Illusion: Something that deceives by producing a false impression of reality.
There was once a deer looking for refuge from the scorching sun. It walked along the concrete roads, longing for anything: shelter, or even better, a drink of water. As it looked ahead, the deer was overjoyed to see a puddle of water on the concrete. It's four legs moved at the speed of light to reach that little puddle, the oasis it had been waiting for. When it reached the location, however, there was no puddle. Disappointed, the deer walked away. This phenomenon is called a mirage, an illusion. There are illusions everywhere we look, and as people, it is our responsibility to be able to differentiate between reality and delusions.
Daniel POV
Sunlight. That is the first thing I see when I open my tired eyes. Last night was..interesting, to say the least, and needless to say, I did not get nearly enough sleep. The past few weeks had been rough: with my father's false Huntington's diagnosis, Patrick's sudden reappearance, Voulez and the coldness that I had been getting from Emily recently. Just when things were starting to go back to normal, Sarah is introduced into my life. I let out a sigh as I reach over to the other side of the bed, only to find that it is empty. Emily probably went out for a swim, like she usually does in the morning. I reluctantly get on my feet and walk to the shower. The shower is where I do my best thinking.
As the warm water trails down my body, I can't help but feel relaxed. My mind begins to wander to Sarah. There is no denying that Sarah is a great girl. Some of the best memories were with her: the barbeques that did not require dress coats and watching baseball games at her house, to name a few. In fact, I still rooted for the Mets because of her. She's funny, smart, and gorgeous, but she is no Emily. It has been hard to keep Sarah out of my mind, I'll give you that, but it's only because I want to make amends for everything I've done to her. Before I start a new life, a new family with Emily, I want to have a clean slate.
I love my fiancé-I know that from the bottom of my heart. I look over to the large number of shower gels and scrubs that Emily has collected, and I can't help but smile. She's a total hoarder, and I love that about her. I reach for the one that is nearly empty, it smells of lavender and her.
I quickly finish up my shower, and change into a grey suit. I hate the way I feel when I'm wearing a suit, it makes me feel..like a Grayson. Wearing what I want is one of the few luxuries that I cannot afford yet, I have to go to work so I can build a future for Emily and me. Although working at Voulez is better than working at Grayson Global, I don't like the business world..If I had it my way, I'd be a writer.
I can see Emily in the kitchen as I walk down the stairs. It's weird how every time I see her I'm amazed by how beautiful she is. "Good morning sunshine. How was your swim?" I say to her as I hug her tightly. She smiles at me and says "It was nice." Lately, the affection in Emily's eyes has been missing..and I can't understand why. Is it because she thinks I'm becoming too much of a Grayson? I wish she'd understand that I'm only doing this so I can secure a future for us, for our family. Or is it because of Aiden?
"Coffee?" She interrupts my thoughts as she hands me a mug of black coffee, just the way I like it. I thank her and then tell her that I have to head to the office. She hands me my suitcase and we share a kiss goodbye. Somehow this kiss feels different from before. I can't help but feel worried as I walk out of the door.
This has nothing to do with Aiden, right?
Emily POV
I came to the Hamptons for one reason alone, to avenge my father and expose the Graysons for the monsters they really are. I did not come here for love.
Sadly, love is not in the cards for me, and I cannot let myself grow attached to Daniel. Any feelings must be nipped in the bud.
The sound of my ringtone transports me back to reality.
"What is it Nolan?"
"Oh..nothing Ems..Just wondering what's on the revengenda today."
"Maybe we should hit pause on the revenge for awhile.."
"Oh ok, so what's the reason for this? Is it your feelings for Danny boy?"
"Very funny, Nolan. The only feelings I have for him are ones of pure hatred."
The last sentence feels unnatural coming out of my mouth, because I know that it is false. I just hope if I say it enough, it will come true. I cannot let my feelings for Daniel distract me from my revenge. This revenge is bigger than me, than my happiness.
Daniel doesn't love me anyway, he loves the illusion that I've created. He is in love with Emily Thorne, not Amanda Clarke. And let's face it; he would never be able to accept, much less love, the real me.
A solemn thought crosses my mind and I wonder..
"Can revenge keep me warm at night?"