Chapter 66

…Emile POV…

I walked over to the bar and ordered a drink. As I waited for my order, I felt someone's gaze on me. I turned to see a man sitting a few stools down, his eyes fixed on me. I rolled my eyes and turned away. I wasn't interested in his advances.

The man persisted, though, and eventually, he approached me. "Hey there, gorgeous. What's a girl like you doing in a place like this?" he slurred.

I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Just enjoying a night out," I replied curtly.

I suddenly felt pressed and headed in the direction of the bathrooms. I turnedy head to see someone behind me. The persistent asshole.

The man seemed undeterred and continued his advances as he suddenly grabbed my hands. I tried to pull my hand out I was about to tell him to buzz off when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see a familiar face, 'Henry!'

There was Henry towering above me, dressed in his usual casual attire of a simple t-shirt and jeans. Before I could even say a word, he shooed away the man who had been trying to forcefully flirt with me.

"Back off", he said as he hard stared at the half drunk man. Dude that's my hit, the man said pointing at me.

"F***k off", Henry scowled as he clenched his fist. Seeing Henry's clenched fist the man wryily smiled. "Mother f***", he said before walking off.

"He…", I wanted to call his name but I was also quick remembered I was in Emile body.

"Hi", immediately changed to a greeting.

"Emile ", Henry beamed a smile. "Does he know Emile my eyes widened in realization".

Uhmmm... Henry how have you been I smiled trying to compose myself.

"Good I haven't seen you since the Kidnap fiasco and you completely forgot our movie outing".

"Kidnap ...Moving outing...what was he talking about, and how did he know Emile?".

I sent you a couple of.messages you didn't respond to them and your number wasn't going", he said as he put his hand in his pocket.

'He got Emile's number and my eyes widened. What was going on here?'

I excused myself from Henry, a wave of relief washed over me. I had been trying to find a moment to call Emile all night, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I dashed into the bathroom, thankful for the respite from the noise and chatter of the party.

As I opened one of the many doors and stepped inside, I quickly retrieved my phone from my handbag and dialed Emile's number. The phone rang several times before going to voicemail. I tried again, and again, but she still didn't pick up.

Frustration and disappointment washed over me as I contemplated leaving a message. But before I could press the button to begin recording, the phone beeped, and I heard Emile's deep voice at the other end. "Hello, Emile," I said with relief in my voice.

"Hey, Dickinson," Emile responded, her tone calm and collected.

"Emile how did you know him… Henry, how?" I asked. "Why this all of a sudden? Did you meet him?"

"Yes I did and he is talking about a movie date. What's going on?" I asked, reducing my voice to a whisper after hearing someone step into the next toilet.

"It's a movie outing not a date" besides I can go out with anyone she said rushing her words. "I had forgotten about it", she added. Now tell me how you knew him? I asked, pretending to ignore what she just said.

"We are friends period", she said not wanting to give any info.

How does he know about the kidnap? I dropped the bombshell.

"He… oh my… I will tell you when we meet" she stammered.

"Emile ?"

"I will, I will , just be nice to him".

"Nice ".

"Please ".

"Ok ok but I won't speak to him for long" I said rolling my eyes.

"That's ok", she said and immediately hung up.

I took a deep breath and steadied myself, hoping I could keep my composureAfter taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the bathroom and walked towards Henry with a smile on my face. I knew I couldn't let my frustration and disappointment show on my face, and I was grateful for the time to collect myself.

As we made our way outside the bar, Henry turned to me and said, "Why don't we reschedule our outing, Emile?"

I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. I had been so preoccupied with trying to call Emile that I had forgotten about our plans.

"Oh yes, we should, we should," I replied, trying to sound as genuine as possible. "But I am really busy these days," I added, hoping to give myself some leeway in case I needed to cancel again.

I let out a quick smile as I adjusted his gown, feeling a sense of relief that the conversation had ended without any further questions. I put my handbag on my hands and smiled at Henry, hoping he wouldn't suspect anything.

"Of course, no problem," Henry said, giving me a warm smile. "Just let me know when you're available."

"Will do," I replied, trying to sound as casual as possible. "It was great seeing you tonight, Henry. Take care."

With a final wave, I turned and walked away, my heart still racing from the adrenaline of the moment. As I made my way back to my car, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment that I hadn't been able to talk to Emile.

But as I sat in my car and drove away I waved goodbye to Henry and hopped into the taxi, I couldn't help but feel relieved. It had been a long night, and I was ready to be home. I have been taking taxis more frequently lately, as I found it easier and more convenient than driving myself.

I settled into the backseat of the taxi, letting out a sigh as the cab zoomed off. The city streets were still alive with activity, even at this late hour. I watched as the neon lights of the bars and clubs passed by, feeling grateful for the quiet and solitude of the cab.

As we made our way through the city, I couldn't help but think about the events of the night. "Today as just...ugh". I held my head as I silently prayed Emile wouldn't do anything funny.

As the taxi pulled up outside my home, I paid the driver and stepped out onto the pavement. I took a deep breath of the cool night air, feeling the weight of the evening begin to lift from my shoulders.

I kicked off my shoes and held them in my hands as I approached my front door and fished around in my handbag for my keys. As I unlocked the door and stepped inside.

The house was all quiet except for the sounds of crying from the kitchen. I turned on my heels silently and was about to climb the stairs. It had been a long day, and I was looking forward to some much-needed rest. Just as I was about to take the first step, a voice sounded behind me, startling me.

"Emile, you shouldn't be coming home this late. How was your antenatal?" My mother emerged from the kitchen, holding a spoon and wearing an apron. She always had a way of making me feel like a child again, no matter how old I got.

"Uh... fine. It was fine. The ultrasound is scheduled for tomorrow," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. I didn't want to worry her unnecessarily, but the truth was that I was nervous about the appointment.

"Okay, well, you should get some rest. You look tired," my mother said, concern etched on her face. "And make sure you eat something. You need to take care of yourself and the baby."

I smiled wryly and tipped up the stairs, feeling grateful for my mother's love and concern. When I reached the top, I realized I didn't remember which side of the hallway was my room. I hesitated for a moment before deciding to go left.

"Emile!" Emile's mother called after me. "Your room is on the right are you alright she asked worried!"

"Oh, right. I was just looking for something I misplaced earlier, you know," I said, giggling nervously.

"And what is that?" my mother asked, suspicion in her voice.

"I, uh... I've forgotten," I said, dashing away from her gaze before she could ask any more questions. I knew I was a terrible liar, and I didn't want to risk getting suspicious.

I stood in the hallway, feeling lost and disoriented as I looked at the doors at the right side of the hallway. Juggling my memory of earlier in the day I tried remembering Emile's room but nothing looked familiar at all. I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere. I opened the nearest door, hoping that this was the right room.