Chapter 15 – White’s Pawns
Emerson’s POV
Lilith’s departure left a void in my life that I couldn’t quite comprehend. I wasn’t sure if my feelings for her were love or something else. It sure felt like love… Perhaps it was the shared ‘moments, the mutual interests, and the resilience she displayed that
endeared her to me.
I considered that marrying Lilith wouldn’t have been a bad choice. Although my family would prefer a higher social class marriage. Spending the rest of my life with someone with the same interests would be much nicer for me. But it was too late now. All because of Mr. White.
One day, I received an unexpected invitation from Isabel White. I listened to her voicemail. “Hi, Emerson, how are you?” she started, sounding quite nervous. “It’s been a while. I uh… I’d like to go watch. a movi
with you. And… I have something important to discuss. Are you available tonight? I’ve emailed you the details.”
Curious, I searched for information about the movie online. It turned out to be a romantic film. It was clear what her intentions were. Although annoyed, I agreed to meet her. I might learn something useful about her father, Allen White, from the encounter.
Isabel stood waiting for me in front of the cinema. I had to admit, she looked beautiful. She was wearing a stunning red dress that tastefully revealed her perfect figure. Her big blue eyes and high cheekbones were accentuated with subtle makeup. Her golden hair was shimmering in the neon cinema lights. But I could never like her the way I liked Lilith.
She looked shy and a bit nervous. I forced a smile, concealing my real feelings. Throughout the movie, I couldn’t help but think of Lilith. and the last time we were together. The romantic scenes on the
A BONUS
screen did nothing to lift my spirits. Instead, they reminded me of the letter Lilith left behind and the unresolved pain it brought.
After the film ended, Isabel turned to me with a hopeful expression. Emerson, did you like the movie?” she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.
“It was fine,” I replied flatly, my mind still elsewhere.
“Do you ever want to fall in love like the protagonists in the film?” she continued, her cheeks flushing with nervousness.
I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Before I could say anything, she took a deep breath and confessed, “Emerson, I have feelings for you. To be honest, I always have. You’re the kindest, most.
handsome man I know. My father would support us. We could be happy together.”
Her face turned a deeper shade of red, and I could see the genuine. hope in her eyes. But all I could think of was Lilith and the way Allen had betrayed and hurt her. The thought of Isabel being a pawn in her father’s game infuriated me.
I felt a surge of anger towards Allen and his machinations. He had hurt Lilith. And now his daughter was standing before me,
professing her love. Isabel was completely unaware of the real reason behind my cold demeanor.
I recalled the nights spent with Lilith, our shared love for classical music, and her tear–streaked face in that dark alley. My anger towards Allen grew. I began to see Isabel as part of his ploy, though. I knew it wasn’t her fault.
“All Allen wants is to boost his business through a commercial marriage,” I thought bitterly. I didn’t hate Isabel; in fact, I–had always seen her as a younger sister. We had known each other since we were young due to our families‘ business connections. She often mentioned wanting to marry me when she grew up. Back then, it
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seemed like innocent childhood dreams.
My face turned cold, but Isabel seemed oblivious. Her hopeful gaze never wavered.
“I accept your confession,” I said, my voice steady but void of. warmth.
Her face lit up with excitement, her eyes sparkling with happiness. She had no idea of the real reason behind my acceptance. In my mind, I seethed, “Allen, your daughter will be hurt because of your villainy. You must be punished for what you’ve done to Lilith.”
I watched as Isabel’s expression shifted from nervousness to pure joy, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside me. The thought of using her to get back at Allen filled me with a grim satisfaction. She would become a pawn in the same way Lilith had been. But unlike Lilith, Isabel’s suffering would be a direct consequence of her father’s actions.
As we walked away from the cinema, Isabel chattered excitedly about our future. I nodded and smiled where appropriate, but my mind was elsewhere. I was already plotting my next moves, thinking of ways to expose Allen and bring him to justice for what he had done to Lilith. This marriage would be my tool. Isabel, unfortunately, would be caught in the crossfire.
As we reached the car, Isabel turned to me. Her eyes were shining. with anticipation. “I’m so happy, Emerson. I can’t wait to tell my father the good news.”
I forced a smile and nodded. “Yes, let’s make sure your father knows.”
In my mind, I added, “Allen, you will pay for everything. And Isabel, I’m sorry, but you will be the means to an end.”