Emerald's Point of View

I went to a well-known club to indulge in alcohol, regardless of the situation I was in. Jude made me lose my mind, giving me enough pain to endure until the moment I die.

In his eyes, I am merely a hostage to him, serving as a substitute bride to take my sister's place.

Despite my unwavering affection for him since we were young, it won't work anymore, and I still grasp on a man like him. I can no longer sacrifice my happiness for him. If I continue this marriage, then I don't have any respect and dignity left in me.

I was on the verge of finishing the last shot of whiskey in my hand when my friend unexpectedly grabbed it from me. Her eyebrows shot up, sitting beside me in front of the bar counter.

"Look at you, Emerald. You're too messy!" She snapped me back to reality.

Thea is the only friend I have. She's been with me since middle school, and I grew up with her. Thea has always been the person I could rely on in times of need. She's always there for me, and our friendship has been through ups and downs, yet up until now, we've been able to hold onto it.

However, no matter how close we are, there are still some things I can't share with anyone.

I scoffed. "That's how my life has been."

"Was it because of your husband again?"

It felt as though something had become lodged in the back of my throat. I couldn't make a sound, and the burning feeling deep inside my heart intensified when she brought up my husband again.

"What did this good-for-nothing husband of yours do?" She confirmed this, rolling her eyes, before placing an order for a margarita.

I sighed. "He's working and obviously not a good-for-nothing husband."

"Oh, come on! Don't try to defend him!"

Although Thea knew I had a husband, she didn't know who it was. I choose to keep it private from her, adhering to the rules they imposed. All family members should keep the matter confidential, and it should never come out.

"I couldn't stop admiring him despite his harsh words killing me," I affirmed in my low, weak, baritone voice.

Tears almost want to streak down my face. Now I'm crying again just because of him.

"What's the point of staying in a loveless marriage, then? Divorce him, girl!" Thea cheered, as if divorcing Jude was an effortless task.

I took a deep breath and sighed. I calmed myself first before drinking a new shot given to me. I should pay for everything. It's my fault.

Suddenly, Thea's phone rang. She said I should stay put, and she will come back after the call. I listened to her and remained in my seat. Regrettably, the alcohol I consumed started to negatively impact me. My head was spinning around, and I wanted to throw up.

When I look toward the bathroom and see a man standing there, the pain in my heart intensifies. The man's eyes narrowed sharply at my location. I tried to stand up, but I lost my balance. Thankfully, someone was there to catch me.

"Jude..." I murmured to myself. I can't believe Jude came here to see and soothe me. But was it really him?

Everything happened too fast. I was on the verge of tears when I went to the place where I saw him, only to find him no longer there. Why did he suddenly vanish? He moved too quickly!

My eyes wandered around. I looked for his traces, but I didn't find anything.

"Excuse me, have you seen someone standing here for so long?" I asked one of the girls, who was having fun at their table. I approached one of the girls as they were enjoying themselves at their table.

The girl chuckled. "Girl, you're just probably drunk. No one's standing here for a long time unless you're hallucinating."

I nibbled my lower lip. Am I really hallucinating?

Maybe she's right. I'm simply intoxicated, and I urgently need to go home. I know Jude won't come here and take me home; my delusions are fueling my dreams that he cares for me. A bitter smile crept on my lips. Why do I need to get my hopes high? I'm the only one who's hurting myself.

I feel disappointed and hurt. Why did I expect him here anyway? It doesn't even matter to him when the kidnapper kills me earlier.

Beaten by a surge of emotions, I decided to leave the place. I was looking down when I accidentally bumped into someone else. The alcohol I was holding spilled onto his shirt. I was about to burst out with what I felt when he apologized first using his familiar voice. As I raised my face, I was taken aback to see Carlos.

"I knew it was you," Carlos said, showing me a bright smile.

Carlos is my senior. In essence, I have a strong friendship with him back then. People tend to ship us but I respect him a lot and I don't intend to ruin our friendship. Regardless, among our friends, I'm the only girl he has treated right in our circle of friends. I believe he's now a successful medical practitioner. He's 6 feet tall. His broad shoulders caught my attention.

"I'm s-sorry, I didn't see you coming through..." I confirmed this while glancing at the tattered shirt he was wearing.

He chuckled and spoke. "Don't worry about it. It's nothing big."

"A-Ah, I'll just buy you a new one."

"In your case, I don't think you can still buy a new shirt for me. You're too drunk; how about we go out and buy me a coffee?"

I took his offer and came out with him. Carlos went behind me, and he became my shield as we crossed the vast crowd. He's holding my arm, while the other one is shielding my head for possible accidents. Fortunately, we exited the club without facing any injuries.

I can clearly see the mess I made with his shirt, and I feel terrible about it. Knowing that I'm with my high school crush makes me feel awkward.

"Are you sure coffee is enough for-"

He cut me off. "I don't mind."

Carlos was the one who bought it at the shop. He then handed me his jacket, patiently waiting for me outside while I sat on the bench. It's been years since we last saw each other, and I haven't heard from him since then.

Carlos came back with an Americano in his hands. A small smile crept on my lips when I took it from him. I noticed his eyes were twinkling. I smiled because of it. I drifted my eyes away from him and took a deep breath.

"I'm thrilled to see you again, Emerald. We lost contact after college." He affirmed in his normal tone.

"Yeah. I've been busy with life too. What about you? How have you been?"

He bobbed his head a little and spoke. "Well, I'm alright. I just passed the physician licensure exam, and I am now a licensed doctor."

I was amused by all the news I heard from him. He said he often sees me on the news, being the main anchor, but he doesn't have any chance to reach out because he's busy with his patients.

"You didn't change. You remain the same, attractive, and straightforward Emerald."

I chuckled and then sipped on my cup.

"Let's exchange contacts!" I stood up, wearing a bright smile. Fortunately, I got sober after a few sips of my coffee, and I don't feel like my head is spinning anymore.

Carlos took out his wallet. He was about to give me his calling card when my friend, Thea, pulled me away from Carlos.

"I'm sorry for my friend! She's drunk; I hope she didn't bother you enough. It wasn't her intention to spill her drinks on you!" Thea apologized, then grabbed my hand, ready to pull me away.

Oh, right! Thea doesn't know about Carlos' existence and being a close friend. Carlos and his family migrated abroad, studied there in highschool, and college. Later on, they chose to live there.

"Wait-"

Thea looks apologetic and ashamed. Before Carlos could still finish his words, Thea immediately pulled me away, but I was lucky enough to snatch his calling card from him.

Emerald's Point of View

I woke up with a headache, but I had a cup of coffee beside me. From the moment I opened my eyes, I knew I was at Thea's place. I quickly looked for my phone to find out when it had run out of power.

When Thea hopped onto the bed and smiled, I let out a deep sigh and stretched my body.

"Tell me what happened yesterday with that hot guy, Emerald!" Thea was giggling.

I hummed and hugged the pillow. I am currently at a loss for words, yet she is insisting that I wake up now that she has observed me awake.

I had no choice but to sit down on the bed with my eyes still closed.

"C'mon, tell me about him!"

Thea's eyes twinkled. Carlos is basically his type.

"He's a close friend in middle school. I was lucky I saw him at the club, but I ruined his top." I affirmed.

Thea suddenly bumped with my arms. His face was mixed with excitement, and she's clearly teasing me about him.

"He likes you!" She exclaimed. "You two are cute together!" she said. "Date him, girl! I feel like he adores you. Well, you know... girl's instincts? He may be hotter than your husband!" She chuckled.

I don't think so. Despite his cold and harsh treatments, I hold Jude in high regard.

I rolled my eyes and continued speaking. "I have a husband, Thea. Besides, it's already in the past. I simply regard him as a friend. Nothing more."

Thea's eyebrows arched up. "So? What's the point of staying in your loveless and one-sided marriage? Go find someone better, girl! Find someone who is prepared to sacrifice everything for you! She asserted, rolling her eyes at me while her hand was crossed over her chest.

"I hope that's something simple to do, Thea."

Suddenly, my phone made a sound. My phone was charging, and it opened automatically. Jude's name flashed on the screen, and when I scrolled through my notifications, I saw countless messages from him. He's been looking for me since last night, asking my whereabouts.

"Speaking of the devil," I said with a heavy heart, referring to my husband, Jude.

Thea tried to peek at my phone, but I didn't let her see a single piece of information about him. I took a deep breath and responded to his message, even just for once. A couple of seconds later, my phone rang. He's calling me now!

I stood up and went to her balcony. I closed the door, but I could see Thea watching me curiously as I spoke with him.

"You finally picked up your phone after long, unattended calls." He confirmed this coldly, his voice revealing a hint of successfully suppressed anger.

I scoffed. "What do you need?" I coldly affirmed.

"Come to my office. Now."

My jaw dropped when he hung up the phone call. The anger I have for him intensifies. I went back inside with a heavy heart. I informed Thea that I would be heading out to see my husband.

Fortunately, I have some clothes and other belongings in her condo, as I occasionally spend the night there.

I won't come to his office just because he said so; I want to tell him directly that I am not a dog he can order around just because he said so. However, my surprise was evident when I arrived at his doorstep.

I bit my lower lip; I didn't bother knocking. His secretary even attempted to barge into my office to prevent me from entering, but Jude instructed her to leave.

My eyebrows shot up. Before I could speak, Jude did. He threw countless pictures on his table, emphasizing my interaction with Carlos last night. He presented numerous candid shots, one of which featured Carlos shielding me from the crowd.

"Who's this jerk? Your another man?" He affirmed, challenging me for another argument.

My eyebrows shot up. Did he call me solely because of this situation? He had me follow!

"Don't tell me you got pissed when I was with another man rather than getting exasperated because someone threatened me?" I can't believe him.

His jaw moved. He was taken aback but spoke later on. Anger crept onto his face as he engaged in a robust argument with me.

"I can't believe you cheated, Emerald. I was so, so wrong about you."

For the second time around, I got hurt by him. I drank too much alcohol to forget about him, but it didn't work out.

"What do you even know about me, Jude? Nothing!" I defended myself. "Think whatever you want to think. I'll just waste my energy explaining to you. I know you won't listen anyway."

I was ready to leave. I was on the verge of opening the doorknob when I halted because of his words.

"You already have a husband, Emerald. Yet you cling to those men like a leech. Don't flaunt your desire for men in public!" He affirmed with a hint of disgust. "It's such a shame if everyone finds out you're my wife."

He spoke too much about my character without knowing what happened and refused to listen to the truth. He will only believe what he wants to believe.

"Carlos is my friend. Don't call him names when you haven't met him yet." I felt a surge of blood rising in my head. "For your information, I possess a strong sense of self-respect. I am aware of my boundaries, and I don't engage in flirtatious behavior as you have suggested."

He scoffed. "I don't see any reason why you won't flirt with anyone. Carlos is a better candidate. You even proposed a divorce... I don't buy your ridiculous reasoning, Emerald." Jude affirmed, provoking me even more. "Campbell Daily is nothing without the help of my company. Get your shit together, Emerald. Dare to commit mistakes again, and I'll make sure to make you retreat. I have the power to sever all ties with your family, leaving your parents with a lifelong hatred for you."

He can take everything in with just one glance. Not even his father can stop him. Jude totally became a new person ever since he got paralyzed. He doesn't listen to his father anymore, and he has become more ruthless than before.

I gripped my handbag tightly and left his office without a single goodbye. He thinks I was cheating, and Carlos is my other man. If I continue seeing him, then I'm afraid he will do something that will upset my parents!

For the second time around, I got hurt by his words. I went inside my car as tears looming in my eyes respectfully ran down my cheeks.

Emerald's Point of View

The rain was pouring hard. I expected the rain to alleviate my pain, but it only intensified it. I couldn't drive away from his office. My husband's words kept echoing in my mind. He's always harsh. His words cut too deep inside my heart.

The conflicting emotions within me drove me to accelerate aggressively. The speed of my car increased until I noticed another car traveling at the same speed but in a different direction. My eyes widened; I tried to step on the brake, yet it wasn't working.

"What the..."

The road was slippery, raising the possibility of accidents.A car unexpectedly swerved towards me, causing chaos in the middle of the road. My car moved independently after I tightly gripped the steering wheel.

Fear builds up inside me. My car was hacked! I tried to reach out for my phone and contacted my parents. However, I couldn't find it in my bag, which added to the tension I'm feeling.

Since I am now the only car that's driving recklessly, some cars are now going against me. I thought I'd be in an accident, but I'm thankful that I was able to avoid a huge van that was almost going to kill me.

I bit my lower lip when my car stopped at the road where there was no one else aside from me. I tried to turn off my car and get out, but my door remained locked. The power was turning on and off, and it even started on its own despite being shut down.

"Help! Help! Anyone there?" I screamed out of my lungs, wishfully thinking someone out there could hear me.

However, a man, dressed in a black raincoat and carrying an umbrella, suddenly appeared near my door. Only his eyes were visible through a full face mask covering his face.

Despite the danger, my heart skipped a beat when he opened the door and automatically locked it. I attempted to escape one more time, but in an instant, a knife nearly pierced my neck. If the knife had penetrated my neck a little deeper, it would have resulted in my death!

The kidnapper inserted a piece of cloth into my mouth and secured it with tape. I tried to move to the driver's seat, yet he was strong enough to push me down.

"Squeal once more, and you'll die. Believe me," he affirmed. However, something unusual in his voice shocked me. He's using a modulated voice behind those masks!

My whole body trembled in fear. I couldn't look behind. Tears streamed down my face. "I am the future president's daughter-in-law, aren't you afraid of my family? R-Release me before they press charges against you!"

The kidnapper chuckled, disregarding my best efforts to warn him.

"Oh, c'mon. We both know you're not the real wife but a mere stand-in!" He admitted, making me cease.

My eyes widened in shock. Only our families know about it, how come someone like him will gain knowledge about it?

"Who are you?"

His heterochromia eyes suddenly landed at the rear mirror. Seeing his two cold pair of eyes made my skin shiver.

He smirked. "Marrying off Emerald Campbell- ah, Emerald Dawson, instead of the one who has the true Campbell blood to a well-known scion? Why?" He stopped. "Your step sister ran away, leaving you no choice."

The kidnapper knows my greatest secret- and it is my family name Dawson. My biological father's surname.

"Look, Miss Campbell. I am giving you a fair warning. I know all your family's secrets. I know your father, who's currently in a nursing hospital. I can kill him anytime I like." He affirmed. "Your mother is secretly spending her husband's fortune to buy stuff, and even went gambling. Proofs?" He chuckled.

He took out something in his jacket's pocket and pictures of my mom scattered around, buying luxurious things at the market. A picture of her were even captured looking around, carefully getting inside a brand new Mercedes-Benz.

"Your ill father can't buy these for your mom so she find someone new. So clever, huh?"

He's telling the truth. My mom is literally the one who's in the picture! Her tattoo on her right chest justifies everything. But how could he know these things? I don't recall having a relative who has heterochromia!

He took out his phone. Just like his mask, he was also using an unusual phone. It wasn't an ordinary one. My eyes saw it had no signal bar on it, yet he was able to call a number that even I was familiar with.

Jude's name was displayed as the person he was calling. After a few more calls, Jude answered.

"Hello?" Jude's cold baritone voice affirmed.

Tears trickled down my face when I heard the kidnapper chuckle.

"Hello? If you don't have anything to say, I'll put the phone down and block your number."

Jude was about to end the call when the kidnapper confirmed his intentions. "Do it and your wife will die."

The knife continues to penetrate deeper into my neck. It made a small scratch on it until I was able to drive accordingly as per his instructions. He stayed behind, threatening me with a knife in his hand as I stepped on the accelerator.

"Two billion dollars in e-exchange for your wife," he affirmed in a stern yet cold voice.

His voice was quaking. His agitation was evident in his actions and his eyes. Although his voice was modulated, he remained stuttering.

A few minutes had passed, and yet Jude didn't speak. "You don't even know my wife. She's now at home."

At home? Was he thinking of me or his real wife, Phoebe? This monster has nothing but hatred! He never cared nor thought about me!

Is he still a human? I would even faint if someone called me he's in danger but my reaction was his contrary. Despite my best efforts to remain still, my body began to shiver in anxiety.

"I'm hanging up. I have a lot of things on my plate right now, and I have no time for a phishing call." My cold, ballistic husband sternly said.

"Look, Mr. Lannister. I am telling you the truth. Regrettably, she is with me and carries a knife around her neck." After the kidnapper spoke, Jude nonchalantly retorted back.

Jude scoffed. "Just call me when there's a corpse."

The kidnapper's evil laugh echoed inside the car. He craned his neck until he took off the black full mask he was wearing. He showed half of his face, yet his nose and lips remained covered. The sight of a substantial scratch on a portion of his eye caused my body to tremble. He craned his neck, revealing his true voice.

My husband clearly said he doesn't really give a damn if I get killed right now.

The kidnapper's eyes went on me. "He shows no concern for your well-being, Emerald. I assume you have to fill the void your sister left behind. But don't worry," he paused. "I will cut your bad luck short and kill you."

Soon enough, I just saw a gun pointing on my head. I closed my eyes with tears streaming down my face, accepting my supposed death.