Chapter 39 – Entangled Fates
Reliving the chat with Raphael in her head, Emily rested in her office chair. She had been both seated and intrigued by his charm, dining, and remarkable insight into human nature. Ther mind whirled as the attempted to make sense of everything as she turned slightly and stared out the window at the city lights
I wasn’t often that someone with a ridiculous offer, especially one connected to a controversy she was eager to forget, walked into her office. However, Raphael’s upfront payment to her
ount made it clear that he wasn’t playing a game.
Her new reality was confirmed by the zeroes on her two previous balance checks on her desk, het phone buzzed. Her best friend, Bailey, was calling. When Raphael had left, Emily had contacted her and told her everything.
“You’ve really gotten yourself into something wild this time, Em Bailey 1
y had said, her voice a mix of awe
of awe andescen
know” Emily admitted.
“But think about it, this could change everything. The money alone o
could help we expand the business, and the exposure… Well, it’s a risk worth taking”
“Just be careful” Bailey warned.
“Men like Raphael don’t just give out money without strings attached”
Emily’s lips curved into a small smile,
“Oh, I’m well aware. Don’t worry. I’ll play this game better thah be expects“.
As usual, Bailey had sighed but had finally offered her support. That was something Emily loved about her friend. She realized she had to go after taking a quick look at her watch, the didn’t want to be late, and the address Raphael pare was for a posh hotel in the heart of the city
Emily finished her meal on her desk, picked up her coat, bag, and left.
“Goodnight, ma’am” Rayna sald with a smile.
“Goodnight, Rayna Emilly replied, offering a nod as she walked briskly to her car.
She since the driver’s seat, inhaled deeply, turned on the engine, and waded for what she hoped would be the start of something fascinating, if not revolutionary.
Across the city, Maddie and jacob were pulling into a luxurious estate’s driwway. A stunning setting was created by the historical garden, the big museum, and the glittering coastline beyond.
“It’s beautiful” Maddie said, her voice fled with wonder as she gated out of the car window.
Jacob smiled, sansfied with her reaction,
“Wait until you get inside” he said as he parked the car.
When they emerged, employees welcomed them and quickly removed their bag. The salty breeze from the surrounding seaside added a tranquil touch to the air as the pair strolled hand in hand around the expansive grounds. With high ceilings, elaborate décor, and floor–to–ceiling windows framing an ideal view of the ocean, their booked room was everything huxurious “Thank you,” Jacob said to the staff as they set down the luggage. Once alone, the lured to Madlipy –
“So, do you like it?”
“I love it” she said, throwing her arms around his neck in a spontaneous hug
Caught up in the moment, Jacob lifted her off the ground,
“Good” he said, carrying her toward the bathroom
“Let’s freshen up and make the most of this”
Together, dry entered the shower and allowed the warm water to relieve their week’s stress. The intimacy rekindled the spark they both treasured as laughter and gentle teasing filled th room Later, at the sound of a knock at the door, they came out of the bathroom, wrapped in towels.
When Jacob opened it, their food was already there. He thanked the staff and brought the tray to the table, where Maddie joined him. They ate a simple supper together, joked about and talked about their early dates
Finally, satisfied and sited, Maddie nestled against Jacob’s chest as they fell into the soft bed
“I wish it could always be like this” she whispered, her voice laced with longing:
Jacob kissed the top of her head, stroking her hair,
“It will be my love. We’ll always have moments like this, just you and me, far away! from everything”
His word gave Maddie comfort, and she closed her eyes, breathing more slowly as sleep took over. Soon alter, Jacob came along, both of them ensed in the peace of their refuge. The two slept soundly as the evening breeze blew in and fluttered the drapes.
When Madde woke up, her eyes hattered open to reveal job sitting upright in bed, his face glowing from the TV,
and shine, pumpkin” he teased, reaching for the covers to gently nudge her awake,
- proaned playfully, waving her hand is beckon him back to bed,
“Come here” she said with a sleepy smile.
Jacob smiled and leaned in her direction, but his face changed as soon as he saw how hers had cha
As Maddie’s gaze shifted to the TV screen behind him, her smile turned to one of surprise,
“What is it?” Jacob asked, thing to look. The bradine sprawled across the seven hit them both like a fi might train,
“Duped Groom Found Entangled in Accident with Same Midlers”
Jacob stared, his mouth slightly open in shock,
“Do those two ever stop?
