EMERALD

HAVE YOU EVER LOST two things that you valued on the same day? How bad was it that he couldn’t even find words to defend himself? I had to draw most conclusions by myself.

Because even if he’d tried to lie again and claim that Lindsey didn't mean anything, the truth would still come out in one way or the other.

The woman just promised to make my life a living hell. I'll cross that bridge, but right now, as much as it hurts, Gabriel and I are over.

What do you do when you’ve just dumped your deceitful boyfriend?

A night out with Alicia. That’s it.

As my parents always say, past is past, today is a gift, and the future is bright.

Sitting on my bed, crying myself to sleep, would be akin to letting Gabriel win. He'd still be controlling my life. He isn't worthy of that.

I have a VIP ticket for Luvian, which I got from a loyal patron at The Galaxy. It was his way of thanking me for my services. His form of a tip. He’d said he was leaving the country and didn’t want to waste a precious ticket. I had kept it, despite not being sure whether I was ever going to use it.

Now, all I can say is, perfect timing.

What I know about that club is that it’s one of the overpriced ones in the city. Alicia could know more. We’re probably going to mingle with millionaires and billionaires. We might look out of place, but I don’t care. The point is, today is a gift, so why not enjoy it the way it is?

We head for the bar first, because I need to take shots as soon as possible.

“One, two, three…” We gulp down the shots in unison and slam the empty glasses on the counter, scrunching our faces. That’s what a shot of scotch does to us. Someone once told me, the best way to handle scotch is to sip it slowly, savoring the flavor. I don’t think I have that kind of patience now.

Oh, and that someone was Gabriel, which is why I’d rather have my throat burned than take his advice.

“So,” Alicia begins. “Your life is in danger? Should I get you a bodyguard?” She jokes. It’s barely been five minutes since I narrated the events of my day to her.

“What if they're empty threats for me to leave her man, which I just did?”

Did I make a rash decision? Of course not. He lied to me. His actions cost me my job. I should cut him off before this becomes one of those long-term, on-and-off toxic relationships.

“Well, then I have a better suggestion.”

I raise a brow in interest.

“Let's kill Gabriel,” she says without blinking. Like it’s an option. Sounds like a fantastic idea, but I can do better with my life than serve jail time because of an asshole.

“Get me five shots of tequila,” a deep, sultry voice captures my attention before I respond to Alicia’s suggestion. I immediately make a quick turn to capture the owner of that sexy voice that's hard to ignore.

My eyes meet a pair of sexy ones. Just like his voice.

And…did he just come straight from a modeling agency? Everything about this guy is hot. I can't tear my eyes away from him. Goodness, I'd buy any product advertised by him.

He has very admirable lashes and bushy brows—typical of most men—but that doesn't make him look like any common man. It makes him…more gorgeous. The loose strand of hair hanging on the forehead is another highlight of his killer look. The rest of his brown hair makes my hand itch for a touch. He must be using men's most expensive hair product there is. Or is it natural?

He's in a button-up white shirt. The first three buttons from the top are open, revealing a tip of his chest. Damn! My eyes linger on his chest, then his broad shoulders. How…how does one manage to look like this?

“That will be twenty thousand dollars.” His voice startles me. It takes a few seconds to realize he's not talking to the bartender. Goodness, I must have stared at that beautiful art for more than it is appropriate.

“What?” I ask, confused. Last I checked, I wasn't the bartender. Whatever this guy is smoking, I'd love to have some. In fact, make that double.

“You've been staring like you want to eat me alive, which is why I'm charging you. Are you a cannibal or something?” He asks with a frown.

He still looks desirable with that frown.

“Something,” I flash a fake smile. The initial frown on his face is replaced with a smile.

Fake or real, he should do that often. It's like I've seen a ray of sunshine in the dark. A smile so beautiful, with the ability to pull me out of my distress. I'd choose to watch that for the whole night.

However, this time I'm careful not to get charged for over-staring.

Wait, what kind of assholery was that? And did he just call me a cannibal?

“Get over yourself,” I roll my eyes. Coming back to my senses, I glower at him.

I turn to the silent, Alicia, ignoring the stranger.

“I should get over myself? You're the one who wants to eat me alive.” He scoffs. “Thank goodness I don't have a crazy girlfriend.” This time, he leans in, making me breathe faintly, taking in his intoxicating scent. That only lasts a few seconds until my mind catches up to what he just said.

Why would he randomly talk about a crazy girlfriend? Does it mean his girlfriend is here? And why does the thought of it send a dull ache through my heart? Must be the alcohol. I stick to that.

“What?” I turn to give him attention.

“I said, thank goodness, I don’t have a crazy girlfriend,” he clarifies.

Before I probe, he turns to the bartender.

“Make that fifteen shots, for the ladies. Especially her.” He motions his head, referring to me. “She's had a crappier day than mine. She needs it more.” Then he turns to me. His eyes bore into mine, sending my heart into a race. His lips part, and the words, “right, baby?” flow off smoothly, making my entire world pause.

Baby.

I let out a breath. It feels like I’ve just run a marathon in those few seconds.

What the hell? I’m concerned about the wrong words. Let’s go back to the part where he seems certain about the kind of day I’ve had. I turn to give Alicia a slight glance, to check if she’s as confused as I am. She responds with raised brows and refocuses on her drink like she doesn’t want to be part of my drama.

That’s a first.

Then I turn back to the Adonis. “Do we know each other?” I squint my eyes.

“Not until today. Unless my memory has suddenly become faulty—which, of course, it hasn't— you’re the home-wrecking girl from the hotel. How is your skin, by the way? I hope it didn’t get burned. It would be a shame for such charming skin…”

“Asshole,” I hiss, gritting my teeth, now getting it.

I came to have fun. Not to be reminded of what my life has become. He responds with an annoying smirk. One plus one… He must have witnessed the scandal earlier. It sickens me that he’s judging from the fence. And why do I even care about what he thinks?

“Does it hurt? Minding your business, asshole?” I speak out as I feel the anger rise beneath my veins. Is it the fact that a guy can look breathtakingly handsome but have a lot of trash coming off his mouth, or am I so upset from the events of the day that even the slightest provocation triggers my fury?

“Don’t crucify me,” he raises his hands. “I was just a spectator of the girls' drama.”

“Unbelievable!” My pupils widen.

Girls’ drama?

What did I expect from a random stranger in a club, anyway?

“Note to self: unless you want your skin marinated with soup, do not sleep with someone else’s partner.”

I don't know how things happen so fast, because one minute, I’m staring at the man, and then the next, I’m using my hands to splash two shots of tequila on his white shirt. My action earns a gasp from Alicia and the bartender.

“Damn! That’s feisty. And…hot.”

Umm…what? That’s definitely the most unexpected reaction.

“Not sleeping with anyone I shouldn't, yet I’m getting almost the same punishment?” He mutters.

There’s no trace of offense on his face. On the contrary, he seems to be enjoying this, if the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips is any indication. A sexy smirk that leaves me wondering…

Are we in the same reality?

“Do you know the repercussions of what you’ve done?” He asks. I think I’ve had enough threats for the day.

“Are you going to have me arrested?” I shrug.

He grins. “I like you.”

Is he being serious?

EMERALD

He’ll spare me?

“Oh, really? How kind… and noble,” I force a smile and then scowl immediately. “I don't need your pity. You can enjoy the rest of your shots.” I take Alicia’s hand, gesturing for us to leave.

As I walk past him, I hear him sing-song. “Stay away from relationships.”

“Asshole,” I mutter, hoping it’s loud enough to get to his ear. But seriously, why are the handsome ones ‌insane assholes?

“What was all that about?” Alicia, who had been quiet the whole time, asks. Wasn’t she the one talking about killing my ex and his girlfriend minutes before the commotion?

She had joined the bartender in enjoying the show. I stop and narrow my eyes at her. “You were seriously enjoying that, weren't you? You are always quick to jump in and put an asshole in his place.”

“That wasn't just any asshole, Emerald,” she folds her arms.

“What do you mean? An asshole is an asshole.”

“You really don't know who that man is?” She asks, her face now displaying concern.

“Of course I don’t, do you?”

She scoffs. “I should teach you more about this city.”

Now, this is troubling. “Why? Who is he?” I probe.

“I won't tell you this one. You’ll have to find out for yourself, honey,” she smiles. “Can’t wait for your reaction when you do.”

I gasp, ready to shoot her with questions, but she doesn't let me utter another syllable.

“Now, which club are we headed to next?” She asks, looking around. “Drinks on me this time.”

✰ ✰ ✰

I wake up to the incessant ringing of my phone. My head weighs a ton. My world is spinning. Literally. When the fog clears, I check my phone to find Gabriel's missed calls.

Ugh.

It's a weekday. I’m about to shuffle out of bed when I remember I have no job. Just a reminder in my brain that makes me groan at Gabriel’s name on the screen. On that note, I hit the block button, even though I can recite the numbers in my sleep.

A few minutes later, I’m still growling when my mother walks in with a glass of water and painkillers.

My savior.

I sigh, receiving the salvation package from her. I gulp down the glass of water. Only then do I realize I didn't tell her where I was going last night. Hell, I even missed dinner.

And how did she know I needed painkillers this morning?

The answer is unequivocal. She’s my mother.

And she has been reading my mind all this time. I didn't even tell her what happened yesterday. After my conversation with Gabriel, I left in a rush.

I decide to explain my joblessness, but I hide the part where a woman threatened to make my life a living hell.

However, my mother tries to handle it calmly, giving me the kind of hope that’s difficult to accept. “You’ll find another one,” she says softly.

Yeah, sure. Because in New York, jobs come running to you even when you don’t have papers.

“That's going to be hard. You're talking to someone who doesn't have papers. I was hoping for something better, Mother. I want us to live comfortably. Furthermore, I wanted to save enough to get back to college. Time waits for no woman.”

“You're beating yourself up so much, dear. We'll figure things out.”

Yeah, what else can I do? I'm about to toss myself into the harsh job-hunting world.

After the small talk with her, she lets me rest, but not without saying, “Gabriel is a fool. Forget him. As we always say, past is past, present is a gift, and ….” She pauses to let me finish.

“And the future is bright.” I groan.

✰ ✰ ✰

I VISIT THE HOSPITAL in the afternoon, feeling much better. My brother’s condition is still the same, according to the doctor.

I'm standing before him as the sounds of beeping machines fill the room. They could be annoyingly monotonous, but their silence would be a nightmare I never want to imagine.

For the past four days, my brother’s life has been dependent on them. He’s been lying here, pipes connected to his body. A sight that breaks my heart.

“You have to fight, Theo. I need you. I miss you.” I move closer and hold his hand.

Watching my brother fight for his life makes tears threaten to roll down my cheeks, but I try hard to fight, smiling when I think about how he would scold me for letting my tears fall.

How will you see the bright future if your eyes are covered with tears? He would say.

My one-sided conversation with my brother doesn't last long. I don't have much to say, since I have to go ‌job hunting. As much as I’d love to be here, if he opens his eyes….when he opens his eyes, the medical bills won't pay for themselves, and my parents already have a lot on their plate.

As I walk out of the hospital, I notice two guys a few meters in front of me. The only reason I notice them is that their focus is on me.

They are dressed in all–black and are the complete opposite of each other.

One is bald, and the other has his black hair tied into a small ponytail. One is taller than the other, slimmer than the other.

I'm holding a tiny bit of hope that they don't want anything to do with me, which is funny because their eyes are glued to me. Gosh, I should stop with these tiny bits of hope. They usually end up disappointing.

My theory is confirmed when I try to walk past them, and they block my way.

“Not so fast, young lady.” The bald one grins, towering over me. Although they look intimidating, I try to mask my frustration. I don't want to cower and give them the satisfaction.

“Emerald. You're even hotter in person,” the haired one says, with the same grin that makes me uncomfortable. The only consolation I give myself is that we’re in public. They wouldn't try anything to hurt me, would they?

But…how do they even know my name?

“What do you want?” I ask, a hint of fear evident in my voice.

“She looks relentless,” says the bald one, and they laugh. “We want to talk about Theo,” he announces.

EMERALD

What about my brother?

My head can't wrap around anything at the moment. I scrutinize the men briefly. Nothing about them gives me a comfortable feeling, starting from their dress code. Both dressed in all black, with classy shoes which they probably afford from whatever shady business they must be into.

I hate their laughs. It's like they wreak havoc whenever they open their mouths. The haired one takes out a cigar from his pocket, which is immediately snatched from him by the bald one, who shoots him a glare and then returns his attention to me almost immediately.

"Theo was a good boy. I liked him." He smirks and continues. "I thought he would get to a higher rank in the coming years, but he chose greed. Look where that got him."

I blink in confusion. What are they talking about? A certain possibility conjures in my brain, but I shove it off just as quickly. I don't want to believe that there's even a possibility, Theo got into something shady.

Seeing the questions in my face, at least they have the dignity to explain.

"Oh, pardon our manners," the bald one continues. "We forgot to introduce ourselves. This is Spencer, and I'm Jake. Theo was one of our delivery boys."

Forget their names.

"Deliveries for what, exactly?" I pry.

"So curious. You won't let me finish." They burst out laughing, leaving me in a state of wonder. Have they been smoking...of course, they have. I have no time to laugh at myself.

"Allow us to introduce you to some dirty stuff, little angel." Jake does the talking.

By all means, yeah.

"We deal with very interesting products that make you feel so good-you might confuse earth for heaven."

"Have you ever been to heaven?" Spencer interrupts, narrowing his eyes at Jake, who shoots him a glare, goes ahead to ignore the question, and resumes his explanation to me.

At the end of it all, only one conclusion sticks with me.

Damn right, I know exactly what they are talking about, but they don't mention the specific drug. Or drugs. I had it at the back of my mind as soon as they started explaining. Or maybe as soon as they approached me. I must have been in the denial phase.

"Theo was aiding in drug delivery?" I hold back a gasp. So this was what he was into.

"You catch up so quickly," says the one with a pony, who I now know to be Spencer. "I hope you catch the next part quickly," he supplies.

I knew there was worse to come. Of course, they didn't just approach me for a mere introduction or to report to me about Theo's secret deeds. Yup, they smelled like trouble.

Spencer goes on with the explanation.

"Like we said, Theo was a good boy, until he saw it fit to steal from us. A very significant amount. That wasn't smart of him." He shakes his head vehemently.

My heart shifts from my chest.

"Wait, is that why ...did you..." I stutter as another possibility kicks in.

Spencer turns to Jake. "See, I told you, she's brilliant. She's joining dots in that beautiful head."

Jake explains further after letting out a devilish laugh.

"Look, we just wanted to punish and scare him a little."

Yet he ended up in a hospital bed fighting for his life. I think.

He must have read my thoughts because then, he clarifies.

"Things got out of control, hence... You know," he motions with his head, referring to the hospital.

"So, what do you want?" I probe, waiting for the other shoe to drop. This can't end well.

"Theo has left a significant dent, and he has to pay." Jake declares, massaging his chin.

"He's in a coma, fighting for his life. How do you expect him-"

I stop when I notice how nonchalant they are. That's when it gnaws at me; They don't care.

"Think deeper, Emerald. You've proven to be smart, despite dropping out of college."

I gasp in shock. They know that too? What kind of people did Theo get involved with?

That aside, it takes a while for my mind to register the actual reason they approached me regarding Theo's debt.

Since Theo has been unconscious for a while. "You want me to pay Theo's debt," I conclude.

"Bingo!"

"You're the best successor. We don't know when Theo will wake up. We have to keep the business going." Jake moves closer and holds my shoulder, his eyes boring into mine. I move a step back, but it doesn't make any difference. "You don't want to upset the big boss. Because..." He grins. "He is not sweet like us."

"The big boss?"

"Yeah." He finally lets me go, and inlet out a long breath I didn't know I was holding. "You'll get to know him if you fail to adhere to the rules."

They pass the warning so clearly.

___________________

The night is insanely long, mostly because I'm restless. My mind is full of thoughts about Jake and Spencer. And, of course, The Big Boss. They painted him as a soulless, ruthless human. If Jake and Spencer were that intimidating and scary, what would their boss look like?

I remember their warning about involving the authorities.

"That's the worst mistake you can ever think of. In case you haven't noticed, we have your brother's location. We can finish what we started. That has never been anything difficult for us. Or do you prefer we take it up with your parents?" Jake had said.

If my parents found out about this, they would be broken, devastated, and so many other things.

The last thing I want is to stress them more. They already have Theo's condition to worry about. I should think of ways to handle the situation. Weighing the option of involving the authorities doesn't look good. I could lose my family. They probably have said authorities on their payrolls.

They said Theo stole their drugs. What the hell did he do with them? Did he hide them? If he did, then where? I can't think of any place. Or did he sell them? If so, what did he do with the money?

I only remember him getting mother a fancy necklace for her birthday three weeks ago, which he claimed to have been saving for. I could scold him for this, but that wouldn't help lighten the situation. Besides, he can barely open his eyes. Let alone speak or listen.