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.

Third Person's Point of View

How many points did Emerald lose when Jude left her dumbfounded? Emerald's hands turned into a fist as she glared upstairs-exactly where Jude's office was.

"That shithead, diabolical disabled man!" Emerald couldn't stop from cursing him a lot.

Meanwhile, Jude is inside the said office. He was in a deep thought, contemplating whether Aileen is an ally or an adversary. He did not like what she had spoken back at the office earlier. If Aileen could bully him right now, what more is Emerald's mom willing to do?

'Disabled?' Jude remarked in his head, smirking to himself.

He watched Emerald closely. He saw Emerald's gentleness regardless of their past discussion. Despite Emerald's anger fueling her madness, she remained compassionate towards him.

He didn't know he's already smiling whilst watching Emerald cook in the kitchen. Jude immediately erased the smile on his lips by tapping his mouth, forced to straighten his lips as he admired Emerald's beauty.

His office is on the second floor. It wasn't made up of solid blocks but rather glass. Jude can see the whole mansion just by peeking at it but people who are outside couldn't see what's inside. Jude personally picked these glass barriers so he can check his visitors who's worthy enough to entertain.

"I can't let you go, Emerald," Jude affirmed to himself whilst his wife was already preparing for their dinner.

Emerald is the type of person who's quiet, and doesn't fight back. That's a trait Jude hates a lot about her. She couldn't stand tall and fight for herself. At first, Jude doesn't care about it but as her bullies began to come back everyday, Jude constantly fought for her.

When they were still children, their relationship was perfectly fine. Jude often tutors the Campbell sisters specially Emerald who's weak at math. Their relationship went off the brink when Jude was proclaimed to inherit his father's company and shocking events about business, marriage went public.

Jude didn't know he's staring at her for a while now. He was disturbed by a mere appearance behind. Aside from their family, one person also knew his marriage with Emerald Campbell and it's his secretary who worked for him a long time.

Antonette Andrews stood firmly behind, disturbing the peace Jude wanted.

"You called for me, sir," Antonette affirmed.

Jude turned around and saw the woman. Slowly, he got up from his seat and took a glass. He poured a small amount of alcohol in it then shook the glass a bit.

His tie was loosened. Jude took a step forward towards Antonette and her face showed no confusion and astonishment.

"Your legs are getting better, Mr. Sanders."

He smirked. "What do you mean? My legs have always been better."

Antonette chuckled. "My apologies. Perhaps I got used to the news saying you can't work after the accident."

Antonette has been working for five years under Jude's wing. She became a trusted and loyal employee under him. No one would last six months as Jude's secretary. He could have eight secretaries in one year until he met Antonette. There is something she has that Jude couldn't let go off.

She works according to Jude's likes as if Antonette studied his every move. Jude was suspicious of her a little but Antonette effortlessly showed she just works professionally and has no emotional grounds against him.

"Is it really advisable to walk freely here in your office when Mrs. Sanders is downstairs?" Antonette expressed her worry.

Emerald and Jude have boundaries they must abide by. Jude emphasized it beforehand Emerald moved in with him. He clearly knew Emerald wouldn't barge inside his office unattended, it's not her thing and she wouldn't like it if Jude would do the same.

Both of them equally respected their privacy. All of these are for their companies though.

Jude shook his head and glanced at Antonette. "Recently, a kidnapping happened. Emerald was attacked by an unknown man. Have you already located the perpetrator? Use my connections as much as you like. I want an answer as soon as possible."

Antonette bowed a little and said, "Not yet, Mr. Sanders. The team is still working on it."

Jude gently closed his eyes. His veins protrude in his neck- a sign that he might lose his temper. Antonette already got what he meant.

"I'll try to have an answer within this day." She affirmed, bowing her head, a little anxious about the problem.

"You can go."

Emerald and Antonette interacted as his secretary made his leave. Aside from business related matters, his secretary also has some jobs out of her scope. Aside from all the people he has around, only Antonette he can trust. She's a loyal employee, and she's clean when she works.

There is some debris of doubt inside Jude's heart at first. He ran a background check and nothing appears to be suspicious aside from Antonette having brothers and being an orphan at a young age. Day by day, he began to start trusting him as Antonette does a great job.

***

Thirty minutes had passed, Jude immediately received a call from his secretary. Unfortunately, an incident occured at the West Bridge Virginia- an under construction site.

"No wonder the perpetrator decided to take her there because there's no CCTV around. It seems like it's planned, Mr. Sanders."

Jude's hand turned into a fist. He clenched his jaws as he closed his eyes gently.

"Anything else?"

Antonette spoke. "A lot of cars are still pushing through the bridge as it has been tagged as under construction in the morning. But the construction workers made sure to clear the vehicles before they could pass the bridge. We noticed something unusual too."

"What is it?"

"We haven't seen anyone leaving the site even a day after the incident."

It was excruciating to hear about it. Jude drove Antonette to continue investigating until they could find a lead about Emerald's perpetrator. He ordered Antonette to send the CCTV to him so he could examine himself when he was cut mid short due to a knock on the door.

"Dinner is ready. Can I come in? Your dinner is ready." Emerald's soft voice behind closed doors made Jude bear a heavy heart.

Jude spoke between the lines. "We'll talk tomorrow," and immediately ended the call.

Jude went back to his wheelchair. Instead of telling her to come in, Jude himself opened the door for Emerald. Her eyes widened, astounded as to why would Jude open the door. Normally, Emerald is the one who comes inside and drops his food. It's so unusual for him to open it up.

"I'll eat downstairs." He affirmed that Emerald's heart raced fast.