To Color Your Life

Warning! The chapter contains obscene language.

~~~

They say that in a person's life there are situations when this very life is divided into before and after. This usually happens when you come to the edge beyond which there is nothing but the death itself.

Emily knew this feeling. It smelled like rotten ground. It echoed with a thud. That was the very sound when the first handful of the ground fell on the lid of her mother's coffin.

Thud.

And the person does not exist anymore.

Thud.

And only memories remain with you.

Only now, one of her most vivid memories was buried under a thick layer of lies, as thick as the layer of the ground, under which her parents once were buried.

"They had their own company, about five people. All of them were children of wealthy families. There was a rumor among ordinary guys that this little elite group liked to have fun with girls who already were in a relationship. They chose the main player, and he had to seduce the girl who already had a boyfriend," Peter began to explain, but Emily had already heard the story. It turns out that the drunken bitch didn't lie.

Hmm, Justin Evans. Bravo. You really know how to surprise. Even her grandmother would envy such acting skills. A two-faced hypocrite.

"Why me?" she asked, her voice was cold as ice.

Peter rubbed his forehead nervously, "As I said, I made one mistake and Evans caught me. So I had to-"

"Peter, can you even hear yourself?! You paid for your fuck up and I was just the fucking collateral damage in your deal with Evans! You could just tell me about it, that you have problems, that you need help, that Justin is blackmailing you, after all! But you did what was easiest to do! You just preferred to take the responsibility off your shoulders!"

"I am so sorry. I don't know what to say in my defense," the man bowed his head.

Emily chuckled. In your defense? It's too late for excuses.

"Even now you are doing the same. You are blaming the other person for a choice you made yourself. The fact that Justin Evans has cornered you is on his conscience. But you found yourself in that situation by your own mistake, this is number one. And to get out of it, setting me up, was also exclusively your decision. That's number two."

Miller was silent and did not dare to look the girl in the eyes. Emily didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She was used to the fact that Peter had his own opinion on any account, especially when it came to her. And his opinion was often decisive.

"For six years you have been instructing me how I should dress, how I should behave. How not to stand out, be humble, quiet. Correspond to the status of the future wife of a successful scientist. You know, Peter, even a month ago, I would also have thought that this is your fault, that I put on so many masks, forgetting who I really am.

But this is not the case. It's my fault. I allowed such an attitude, I believed and listened to you like a little kitten in need of warmth and care. This was my choice. Maybe not the most conscious, but mine. And this choice had led me to where I am now."

Emily got up from the table, grabbed the mug of water she had poured for Miller, threw the water into the sink, and put the mug back into the cupboard.

The conversation was over.

"I have nothing to forgive you for, Peter Miller. I thank you for the experience. For the rest, deal with yourself. Now, you must leave." Emily motioned her hand towards the door.

Peter slowly got up from his chair, as if he was exhausted, and walked towards the exit.

"And you have changed," he said, turning around at the door of her apartment. Sadness, regret and admiration mingled in the man's eyes.

"Life teaches many lessons. I just learned to draw conclusions. Which is what I wish for you too."

Without another word or goodbye, Emily slammed the door behind the man.

That's all.

The exam is passed, the mark is received as well. Satisfactory, but on the other hand, it was her own result. Well done, Hayes.

You can go ahead. Now you definitely can.

...

The morning of a good day should start with a good coffee. Yes, that's right. Namely, with a double americano. Emily was fortunate that the best coffee in town was made across the street from her house. All she needed was to leave the house, run a couple of tens of meters - and here it is, her beloved "Nefertiti" cafe.

Emily wasn't going to sit at her usual table this time. Today she had grandiose plans. Such plans, from which the whole Pharaoh will shudder.

She took a coffee to go, two croissants with chocolate, and returned to her room in a great mood.

She pulled out of the closet a pair of frayed jeans suitable exclusively for sheep grazing (as her grandmother would say). And as for her, an excellent solution for someone who does not care what others think of her outlook.

She pulled on a tight black tank top. She looked in the mirror. Thought for a second. She took off her top, took off her bra, and put the tank top back on.

Freedom!

And to hell with stereotypes. She has her own preferences for this life.

Emily returned to the kitchen and glanced at the croissants. Perhaps she hurried with dessert. She didn't feel like eating. But the coffee was great.

The girl enjoyed every sip, grabbed a small pink backpack and, humming a tune, left her flat.

The road to the Pharaoh publishing house was shorter than usual. Well, or so it seemed to Emily.

The morning sun was warming everything around with its gentle rays, the trees in a nearby park were rustling with green leaves. Even the pigeons were unusually polite and did not attack passers-by with the whole flock, noticing a piece of bread.

Emily entered the tall building through the main entrance and headed for the main elevator.

"Well, stay where you are!" the stern female hail made Emily froze in surprise.

She turned her head and froze in even more shock. With a quick step in her direction (with not the most benevolent look) was heading a woman. And you know what? Not just some random woman, but the boss's wife herself!

God, is she aware of her affair with Justin?! Okay, maybe it wasn't an affair for Emily and she didn't know anything at all, but it doesn't change the result. She slept with a married man!

Damn it! She did not count on the appearance of the queen in this chess game!