I’m the first one in and fire up my computer and just stare at the screen. He will be gone for two weeks and I must make sure that everything is in order before he goes. I set to work to occupy my thoughts. I need to deal with one thing at a time and this takes priority.
By the time Didi comes in I have made a good start. She grins as she flings her bag on her desk.
“Last day, honey. I hope you’ve packed for that vacation you’ve been looking forward to. I have lined up a whole week of self-indulgence for myself before the baby kicks its way out.”
I laugh softly. “Well that baby obviously agrees with you, you are positively glowing.”
She puts her hands on her hips and looks at me with a hard expression.
“I wish I could say the same about you. You look like someone died last night.”
I shrug, as my stomach tightens.
“I didn’t sleep that well.”
Before she can question me any further, Scott walks purposefully into the office looking as fresh as the sunrise. He barks, “Coffee, Amelia.”
Didi rolls her eyes as I push away from my desk.
I wonder what I’ll find as I make my way into his office.
He looks up and I see the strain showing in his eyes.
“We need to make sure everything is dealt with by 5pm when I must head over to my parent’s house, to start the wedding celebrations. Today is going to be one hell of a day.”
Setting the coffee down I face him as his PA.
I rattle off the order of the day and await further instructions. He seems distracted and just waves me away.
“You’d better get to it. There’s a lot to go through.”
Leaving him to it I head back to my desk. He’s right, there is a lot to go through.
We work hard all day and its business first. Scott has many visitors, all wishing him well. Copious bottles of expensive wine and brightly wrapped packages arrive constantly from well-wishers and I make a note of every one of them to arrange the thank you's. I field many calls and print out several letters all requiring signatures by the end of the day.
Scott heads off to various meetings and before we know it’s 5pm.
On the dot, the door opens and his brother walks in. I’ve seen him before as he’s a regular visitor. He looks the same as Scott but with a kinder face. He winks at us and smiles broadly.
“I’ve come to spirit the big bad boss away and save you beautiful damsels in distress. Don’t thank me, just show me your gratitude by way of kisses and agreeing to come out with me one night.”
Didi laughs and I smile and roll my eyes.
“In your dreams, Colton. I’ll let him know you’re here.”
“No need, I heard the annoying whine from inside my office.”
I watch as they grin at each other and look at them with interest. They may be brothers but they are poles apart. Colton is much younger and appears to be something of a playboy. Scott is the serious older sibling going places. He looks at us and says shortly.
“You’ll have to wrap everything up without me. It’s time I went and made an honest woman of Shelby Barrington.”
His brother grins and slaps him hard on the back and my heart breaks as I see the desolation in his eyes. Just for a second he looks at me like the lost boy he is. He blinks and it is gone, and he is soon swept away by his brother. As I watch him go, he takes my past with him.
As the door closes, Didi lets out a huge sigh.
“Well. That’s that then. Now we can relax.”
***
Chapter Nine
Saturday comes and I wake up with a sense of purpose. Scott will be tied up with the wedding and I have a lot to do. I start by cleaning my house thoroughly and then put everything away and pack a small bag of essentials. I make sure that all my personal documents are bundled together and place the large envelope in my bag.
Soon I am ready and heading to town. First stop is the bank where I deposit my envelope in my safe deposit box. Then, I take out the one I placed there several months ago. I never really thought it would come to this when I made those preparations back when my life started to unravel. I suppose I thought it was just a minor blip and we would get through it and become like we used to be. I know we have gone too far down a damaging path. Inside is my new identity.
As I place Amelia James inside the box, I take Emily Stone out.
Once I have left the bank, I head to a nearby store that sells wigs. I choose several and pay with cash, then I head to the nearest department store and buy a baseball cap and black hoody. Emily Stone is no Amelia. She is just a face in the crowd and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Once I am home, I look around me with regret. Despite it all, I loved this little house. Scott rented it for me and has paid for everything. He wanted a place that he could see me in that was private. This house holds many secrets, not all them pleasant. I remember how happy I was at the beginning when he was fun and charming. Then it descended into chaos as we traveled down a dark road. The beatings started and the psychological torture. The faster we fell for each other the more desperate he got. As his life began to slip away from him he took it out on me. He used sex to punish and reward me at the same time. He withdrew and started treating me as his slave. It excited me and the passion in our relationship grew into something so huge; it destroyed us.
By the time 2pm comes I am ready to leave. Scott will be waiting for his bride at the altar and I have a one-way ticket out of town.
With considerable regret, I pick up my holdall and pull the cap down low on my head. Then I take one last look at my old life before I walk towards my new one. I leave Amelia behind and walk as Emily Stone. Now it begins.
Like I wanted to, I blend in with the crowd. Nobody gives me a second look as I queue to board the Greyhound bus bound for New York City.
Taking a seat in the middle by the window I look down; shrinking into my seat and praying that nobody recognizes me.
It’s only as the bus pulls away that I breathe a sigh of relief. First hurdle over.
As we pass through the familiar streets, I look out at the life I am leaving behind. I feel no regrets, just sadness for what started out as a promising career. My first day at the White House was the best day of my life. I was so excited. I started at the bottom and worked my way up. Then I caught the attention of Senator Parker. Soon I was assigned to his office and before long I was his closest PA. Our relationship changed one night after working late. He was extremely charming and very charismatic. I fell for him hook, line and sinker and it didn’t take me long to fall into his bed. He was single at the time and I thought we had a future. Then Shelby Barrington came along and things changed.
Despite my head telling me to, I couldn’t give him up. We were joined together by a powerful force that neither of us could break—until now.
Quickly, I push the thoughts away and resolve to think about the future and forget the past. I’m on my way. It’s doubtful that Grady could do anything to find me. When Scott hears that I’ve gone I hope to be far away from here where he can’t find me. I know he’ll try though. That’s why I had the fake ID made. I need to cover every base.
Luckily, the seat stays empty beside me and I soon nod off.
The party is crowded and the sound of laughter fills the air. I smile as I look around me at the usually calm and efficient staff that I work with. I wonder where Scott is. He said he would be late, but the party is almost over. I wander through the crowds that stand chattering in the White House garden. It’s the annual garden party and just an excuse to go wild for a bit. I see Didi chatting to another secretary by the makeshift bar, set up for the occasion. The sun beats down, and it’s a pleasant day.
Then my heart beats a little faster as I see Scott making his way across the lawn. He looks so handsome and my heart swells with pride. He told me he had a surprise for me; I hope it’s to make our relationship official. We have been seeing each other in secret for several months now and I h
ave never been happier. I smile as he approaches—then my world stands still. He is not alone.
He is followed by a beautiful, poised, sophisticated woman. She looks around her with a supercilious expression and I see her hand firmly in his. I can’t tear my eyes away as she laughs at something he says and he looks at her with a look usually only reserved for me. My mind starts spinning as I find his ice blue eyes. He stares at me - hard. Then he smirks and walks purposefully towards me. My legs feel weak but I am frozen to the spot as he pulls her with him. Then he stands before me and places his hand on the small of her back and says,
“Shelby, meet Amelia, my PA. Amelia, allow me to introduce you to my fiancé, Shelby Barrington.”
She nods at me and smiles briefly.
“Pleased to meet you, Amelia.”
I just nod, too stunned to speak. Then she smiles up at him and says with excitement. “Look over there. It’s the President. We should go and say hi.”
Scott smiles and leads her away. They don’t give me a second look.
The tears blind me and I stumble towards the exit. I have to get away. My heart is breaking and I need to escape. Blindly, I make my way up the stone steps towards the exit. I don’t make it far and stumble, falling forward. Strong arms reach out and break my fall and I find myself falling against a hard chest.
“Whoa, little lady, what’s the hurry?”
Looking up, I see Chester Baines, one of the lawyers that are attached to the government. He smiles sweetly, and it makes my lower lip tremble. Concern fills his eyes, and he leans down, whispering, “Is everything ok, Amelia?”
I nod and my heart sinks as I see Scott looking over with his eyes blazing. I can see the fury from here as he sees me in another man’s arms. Chester tilts my face to his and says softly,
“Do you want to get out of here, sweetheart?”
I begin to shake as I feel the ice laden daggers thrown my way from the man I love. Then I nod and whisper, “Yes please.”
Chester Baines leaves with me and I don’t think anything of it. He takes me to a nearby restaurant and we have dinner. He is funny, charming and great company. Just what I need to chase the picture away of Scott with Shelby Barrington. It’s as though he knows I need this. He doesn’t pry, and he just provides me with friendship at a time I need it most. He makes me feel a whole better and by the end of the evening, I’m feeling just a little drunk.
Chester escorts me home and like a true gentleman walks me to my door. I turn to him and smile thankfully.
“Thank you for a lovely evening.”
He smiles but looks concerned.
“I’ve enjoyed it, Amelia. In fact, I was hoping to bump into you—not so literally though.”
We laugh and his eyes soften. Then he says nervously, “Say no if you’d rather, but would you like to do it again one night? Dinner, I mean.”
Suddenly, I feel shy and my heart flutters with a strange feeling. It’s a nice feeling though and I smile softly.
“Yes, I think I’d like that.”
His eyes light up and before I can think of it he leans forward and touches my lips with his. His kiss is soft and gentle, much like the man himself. I find myself kissing him back and he pulls me closer. Then he pulls back and smiles ruefully.
“I’m sorry, Amelia. I hope you don’t think I’ve taken advantage of you when you were obviously distressed earlier.”
Shaking my head, I just smile reassuringly.
“No, I liked it.” His eyes twinkle and he says softly.
“Until tomorrow then.”
I nod. “Yes, until tomorrow.”
I find that I’m smiling as I head inside the door.
That smile is soon wiped off my face though by the angry man standing in front of me.
I have never seen Scott so angry. He is standing in the entrance to the kitchen and his eyes are flashing as he sneers.
“What the hell was that all about? Are you trying to punish me for earlier?”
My heart starts thumping and I shout.
“Punish you! You’ve got a nerve. I thought we were together until you parade your fiancé in front of me with no regard for my feelings. How long have you been cheating on me with that cold bitch?”
He crosses the hall and in two strides is in front of me and grabs my wrist, pushing me hard against the wall. He sneers,
“That is none of your business.”
I laugh hysterically.
“None of my business. You’re more stupid than I thought.”
Suddenly I feel a sharp pain in my cheek as he slaps me so hard my head hits the wall. I stare at him in shock and his eyes narrow, as he hisses.
“Nothing has changed. Shelby is a business deal. An arrangement to get me what I want. You will just have to accept that is how it works around here. You are the woman I love and if you think I’m ok with seeing you kissing another man to get back at me, then you don’t know me at all. You are my heartbeat and the breath in my body. You are the first person I think of when I wake and the last one in my thoughts at night. I dream of you and desire you throughout the day. You are MINE and nobody else’s and that will never change.”
My heart beats even faster as he kisses me hard, his lips bruising mine and his fist grabbing my hair. I can’t help myself and return the passion and kiss him back with everything I’ve got. He pulls me to him and tears at my clothes. I tear at his until we are both naked and desperate. He isn’t gentle and I like it. I hate that I crave him inside me and he doesn’t hang about. He pushes me roughly against the wall and fucks me harder than I have ever been fucked before. He dominates me and owns me. It’s not gentle and yet I have never been so turned on in my life. Then he pulls out and grabs me by the wrist and pulls me upstairs. He pushes me face down on the bed and grabs my hair, yanking my head up to face the mirror. He growls. “Now watch me own you. You are mine and always will be.”
Then he pulls me up and fucks my ass. He holds my eyes in the mirror with his and they command my attention. He pounds inside me and it burns. The pain fills me but I want more. He groans and says roughly, “Who owns you, Amelia?”
I pant. “You do.”
He growls. “I am your Master and you are mine only. What do you say to me?”
I groan, feeling the pressure building and my desire coating him, “Fuck me, Master. You own me.”
We come together, both of us blinded by lust. He roars as I scream and we share this incredible moment when everything changes. He needs me just as much as I do him. We are bound together by something greater than the both of us which neither of us can break.
It begins.
When I wake, it’s to the sight of New York City. A busy metropolis where dreams are made and broken and a girl can reinvent herself.
First stop, Helen Flannigan, my High School buddy who is the only one I trust. I have no family which for the first time in my life is a blessing. As the bus pulls into the station, my heart lifts as I see my childhood friend, waving and shouting madly.
“Over here! Oh my God, I can’t believe it’s you.”
I race over to Helen and she grips hold of me tightly. I almost cry on her shoulder but stop myself just in time. She pulls back and looks at me critically. “You came to the right place, honey. We’ll sort you out.”
I smile at her gratefully. “You haven’t told anyone, have you?”
She smiles reassuringly.
“Only Eddie. He had to know if he’s going to help you.”
She grins. “Come on, Emily Stone. It’s time to get you a new life."
***
Chapter Ten
Helen lives with her husband, Eddie Winters, in a smart apartment near Central Park. I look around me with awe at the smart neighborhood.
“Wow, Helen. You’ve done well for yourself.”
She nods happily.
“Only just. You know that band Eddie manages? Well, they’ve made it big, and the money is rolling in quicker than the clouds of Winter.”
&n
bsp; I turn and hug my friend.
“I’m so happy for you. Who’d have thought two girls from County Ridge High would do so well for themselves.”
She links her arm with mine and grins.
“Too right we did.”
Then her face falls, and she looks at me with concern.
“Do you wanna tell me about it?”
I smile weakly.
“Maybe it’s best you don’t know the details. Anyway, I want you to show me inside this great apartment first.”
I laugh at the pride in her eyes as she unlocks the door.
I follow her inside and we head into an extremely modern and light filled apartment. The view from the window is breath taking and I can only wonder how much it’s set them back. Helen shows me around with pride and then takes me to a pretty guest room.
“Here you go, honey. Your very own home away from home. If you want, you can freshen up whilst I grab us a coffee.”
I smile at her gratefully.
“Thanks, Helen. You know I really appreciate this.”
Her eyes mist over and she hugs me tightly.
“What are friends for? I’m always here for you, we will work this out, trust me.”
She leaves me to it and I sit on the comfortable bed and look out of the window. Beneath me, people go about their daily business and I can only envy them their safe worlds. I expect there are also a lot of secrets walking around out there. I’m not naïve enough to imagine I am the only one that life has dealt a low blow. I envy Helen. She is settled and happy with Eddie. I only met him once a couple of years ago when they came to Washington when I met up with them for lunch. I had just started seeing Scott and was happy. What a lot has happened since then.
Sighing, I slip inside their modern bathroom to freshen up.
I didn’t bring much with me and just change into leggings with an oversized sweatshirt. I brush my hair and contemplate one of the wigs. I bought them for when I’m out in public. I can’t take any chances as I don’t want to be recognized.
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