Emerald Runs Deep

By Angela K Parker

Ilon has worked hard her whole life, but it never came close to being enough.  With increasing pressures at home, she is cornered into making a decision that will alter her family's legacy.

Xander is over-privileged and spoiled.  He is arrogant and thinks the world revolves around him.  His silver spoon days are about to end and he will soon learn that being in charge comes with a hefty price.

Their paths cross by chance.  Their livelihoods are both threatened.  They feel obligated to make a choice they don't want to make, both for totally different reasons...reasons that will bring them together and lead to their happily ever after.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela K Parker
• Release date: May 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386649502

Angela K Parker

Angela K. Parker is a country girl with a big heart. She's a South Carolina native with a passion for writing, reading, music, & math. When she’s not engaged in any of the above, she’s spending time with her family or catching up on the latest movies. She’s always had a very active imagination. Now she’s putting it to good use.Looking for more ways to connect? Join her newsletter here.Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cI3h6H

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Emerald Runs Deep

Emerald Runs Deep

Angela K Parker

Emerald Runs Deep

Copyright © 2018 Angela K. Parker

All Rights Reserved.

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author of this book.

This publication is a work of fiction.  Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner.  Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Published: Angela K Parker, 2018

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Contents

1  Ilon

2  Xander

3  Ilon

4  Xander

5  Ilon

6  Xander

7  Ilon

8  Xander

9  Ilon

10 Xander

11 Ilon

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1

Ilon

Once Upon a Time...

My world was a magical place.  Everyone was happy and healthy.  I lived life like it was a dream.  I was the little girl who wanted the fairytale with all the trimmings.  I always imagined finding my prince, planning a fairy wedding, and marrying the man of my dreams.  My wedding would be the event of a lifetime.  My mother would be there to dote on me, and my father would walk me down the aisle and give me away.  There would be so many flowers and decorations, and people would come from miles around to watch me become a princess.  I remember going on and on about it to my mom.  She would always say to me, ‘honey, you will find your prince one day.’

Fast forward to today, the real world.  My life is nothing like I imagined.  My dad passed away when I was twelve years old.  So, he will never be able to walk me down the aisle.  My mom is in remission from cancer.  My prince is nowhere in sight.  I work nine hours per day, six days a week, at a small boutique in the mall.  My paycheck is barely enough to cover the monthly expenses.  With mom being sick, she’s been out of work, leaving me to handle all the bills.  Our family home is about to be foreclosed on if I don’t come up with the money soon.  I’ve exhausted almost all of my options, leaving me with only one.

I was entrusted with our family jewel when my father died.  The emerald green pendant with platinum chain is the most beautiful piece of jewelry I have ever seen.  It’s also the only thing of value that I own.  I don’t want to part with it, and my mom would probably say find another way, but I don’t know what else to do.  The doctor won’t clear her for work for at least another two months; by then, our home will be gone.  If I can sell the jewel, that would get us by for at least a year.  What are the odds that my mom will ever find out if I don’t tell her?

That’s the last thought that goes through my mind as I hand over the jewel to the woman behind the counter at H&S Jewels to appraise it.  I know I won’t get nearly what it’s worth here, but I don’t have time to shop around.

Hmmm...This piece is quite exquisite.  Are you sure you want to part with it?

I’m trying hard to keep my tears at bay, and she asks me that question.  I remind myself why I’m doing this in the first place and show her the best smile I can muster.  I need this transaction to happen, but I’m not going to make it easy.  With my tears pushed to the back burner, I perfect my stance and say, I’m sure.

She continues to drool over my family jewel, turning it between her fingers.  It’s not her fault I’m doing this, but I feel nothing but resentment and disgust for her as she pulls out her mini magnifying glass to get a better view.  At least, that’s what the tool looks like to me.

How much do you want for it?  Her eyes snap up to mine, full of anticipation and hope.

I’ve thought about my