Chapter 2 Eastbay

After the gathering, Emelie saw each guest off to their vehicle before leaning against a streetlamp, shivering as a cold sweat enveloped her. She couldn't identify the source of the intermittent pain spreading through her body. Her lipstick had faded, revealing her lips that were devoid of any color. William's driver noticed her condition. He was aware of Emelie and William's relationship He said hurriedly, "Ms. Hoven, would you like to get in the car first?" Emelie nodded, gratefully sinking into the backseat. Two minutes later, the car door was opened again. William approached the car with a young woman by his side. He was ready to get it but skidded to a halt at the sight of Emelie waiting by the vehicle. He frowned, annoyed she was taking up space. The woman quickly opened the passenger side door, saying softly, "Mr. Middleton, I'll sit in the front." William slammed the car door shut and said, "Take Daphne Bowen home first." Emelie closed her eyes, feeling very weak. Drinking had taken its toll, especially on the fourth day after a miscarriage. As the car pulled up to an old apartment complex, William nudged Emelie awake. "This alley looks awfully dark and unsafe. Go escort Daphne upstairs." Daphne's eyes were big and round, shining even in the dim light of the car. "No need, Mr. Middleton. Ms. Hoven is quite tired, and it is just a short walk. I'll be perfectly fine on my own." She stepped out of the car as she smiled at William in the back seat with a twinkle in her eyes."Mr. Middleton, please take Ms. Hoven back. Goodnight." William stopped frowning as he nodded. "Sure, goodnight." Emelie didn't say a word throughout. However, the driver didn't take Emelie home. He was William's confidant, a glance from William was all it took for him to understand what he wanted. He drove directly to the Eastbay, where William lived. They entered the house together. Before Emelie could turn on the light, she was pressed against the door by William, who kissed her lips. Emelie was stunned for a moment, then immediately grabbed his hands, turning her head away. "Wait... I'm not feeling well today." Disappointment flashed across William's striking face without any attempt to hide it. "Fine, then make your own way back," he said as he walked towards the dining room. Emelie turned on the light and saw him take a bottle of mineral water from the fridge, tilting his head back to swallow. His Adam's apple bobbing, sensual, and mature. William, the esteemed heir of the Middleton family of Capebatt City, was impeccable in every aspect. He only brought her to the Eastbay when he needed to satisfy his physical needs, a tacit agreement since he "redeemed" her three years ago. Emelie didn't leave but walked toward him instead, saying, "If you're in such need, why didn't you keep Daphne just now? You're interested in her, aren't you?" William didn't deny it, his smile ambiguous. "Have you noticed?" How could it have escaped her notice? Emelie quietly asked, "When did this… arrangement begin? And what role have you assigned her?" William's voice softened slightly at the mention of Daphne. "I encountered her at Capebatt University a few days back. She's an art student, quite naive. For now, she'll work as a secretary for me." Emelie couldn't help but laugh. While she was in the hospital recovering from her miscarriage a few days ago, he had already brought a university student into his circle. She softly touched William's shirt collar with her finger, her eyes twinkling playfully. "University students are fun, right? So fresh and easy to train." "She's fine as she is." William caught her chin, his thumb brushing over her lips. He continued with a hoarse voice, "But not everyone can be molded as you were..."