"Emma, are you ok? I told you to call me if you need me."
"I am fine, Jake, I just lost my balance. I guess it will take some more time for me to adjust and start walking normally." I saw the house staff, who knocked at my door a minute ago, handed me a newly bought photo frame, with the exact shape, size and material.
"I told you to be careful. I will be home in an hour. Please be in bed and rest."
"I will..." Before I could assure him, he hung up on me.
I knew it. He will come home rushing. Jake had been a great support, and no matter how silly I felt about his overprotectiveness, he had taken care of me in a way nobody else could ever do. In the starting days, he used to stay up all night, ensuring I changed sides and position in sleep, such that my leg did not stay stationary for too long. He ate the same plain tasteless food as advised by doctors, that I ate throughout my recovery time.
As I carefully took out the picture from the old photo frame, a white envelope fell in my lap. I picked it up to see what it was and saw it had Jake's name handwritten on it.
I was stunned for a minute to see what the envelope entailed. It felt like a thunderbolt hit me hard in my face. I suddenly felt so anxious and scared, my heart was beating frantically, and it took me minutes to gulp the information I accidentally came across.
After calming myself a bit, I slowly got up, hid the envelope in my closet, and took out my phone to dial a number. I could only think of one person to talk to at the moment.
"Hello, it's me, Emma. I want to talk about something urgent. Can you arrange to meet me?"
"Please keep it confidential, especially from Jake's knowledge."
Chapter 41
His Secrets
Emma
Sometimes, the moment you start to see some light at the end of the tunnel, you get tossed back mercilessly into the darkness again.
This was maybe god's way of indicating that he was not done testing your courage yet, and you have to be stronger to regain the lost balance in your life.
It was morning, and Jake had to leave early for his court date. Today was the final verdict on the litigation lawsuit that Richmond Corp had slammed Windson Inc. with on the grounds of corruption and bribery.
After Erica and David Windson's arrest for kidnapping and attempted homicide, this was pretty much an open and shut case. Windson's were like headless chickens agreeing to all the charges and settlement conditions.
This was a turbulent journey, emotionally, but still a huge success from the business point of view, as Richmond Corp, continued to maintain the market leader's position, and even won the Norway project and European tender, resulting in massive growth opportunities for the company.
My door knocked just in time. On my urgent request, I was expecting my guest to visit me here.
"Hi, Emma. I came as early as I could. I believe Jacob has left already?"
"Yes, I suppose nobody saw you coming in? What about Aunt Olivia?"
"No, it's Tuesday, she should be at the church."
I slowly walked towards my closet, to bring out the piece of paper, that, I knew in my gut, was going to cause a lot of damage in the very foreseeable future.
"This. I am trusting you to own this and help me investigate." I carefully handed the envelope to my confidante.
"I cannot believe this! Where did you find it?"
"In the study, hidden behind a photo, in a frame."
"I did not expect this."
"Me neither. Let's be certain before jumping to any conclusion." I was fiddling with my fingers, and my palms were getting sweaty.
"Give me a week. I will get to the bottom of this."
After my short meeting, I was left alone in my room. I was taming several unleashed demons that were tormenting my mind now, constantly reminding me of the showdown that awaited all of us ahead.
I spent the entire day calming my nerves and waiting for Jake to return home. It was almost dark when Jake arrived. The winters were setting in, the days were shorter, and the nights were getting chilly. The outdoor pool area was now equipped with sparkling lights, bonfires and barbeque.
Jake arranged for us to have a cozy dinner in the outdoor setting. We both were now comfortably seated, under the stars, watching the crescent moon grace the vast dark sky.
I took time to silently observe the love of my life, scanning every trace of the calmness that donned his face today.
Something was different about him tonight; he looked composed. His blue eyes twinkled whenever he smiled as if it was truly heartfelt. I missed seeing him like this; it melted my heart and brought me great joy whenever I found him truly happy.
We both enjoyed a pleasant dinner. The food was delicious, and the tiny bonfires surrounding all over the place, kept us warm, allowing us to enjoy an otherwise cold night.
"You are awfully silent today. Are you feeling, ok?"
He asked as he took my hand in his, and gave a small peck on the back of it.
"Yes, I am fine. In fact, I am happy to see you doing well after a long time." I gave his hand a gentle squeeze and intertwined our fingers together.
"Yes, I felt a burden was lifted off my shoulders after we won the case today. This was a crazy month."
"I know. Tell me about it."
"I want to say something to you, Emma, please don't stop me today."
I knew where this was heading, but I stayed silent to let Jake pour his heart out.
