Matilda Emerson

There was a large gathering in the most expensive hotel in Dubai. It was a big headline in the news. Matilda Emerson, CEO of Hilton Enterprises, one of the world's leading businesses was partnering with Multi-trex Incorporation, "the sinking ship" as the media termed it, in what would be the biggest deal about to go down. 

Investors and billionaires alike were all in attendance. It was a crowd for the rich and powerful. 

Alex was feeling a little anxious. All of it still felt surreal. He didn't know if it was luck or like Evelyn had claimed, "their long-standing reputation in the business world, just a few bad deals here and there didn't erase the fact that Multi-trex was still a profitable giant."

"Relax honey," Evelyn said beside him. "You are too tense." She had worn her most expensive dress, and diamonds were glittering around her neck. She wouldn't let the billionaire mogul, Matilda Emerson, upstage her look. Alex knew Evelyn was vain but sometimes it got to a point where he felt a wave of disgust. 

He had to remind himself she was the one who brought in the deal. So he smiled and pretended like all was well. 

"That's more like it, Alex. You look really handsome tonight. I wonder when that woman will show herself. She better not keep us waiting just because she's the star of tonight."

It was pathetic, having to listen to Evelyn's stupid little remarks. 

"I've heard rumours that she isn't even married, though some people are speculating she has a thing for her hot bodyguard, the one who follows her everywhere. But no one really knows much about her."

Truly, no one knew much about Matilda Emerson. She had kept her life private from the public gaze. But year in and year out, she kept dominating the world of finance. And there were talks that in the next few years, she was going to be the richest woman in the world. 

A great feat indeed, considering she was still young. Her true age also wasn't known. But from her pictures, she had a youthful quality about her. Alex, like any other man appreciated her beauty. She was stunningly gorgeous. Elegant and confident. 

The way she spoke, the way she carried herself, he'd never seen such grace, well, that wasn't entirely true, something about her had made him think of his ex-wife. Kate. Something peculiar about her. But thinking of Kate was like digging an early grave. 

He'd never been the same again since she left. Something died in him that day. And no matter how hard he tried to look for her, she was gone for good. Vanished from his life. 

---

Kate was in an adjoining room that led to the hall. In about a minute she was going to step out to the crowd. She was wearing a custom-made Givenchy dress that accentuated her shapely body. Even her jewellery was specifically designed for her. 

All those years of hard work in the gym had paid off, and no one could have guessed she was a mother to twin boys. She was wearing make-up, so it added another layer of disguise, no one, not even that conniving Evelyn, would recognise her. 

Finally, it was time. She exhaled slowly, gathering her thoughts. She was grateful for Edward's presence behind her. "I've got you," he said solemnly, his handsome face deadly.

She smiled with confidence. "I have no doubt about that." 

Kate heard her name being announced. "..........Matilda Emerson!"

She raised her head high and walked into the light. 

Applause was thundering from every corner of the hall. People had risen to their feet. And she who was scorned was now celebrated by the world and those who betrayed her.

Her speech was brief. Edward had stayed by her side all through. His gaze narrowed when Alex and Evelyn came up to her.

"Miss Emerson, I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your assistance." Alex began, his blue eyes filled with appreciation and admiration. She had seen that look in most men's eyes tonight. 

Kate's smile was polite, "Multi-trex has been a world-leading company, I believe together, we can turn it around and make it even bigger."

Alex went still, he was looking at Kate as though he couldn't believe his eyes. Evelyn nudged him, her fake smile now unsure and insecure. 

"I'm sorry, I just... Your voice..." Alex stuttered still looking at Kate. Evelyn was getting uncomfortable. Kate could see the envy and jealousy in her eyes, but she saw something there as well.

It looked like fear. 

Oh, Kate was relishing the moment. Watching them look so confused and troubled was incredibly rewarding. 

Satisfied, Kate stretched out her hand to Alex. "You haven't asked me to dance yet, I believe you owe me one."

Evelyn became the colour of grass. She couldn't hide her disdain anymore, "Well, Miss Emerson, Alex, my fiancé, you see, has already promised the first dance."

Kate did not even spare her the dignity of a glance. "I believe Mr Martins can speak for himself?" 

Alex's eyes were fixed on Kate, and it wasn't even a difficult choice for him to make.

"But of course, Miss Emerson," he smiled, his handsome face lightening up,  "it would be my pleasure."

A strange sound between shock and anguish escaped Evelyn. But neither of them paid her any mind. 

Alex swept Kate up in his arms. His hands found the familiar places of her body. Her scent was an intoxicant and he could have sworn he'd danced with this woman before. He could have sworn he'd looked into those eyes a million times. 

Kate's body remembered Alex's touch, the feeling of his arms around her. The smell of his aftershave. The rhythmic beat of his heart. Her body still wanted him but her mind was tossing a dice. 

What would be more befitting than to take this man and watch Evelyn crash the fuck out. And when she was done using him she would dump him like a discarded piece of tissue. 

Of course, that would be after she'd burned their world to the ground. 

But she'd forgotten she still had a heart. And right now it was beating for Alex.