Page 116 of One Nightstand With My Ex's Uncle

EMILY’S POV.

John had stopped the car, but had still tried to persuade me. I didn’t bother listening, not even when he offered to take me there. I had hailed the first cab I saw, and he had happily driven through the long distance after I told him I would pay him well.

Just outside the compound, after I had paid him, I saw Lucas coming in the opposite direction, with canned drinks in a white polythene bag his hand. I felt like a kid seeing their mom after a long day at school.

It was impossible to walk to him. I forgot every other thing, and ran to him, with a bright smile. He was also happy to see me, and threw his arms around me.

I didn’t even care that people could be passing by. His hug was warm, and I wanted to stay in it. It made my chest tingle, and my heart beat skyrocketed, but it was a pleasant beat.

He released me, and looked down at me, smiling, and I wondered: Do I have feelings for Lucas? Why does his smile affect me so? Why do I long to drown in the green sea of his eyes? Why am I so happy just because I saw him, and he hugged me?

“You seem really bright.” He said, and I laughed.

“You also seem bright.” I returned, and he raised a brow.

“Didn’t you hear about what happened?” He asked, walking into the compound. “You didn’t pick or return my calls.”

“I was there when you called, but John wouldn’t let me pick it.” I replied immediately

“I thought as much.”

“He had this stupid rule, telling me not to use my phone. He kept saying he didn’t want us having any connection with the outside world. That was so infuriating. He didn’t let me have access to my phone. Even at the moment, my phone is in his hands.”

“His hands?” He asked, and I nodded.

“When he returns, I’ll take it from him. How did the whole Derel thing happen?” I asked.

“Oh that? It was solved today. Hours ago.” He replied, as we walked into the mansion.

The maids looked excited to see me, and I waved at them, smiling too.

The house was probably empty with only Lucas in it.

I didn’t know if the kids visited, but Katie had no reason to visit, so I doubted they saw her.

In the kitchen, he placed the drinks he bought in the fridge, and proceeded to make tea for us.

“Mandy’s sister made those photos.” He said, and my jaw fell.

“Mandy!? Oh my God. When me and Sadie went to the prison, she said something about bringing the family down. I was wondering if she had a plan right there in the prison, but… gosh.” I said, still surprised at the news.

“The sister was a nut job. She fooled everyone by appearing as a weak, sweet, desperate, and fragile person, but it was all a lie. She even faked her voice.”

“Unbelievable. Did you guys get her?”

“Sadie’s friend hacked into their phones.”

“George?” I asked, with a smile.

“You know him?”

“He was the one who helped hack into Mandy’s phone to reveal her conversations with John.” I replied, and he raised a brow.

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“So he had a hand in taking down the sisters. He should get something nice from me.”

“I agree with that. How did you feel when the whole thing happened?” I asked, as he served us with tea, and sat in front of me.

“I felt I was going to go crazy.”

“You couldn’t believe it.” I said, smiling.

“The comments were so… if I could punch people through comment boxes, I’d have been arrested for mass assault.” He said, and I laughed.

“The comments were mean.”

“Of course, everyone’s waiting for our downfall. They were more than happy to see us trending in the news, not for accomplishments, but for disgrace.”

“Unfortunately, the matter is solved, and they can shut their mouths now. Gosh, people are so mean.”

“Derel actually attempted suicide.”

“What?” I asked, choking on my tea.

“Careful there.” He said, laughing.

“Genevieve was so mad at him, and hurt him with her words. Then she told him to get lost. He went ahead to find every pill in the house, and decided to chew on them.”

“Every pill?”

“They could have numbered fifty or more. If I didn’t have sharp eyesight, I wouldn’t have noticed it was a container he had thrown into the water.”

“He has some guts. But then, I understand him. At times like that, you want everyone to be on your side so you can feel a little okay. When the person you like most isn’t on your side, it can be painful.” I said softly, holding my cup between my hands, enjoying the warmth.

“I’m just glad it’s over.”

“Hey!” Sadie said, coming in. “Did you hear of my brilliant act? And where are the things you bought for me? You went on a trip, but didn’t bring anything back?” She asked, and I sighed.

“I’m sorry. Next time I go on a trip, I’ll try to bring something.”

“Seriously? You didn’t even bring a peck for Lucas?” She asked, and I blushed pink.

“Okay, you’re getting out of here.” I said, dashing to her. I lifted her against her will, and took her out of the kitchen.

“She’ll bring a kiss soon, Lucas! She’s just shy! The peck is in her pocket!” She shouted, as I ran.

“Gosh, you’re so embarrassing! Sadie, stop.” I said, even though I was grinning from ear to ear.

~

The next day, John arrived just in time for breakfast.

“I’m so hungry. I’ll quickly change into fresh clothes.” He said, and I disappeared into the kitchen. I didn’t know how we were supposed to interact after having such fun together at the arcade. Surely not completely friendly, right?

I fiddled with the bowls for a while.

“Emily!” Sadie called. “I’m hungry! The twins and Jude are here. They also want breakfast.” She said.

“Really?” I asked, leaving the kitchen. They had also come for breakfast. “Hi there.” I said, shy for no reason.

“Hi.” Derella, and Jude said.

“You were totally absent when my case was going on.” Derel said.

“When you see John, blame him. He has my phone with him.” I said, with a smile. “Congratulations on being freed.” I added, and walked back into the kitchen.

I made tea for us to have with our Casserole, and was serving everyone with vegetable broth when I heard John coming down the stairs.

“Your food is…” I was saying, with my back turned to him, but stopped in shock, as he back hugged me!