Emerald's Point of View 

Ruining a friendship is not in my 2025 bingo card. Perhaps it may be hard for someone else to confront a close friend but my ideologies in life are the one that gives me strength to voice out what's in my mind and express it towards the person. 

I was standing against the mirror. Carlos let me borrow his sweater as my clothes have been drenched by the heavy rain. He took care of me whilst I'm in his condo, bringing me things that could warm my body. 

"Good bye, Carlos," I affirmed without looking him in the eyes- dying enough to come home in order to avoid the awkwardness around us. 

On my way out, Carlos halted me by holding my hand. "Wait," he paused. "I just want to let you know that I'm persistent enough on pursuing you, EJ. Don't worry, I know you're shocked but it doesn't change anything. I still like you, EJ." 

My heart was pounding fast. I gripped on the sweater hard before pursuing his lips. The way Carlos speaks with gentle and earnest in his voice got me. I feel guilty turning him down. Women flocks on his feet just to date him but here I am, rejecting the person everyone has dreamed off. Regardless, my decision will remain the same. 

"Carlos, you don't understand. You will only hurt your feelings if you keep on-" 

He smiled warmly and held both my hands. "Oh, dear. You don't know how many years I've waited for this. I always had secret feelings for you and now you're aware of it, and I believe we could become a great couple, urges me more. I'll do everything to deserve you, Emerald." 

I took my hands off him. It's not appropriate to let him hold a woman who's already married to someone else. Thinking of Jude incised a small cut in my heart. I feel like I'm betraying the man I love regardless of the turmoil in our marriage. 

He wanted to drop me off at our house but I insisted on taking a bus. He has helped me so much that I don't want to burden him anymore. At first, Carlos didn't agree. We even had a small, not totally an argument before I completely convinced him. However, he never left unless the bus had already departed. 

Anyhow, I share the same roof with Jude. I'm afraid he might see him. 

The next day, I thought I won't be able to see him yet I came across Carlos at the same place where he dropped me off last night. 

A black pick up truck appeared out of the blue. The window slowly moved down and Carlos' handsome face appeared. His smile was up to his ears, showing me his white teeth. At the same time, I smelled something that caught my attention. It's Carlos' perfume that infiltrates my nose. 

"Heading to work?" He inquired with a huge smile. 

I smirked. "Yes. Just waiting for the bus. Why are you here?" 

"Uh-huh. Where's your car?" 

I shrugged my shoulders as he came out of his car. His clean doctor outfit made my eyebrows arched. Now I get why a lot of people like him. 

My car has been towed just this morning and it's currently at the casa, currently undergoing a system maintenance to check if there's any foul play and hacking happening. For now, I will suffer from commuting. 

"Ah, they are fixing my car." I simply said then sighed. "Hopefully I'll get it before the end of the day," well that only happens if a miracle appears 

"Hop inside then. I'll drop you off at Campbell Daily." 

My forehead creased and my eyebrows furrowed. "You know where I work?" 

He nodded. "Uh-huh." 

"Don't tell me you managed to get updates about me yearly?" I jokingly affirmed when Carlos extended his hands and opened the car's door for me. 

He chuckled. "Monthly to be precise," he corrected. "Isn't that what someone does when he or she likes another one?" 

He got a point though. However, I felt awkward when he told me about it. My cheeks blushed when I saw the perfume in his car. So he's using Hugo Boss Elixir Parfum, huh? One of my co-anchor reported that Hugo Boss parfums are widely used when you're out with a loved one, a girlfriend, someone you love or like. 

Suddenly, my cheeks blushed on that certain thought. We're quiet whilst inside the car.

As we reached Campbell Daily's office, Carlos went down. I was curious about what he's about to do when he opened the car's door for me. Unhurriedly, my cheeks turned red as tomatoes. 

"Thank you," I affirmed in a small voice. "You don't have to do it, really." 

He smiled and affirmed. "Don't worry, starting from now, you don't need to commute. I'll drive for you everyday and make sure you're safe whenever you come to the office and come home." 

"Carlos... you don't need to do that. Commuting is nothing for me." 

"I already told you, EJ. I like you a lot. Say whatever you want but I'll do whatever I want." 

I know Carlos Hamilton very well. He's not the type of person who surrenders easily. He's the type of person who does everything to get what he wants in a legal manner. He's charming, has strong charisma but I can't fall for him. 

Carlos left the CD immediately. Someone called him asking his whereabouts and left hurriedly. On my way inside, I saw my co-worker, Mina, an anchor just like me. 

Her eyes widened when she saw me. "Isn't that the famous Dr. Carlos Hamilton?" Stunned, Mina's cheeks blushed. 

My eyebrows arched. "How did you know him?" 

"Ha! You're a news anchor but don't know what's happening? Gosh!" 

I sighed and said, "Of course, yes, I know him. But what is it that's too special for that man?" 

"He's a well-known doctor and a vlogger! He's famous in 'red' app and various social media. He's uploading a vlog answering netizens' questions every two weeks. He's so handsome, isn't he?" I could tell that she's thrilled whilst talking about him. 

Indeed, Carlos became a huge hot shot in this country. Seeing his profile in the red app he's pertaining to made me 'woah'. He has millions of views and subscribers. However, half of her viewers are only there to simp on him but not someone who's in need of help. 

My eyes rolled seeing a bunch of comments regarding Carlos' physical appearance. Searching his name on the internet resulted in too many good deeds he has done over the years. All throughout we separated in college, I never heard anything from him. Our friends thought he's already dead yet we didn't know he's working hard to become a doctor. 

"Tell me more about Carlos Hamilton, Emerald!" Mina, my co-anchor affirmed with a giggling tone. 

I sighed. That's the time I thought of Carlos' feelings for me. Knowing his full capacity, I should find a way to stop him from liking me. 

Suddenly, a bright idea comes in my mind. "Are you free this weekend?" 

Mina was just about to answer my question when another intern came inside my office, looking for me. "Miss Emerald, the chairman is looking for you. He's at his office, requesting a little bit of your time." 

"Tell him I'm on my way." I said then fixed my skirt and stood straight. 

"By the way, Mr. Sanders is also there."

Third Person's Point of View 

"What brought him here?" That's the question on Emerald's mind the moment she stepped inside her father's office. 

Glancing at Jude who's intact on his wheelchair, Emerald caught his cold stares. Questions began to fly in her mind. How come Jude and Emerald were summoned when the chairman of Campbell Daily often talks to them at their mansion to prevent someone from eavesdropping and knowing the string in between them. 

If someone finds out about their marriage, Jude surely won't let it pass! 

"Sir," Emerald addressed her father in a formal manner. People look upon her because she knows how to separate work and her personal life. "You summoned me."

The chairman motioned to the chair and spoke, "Have a seat." 

On the other hand, Aileen, Emerald's mom saw some marks on Emerald's neck. She saw how it turned red and violent. Freaking, Aileen stood up and grabbed her daughter's neck, ensuring what she saw was accurate. 

"What happened here, you brat?" Aileen affirmed in a motherly manner. There's a hint of anger mixed with concern in her voice. 

Jude's eyes drifted on Emerald. Seeing the scratches on her neck made his hand turn into a fist. Unfortunately, what she said to him was all true. He looked away and clenched his jaw. He has no clue who did this and he can't think of the killer's motives. 

He's already thinking what kind of punishment will he do once he captures the assailant. Knowing Jude, he doesn't let go of someone so easily especially if it was dead serious. 

She took her blouse closer to her skin and bit her inside cheek. "I-It's..." She answered in a shaking voice, afraid of her parents' reaction. 

"Answer me!" The woman demanded. 

Emerald stood up and glanced at her mother with sorrowful eyes. Tears began to loom in her eyes as she clenched her fist whilst refraining herself from crying. 

"I got kidnapped!" Emerald burst into tears. "Someone tried to harm me!" 

Instead of believing her own daughter, Aileen rolled her eyes and stressfully fixed her hair. "My God, Emerald! Kidnapped? Really?" There's a hint of mockery in her voice. 

She was in deep pain. How could her own mom not believe her? Among all the people in this world, it should be your family who's protecting you but in her case, no one else is protecting her but herself. Emerald feels alone in this world. He may have a husband but it's distant and hates her a lot. Not even the Campbells give a damn on whatever happens to her. 

Emerald couldn't hide her sorrow. It's evidently flashing in her eyes. 

"Stop fooling around, Emerald! No wonder you can't get pregnant with Jude's child because you're always like this. You're not a kid anymore, brat!" Aileen shouted. She parted her hair in distress and gave her a disgusting, cunning look. 

"M-Mom, I'm telling you the truth. I was k-kidnapped and..." Emerald barely finished her words because Aileen threw something on the table which made her jolt in shock. 

"Do you think kidnapping is a joke? What if it really happens to you? God, be matured! You always think of yourself. Growing a family should be in your plans but look at you!" 

Emerald's stepfather took a deep breath. He shook his head three times before pulling his glasses off and massaged his temple. He doesn't like what's going on. 

"Look, you're in your mid 20s. Don't tell me you'd still crawl in my lessons and ask me to 'Mom, teach me how to seduce my husband'," she paused. Emerald seemed stunned. Her eyes drifted on Jude who's just coldly ogling at her. "I did everything I could but you're the one who's not following everything I say. I'm doing everything for your own good!" 

She scoffed, then chuckled bitterly. "Own good?" Emerald couldn't hide her disappointment. 

Not even Jude can stand Aileen's mouth. He never liked the old woman. Something is wrong about her and he knew Emerald was a slave to her own mother. Unhurriedly, Jude clenched his jaw the moment he saw a tear fall down his wife's eyes. 

Ever since they married each other, Aileen no longer concealed her true colors. Back then, she would pull Emerald away to scold her. It's because Aileen wanted her image clean in front of many people. Until Emerald married him, Aileen no longer gives a damn to whatever they think. All she wants is for Emerald to follow her no matter what. 

She thought her mother was already done but her next word feels like a ticking bomb. "I can't blame you anyway. I wouldn't want to seduce a crippled man."

Those exact words triggered Jude. He closed his eyes and gave Aileen bloodshot eyes. Jude was clearly offended by what the old woman had said. For him, she crossed the lines. However, he doesn't want to mess everything up just because Aileen called her crippled. In fact, it was an insult to him but he would rather stay silent to ceasefire. 

Nevertheless, Jude wouldn't let himself leave without saying anything. 

"Don't drag just anyone in your anger. Truth be told, I don't even love your daughter. Emerald is nothing to me. The circumstances and our relationship won't last resulting in being unable to conceive a child," the mighty among everyone; Jude- affirmed. "Basically, I was stuck in this marriage. I don't want my children to have a wicked grandmother anyway." 

Aileen was dumbfounded. She just realized how cruel she had said making James Campbell tried to go after him but Jude wasn't looking. 

Now he doesn't know where to get angry. Was it because he got offended or the fact that Emerald was kidnapped and no one knew? It's basically making his blood boil yet he needs to remain cool. 

He's already at the elevator when her forehead remains creasing. He's still in deep thought. Perhaps the culprit was the one who called him a few days ago who's asking for money. Unhurriedly, Jude closed his eyes and took his phone out of his pocket. He then called his secretary and glanced at the CCTV. 

After a few rings, Antonette Andrews answered. 

"Emerald was kidnapped. Locate Emerald's location last Tuesday and bring every CCTV footage to me at once. I need it as soon as possible." He commanded his secretary. 

"Copy, sir." 

As Jude was about to put the phone down when he spoke once more. "Tell Philmar to guard Emerald in secrecy. Make sure she has a 24/7 bodyguard wherever she goes. Report directly on me."

Emerald's Point of View 

The velvet petal smell of the candle inside the bathroom lingered in my nose. It's calming, distressing me from everything I've been through. 

My hair was tied using a clamp whilst my body was soaked with warm water and petals all around the tub. Giving yourself a me-time period was relaxing. It's my coping mechanism after all the stress I got after a long day and I feel like I deserved it at some point. 

Regardless of preparing everything, I couldn't totally forget Jude's words. The exact words he spit remained lingering like a halo effect in my mind. Of course, I was hurt. Even if we're in a one-sided relationship, I still love him regardless. He's the only man I ever loved, the feelings are still there but I'm no longer holding anymore. The disrespect was so loud that even an apology did not even make a sound. 

My mother's words significantly offended him. At some point, I pity him. I am on his side not because of my personal feelings but because my mom insulted Jude whereas her words are immorally wrong. 

I took my bathrobe and came out. I made my night routine before I head out to the kitchen, feeling the need to drink some alcohol to ease what I'm feeling. I was standing over the bar counter, holding a glass of wine when a phone rang. 

Glancing at the bar counter, my phone made a sound. My hands trembled when I saw a familiar number calling. It wasn't registered in my contacts, it clearly came from overseas. Chills began to creep all over my body. The warm air turned cold the moment I took my phone, hesitating whether to answer the call or drop it. 

The wine glass made a sound when I put it back on the table. I was about to slide the red button when a voice hindered me behind. 

"Why don't you answer it?" Jude's alarming voice affirmed behind me. 

I snapped my old self back to reality. I put my phone inside my nightdresses' pocket and glanced at Jude with my chin up and head high. 

"Uh-oh," I told myself in my mind. 

I bit my inside cheek and crossed my arms at chest level. Suddenly, Jude opened his mouth and spoke, "Since you're here, why don't we talk?" and so I nodded.

Even though he's cripled and is sitting in a wheelchair, he altered his stance and nodded. I admit, despite being disabled, Jude's physical appearance didn't change. He was still an aloof man, the grumpy one I always dreamed of. A bitter sense of feeling crept within me. 

A part of me was thinking what's his reason to make a good call for us to talk. Will he apologize for his harsh words he has said earlier? Perhaps no. You shouldn't dwell on your fantasies about him being good for you, Emerald. Besides, Jude has never been that kind of guy. He had always hated me and I doubt it will change.

My heart was stabbed a thousand times whilst looking at him. Seeing his current state had my heart sank. If only he would let me take care of him... 

"I'm asking you one last time," He took a deep breath and said, "Is the kidnapping all true?" 

"Fuck off if you think I lied," I affirmed bitterly. I can't handle another upsetting conversation again. "Believe whatever you want to believe. I don't have time to make arguments with you. I'm not forcing you to believe me."

Jude scoffed. "It was just a simple yes or no, Emerald. You don't need to prolong the conversation," he remarked in a mocking yet irritated manner. 

I closed my eyes and scoffed. A moment of conversation with Jude feels fun because we're talking no matter what the topic is but at some point, it drains the shit out of me. I'm glad we interact, but I'm disheartened because we frequently argue. 

On my way to leave the kitchen, Jude ceased me with his warning tone. "I did not dismiss you, Emerald." 

I took a swift turn and spoke, "I know, but I'm not letting you belittle or hurt me again."

He scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Just to remind you, Emerald, you're the one who made a decision. If you can't stand my harsh words then it's not my fault anymore. You made a choice." His remarks penetrated deep inside my heart. 

"But you also have a choice to say 'no' before our families lock us together to marry, right?" 

He craned his neck. "That's because I had no choice. Your sister won't, and you're the only option I have. Remember, you're here as a prisoner of me. Disabled or not, I can do everything to make you stay and never leave your side. You're choosing your fate and it's the decision you pick. Now, live with it." 

As soon as he spit those words out, Jude immediately turned his swivel chair behind, controlling its wheel to move apart from me. On his way to his bedroom, Jude halted. He turned around and spoke. 

"Perhaps marrying you is a blessing in disguise," he paused. "I wouldn't know what your mom thinks about me if I hadn't married you. Little did I know, she's also one of those people who talk shit behind my back."

It's awful to hear those words from him. I know deep down he's not happy at all and I understand. Knowing I'm already his wife, Jude will no longer feel easy and comfortable with my mom because of how she acted. Now the dreams I had to fix everything up with my husband vanished. Part of me says it's alright... he will never consider me as a woman, as a partner but solely as a prisoner. 

My family was indebted to them, and I served solely as assurance in his point of view. It stings but I don't have any choice. We're both right anyway. I had a choice and he has every means to ensure that we will not use his family for our own gain and remain our fidelity with them.