Owned By Her Triplet Bullies
Chapter 92

Ximena's POV

The guests all started to leave the party hall one after the other and soon enough, they all left. Cole instructed the event planners on what to do next before he took Madison and Mason's hands. We headed out of the door shortly after. Cole strapped the kids' seatbelts while I got into the car absentmindedly. Today has been the most confusing I've ever been. The strange woman, the couple, and the crazy thief. They all looked like they'd known me their whole lives, especially the crazy thief. They all called me by the same name. Emma. Who the hell was this Emma? Did I look like her so much that they would mistake me for her? This is all so strange and intriguing. I would like to meet this Emma girl and see what she looks like myself. My thoughts drifted to the man I met in the woods. I felt attracted to him and I didn't know why. Was it his looks or the way he acted? I just did not know. I can't possibly wrap my head around why I would feel attracted to someone like that. He was very good-looking, no doubt but my first impression of him was not that good.

I had lots of questions I needed answers to and I hope I meet him again to get some answers.

"Mum?" Madison called out. I snapped out of my thoughts before glancing back at her.

"Yes, baby?" I replied with a smile.

"We've been trying to get your attention for a while now. What were you thinking so intently about?" Mason asked curiously. I glanced at Cole who also glanced at me before looking back at the road.

"I'm sorry, I was thinking about a patient of mine. I must have zoned out. I didn't hear you calling," I said.

"A patient? Is it something serious?" Cole inquired, glancing at me before looking back at the road. He tried to hold my hand which was on my thigh with his free hand since only one of his hands was on the steering wheel but I shook his hand off. He glanced at me looking confused.

"It's nothing I can't handle," I said to him, still looking at the kids.

"Madison was telling you about our science project. We've run out of equipment and we need more equipment in order to finish it. Also, we have an extracurricular activity tomorrow so don't come too early to pick us up," Mason explained. Madison yawned, already starting to doze off.

"Of course, just tell me what you will be needing and I will get it after work tomorrow," I replied.

"I can get it," Cole said.

"I will get it. You don't have to bother," I responded. We rode in silence till we got to the house. Cole picked Madison up while I held Mason's hand. We all walked into the house.

"Welcome back," the nanny greeted trying to take Madison from Cole but he refused as he headed upstairs. I went along with him. Mason went to take a shower before going to bed. He was peculiar about his hygiene. He detested being stained with even a speck of dirt. I tucked Madison in without looking at Cole. After I was sure they were sleeping and comfortable, I walked out with Cole right behind me.

"Is everything fine?" he asked me.

"Why would it not be?" I replied as I continued walking without looking back at him.

"Because you have not looked at me nor spoken to me properly since we left the party. Did I do something?" he asked.

"I don't know. Did you?" I questioned back. He walked hurriedly and stepped in front of me.

"I wouldn't know unless you tell me what I did wrong," he replied. I stared at him without saying anything for a while.

"Is there something you are hiding from me?" I asked seriously.

"What? Where is this coming from?" he asked, slightly taken aback.

"Just answer the question, Cole. Is there something you are not telling me?" I pressed.

"Of course not Ximena. Did someone say something at the party? Is that why you've been ignoring me? Is that what this is all about? I would never lie to you or hurt you Ximena. Don't you trust me?" he asked, looking hurt. I realized how insensitive I have been. This was Cole and I have known him my entire life. He would never do anything to hurt me. Ever. I believe in him. He was my best friend.

"That was stupid of me. I don't know where it came from. I'm sorry," I apologized. He smiled widely at me.

"The great Ximena apologizing. This is new," he smirked.

"Shut up. This will be the first and the last you will ever hear me say those words," I retorted, hitting his arm playfully. He held my hands and pulled me closer with a smile.

"I doubt that," he said.

He hugged me, his hands wrapped around me tightly. At first, it was completely normal. Just two friends hugging and reconciling after having a misunderstanding, that was until he sniffed my hair. He sighed and kissed my neck lightly. I frowned.

"Okay, enough with the hugging. We are good now," I said when I felt his lips on my neck again. He quickly pulled away and cleared his throat loudly.

"You looked so good in that dress that I got carried away. My mistake," he replied.

"You clearly got carried away. Why don't you call your numerous girlfriends if you feel lonely," I suggested. Cole had different ladies who would fall at his feet at the slightest attention from him. "Absolutely. I will," he nodded.

"And also, can you stop giving people the impression that we are married? You keep referring to me as Ximena Martinez which was why I was addressed by that name at the party. Most people already think we are married and I don't want to keep giving people the wrong impression about us," I said.

"Of course. I only said that as a joke. I never knew the announcer would change your name to mine. I completely understand Ximena Blake. I will correct that mistake completely," he replied. I nodded.

"We've both had a really long night. It's better we go to bed. We have a long day ahead of tomorrow. Goodnight," I said before heading towards my room. I showered and changed into my nightgown before laying on my bed. I felt the need to clear up the misunderstanding between Cole and me. We were definitely not married but people thought we were because of how close we both were. He was my best friend and only family which was why I confided in him and felt safe around him.

I had a feeling he had romantic feelings for me even though he never said it but I never wanted to acknowledge it because that would mean it was true. I didn't feel the same way. Cole was a great person but I don't know why I can't bring myself to love him after so many years of him being there for me. It felt like there was a huge void in my heart that could not be filled by him. Or anyone else I've ever come across. Which was why I always set boundaries between us. I didn't want to give him the impression that I felt the same way because I never want to hurt him.

Cole was a very nice person who deserved all the happiness in the world. I just don't think I'm the right person to offer that happiness. I switched off the lights and started to slowly fall asleep with the thoughts of all the strange encounters I had throughout the day replaying in my mind.

I woke up the following morning to the sound of my phone ringing. I groaned, searching the table for it with my eyes closed. I finally found it and picked up the call without looking at who was calling.

"Hello, you've reached Doctor Ximena, how may I help you?" I asked.

"Doctor, you have a request for an appointment scheduled for 9:00. I just wanted to know if you would like for me to accept it," she said. I recognized her voice as nurse Judith, she was in charge of scheduling my appointments and helping me out. She was assigned

to me.

"Who is it?" I inquired.

"Mr. and Mrs. Moore. They said to tell you that you met at a party last night and you gave them your card," she replied. I flung my eyes open. I remembered them. They were the couples I met yesterday. The ones who looked like they knew me. "Set the appointment. I will be there," I responded.

"Yes doctor," she replied before hanging up. I really wanted to meet with this couple and hear what they have to say. I had lots of unanswered questions I wanted a reply to.