When Emily Jackson strikes a deal with Javier Black and accepts a lucrative offer, she never expects to fall for him irrespective of his rudeness. But as they work together, their old fire ignites once more which births dirty pasts, secrets with a long string of revengeful exes. Can they set aside their differences and let love lead?
Chapter 1 WEDDING BELLS
The air was misty and birds chirped rapidly on the window sill, the smell of cinnamon drifted into the air. White miniature bells were tightly stringed to the trees at the garden and white pearls were littered on the aisle.
Guests had started trooping in to witness the marriage ceremony that had been the talk of the town. To the public eye, it was a wedding between two university lovebirds but people who were close to them knew it was just a mere business contract to rebuild Daniel Jacksons' empire and elevate him on the business ladder.
The first meeting between the couple was orchestrated by Emily's father; Daniel, who was bent on exchanging his daughter for a huge sum of money. Cole, who had always had eyes for Emily, saw this as an opportunity to gain full access into her life.
He was studying law while she followed the footsteps of her father by studying Business Administration which was solely his decision.
It was all for the media; the public dates, public affection and open kisses. None of them were real. Cole seemed to be the only one who was having the best time of his life while Emily was paraded around like a live doll Barbie.
It wasn't her decision to make but she was left with no other option but to succumb to her father's command. Threatened with being thrown out of the house and cut off from her fathers' inheritance, she was convinced by her mother; Emma, to listen to her father and avoid issues.
Emily was sick and tired of her fathers' highly manipulative behavior and wished she wasn't born into the family. Right from childhood, she had always done her fathers' bidding and gave in to his incessant demands. Her mother was weak and naĆÆve to stand up for her daughter; she had submitted to her fate and wished her daughter could do the same.
"You look so beautiful my dear, just like your mother did on our wedding day." Daniel softly said, acting like a loving father but mother and daughter knew it was all a plan to deceive people. He trailed his fingers through her neatly braided hair and settled on her shoulder, leaving a tight squeeze. It was a warning not to mess things up and disgrace him in front of everyone.
Emily rolled her eyes in disgust and held herself back not to spit at him. One look from her mother caused her to swallow back the words she wanted to spew out.
"Thank you, daddy. You don't look bad either." She mocked raised eyebrows. Daniel inhaled a sharp breath and reeled in his brewing anger. He dusted off the invisible dust on his shoulders and made his way towards the door but not before leaving a message to Emma.
"Ensure that your daughter doesn't destroy everything I've worked hard to build or else she's going to find herself on the streets and you're going to pay dearly for her mistakes." He looked at her with so much hate and his face was cold. Emma fidgeted under his stare and was forced to stare at the floor.
Daniel reveled in people's fear, it made him elated and fuelled his ego. His eyes surveyed the room and met the eyes of the bridesmaids and makeup artists. They all looked scared and surprised to witness the ever calm and collected Daniel Jackson act differently.
To the public, he flaunted himself as a loving father and husband while Emily was forced to smile at the camera and act as the submissive and obedient child. He knew if he didn't say or do something to save his face, he would lose the fake image he had built for himself.
"Also, I must commend you all for turning this anticipated day into a reality. Thank you very much, great job!" His words seemed to clear the air and lifted their spirits, they all cheered and thanked him.
With the close of the door, Emily instructed everyone to leave except her mother.
"Mom, I can't do this. I can't go out there and lie to everyone that I'm happily in love with a man that I don't know. I can't spend my whole life with him." She whispered fiercely. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks, she tried to stop them but to no avail.
Rushing towards her, Emma wiped off her cheeks with shaky hands but Emily slapped them off.
"Mom, just stop please. It's enough already." She placed her hands over her face and sobbed uncontrollably.
"Emily, you're going to ruin your make-up. Your father is going to be mad." Her mom breathed out. Her eyes searched the dresser for tissues or anything that could dry up the tears.
"Really? Mom, is that the only thing you care about? What about me, your daughter? Don't I have a say in all these things?" Emily was heartbroken that her mom took sides with her father and never listened to her own opinions.
Emma huffed at her daughter's attitude; she wondered why Emily was stubborn as a mule like her father. She assumed that it was the best decision Emily could make to remain on her father's good books.
"You would learn to love him later on. That's how it was for me and your father. We didn't love each other in the beginning but we later fell in love. It would be much easier for you because Cole loves you, do the right thing."
Do the right thing...those words kept ringing in her head as her father walked her down the aisle. Emily was oblivious to the fake smiles and shiny white teeth, not even when her father handed her over to Cole.
Her mothers' words resonated in her head once again. Doing the right thing was going to be a costly decision but she was willing to risk it.
"Emily!" Her mother called out as she ran out of the venue leaving her veil behind.
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