Chapter 25 SCUMBAGS
Chapter 25 SCUMBAGS
Esmery stepped into Damien's house, hoping to slip away quietly after everything that had happened in the car. But the moment she entered the living room, she was met with two pairs of mischievous eyes locked onto her. Damien and Akilah sat comfortably on the couch, their arms crossed, wearing identical teasing smirks that made her stomach twist in embarrassment.
She felt the heat rise to her cheeks instantly and quickly averted her gaze, determined to escape before they could say anything. Without a word, she took hurried steps toward the stairs, hoping-praying-that they would let her go without a confrontation.
Unfortunately, luck was not on her side.
Just as she was about to make her great escape, a firm hand grabbed the back of her hoodie, stopping her in her tracks.
"You literally surprised me, Esmery," Damien said, pulling her back slightly. His tone was laced with amusement as he leaned forward, eyes narrowed with curiosity. "What the hell were you two doing in the car for so long?"
Esmery gasped dramatically, spinning around to glare at him, but she was only met with Akilah's knowing smirk.
"Nothing!" she said quickly, her voice a little too high-pitched to be convincing.
Akilah arched an eyebrow. "Nothing?"
Damien chuckled, shaking his head. "The hickeys on your neck beg to differ, sweetheart."
Esmery's eyes widened as she slapped her hands over her neck. Heat exploded across her face as she realized they had noticed. Jayden's possessive marks were on full display, and there was no way to deny it now.
"Can't you guys just pretend you didn't see anything?" she whined, stomping her foot childishly.
Akilah gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "You, my dear baby, know we love gossip. Gist is our life, honey. Spill it."
Esmery groaned, feeling utterly trapped. Knowing there was no escape, she took a deep breath and mumbled under her breath, "I just... gave him a blowjob, that's all."
Silence.
Then-
"Girl." Akilah's eyes widened.
"Girllllllllllll," Damien chimed in, his voice drawn out in exaggerated shock.
Esmery used their moment of stunned silence to her advantage and bolted upstairs before they could bombard her with more questions.
Once she was safely in her room, she pressed a hand against her burning face, groaning. "They are never going to let this go."
Shaking off her embarrassment, she made her way to the bathroom, stepping under the warm spray of the shower. As the water cascaded down her body, her mind wandered back to Jayden-his touch, his kisses, the way he had groaned her name in the car. The memory made her flush all over again, her heart racing.
Once she was done, she threw on a hoodie, determined to ignore any lingering thoughts of Jayden, and made her way back downstairs. Damien and Akilah had already showered and changed, looking refreshed and unbothered. Well, mostly. Akilah still had a teasing glint in her eyes, but thankfully, she didn't push further.
Together, they headed to the garage and got into one of Damien's cars. Esmery and Akilah sat in the back, while Damien drove them toward Monica's house.
The moment they arrived, Nanny Mia rushed out to greet Esmery, pulling her into a warm hug.
"My dear child, I missed you so much," she whispered, holding her tightly.
Esmery's heart softened. Nanny Mia had always been one of the few people in that house who genuinely cared for her. "I missed you too, Nanny."
After a brief moment of catching up, they moved to the dining room, where Esmery immediately noticed two people she would have rather avoided-Astrid and Diego. They sat together, whispering sweet nothings, acting like a picture-perfect couple.
Esmery smirked. "Oh, things are about to get interesting. The scumbag and his mistress are here. Isn't this just perfect?"
She made her way to the table, ignoring the way Astrid stiffened at her words. But just as she was about to take her seat, another sight caught her attention-Monica and Hank descending the stairs hand in hand, staring at each other as if they were the most in love couple in the world.
Esmery nearly laughed out loud.
If only Monica knew.
She had already discovered a year ago that Hank was cheating on Monica with a much younger model. It was only a matter of time before the truth unraveled. She couldn't wait to see the drama unfold.
Seven people sat around the table-Esmery, Damien, Akilah, Diego, Astrid, Hank, and Monica. But despite the number, the atmosphere was thick with tension.
As the meal began, Esmery quickly realized that all the food on the table was Astrid's favorites. Not a single dish catered to her tastes. Not that she cared, but the blatant favoritism made her chuckle.
Diego and Astrid continued whispering to each other, exchanging loving glances, while Hank watched them with approval. His expression practically screamed satisfaction.
"Now," Hank thought smugly, "even if Esmery wanted to rebel, I have Diego as my son-in-law. She won't be able to fight back."
Then, as if on cue, Monica cleared her throat, her voice dripping with fake warmth. "Esmery, I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive Astrid and Diego. They love each other very much. Besides, your engagement with Diego was an arranged one, not based on true love."
Esmery raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? Is that so?"
Astrid suddenly let out a dramatic sniffle. "Yes, sister, I love Diego so much. I hope you'll forgive me." She even wiped at nonexistent tears, her voice trembling. "If you want me to, I can kneel and beg for your forgiveness."
Esmery tilted her head, pretending to consider it. "Go ahead, then."
Astrid's face froze. She had expected Esmery to stop her, to show mercy, to play the 'gracious sister.' But instead, Esmery simply stared at her expectantly, waiting.
Awkward silence filled the room.
Just as Astrid hesitated, Diego pulled her to him, his arms wrapping protectively around her. He turned to Esmery, his eyes dark with disdain.
"So you'd really watch your younger sister kneel down?" he scoffed. "It's not her fault I fell in love with her. She's such a sweet and gentle soul."
Esmery almost laughed. Sweet and gentle? Was he blind?
Still, she kept her expression neutral, reaching for her glass of water as she spoke. "If that's what you need to tell yourself to sleep at night, Diego, then by all means, continue deluding yourself."
Astrid gasped, while Diego's jaw clenched.
Esmery, however, simply sipped her water, unfazed. The night was only just beginning, and she was more than ready to watch everything unfold.