It's Painful to Love You

She could hear the loud music mixed with everyone's laughing voices. She was sure that the guests were having a great time. Who wouldn't be? It was one of the most extravagant parties being thrown by her sister, Amelia. Suddenly she heard a knock on her door.  "Emily? Are you inside?" She sat right up. It's Albert's voice!  She hurriedly went down on her bed. "Yes, I'm here!" When the door opened, Albert was smiling and was opening his arms. Emily went straight inside his arms and held on dearly. Albert Zorel was her one-true friend. They met each other when they were in high school and ever since then, they had been inseparable.  "I am so happy you're here!" she exclaimed.  "Me, too. I miss you, love," he kissed her forehead.  She moved from his embrace and led him to her sofa.  "How are you? When did you come back? Why did you not inform me?" Albert laughed. "Whoa. Whoa. You really missed me, huh. Well, for your first question, I am OK. I am doing great, actually. I just came back yesterday, and I didn't inform you because I wanted to surprise you." Then he winked at her.  "Well, you succeeded! I was really surprised when I heard your voice, love." She looked at him with tears in her eyes.  "Why the tears, Emmie?" Albert looked so worried. He touched her left cheek.  She smiled when she heard his endearment to her.  She smiled at him, "I am just really happy to see you. It's been 2 years since I last saw you." "I am here now. We'll do a lot of fun things, I promise. By the way, why are you in your room? It's your sister's party. You should be downstairs enjoying her party." She sighed. "I'm not in the mood. Besides, Father doesn't want me to join them." Albert stared at Emily with a sad look in his eyes. Nothing has changed. She is still hated by Uncle William. Albert stood up and looked down on Emily.  "Come on. Wear your most beautiful dress and I'll put some make-up on your pale face." He pulled Emily and made her sit on the chair in front of her vanity mirror. Then, he locked the door and winked at her.  "But Albert, please. I am really not in the mood. Also, I don't want to see Father's disapproving look." "No more buts. Look, I don't have a date because I was thinking that you'd be my date tonight. Let's just say, for old times' sake? Besides, Uncle William is fond of me and so I'm sure he will not get angry at you." For old times' sake. Emily smiled. She and Albert used to pretend that they were a couple. Albert begged her to pretend that she was his girlfriend so that no one would suspect of his real identity. He was gay, and he still could not tell his family and friends the truth because of his fear that he would be discriminated. Worse, his family might disinherit him.   An hour later...  Emily was looking at the beautiful woman in the mirror. Was she really that woman?  "Emmie, look at you. You are so beautiful! Albert proudly exclaimed.  She was wearing an off- shoulder white dress that hugged her dainty figure. Albert chose simple but beautiful Tiffany's Lynn pendant and earrings for her to wear.  "Thank you, love. But I'm not gonna party too long, OK?" she said.  "OK. We'll just stay there for an hour. Let's go."  Albert offered his right arm for her and together they went out of her room.   She's here. Finally. Kai Stevens was looking at the woman who was with Albert Zorel. She looked like a princess in her long white gown.  Well, she really was like a princess. And her king father was the man he hated the most – William Fort.  William Fort was a well-known businessman not just in their country Centuria but also around the world. He had made small businesses into business empires that even other businessmen dared not to mess with the old man.  Except him.  He had prepared a lot for this moment. His desire to see the old man defeated, in the most painful way, was what drove him to succeed in all his business endeavors. He was Kai Stevens, the multi-billionaire business magnate who controlled the IT world here and abroad. It was not difficult to enter the circle of friends of the Fort family. It was too easy. Getting the trust of the old man was another story. Nevertheless, he still succeeded. That's why he was here.  He was PERSONALLY invited by the old man. If he only knew... Mr. Fort had one son and three daughters. The son, Marcus Fort, was already handling the family's businesses in other countries while the eldest daughter was married to a business tycoon. The other daughter, Amelia, was engaged to be married to his doctor- friend, Philip.  The youngest, Emily Fort, was his target. He had not met her personally yet.  According to his hired private detective, she was a shy woman and she preferred to stay home whenever she was done with her work in her family's company. She rarely attended parties and was only seen outside if accompanied by her rumored boyfriend, Albert Zorel. Kai did not keep his eyes off Emily. No, she should never be out of his sight.  **************************************************************************************************************** Emily was talking to Albert when Amelia approached her.  "Dear sister, good thing you decided to join us. I know I should thank you, Albert," Amelia said.  "Well, I told her it would be a shame if I, the Albert Zobel, am not accompanied by my very own partner." Amelia laughed, "Indeed. Be sure to attend my wedding on Sunday. Emily, don't let him out of your sight. I want to see you together on my special day. Who knows, you might get the bouquet and you, the garter," she left them with a teasing look.  Albert leaned on her and whispered on her ear, "I am having goose bumps all over my body." They both laughed.  **************************************************************************************************************** So, the rumors are true. Kai thought.  He saw how Albert Zorel whispered something to Emily and the two laughed while staring at each other. He could also see how close their bodies were. He noted how Albert's right arm kept on touching the side of her left breast, and she seemed oblivious to it, as if she was used to it.   Well, you're about to say goodbye to your lover, Emily Fort.  **************************************************************************************************************** Emily felt uneasy. It felt like someone was staring intently at her. She looked around the ballroom area and saw couples moving their bodies harmoniously to the soft beat of music. As she was about to look for Albert, someone caught her eyes. Maybe it was his aura of authority... or maybe it was because of the fast beating of her heart. Why wouldn't it beat so fast? The man was staring at her!  When he saw her looking at him, he gave her a sexy smile. My God, did Adonis decide to attend her sister's party?  She hurriedly left and looked for Albert.  She saw Albert busily talking to his business associates and so she decided to just go to the gazebo. Albert would come looking for her, she was sure.  As she trod her way to the garden, she stopped and took off her sandals. She felt refreshed as she felt the grass under her feet. When she reached the gazebo, she sat on its cushioned narra chair and stared blankly at the flowers surrounding the garden.  A penny for your thoughts?