n

n

nHis words were clear-cut. Emily's face lost all its color when she heard his words and her lips sealed immediately.

nIn her imagination, she never expected something so distant from his side. He was too rude to her despite her sweet behavior towards him.

nWhen she didn't say anything further, Javier was relieved and was back on his own work, which was to make breakfast for the two of them, Jenifer and himself.

nChopping the vegetables, while sitting on the dining table, he ignored Emily's presence like thin air.

nFor him, she was no fiance. More likely to say, she was his childhood friend.

nBut that friendship broke years ago when she accepted this arrangement. Deep down, he was aware that she liked him too much, to beg her parents to get them to hitch.

nBut the unfortunate events caused him to get angry when his father agreed to the engagement without his consultation.

n'I guess I will have to talk to my father regarding this Emily issue. Jennifer...she looked upset... Is she affected by Emily's presence now?'

nThe thought kept on wondering in his mind. But came to no conclusion since he is not aware of how Jennifer must have felt.

nShe looked kind of shaky but still, he had no idea because she is too good at hiding her emotions, at least some, and this time too, he isn't able to read her at all.

n

"Javier, can't we talk like simple friends?

" Emily finally asked the most awkward question in her mind.

nShe wasn't able to keep herself at bay to know that her fiance isn't communicating with her in a well-mannered way.

n

"Emily..

" he finally put the knife down on the table and lifted his face slightly,

"You broke the peace between us the moment you accepted the marriage thing.

"

n

"But I did that because I liked you and our family insisted! We are so close, so we can also be good soulmates and life partners!

" she pouted and made an emotional face.

nStill, it wasn't enough to make Javier's cold heart move even an inch.

nHe didn't say much more and simply resumed his work. Seeing him so far made her heart seize with plague.

nBut at the same time, she saw Jennifer coming out of her room while wearing new clothes.

"Oh Jennifer, come, sit with me.

"

nMeanwhile, Jennifer was ready to go on the balcony to avoid any kind of awkwardness with these two. Her plans were tempered in the middle when Emily came near her.

nJennifer passed them a smile,

"You both should spend some more time with each other.

"

n

"Oh, he is making breakfast for the three of us. So I think why not we both talk for some time? what do you say?

"

nThe offer was hard to reject because of its sweetness. Although, Jennifer felt that the sugar coating was simple to hide her intention but still, she acted with kindness.

"Sure.

"

nJennifer took the opposite chair and faced Emily with nothing but a faint smile. The faint smile was also fake but who would have guessed that?

n

"So Jennifer. How's your life as Lucas's fiance? I mean as we have heard from the people that he was deeply and madly in love with you.

" Emily's question made Jennifer roll her eyes but somehow she controlled her urges.

n'It will seem like an illusion, for Lucas being in love.... at the end I'm still a hostage.' Her image just never allowed her so she ended up saying,

"It was normal. Lucas was never in love with me. It was just… an arranged marriage.

"

n

"Wait, how can Lucas enter into an arranged marriage?

" Emily was surprised by her words. In her eyes, it seemed impossible for a player like Lucas to agree to marry a girl as per his parents' liking.

nJennifer was puzzled but at the same time, maintained her long smile.

"Well, the event is in God's hand.

"

nShe wasn't in any mood to give her a detailed and brief reply. Yeah, if it was Javier, things would have been truly different.

nHer way of explaining and putting things in front of her, and her behavior was not the same as with Javier.

nHer eyes peeked at the man in the kitchen, from time to time, and were still surprised by the calmness. 'As if he had never given me any hints and is now acting so casually?'

nBut at the same time, Jennifer was pulled out of the daze, when Emily's next question landed on her.

"So… it looks like the marriage wasn't a happy one.

"

n

"No..

" Jennifer slightly shook her head. She wasn't afraid to give the details but the reality was harsh.

nHer resentment toward her was natural. Just when she felt a little warmness towards the great man like Javier, she popped out of nowhere in their life and seems to be a big wall.

n'Surely she is a headache now.. guess I will have to handle her in my own way.' Her eyes flickered with dangerous glint. She wasn't happy with her arrival.

n

"So… Javier.

" Emily turned her face toward Javier who didn't spare any glance in her direction.

nBut she kept on throwing questions at him,

"When are you planning to return Jennifer back?

"

n

"Not until Lucas fulfills our demands.

" He gave a short and crisp reply. A frown appeared on her face when she senses his anger and surprise.

n'Why is he behaving so coldly? He was so good in the morning before her arrival.' In the middle, her eyes moved from Javier's face to Emily's smiling face as if she didn't see his reluctance and harsh words at all.

n

"But.. till when will Lucas fulfill those demands? I want you to get free as soon as possible.

"

nEmily's demands made her suspicious. Her inner curiosity to ask further rose inside her heart.

nBut at the same time, she was uncertain if her query will be liked by her or not?

nStill, with all the courage, Jennifer finally asked for relief herself, ignoring the danger signals.

"Why? Is there something important that needs Javier's attention?

"

n