An Unusual Affair

Chapter 17

Richard's sudden request took Emily aback. She stared at him, dumbfounded, unable to decide what to say.

'I am sorry, Emily. I didn't want to say it out loud, no matter how much I've been craving to say this ever since I saw you after waking up. Let's eat, then I have something important to discuss with you regarding your husband,' Richard said, bringing his food closer.

Emily remained silent, her mind swirling with mixed emotions. Richard was using her name for the first time, and the intimacy of his request had left her unsettled. Although she was hungry, she found it difficult to eat much. Richard, too, ate only a few spoonfuls before pushing the soup aside. They both remained silent throughout the meal.

Mrs. Swan was called to clear the table. 'And ask Peter to get the car ready in half an hour and wake Lily up at that time as well,' Richard instructed as she was leaving.

Turning to Emily, Richard said in a serious tone, 'I don't know if you will believe me, but I must ask you not to look for your husband anymore for some reason. Please don't ask me why because I don't want to lie to you. But I have found your husband, and he is not a good man. If you ever come across him, please don't let him come near you, especially physically. Ask him for a divorce instead as soon as possible.'

Emily sat up straight, confusion and worry etched on her face. 'What do you mean, Mr. Sterling? I don't understand anything you've said. How do you know my husband? Where did you find him?'

"I can only tell you that he will come in contact with you very soon. He is Vanessa's accomplice now, and they are working together to bring me down. I found this out today. Please don't ask me the extent to which they are involved with each other," Richard said, looking away, unable to face her.

The room fell silent. Emily looked at Richard, his helplessness matching the tone of his voice. She had a thousand questions, but seeing Richard's reluctance to answer, she decided to find the answers herself.

'Has he been in Rivertide all along?' Emily asked holding her breath. 

'No.' Richard replied. 

'Did he leave me five years ago with good intentions?' She asked again, hoping to get an answer that would somehow save her husband's image in her eyes. 

Richard shook his head. 

'Is he getting money from Vanessa?' Emily asked in a small voice.

Richard nodded without looking at her.

'What is he offering her in return? Himself? Or something else?' Emily asked again.

Richard looked up at her at this question. It was clear she knew her husband better than anyone else.

'I won't ask how you know about all this, Mr. Sterling, but please be open with me. I have the right to know,' Emily asked earnestly.

'Himself,' Richard said, looking straight into her eyes.

Tears welled up in Emily's eyes, but she tried to maintain her composure.

'So he is returning to us not out of love for me and our daughter but to spy and work for another woman,' Emily said, her voice a whisper.

She had not expected this outcome. Charles had used his charm before, but when Emily found out early in their marriage, he had promised her he wouldn't do it again.

'Did you see him today? In Rivertide? With Vanessa?' Emily asked, her voice and heart breaking into pieces.

Richard nodded again. Emily couldn't hold back her tears any longer. They fell like a waterfall, and she cried silently into her hands. Seeing her like this broke Richard's heart. He couldn't resist it any longer. He moved closer to her and, without asking permission, hugged her. They sat there, Richard holding Emily, and Emily crying her heart out on his chest.

There was a knock at the door. Giving Emily a gentle pat on the back of her head, Richard left Emily, got up, and said, 'Come down when you are ready. Peter will drop you and Lily off at your house.' His tone was so gentle as if he was talking to a baby. 

Emily took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. Richard's concern and gentle demeanor provided a strange comfort amid her turmoil. She watched as he left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

Mrs. Swan was outside the room. She informed Richard that the car was ready.

Left alone, Emily took a few moments to gather her thoughts. The revelations about her husband, the unexpected comfort from Richard, and the sheer emotional weight of the day had left her drained. She knew she needed to be strong for Lily, to shield her from the chaos that was unfolding.

After a few minutes, she stood up and headed to the bathroom to freshen up again. She splashed cold water on her face, took a deep breath, and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Determination replaced the tears in her eyes. She had to face this head-on, for herself and Lily.

As Emily and Lily left Richard went back to his study to sort things out between Vanessa and himself. 

'It would be the best in everyone's interest if she dies somehow. I can willingly kill her myself believe me.' Richard said to Jake over the phone. 

'Sir please don't say this in front of anyone. If she dies tomorrow even if naturally, you will be the number one suspect.' Jake replied horrified at the idea. 

'I know I will always be the number one suspect whether I kill her or not. How else can I stop her from taking more than half a share of my wealth with her.' Richard said angrily. 'I have decided that even if she takes half the property with her I will file the case within this week without any evidence. We will not show anything related to my maps in the court. I just cannot lose Hayden to that woman.' 

'We can try that. Although it will be a victory for Madam Vanessa, but this is the last resort left with us.' Jake said. 

The next morning, Charles talked to Daniel about everything that happened yesterday in Rivertide.

'Georgia is beautiful. I wish I had taken her pictures. And she knows how to satisfy you for sure.' a wicked grin appeared on his face. 

'Tell me the details what did you guys do?' Daniel said looking at Charles hungrily. 

'Of course, I'm not telling you the details, but maybe I can film us next time we're together,' Charles replied, laughing. 'You can't touch her silky, creamy body, but you can see her at least—or maybe listen to her moan.'

'I have an idea. Why don't I come with you next time?' Daniel suggested hopefully.

Charles grinned, pleased with the idea. 'I was going to ask you to come to Rivertide with me. I can see if Georgia can employ you or something. She's got a lot of money, and she'll get even more after her divorce. Her husband is rich.'

'Sounds like a plan,' Daniel replied a glint of excitement in his eyes. 'Let's go to Rivertide then. I have a rich but useless sister who lives there as well. She's so stingy, and never lends me a penny whenever I ask her. I might catch up with her while we're there,' he added, making a sour face.