Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 59

Judge Calloway banged the gavel and stood up. He announced the adjournment and walked out. Emily rose from her seat and whispered something to Donna before leaving the courtroom. She walked down the hall and slipped into the bathroom.
Another day, another adjourned case. This wasn't going to work.

She leaned over the sink, turned on the tap, and splashed water on her face. The water kept running as she got lost in her thoughts. She was getting tired of the case. She remembered all who helped her when she ran away from home, how she had forgotten them.

Andre...Sophie, Vee, Stella... What is wrong with me? I'm so ungrateful...

A faint sound made her jerk upright. When she lifted her head, she saw him in the mirror's reflection.
The one person she never wanted to see again.

What was he doing here? How did he get here? Why was he here?

Her breath caught in her throat as she turned around, gripping the sink tightly.

He glanced at his watch before smirking at her.
"I was wondering how long you were going to stay in that position," Mark said. "Can't complain, though. I enjoyed the view."

Emily frowned and glanced at the sign on the door. It was clearly a women-only restroom. How did he even get in?

"Not to worry," he added casually. "My men are outside. They're guarding the door and making sure no one comes in." He smiled as he looked around the bathroom. "This might not be a fitting place for a man of my status, but I believe you won't mind..."

Emily parted her lips to speak, but no words came out. Something strange coiled in her chest, tightening her throat until she couldn't bring herself to say anything. She swallowed and tried again.

"We have all the time in the world now, so let's talk." He took a step forward, and her grip on the sink tightened. "Last time, we barely spoke. We were like teenagers who had been battling sexual tension for so long and finally had some time to ourselves."

Emily clenched her jaw and let out a soft, controlled exhale.

"Leave," she said, her voice soft but laced with anger.
He raised his brows and stared at her intently before a sarcastic smile spread across his face.

"No. I will stay."

"Leave, or I will scream," she said, now panting.

"You always speak to me so angrily," he replied.

"Have you ever thought about how that breaks my heart? The other day with Lucas, and all the other times. Just listen to me already."

She stared at him, scared and confused. Why was he acting as if they were on familiar terms?

"I will not be your mistress," she said immediately.
He paused, simply staring at her.

"That's not why I'm here," he continued quietly.

"This might be our last conversation until... maybe our next life or something. I hope we meet there and... are better." He coughed lightly. "I wish I could take you somewhere nicer. A fine dining restaurant, perhaps. Music everywhere to soothe our raging nerves."

Emily looked at him with visible irritation, though worry crept into her expression.

"Who is Grace?" he asked suddenly.

Emily's heart stopped for a moment, and he caught the flash of shock on her face despite her effort to hide it.

He watched her, waiting for an answer, but she forced herself to remain composed.

"I saw the results, the notes...the ones you stacked away in—"

"I don't know who that is," Emily cut in sharply.