Emerald's Core
"Why do you have to see all the things I try to hide?" Emerald questioned in her thoughts, anchoring on the scene she just surpassed.
She hurriedly rushed to her room, opening the window to check if he was still there.
And he was.
"Please leave, Asher," she pleaded silently to herself—not because she wanted him to leave. No. If it was up to her, she would have prayed and been happy he fought for her.
But the idea of her father coming out and meeting him—a Carter here—would bring a rough scene.
Just like the universe heard her plea, Asher's car drove out of the driveway. And just in the nick of time, because her father had called her for another meeting.
Her maid dressed her, fixed her makeup, and made her look extremely breathtaking, knowing the occasion she was attending.
At the dining table, her father's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"You have never been more beautiful than you are right now," he complimented, like he needed to overshadow her attitude before sending her off.
However, Emerald remained silent, masking her quiet demeanor.
"Let's go straight to business," her father Louis' eyes were now dark, showing the cold-hearted, business-ridden man.
"I know what to do, Father," she finally spoke, her words carrying so much weight.
"And I entrust you to stick to the script. Keep your attitude in check. Don't ruin this for me," her father poured out every word with spite.
The family of Marears was nothing Emerald expected. Having an image that his father and hers were close, she thought the similarities would surface. She was surprised to see the exact opposite.
They were welcoming, with colorful décor—unlike her dark mansion. Simeon had been with his little sister all along, and Emerald sat alongside a family of twelve.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you face to face, dear Emerald," Simeon's father—Bruce—started off the conversation.
"The pleasure is all mine, sir," Emerald politely replied.
"Oh please, call me father-in-law," Bruce said, and the disgust in her chest finally digested, but she replied,
"Yes, father-in-law."
Then, he began introducing all the family members. There were twelve in number:
Ashley, Simeon's eldest sister.
Carley, Simeon's youngest sister.
The three triplets—Ryan, Brian, and Kai—which Simeon has an age gap of one year.
And an expected one, which was in Simeon's mother's womb.
Adding up his parents, it was a full house. Emerald looked at each person at the dining table, then her eyes fell on her soon-to-be husband.
"She's beautiful," Carley complimented innocently. Emerald smiled warmly at the little child.
"You are overly welcome, sister-in-law," Ashley added.
"My brother is quite shy, but do not doubt his intention to marry you."
"Yes, because he was forced to, duh," Emerald said silently in her chest, while giving frequent smiles.
After the meal, they all excused themselves, giving the couple time for themselves.
Awkwardness roamed the hall, then both tried to speak at the same time.
"I—" their eyes stared at each other.
"You go first," Simeon said.
"No, please—you," Emerald answered.
"Go first, my lady," Simeon replied.
If I must—
"I do not wish to marry you," Emerald said bluntly.
"What I mean to say is… you know all this is a scheme," Emerald said, hoping he felt the same way she was feeling: betrayal, hurt, and grief.
"I do… that is why I let them use me," Simeon answered, caving Emerald in shock.
"Huh?" Emerald asked in confusion.
"Do you know me?" Simeon asked like he wanted answers that could tickle his soul.
"Yes, I do. You are Simeon, son of Bruce… the hero to—" she was interrupted.
"No, Emerald, I ask again—do you know me?"
Emerald stared. Was it a daily routine to invite mad men into her life?
"Aside from status and wealth, you do not."
"But I know you… you're the girl who loves to play with flowers. The girl who cried when she saw anything sad… the girl who wouldn't eat after she lost her puppy. A girl who dreams of the sky, wanting an escape."
"Emerald, you are more than just hips and curves. You are the girl I've always looked at—even when you never looked at me."
Emerald was speechless. She lowered her voice in amusement to ask,
"How on earth did you know that?" She looked around like she was being watched, checking everywhere to be safe.
"Did you put a tracker in my house? Ooh, you told men to stalk me? Is this a trap? Are we being watched?"
Simeon chuckled. "Stalk you? Since you were eight?"
"You are as interesting as the little girl I saw, and I'm glad you're finally breathing real air here."
"Wait, excuse me… have we met before?"
"Yes, we have… I saw a girl crying. I saw a girl crying over her dead puppy, and I could still see the sinister look in her eyes."
"You don't have to remember. You were younger," Simeon told her, as he saw her thinking mode, which made him laugh harder.
Then he stopped, folding his arms and eyes right.
"I do not intend to call off the wedding, neither do I want to force you against your will. But if you could give me a chance to prove that I am worthy to love you, then Emerald—anything you so desire will be yours."
Emerald burst out laughing. Tears fell from her eyes.
"Such poetry… So you know I do not wish to wed you, and still you did. Talk of ruining my life in literature."
"Now listen—and listen carefully. We may be married, but only officially by paper. Do not manipulate me with your love quotes."
"Is it because of him?" Simeon asked, leaving Emerald speechless.
How did he know him?
"Do you know why I told my father to set you up for this wedding? It's because all my life I have been trying so hard to make you see me. Yet your eyes always wander off to him… and to him of all people, Emerald." Simeon's eyes flicked with pain.
"You know Ash—" Emerald gets interrupted again.
"Don't say his name. I only want you to say mine… Emerald, I do not want to force you into loving me. All I ask is for a chance. You know I could treat you far better than he ever could, Emerald."
Emerald's heart stumbled.
Better?
Asher might be a fierce attraction, but what if that's the kind of love she needs—the kind which lingers in pain?
But what if she likes that wrenched pain?
"I will tell my father you treated me well," she said, then left, holding a suffocating air in her chest, trying to rearrange all she had just encountered.
And somewhere, her heart still falls for the man she cannot have—
abandoning the good one,
who could bring a safe love.
I