saw his sincerity and also his confusion. She knew that they both needed time to adapt to this sudden change. They were both searching for their own directions in this strange marriage. "Jack, I'm sorry for our behavior last night too." Emily's voice was firm. "But I'm willing to give us a chance and let's try to understand each other and see if we're really suitable." There was courage and determination in her eyes. She decided to face this challenge bravely. A relieved smile appeared on Jack's face. "Thank you, Emily. I'm willing to try." His voice was full of gratitude and expectation. They sat in the coffee shop and talked for a long time. They talked about their pasts, shared their dreams and fears. Jack told about his struggles in the business world, those days full of challenges and opportunities. He also talked about his family, those warm yet complicated emotions. Emily shared her growing experiences, those happy and sad moments. She also talked about her vision for the future, those beautiful dreams. As time passed, Emily found that she got to know Jack deeper and deeper. She began to see the person behind him, the man who was not just a powerful family heir. He had his own dreams and pursuits, his own kindness and gentleness. He also had his own weaknesses and fears and needed someone to understand and support him. When they left the coffee shop, it was already late at night. Emily and Jack walked on the street, their hearts full of new hopes and possibilities. They knew that their marriage might be a mistake or it might be a beginning. But no matter what the result was, they were both willing to give each other a chance to explore this unexpected fate. Emily returned home, lay in bed, still holding the diamond ring in her hand. Her heart was full of new expectations and uneasiness. She didn't know what the future would be like, but she knew that she had taken the first step. She closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift away with the tranquility of the night. Tomorrow would be another day.