MEANT TO BE SOLELY MINE

CHAPTER 1 (PART 2)

As she left, Lilith grabbed the tea and took a sip, only to scream in pain. "Do you have the intention of burning me alive?" she yelled.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am," Esmeralda quickly apologized. The thought of telling her to blow on it before sipping crossed her mind, but she swallowed it down.

In a fit of anger, Lilith hurled the steaming cup of tea at Esmeralda. Fortunately, Esmeralda had quick reflexes and jumped back just in time, but the hot liquid managed to graze her hand, and the sting was immediate and sharp.

Lilith's husband rushed toward Esmeralda, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked, gently holding her hands and blowing on the red patch caused by the hot tea. Esmeralda instinctively pulled her hand away, a mix of shock and fear coursing through her.

"James!" Lilith screamed, her face turning crimson with rage. "Why do you care for that bitch?" She asked the most puzzling question on Esmeralda's mind.

Seeing Lilith's fury, Esmeralda began apologizing profusely, her mind racing with the fear of losing her job.

"Lilith, you hurt her, and now her hand is all red. Was she supposed to teach you how to drink hot tea? Why take out your frustration on her?" James scolded, his tone firm. "I won't condone your behavior. You must apologize this minute."

Lilith stared at him in disbelief. "I won't! She has obviously bewitched you; that's why you are taking her side."

"I didn't think you would bring this awful side of yourself to a fabric store. I'm surprised," James continued, his voice steady. "I married you because of our families' relationship, not because of love, and I made it clear from day one that I wouldn't tolerate nonsense from you. You must apologize."

Tears of embarrassment and shame glistened in Lilith's eyes. How could her husband make such hurtful comments because of a mere salesgirl? In a fit of anger, she lunged at Esmeralda like a wild animal, but James held her firmly in place, preventing her from reaching her target.

"You bitch," she screamed from his grasp. "Do you think you can bewitch him with your stupid blonde hair and those dirty green eyes, huh? Are those even green?" Her words dripped with venom.

Just then, Gabrielle, the owner of the store, walked in. "What is going on here?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he surveyed the tense scene.

The couple turned to face him, their expressions a mix of defiance and unease.

"Who are you?" James asked, his tone challenging.

"I'm the owner of this store," Gabrielle replied, his gaze shifting toward Esmeralda as he spoke.

Without wasting a moment, Lilith jumped in, "Your employee here has been flirting with my husband since we stepped into this place, and she even dared to burn me!"

The nerve of this woman to twist the truth. How can someone be so malicious? Esmeralda seethed silently, her anger boiling within her.

Gabriel sized Esmeralda up and down before responding, "I am sorry, ma'am, but none of my employees would do that. They know the consequences, especially her. She has been working here for months, and I haven't received any negative complaints about her."

Esmeralda wasn't surprised; she knew she had been excellent at her job. Yet here she was, tainted by a married man who had been throwing lecherous glances her way.

Lilith's eyes widened in surprise at Gabriel's defense, but before she could retort, he continued, "However, to make up for the inconvenience, she will apologize, and we will give you a 10% discount on the fabric you purchased."

With that, Esmeralda bowed her head low in sincerity and apologized. Lilith smiled triumphantly, having seemingly won the battle.

Once they left, Esmeralda approached Gabriel, feeling the weight of the situation. "I am really sorry about that," she said, her voice low.

Gabriel reassured her, "I'm not mad at you. Don't think too much about it." He checked the store's progress and then left to attend to other matters.

Later, as Esmeralda's shift ended, the receptionist informed her that Mr. Gabriel wanted her to drop by his office. Curious and slightly apprehensive, she changed out of her uniform and headed to see him, wondering what he wanted to discuss.