Chapter Forty Eight

The next day dawned with a strange feeling of quietness but Emily understood that quietness could be misleading.

She remained still for a few minutes because she woke up before her alarm.

Damian came to her mind right away.

She remembered how her plans to tell Damian about the pregnancy failed last night. She made up her mind that no matter what happens, she is going to inform Damian about the baby today because she was unable to put off the discussion any longer.

She rose from her bed and moved toward the window. She wondered why the anonymous texts no longer came in.

There were no calls from strange numbers. No fresh information has come from Daniel. In fact, it was almost like the investigation had come to an end.

Maybe that was just what she needed.

A peaceful day. An opportunity to make up her mind.

Sophia woke up and found Emily in the kitchen. "You're awake early," she said.

"I couldn't sleep," Emily stated.

"Because of Damian?" Sophia asked.

Emily bowed her head and said "Yes."

"Do you still intend to inform him today?" Sophia asked as she poured herself a glass of water.

Emily responded, "Yes."

"Are you sure?" Sophia asked.

“What if everything changes after I tell him?” Emily asked.

"It most likely will," Sophia said.

“However, change isn't always negative,” Sophia continued.

"Today, I'll inform him. I don't want to wait too long before telling him," Emily said as she inhaled deeply.

___

Meanwhile, Olivia sat by herself in her apartment still thinking about the past.

On the table, was still the picture she found on the floor from last night.

She had barely gotten any sleep.

She couldn't stop thinking about that evening from years before.

But, she had come to a decision that she wouldn't revisit that investigation.

She had already spent too much of her life looking into the secrets of other people.

Whatever occurred years ago could stay hidden. At least for now.

She picked up the photograph and put it in a drawer and locked it.

Years have passed since she was recognized as Damian's girlfriend.

She was known as Damian's girlfriend for a few years and then his fiancé. After that, she turned into his ex. That alone would have destroyed her, but it did not.

She grew more powerful. Made better decisions and became more careful.

And, sometimes, more deadly.

Olivia was a people person.

She understood how rapidly affection might turn into animosity.

She was aware of how easily leverage could be created from trust.

She was aware that walking away was occasionally the most effective course of action. So she decided that she would no longer go after Damian or meddle with Emily.

She just wanted to move on.

At the very least, that's what she told herself. Suddenly, her phone rang.

She looked at the screen and saw that it was Damian.

For several seconds, she gazed at it.

She then answered.

"Hello?" She said.

"I'm calling to clarify something," Damian stated.

Olivia kept quiet.

"I meant what I said yesterday," Damian continued. "I don't want any trouble between you and Emily."

"And there will be no trouble whatsoever between us," Olivia replied.

"I trust you," he said.

A faint grin appeared on Olivia's face.

"So why are you calling me?" She said.

"I wanted to thank you for your understanding."

Olivia's expression became gentle.

"You're welcome," she said.

They were quiet for sometime, before Olivia said, "Damian?"

"Yes?" He answered.

"I hope you're happy," she said.

"I am," Damian answered.

That response stung her but she took it gracefully and said, "Then that's enough for me," and ended the call and kept the phone on the table.

She believed she had finally said farewell for the first time in two years.

She moved to the window.

Perhaps it was time to create a life that was unrelated to Damian Knight.

___

Emily got Damian's message later that afternoon. Saying that he is on her way to pick her up.

She gazed at it and started to get a racing heart. She sent a response saying all right.

After that, she put the phone down as Sophia entered the room.

"Is he on his way?" Sophia asked.

"Yes," Emily responded.

Sophia flashed a smile and said, "Then tonight is the night."

She rubbed her stomach and said "Sure.

"I hope I can find the courage to say the words," she continued.

"You will," Sophia stated.

Emily examined herself in the mirror. The events that happened in her life these past weeks were nothing compared to what is about to happen.

She was now confronted with something even more terrifying.

A car halted outside at precisely six o'clock. Through the window, Emily observed and saw that Damian had come.

Her heart started pounding.

She grabbed her bag and came out of the room.

"Are you prepared?" Sophia answered.

She took a deep breath and said, "yes."

"You should go, then." Sophia said as she smiled.

Emily unlocked the entrance door and walked out.

Damian was standing next to the car.

They gazed at each other for a moment, neither of them said anything.

After that, Damian opened the passenger door. "Come in," Damian said.

Emily nodded and got into the vehicle. She 

laid one hand on her abdomen as Damian shut the door.

She wanted to tell him about the pregnancy right away but before she could utter a word, Damian fired the engine and made a statement that sent her pulse racing.

"Before you explain why you wanted to see me, Emily, you need to understand something about my family."