A Revengeless Life

Screwed Over

*Daniel's POV*

I was still waiting outside when I saw their call pull back into the parking lot. I hadn't wanted to return, because of the dense atmosphere, and the fact that I wasn't there for anyone but Emily. I watched as she climbed back out of the car, followed by Charlotte and Jack, and start walking back to the doors. 

"Daniel, what are you doing outside?" Charlotte asked. 

"I just needed some fresh air," I said. 

"Right. Because you're so sad over David Clarke's death," Charlotte said, rolling her eyes.

"He was dating my mother. And I wanted to be here for you. I know how much he meant to you," I said to Charlotte, hoping that Emily got the message that it was truly meant for her. 

"Cut the crap, Daniel. You're not here for me or Mom. You're here for Emily. How many times do I need to tell you that she's happily married?" Charlotte said. 

"I think I'm going to go back inside," Emily said. 

"You know what? Me too. I'm sick of you attacking me, Charlotte," I said, glaring at her and following Emily through the doors. I was relieved when Charlotte and Jack didn't follow us. 

"Daniel, I am married," she said, stopping before going back into the banquet hall. 

"I know that, Emily. I'm not here to steal you away from Jack," I said, telling her the truth. That wasn't my intention. 

"Good," she said, looking away. 

"Why did you guys leave?" I asked her. 

"We found something the police needed to have," Emilly said. 

"A plant?" I asked her. 

"You saw?" She asked. 

"Yeah, I did. Why did you give the police a plant?" I asked. 

"The card led us to believe that my father was murdered. And then it led the police to believe that your father is still alive," she said. 

"My dad? That's impossible. Your dad killed him," I said, my head spinning. 

"I know. That's what we thought. But the card made the police think that Conrad killed my father," I said. 

"You think Conrad was driving that car?" I said. 

"No. I think one of the people he's working with was," she said. 

"do you know how ridiculous that sounds?" I said. 

"I know. But that's what the police think. They said they have more evidence than just the card that your dad is alive," she said. 

"Oh my god," I said. 

"Please, don't tell anyone. Especially Victoria. I wouldn't want her doing anything rash," Emily said. 

"Of course not. She would probably jump off a cliff if she found out my dad was back," Daniel said. 

"Or send someone to finish the job that my dad started," Emily said. 

"If he is alive, I want to apologize for your dad," I said. 

"Thank you," Emily said. 

"No problem. Did I tell you how beautiful that dress is on you?" I said. And then she kissed me. Out in the hallway. Nobody saw, but she still kissed me. Fireworks exploded in my chest. And then she was pulling away. 

"I'm sorry, Daniel. I felt nothing," she said, turning and walking back into the banquet hall. I leaned against the wall, my breathing heavy, and struggled to lift the weight that had just fallen on my chest. I was nearly drowning in affections for Emily, and she returned none of it.