Chapter 3: Plotting Her Escape

Emily's POV

I return home, my heart still racing from the confrontation with Nathan. The door clicks shut behind me, and for a moment, I lean against it, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. I need to gather my thoughts, but all I can think about is the face of Camille plastered with that smug smile, and Nathan’s cruel taunts echoing in my mind.

I stomp into the bathroom, shedding my clothes like they’re an old skin. The hot water of the shower cascades down my body, washing away the remnants of Nathan's betrayal, if only for a moment. I stand there, letting the steam envelop me, muttering angrily to myself. “Who does he think he is? Talking down to me like that!”

I grab my lotion, but it slips from my fingers, crashing to the floor. “Ugh! Great, just great,” I groan, shaking my head.

It was this clumsiness that brought be this far in the first place.

I could scream in frustration, but instead, I let the water drown out my anger. Nathan might think he’s won, but I’m done being the naive wife.

Eventually, I step out, wrapping myself in a towel and glancing at the mirror. My reflection is a mess—hair damp and wild, eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep. I look like I’ve just come from a club, not a home where I’ve sacrificed so much for. The thought of Nathan’s indifference stabs at my chest, but I shake it off. I have to be stronger than this.

I collapse onto my bed, staring at the ceiling, but sleep eludes me. Instead, I pace the darkened room, replaying Nathan’s words. He manipulated me. Used my family’s wealth. I feel the weight of every betrayal, how he tossed me aside for Camille.

I can’t believe I let him take control of the company my parents left me. Everything is clear now—Camille is more manipulative than I thought, and Nathan? He was always the one to blame for letting her in. But as the hours pass, a new anger surfaces. He might not have been over Camille at all. Maybe I was just a placeholder, a means to an end while he pined for his past.

Suddenly, my phone buzzes, interrupting my thoughts. It’s Claire, and my heart lifts slightly. She’s always been my rock. I quickly swipe to answer.

“Hey, Em! How are you holding up?” Claire's bright voice contrasts sharply with my dark mood.

“I… I don’t know, Claire. I just found out Nathan is with Camille. They’re having a baby.” I can’t keep the tremor out of my voice.

“Oh no. I’m so sorry.” There’s genuine concern in her tone. “Are you at home?”

“Yeah, I’m just trying to process everything. I can’t believe I wasted five years on him. I handed him everything—my family’s legacy, my trust. And he’s just thrown it away!”

“Listen,” she says softly, “I’m on my way over. We’ll figure this out together.”

The next morning, Claire arrives, her presence filling the room with warmth despite the tension in the air. Her pregnancy is evident, her glow a stark contrast to my dishevelled state and honestly,I'm a little jealous.

“Emily! You look like you’ve been through a war,” she says, concern etched on her face. “What happened?”

I exhale deeply, letting the floodgates open. “I confronted Nathan. He was with Camille, and he... he said he needs an heir. He thinks I’m barren. It’s like he has no regard for the years we spent together.” I then told her about everything else including the picture Camille sent and my frustrating meeting with that arrogant Adrian.

Claire shakes her head, fury in her eyes. “That’s ridiculous! He has no right to talk to you like that.”

I nod, but my anger is mixed with disbelief. “I can’t believe I let him manipulate me for so long. He made me feel like I was the problem.”

“Em, you’re stronger than this,” Claire says firmly, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve always been strong. But we need a plan. We can’t just let Nathan walk all over you like this.”

I sit up straighter, realizing she’s right. “I need to take back control. I need to document everything he’s done. It’s time to prepare for war.”

“Exactly! Let’s make a list of everything Nathan has done to undermine you. His affair, the way he took control of the business… everything,” Claire urges.

I grab a notepad and pen, jotting down my thoughts. “He convinced me to merge our companies under the pretence that I couldn’t handle it on my own. I’ve let him dictate everything, and now he’s turned it all against me.”

“You should call someone. Do you have someone you trust?” Claire asks. “Maybe the finance manager? He might know where Nathan is pulling funds or how deep the debt really goes.”

“Yeah, that could work. He was always loyal to my father. He’ll tell me the truth,” I say, feeling a flicker of hope.

As I make the call, I glance around the room, noticing the remnants of my old life—the diplomas I earned, the trophies from competitions. I let out a bitter laugh. “Look at this mess. I’ve wasted so much time trying to be the perfect wife.”

“Let’s focus on what’s next. We’ll build you back up,” Claire says, her voice filled with determination.

After a brief conversation, Claire hangs up, her expression serious. “The manager says the company is in serious debt. If things don’t turn around soon, bankruptcy is imminent.”

“Wait, what? How could that be?” My heart drops, the realization hitting me hard. “Nathan assured me everything was fine!”

Claire’s face hardens. “He’s been lying, Emily. You need to get ahead of this. It’s not just about you anymore; it’s your family’s legacy.”

“I can’t believe he would do this,” I whisper, feeling the tears threaten to spill. “He used my trust against me.”

Claire reaches out, squeezing my hand. “We’re going to figure this out together. You’re not alone in this fight.”

As we strategize, I feel a sense of empowerment growing within me. This time, I won’t let Nathan’s actions dictate my future.

“Emily,” Claire starts, her voice teasing, “what about Adrian Blackwood?”

I scoff. “You mean the arrogant billionaire? I don’t want anything to do with him.”

“But he’s powerful, and he can help. Don’t you see? You need allies, and he’s the strongest ally you could get,” she counters, her eyes bright with possibility.

“I don’t care how strong he is. He called me a beggar yesterday! I’ll never see him again,” I declare, but her reasoning lingers in the back of my mind.

“Never leave the strongest idle,” Claire reminds me. “You don’t have to like him, but think of what he could do for you.”

As I ponder Claire’s words, my stomach grumbles loudly, breaking the tension in the room. Claire’s eyes light up.

“What’s that?” she laughs.

“I think I’m hungry, and maybe I should get some food.” I chuckle back.

“I have a ridiculous craving for pickles and ice cream,” Claire admits sheepishly.

“Pickles and ice cream? That’s an interesting combo,” I tease.

“Hey, I’m pregnant! And you promised to support me no matter what,” she retorts, grinning.

“Fine, let’s go find a place that serves that, even if it’s disgusting.” I roll my eyes, but a smile creeps onto my face.

As we leave, I feel lighter. Maybe I can fight this battle after all, armed with the support of my best friend.

The day stretches ahead, and though uncertainty looms, I am no longer afraid. I will reclaim my life.