Sin Of Innocence

Episode 13

Emanuel’s shoes that clanked against the flooring must’ve caught my father’s attention because he turned to look at him with a smile. His smile quickly turned into a frown as he looked at me.

When I glanced over at Emanuel, there was a hardened expression on his face. I wished I could apologize, but there was no way I could risk my dad finding out about us so soon. 2

“Christina? What are you doing here?” my dad asked, glancing between me and Emanuel.

It was foolish of me to expect any help from Emanuel because he only stood there with his arms folded across his chest, staring at me. He was begging me to be honest with his look.

“Uh, you remember how I had to resign from Liam Franco, right? Well, Mr. Mariano was telling me about the benefits of his internship,” I lied.

Emanuel scoffed.

Cowardice and stupidity were just two of the words someone could use to describe me. I couldn’t bear to look at either Emanuel or my dad as I stood there, hoping my father would believe my lie. While, at the same time, praying that he wouldn’t. He deserved to know the truth just as much as Emanuel didn’t deserve being treated like some secret.

“Oh! That is such a great idea. Thank you, Mr. Mariano,” my father smiled.

I bit down on my lip before finally bringing my gaze up to the blank blue eyes of Emanuel. He walked around his desk, where the chair squeaked as he sat down.

“What can I do for you?” Emanuel asked my dad.

“Um, I’m going to head home. I’ll see you there, dad,” I said softly.

Emanuel’s eyes were burning me and disappointment lingered in my wounds. As much as I wanted to look at him and plead for him to give us a bit more time, I couldn’t. I tried to rack my brain for a proper excuse as to what was taking me so long to say that I wanted to be with Emanuel, but there was only nothingness. The perfect opportunity to let everything off my chest was holding its arms out for a hug, but I turned away. 6

As I stepped into the elevator, I had one thought on my mind; I hoped Hazel wasn’t right about one thing. I hoped I wouldn’t lose Emanuel in the process of hoping not to lose my father.

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When I arrived home, I completely broke down. Emanuel probably hated me, and I deserved it. I didn’t deserve such a great man like him, who was supportive and kind. He treated me like I was the most important person in the entire world. I never felt more beautiful and mature until I was locked under his gaze. 2

Taking me by surprise, my doorbell rang, which helped bring my tears to a complete stop. I quickly wiped them away and sniffled up my sadness. I hoped it was Emanuel at the door. There was so much I needed to say and to apologize for. I was ready to drag him back into his car so we could tell my father the truth about everything. I needed him to understand that I knew I shouldn’t have taken so long, but I was ready. I was ready to be open and truthful.

When I pulled open the door, my heart dropped at the sight of Liam. He was wearing a bright, cheery smile on his face until he noticed my frown.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked.

I insisted on a smile despite how harshly it stung my lips. “Girl troubles.”

“Ah, I see. It’s a bummer without you at the office, but since you are in a sad mood, I won’t make it worse by reminiscing,” he chuckled. “I came by to hopefully lift your spirits with a recommendation letter. You worked really hard until you resigned, and I feel like your next employer should know about your hard work and dedication.”

“Really? That is amazing! Thank you so much!” I grinned cheekily. Having a recommendation letter from Liam Franco would open so many doors for me. Many employers would beg just to have me work in their office.

I tried my best to contain my excitement as he held out an envelope for me to take.

“My pleasure,” he said. “Uh, sorry to ask, but it’s going to be a long trip home. Do you happen to have a restroom I could use?”

I bit down on my lip before contemplating if I should allow him in or not. Emanuel was very adamant about me needing to stay away from Liam, but it was kind of Liam to drive all the way out to me. 24

After opening the door wider for him to enter, I pointed towards the restroom. “Sure. It is down the hall, first door on the left.”

“Thank you,” he let out. While he walked in, a pair of sunglasses had fallen from his pocket. These black frames with blue holographic lenses were the same set that I had seen on the guy I swore was almost everywhere I had been. Then again, what would a millionaire be doing stalking me? It had to be some form of a coincidence.

There was nothing I could do except suspiciously watch him walk over in the direction I had given him. Once I heard the bathroom door close, I hurriedly ripped open the envelope. However, a letter written by Liam Franco to describe how amazing of a performance I did as an employee was not there. No letter was there. The envelope was empty and full of absolutely nothing but lies.

“What th—”

Could it be that Liam Franco was the man who had been stalking me? My eyes widened as I could feel my heart kicking and screaming at me. I actually let this man into my house, and if I were correct, nothing good was going to come out of my foolishness. 1

Just as I was about to make a run for it, I was harshly pulled into a chest with a hand over my mouth.

“Say anything and I will kill you.”