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.

Third Person's Point of View 

On his way out, Carlos Hamilton was on his way home when he noticed that a car stopped in the middle of the road. His eyes fixated on the car, until he realized that it's a familiar one and owned by a close friend. 

Meanwhile, a woman came out from the car amidst the pouring rain and thunder. He saw Emerald walking barefoot. A thunder abruptly occurred and Carlos saw that Emerald was looking at the man. Stunned that the man might harm Emerald, he immediately went out despite the danger awaits them. 

"EJ!" Emerald suddenly glanced at the man. 

Her heart melted seeing Carlos at the other side of the road. It has been a while since the last time someone called her EJ. Only her close friends can call her that. 

Carlos assisted Emerald to stand up. His eyes went to where he saw the man earlier but he's no longer there. 

"What happened? Did the man standing earlier harm you?" He asked in a low yet worried tone. 

Emerald gripped Carlos' hands and then spoke. She didn't say anything. However, her eyes speak a lot about her condition. She seemed scared. Emerald coughed and Carlos took her inside his car. 

That's when he gave his spare jacket to her whilst Emerald was sneezing in coldness. 

"W-Wait!" Emerald halted Carlos as he's about to drive. "Are we really going to leave my car here?" 

"Don't worry, I'll contact someone to get it for you. For now, let's leave this place. It's dangerous." He affirmed, assuring Emerald before he drove to his condo. 

****

There's nothing else he can think of aside from his condo. He offered Emerald to stay there for a while until the rain stops. A heavy rain has been reported on the news and is currently advising everyone to stay indoors to avoid accidents. 

A landslide already happened in a nearby area and rescuers have been deployed. On the other hand, Emerald is now wearing one of Carlos' shirts.

"Does it make you comfortable? I can give you a sweater if you want," he offered after putting two cups of tea above the bar counter. 

Emerald brushed off her wet hair. "I'm fine here. Thanks for letting me borrow your clothes by the way. Don't worry, I'll give it back after washing it." 

Carlos chuckled. "No worries. It's yours. I'm not using it anymore." 

He seemed fluttered. Seeing Emerald made Carlos a little happy and shy. He thought his feelings for Emerald faded away yet it's still there. All these years they haven't seen each other, Carlos never set his eyes for another woman. 

"You can stay here for tonight. I have a spare room you can use just like the old times." 

'Just like the old times.' Rings a bell on her. Emerald suddenly remembered their life a few years ago. 

Meanwhile, a certain memory crept in her mind. It was gossip circulating not only in their circle of friends but around her school. Emerald is a well-known smart girl back in her days as well as Carlos Hamilton who's street smart, football varsity player, and a handsome very talented man. 

A lot of people say that they look like a couple. And even a rumor about them dating circulated the whole campus yet Carlos remained unbothered. He doesn't care about what people say yet a lot of people are rooting for them. However, there are still people who are not happy with their rumored relationship. 

"You've always been a good friend, Carlos. I appreciate it." Emerald expressed her deepest thankfulness to him. 

He chuckled a little. Emerald can sense that he looked kinda nervous. 

"I know we just saw each other again after many years but..." he paused momentarily. "I like you, Emerald." 

The smile on Emerald's face faded away. She only sees him as a friend and nothing else. Emerald never imagined being Carlos' girl especially when they were close. 

"Carlos, I-I..." 

"No, EJ. Let me speak, please? Let me express how genuine I am towards you and how many years I kept my feelings just for our friendship..." 

Emerald bit her lower lip. She was speechless. After long years, the man who was rumored to like her is now confessing what he really feels. Stunned, Emerald gripped on her shirt tight. 

Carlos can't take it anymore. He waited for this day to see her again with a bright future. He vowed to himself that he won't see the woman she loves to marry unless he's already successful. Now that he has many things to boast about, Carlos didn't hesitate but to express his feelings. 

"The reason why I became a physician was because of you," he affirmed in a very low, yet manly tone. "You said you wanted a man of honor. Someone who has a lot of things to brag about. A businessman, a lawyer and a doctor to be exact. I took one of the hardest programs because you once said you wanted someone to look after you so I became a doctor... and I'm very much willing to take care of you for the rest of your life, EJ." 

Emerald heard a lot of confessions but Carlos' way of expression was different. It made Emerald lose her mind a little bit. 

She never thought that someone would take her words seriously. She can still remember why she said that. It's because she saw and heard a certain couple bickering outside their school. Emerald wouldn't want a love that is forced, and a love that she's not happy with, so she set her own standards for men. 

However, she still fell in a loveless, one-sided marriage. 

"Actually, the truth is..." Emerald affirmed whilst Carlos was excitedly waiting for Emerald's response. "I appreciate your feelings for me, Carlos. I already noticed it before but I chose to feign ignorance in order to keep our friendship. However..." 

Carlos' forehead creased, and nodded, urging her to speak. 

"However, I can only offer you friendship and nothing more than that, Carlos."