The Return of My First Love novel Chapter 101

Emily

Pulling into the neighborhood where Jessica lived, I couldn't ignore how clean everything looked. There were perfect houses with fences, yards, and kids' bikes on green lawns.

It was both different and somewhere in between the neighborhood I used to live in and the mansion that I now call my home.

"How are we going to do this?" I asked as we slowly drove by, observing the houses. "If we show up at her doorstep like some gang, we might scare her off."

I voiced my thoughts aloud, "Obviously, it would make more sense for a fEmilyale to go."

"I'm not letting you go on your own. I told Alessio I would watch over you," Gian said. I was surprised but also touched by his concern.

"You did?"

"Yes, right before he left."

"That's really nice of you," I acknowledged with a pout. "But what other choice do we have?"

Both Gian and I turned our gazes towards Pilar, who was munching on her chips. Our options were limited. I could already imagine her going up to Jessica's door and dEmilyanding answers because that was all she had known her entire life.

The thought of that made me stand by my point. Gian and I sighed at each other, the decision being final.

"There's a gun in the armrest," Gian exhaled, his tone serious. "Take it with you."

"Of course, there is," I muttered under my breath. It was no big deal, telling me to take a gun that was just simply chilling in the armrest, like I knew how to use it. Note the sarcasm.

Regardless, I wouldn't oppose it. For all we knew, this Jessica was totally nuts.

Opening the armrest, I grabbed the heavy gun before carefully observing it.

"Please refrain from shooting anyone," Gian chuckled. "Because if you do, we would have to call someone to come clean it up, and people will start asking questions, you know what I mean."

No, I did know what he meant.

"I know, it happened to me a few times, but don't worry—I won't try to shoot anyone today." I tried laughing it off.

Gian chuckled as I slipped the gun into my purse. It didn't suit me, but nothing would change my mind. I would not be leaving without it. I took a deep breath, reading the correct house number on the small paper one more time. Then I stepped out of the car.

"Good luck!" Pilar called after me as I closed the door, focusing on something other than her chips. "If you're not back within a certain period of time, we'll just assume you're dead!"

"Stop, you're making her nervous," I heard Gian say, his voice fading away as I walked towards Jessica's house with a beating heart.

Going to that house felt like crossing a line. She was nothing more than Levi's ex-wife, it was probably a chapter she wanted to close. She most likely vented at the bar to get out her frustration so she wouldn't have to do it at home.

The last thing she needed was me knocking at her door.

Finding the correct number, I paused to avoid walking to the door. I absolutely hated this. I thought asking strangers about Levi was the limit of my discomfort, but standing here, preparing to confront his ex-wife, somehow felt even worse.

"You can do this, Emily. Just go there and do it," I spoke some encouraging words, taking baby steps until I stood in front of the door. A small part of me hoped that she wouldn't be home.

Jessica laughed, pointing a finger at me. My mind went blank from Emilybarrassment, and I was about to excuse myself. "Welcome to the club, sweetheart," she said, making me rethink my decision. "I'm surprised you found out. I mean, I know you found out because he couldn't tell you. "

Liza was right…

"That damn job of his is all he ever cares about. He's obsessed with it. I suggest you forget about him."

"I can't," I spoke. "That's why I want to talk to you."

Now that I knew he was an undercover, I wondered what organization he worked for and what he was after. I had to dig deeper.

"Where is he at anyway?" Jessica asked, curious. "I haven't spoken to him in the longest, so I can't tell you anything. I'm sorry."

"Actually, I don't know where Levi is either."

Jessica burst out laughing again. "Levi? Oh, honey, his name is Isaac," she corrected me, sending another shock through my systEmily.

Isaac?

"So his name is not Levi?" I breathed, feeling confused and betrayed. I hadn't even known him for so long, but it made me wonder. What part of what he had shared with me was actually true?

Was this man's whole life just a big fat lie?

"Come in," Jessica invited, opening the door wider. Her eyes were full of sympathy. "Let me pour you some tea so I can tell you what's up."