Chapter 6- The lie

The couple got home from a stressful and dramatic day at work; they began to undress. They didn't talk to each other as the tension between both of them was still palpable. Emily still couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach no matter how many times she tried since she saw Emilia in Alex's office. She was skeptical about confronting him about it but she had no choice at this point. Things were getting out of hand right before her eyes and if she didn't speak up they wouldn't get any better. "Alex. Babe. Um-- it's not like I'm telling you what to do or like I'm against your company or business decisions but Emilia being your assistant... I really don't buy that idea. What the heck it makes me crazy uncomfortable. Yeah she's my sister but still, I don't like it one bit." She said with a saddened tone. Everything was a mess, her head was a mess. It was like Alex was bent on driving her crazy. Alexander knew this would be the discussion of the night immediately they got home. He had to explain, running a hand through his hair, he started. "Emily, I understand your concerns, but Emilia is really good at what she does. She's efficient, organized, and has a great work ethic. I really don't wanna have to start explaining this to you but I hope you'll understand the little I say. She was perfect for the job and that's why I employed her, there's nothing more to it and I really don't want to believe that you're doubting me because I employed your sister." He said with a tone that wreaked of indifference. Emily shook her head. "That may be true, but I still don't want her working for you. You can get another PA, someone who isn't my sister. I'm not doubting you or anything, it's my sister I'm not comfortable with. Yeah she's resourceful and all but still... I just don't want her around you all the time," she sounded like she was desperately asking him to listen to her although a part of her already knew the outcome of the whole conversation. Part of her desperation stemmed from the fact that a necklace he was willing to lie about was on her neck, if they kept staying in such close proximity who knows what would happen. Alex was already pissed off as it is and her insistent whinning wasn't making it easier for him. Alex looked at her, a hint of frustration in his eyes. "Emily, I don't see what the big deal is. Emilia is qualified for the job, and she's doing a great job so far, please drop this conversation and let's talk about something else." Emily's voice rose. "The big deal is that she's my sister, and I don't trust her. You know how I feel about her and her mother. I don't want her anywhere near you or our business." Before they got married, Emily had bitterly complained about her steps to him about how they low-key bullied her. Alex sighed, realizing that Emily wasn't going to budge on this issue. "Fine, I'll look into getting a new PA. But Emily, you have to understand that Emilia is a grown woman, and she's capable of doing her job without any... entanglements." Emily raised an eyebrow. "Entanglements? You think that's what this is about? You have no idea, Alex. This is about trust, loyalty, and family. And I won't compromise my marriage on that." Alex sensing the tension in her voice did the one thing he knew would calm her down. He grabbed her by the waist from behind and kissed her softly on the neck. His warm breath on her neck and the gentle pressure of his chest against her back made her feel safe and protected. Alexander loved her. "I'll remove her, Emily," Alex whispered, his voice reassuring. "I promise. You're my priority, and I won't let anyone come between us." Emily's heart melted at his words, and she felt her tension disappearing. She leaned back into his chest, feeling his warmth and strength envelop her. As she relaxed into his arms, Emily realized that this was the perfect moment to ask him about something that had been bothering her. "Hey, Alex?" she said, her voice soft and gentle. "Yes, sunshine?" he replied, his lips brushing against her ear. "What did the delivery man drop that he had to disturb us on our honeymoon?" Emily asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. Alex's arms tightened around her, and he chuckled. "Ah, that. I was wondering when you'd ask about that." He responded Emily turned her head and looked up at Alex with a questioning gaze. "So, what was it?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "It was business related," Alex said. "A file that held some important documents." Emily's heart broke into pieces when she heard Alex's words. She had seen the necklace on Emilia's neck at her dad's birthday party. So, why was Alex lying to her? She didn't understand why he would do such a thing. "Are you sure about that?" Emily asked, trying to keep her voice calm. "Yes, darling," Alex said. "It was work-related." If Emily hadn't seen what was inside the package, she would have believed Alex. But she had opened the gift and seen what it held. Now, she was confused and hurt. Emily started to feel a headache coming on. She didn't know what to do or say. She just knew she needed some time alone. "I need to shower," Emily said, pulling away from Alex's hug. "Should I join you?" Alex asked. Emily forced a smile onto her face. "I'm fine," she said. "I just want to have the bathroom to myself for a while." Alex looked at her, but Emily just turned and walked into the bathroom. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, trying to catch her breath. She couldn't believe Alex had lied to her. She had seen the necklace, and she knew exactly what it was - a gift from Alex to Emilia. Emily's heart ached with pain and betrayal. She felt like she had been punched in the gut. She couldn't understand why Alex would lie to her about something so important. She turned on the shower, letting the warm water wash over her as she tried to process her emotions. She felt like she was in a daze, like she was living in a nightmare. As she stood under the shower, Emily's mind began to wander. She thought about all the times Alex had been distant, all the times he had been "working late". She wondered if he had been with Emilia all those times. Emily's eyes stung with tears as she realized that her marriage might not be what she thought it was. She felt like she was living a lie, like everything she thought she knew about Alex and their relationship was a facade. As the shower water continued to pour down on her, Emily let out a silent scream, her heart breaking into a million pieces.