Chapter 45

...Dickinson POV…

As I sat in my living room, my mind was racing with thoughts of Emile. I couldn't believe that she had been kidnapped and the thought of her being hurt or in danger was unbearable. I had been trying to reach her family and friends, but nobody had seen or heard from her. Just as I was about to give up hope, my phone rang. It was Erick, Emile's best friend.

"Dickinson, it's Erick. I have some news about Emile," he said on the other end of the line. My heart skipped a beat as I waited for him to continue. "She's at my house. She's safe and sound."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Emile was alive and she was with Erick. I felt a wave of relief wash over me and I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Erick. I'm on my way over right now," I said, hanging up the phone and quickly grabbing my keys.

As I drove to Erick's house, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. I was overjoyed that Emile was safe, but I was also confused and a little hurt that she hadn't reached out to me. I didn't understand why she didn't want me to know that she was safe.

I knocked on Erick's door, my heart was racing with a mix of emotions. I was relieved that Emile was safe, but also anxious about how she would react to seeing me again. When she opened the door and our eyes met, I could see the surprise and wariness in her gaze.

"Dickinson," she said, her voice tight. "What are you doing here?"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Erick called me and told me you were here. I had to see for myself that you were okay."

Emile's expression softened slightly, but she didn't invite me in. "I'm fine," she said. "But I'm not sure I'm ready to talk to you yet."

I nodded, understanding her hesitation. "I understand. But can I at least come in for a moment? I promise I won't stay long."

She hesitated for a moment before nodding and stepping aside to let me in. We walked into the living room in silence, the tension between us palpable.

Once we were seated, Emile turned to me and spoke. "Why did you do it, Dickinson? Why did you come looking for me?"

"Because I care about you, Emile," I replied, my voice choking with emotion. "I know I messed up, and I'm so sorry. But I couldn't live with myself if something had happened to you."

Emile looked down at her hands, her expression unreadable. "I appreciate that you care," she said softly. "But I need some space right now. I need to process everything that's happened."

I nodded, understanding her need for space. "Of course. I'll go. But please, Emile, know that I'm here for you. Whatever you need, I'll be there for you."

With that, I stood up and made my way to the door. Before I left, I turned to her, "I love you, Emile. And I'm so sorry for everything."

As I was about to leave, Erick walked in. He seemed startled to see me, and I could tell that he was trying to process what was happening. He looked from me to Emile, who stood there with her arms crossed and a look of annoyance on her face. "What's going on?" Erick asked, confusion in his voice.

I stepped forward, ready to explain. "I came here because you called me, Erick. You told me that Emile was here and I wanted to see her."

Erick's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, right. I did call you. I'm sorry, I didn't think you would come so soon." He turned to Emile. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."

Emile's expression softened slightly. "It's alright, I just need some space right now and I will like that." She said.

I nodded in understanding, but I couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment in my chest. I had been so excited to see her, and now she was pushing me away. But I knew that she had been through a lot, and I needed to respect her boundaries.

"I'll leave you two alone," I said, turning towards the door. "But Emile, please know that I am here for you.

….Emile pov….

As I stepped out of Erick's house, I took a deep breath and made my way to my mother's house.

The drive there felt like an eternity as my mind raced with thoughts and emotions. I felt a mix of fear, guilt, and longing as I imagined the conversation we were about to have.

When I finally arrived, I hesitated for a moment before ringing the doorbell. My mother voice sounded from within after some moments I heard her walking towards the door

"I am coming," she said from within.

The door opened and everything seemed to stop for a moment.

I lifted my eyes and looked at my mother. She stood by the door with tears wedged at the corners of her eyes, and without a word, she pulled me into a tight embrace.

I felt her body shake as she cried, and I couldn't help but cry with her. We stayed like that for what felt like hours, until she finally pulled back and looked at me.

"Oh my god, Emile. I was so worried about you. I had no idea where you were or if you were okay," she said, her voice shaking with emotion.

I am sorry mum

Stepping into the house, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The familiar creaks of the wooden floorboards, the smell of my mother's cooking, it all brought back memories of my childhood.

But as I looked around, I noticed small changes. The living room had been repainted, and there were new knick-knacks on the shelves. It was still the same house, but it felt a bit different now.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I tried to form the words to explain what had happened. "I'm so sorry, Mom. I was kidnapped on my way home from the airport.

Come in, come on in she said as she ushered me in and closed the door.

I was held for ransom, and it was only through the help of someone that I was able to escape," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

My mother's eyes widened in shock and horror as she listened to my story. She asked me questions, wanting to know every detail of what had happened. I told her everything, from the moment I was taken to the moment I was released.

I didn't tell her about the kidnapper who helped me while I was in captivity. I just skipped the part and told her about how he was kept in a basement till the ransom was paid.

"You mean Dickinson, the married man!" my mom raised her eyebrows emphasizing the word 'married'.

"Yes he was contacted and he paid the ransom". I sighed. " He is getting a divorce too" I added.

"Because of you?" She scoffed and then her face lines deepened as she frowned and her eyebrows slanted upwards. "That Dickinson was never a good idea, he just wants to use you, that's what his type does". She said as she held my shoulders.

"Mom ! How?"

"Ofcourse yes!, how else do you explain it. You are kidnapped and a ransom is requested."

"I want you to understand, I don't want to lose you Emile ''. She sighed. 'He is the reason you were kidnapped and you might harm yourself trying to replace that woman."

"I am not replacing anyone, she doesn't love him."

*So now you do love him and you are ready to defend him." She said said and i became silent. I didn't know if I really loved him. Those few weeks with him in Hawaii seemed to prove I did but he…

"Now tell me what happened when you were kidnapped." She said interrupting me from my thoughts.

I recounted my experiences apart from my suspicions of Dickinson wife Emily. But I couldn't completely nsusoect her, why would she have to let me off with just a ransom, why?. My mom listened intently, her expression one of both shock and sadness. When I finished, she took my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm just glad you're safe now, Emile. That's all that matters," she said.

As I sat in the living room, eating my fruit, I couldn't help but think of Dickinson. I took out the piece of paper Henry had given me and copied the number into my phone. I hesitated for a moment before dialing it.

As the phone rang, my mother walked in. She playfully teased me about the call, asking if the person on the other end was a new man. I told her it was just a friend, but she didn't seem convinced.

But before she could continue her teasing, I suddenly felt nauseous. I rushed to the sink and threw up. My mother, surprised, followed me.

"Mom," I said, tears streaming down my face. "I need to tell you something."

"What is it?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

"I'm pregnant," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her expression changed immediately. "Who is the father?" she demanded.

"Dickinson," I replied as I bow my head low.

My mother's face twisted in anger. "You're pregnant for a married man? I don't want to hear it, Emile. You're really nothing but a slut," she spat before storming off, leaving me in tears.

I couldn't believe it. I thought she had forgiven me, but now it seemed like all of her anger and disappointment came rushing back. I didn't know what to do or where to turn. All I could do was go to.my to my room and cry.