An Unusual Affair

Chapter 5

Emily's heart skipped a beat as she stared at the man trying to stop her at the door. A rush of fear flooded her senses, her mind racing with wild possibilities. Is he a robber? Or worse, a kidnapper? But I don't have anything to give him. She was about to push the door to close it again when she heard a child's voice.

Hayden's small frame, radiating innocence and worry, approached Emily and Richard, 'Hello, Mrs. Morgan,' he said softly, his voice trembling slightly. 'How is Lily?' 

He had been sitting in the car waiting for his Dad to call him once the door was opened but when Richard took so long, he got out on his own. 

'Hayden?' Emily's small and startled voice came from the door. 

'Yes, Mrs. Morgan. I came to ask about Lily's health. Ms. Ava told us that she was ill.' Hayden said coming to a halt beside Richard. 

'But why are you alone? Where is Mrs. Swan?' Emily asked Hayden squatting down in front of him and ignoring the man, who was continuously staring at her without saying anything. 

Hayden passed Emily a smile and said, 'I am not alone here Mrs. Morgan. I came with my dad.' He pointed towards the figure standing beside him. 

Emily's eyes widened in surprise. She looked up at the man and whispered, 'Is he your Dad?' 

'Yup. Dad this is Lily's mother, Emily Morgan. Mrs. Morgan this is my Dad, Richard Sterling.' Hayden said introducing them to each other. 

Emily stood up feeling a little embarrassed. She extended her hand and said, 'Hello Mr. Sterling. Nice to meet you.' 

Richard's expression softened momentarily at Emily's extended hand, but a flicker of guardedness remained in his eyes. He hesitated for a moment, torn between his desire to connect with Emily and his instinct to maintain his composure. Taking her hand he said, 'I don't think you would have said that a few minutes ago though.' His voice was crisp Emily noticed.

Emily's hand met Richard's, and a jolt of warmth shot through her spine, sending conflicting emotions coursing through her veins. She felt both drawn to and wary of his touch, the memories of her past flooding back with startling clarity. She felt her heart racing fast. A feeling she had not felt since her husband left her.

Holding her hand Richard felt the softness and warmth of her skin. Her grip around his hand was firm. Her touch was giving him a feeling that he did not want to let go of it. He could feel his heartbeat getting fast but he kept his composure.

Emily looked up at his face. He was tall with handsome features. Not overly handsome like the picture-perfect ones in a magazine. But the one that would give you a pleasant feeling when you look at them. She wanted to let go of his hand but his grip was quite strong.

'How is Lily Mrs. Morgan?' Hayden's voice shook both Emily and Richard and they left each other's hand. 

Emily gulped, taking a deep breath, she looked at Hayden and said 'She is not well. I was going to take her to the doctor in some time. Her fever is not coming down.'   

'Can I see her if you don't mind?' Hayden asked politely. 

'Yes sure please come in.' She stood aside to let the pair into the house. The place was cramped and as Richard entered, Emily's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with a flurry of emotions—surprise, discomfort, and a hint of curiosity. She instinctively stepped back, her eyes briefly meeting Richard's, whose presence seemed to fill the room

She led them to the living room saying, 'Her room is upstairs, the second one on the left. I'll bring some refreshments for you.' 

With that, she went towards the kitchen and Hayden ran upstairs. Richard found himself standing there feeling out of place. He wanted to confront Emily about her meeting with Vanessa but did not know how to initiate the topic. He started to go around the living room looking at the picture frames hung on the wall. All the pictures were of Emily and Lily, there was none of her husband.