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.
Emily's POVI stand at the mirror, my hands trembling slightly as I apply the last touches of makeup. I can’t help but feel the weight of what I’m about to do. After Claire’s urging, I’ve decided to reach out to Adrian Blackwood. Just the thought of his name sends a shiver down my spine. He’s the wealthiest man in the city, a man known for being ruthless and cold, but I need his help. I need someone powerful on my side to take down Nathan.I glance at the business card he gave me, the embossed lettering gleaming under the light. “Adrian Blackwood,” it reads, and beneath it, his title: CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. I breathe in deeply, trying to squash the flutter of nerves in my stomach. I dial the number, praying he picks up.When he answers, his deep, magnetic voice pulls me in. “Why is a beggar calling me so early in the morning?” he grumbles, sleep still thick in his tone.My mouth drops open in disbelief. “Excuse me?” I manage to reply, though my heart races. The audacity of this
Emily's POVI step inside the mansion, the place that used to feel like a home but now feels like a trap. After my meeting with Adrian, everything seems so different. The weight of the deal I made, the favors I’ll owe, and the humiliating fact that I’ll be working as his maid makes my stomach churn. The mighty fall, don’t they?I glance around the grand entryway—this mansion was once a symbol of my parents’ hard-earned success, of their legacy. And now, Nathan is bleeding it dry with his reckless investments, soon to ruin everything. As I walk through the hallway, I pause by the large family portrait of my parents. I can almost hear my father’s voice in my head: Stay strong, Emily. This isn’t over. And I know it isn’t. I’ll make them proud again.I move upstairs, the exhaustion catching up with me. Two days... it's only been two days since I confronted Nathan and found out about Camille’s pregnancy. Two days, and it feels like a lifetime. My mind spins with everything—Nathan’s cruelty
Emily’s POVI stood in front of the mirror, taking in the new version of myself. The sleek, tailored black dress hugged my curves, emphasizing the confidence I had worked so hard to reclaim. It was amazing how a simple shopping trip could transform me. I smiled faintly, the thrill of the new wardrobe coursing through me. But that joy was fleeting.As I stepped out of my bedroom, my heart raced with both excitement and trepidation. I could hear Nathan in the living room, and despite my resolve, I felt a knot tighten in my stomach.“Emily!” he called out, his tone dripping with condescension. “We need to talk.”I forced myself to walk into the living room, where Nathan sat on the couch, looking more smug than ever. His eyes narrowed as he took in my appearance, and I could see the jealousy bubbling beneath his surface.“Nice dress,” he sneered, his voice oozing with sarcasm. “Where did you get the money for that?”“None of your business,” I replied, crossing my arms defiantly.“I saw yo
The news hit me like a punch to the gut. “How do you know this?” I cleared my throat and couldn’t help but lean forward. Because of the contract terms, I could no longer tell Claire about anything because he needed his privacy, and although she understood, I just wished I had a more open-minded helper.But seeing how this was the most I could get, I guess beggars can’t be choosers.“Let’s just say I have my sources,” he replied, pacing the room as he spoke. Of course he did.He is the Adrian Blackwood “He’s trying to set you up to take the fall.”I shook my head, disbelief swirling in my mind. “I can’t believe he would go that far.”Adrian stopped, fixing me with an intense gaze. “You need to understand the stakes, Emily. Nathan is not going to play nice, and if you don’t act quickly, you’ll lose everything.”“But we have been together for seven years, how could he?” I asked, my voice weak as I felt deflated against the bar stool.He leaned against the bar, pouring himself a drink. “H
Emily’s POVThe charity gala was a dazzling display of wealth and status. Crystal chandeliers hung above, casting shimmering light over the sea of opulent gowns and tailored suits. I felt the eyes of the crowd on me, their whispers following my every step. I couldn’t blame them; walking into a room with Adrian Blackwood by my side was like announcing to the world that I no longer played by the rules I used to.Adrian, as always, looked striking. His tailored suit highlighted his broad shoulders, and the way he carried himself—commanding and untouchable—made it impossible for anyone not to notice him. We had already agreed to split once we entered. Adrian’s enigmatic reputation was important, and maintaining distance was part of the plan.“I’ll keep an eye on you,” he had whispered before we entered. There was a weight to his words that had sent a shiver down my spine.I nodded and moved into the crowd, alone now. Despite the confidence my new dress brought me, I felt like an outsider.
Adrian’s POVThe moment I stepped into that room, everything in me went cold. Emily lay crumpled on the floor, drugged and defenseless, her palms were red from banging on the door for so long.And the tears in her eyes."Oh God. That bastard made her cry."Fury boiled in my veins, but I pushed it down. For now, I had one priority: getting her out of here. she didn't look okay and something about the way the sleeve of her dinner dress had fallen off her shoulder was messing my reasoning up.I had taken her shopping and gotten her the best of the best, but knowing that that bastard Nathan had seen her in it, held her in it, made me want to smash his skull.I knelt beside her, my heart twisting at the sight of her glassy eyes and trembling lips. “Emily,are you okay? where did he hit you?” I whispered as I noticed the extra slur in her tone and the way she was breathing like she was gasping for air.Lifting her gently into my arms. Her body felt so fragile against mine, yet the heat of her
Emily’s POVI woke to the soft glow of unfamiliar sunlight streaming through the large window, the silken sheets beneath me smooth and cool against my skin. A gentle ache pulsed in my head, the unmistakable remnants of last night’s events. For a moment, I forgot where I was. Blinking against the light, I slowly took in my surroundings—the room, with its sleek, minimalistic design, was nothing like mine. The walls were a cold, soft gray, and the faint scent of expensive cologne lingered in the air.Where am I?And then it hit me—Adrian. The gala. The scene with Nathan. Everything came flooding back in waves, tightening my chest as I pulled myself up. I immediately noticed the soft nightwear clinging to my body, a shiver running through me. I hadn't been wearing this last night.Panic bubbled up. Did we—?I jumped out of bed, my feet sinking into the plush carpet, only to wince at the sudden throb of my hangover. A glass of water and a hangover remedy sat conveniently on the nightstand,
Emily's POVThe sound of my phone buzzing echoed through the room, jolting me from my thoughts as I made my way upstairs. It was strange. I hadn’t seen it earlier when I’d woken up, and now it sat on the edge of the bedside table, vibrating with an unfamiliar urgency.The ringtone filled the air, “I’m a rockstar, I’m a rockstar, it’s not hype-hype, baby, make you rock-hard,” and I couldn’t help but hum along, swaying my hips slightly to the beat. Lisa from Blackpink, I thought with a small smile. “God, she’s my favorite,” I murmured to myself as I danced to the song for a few more beats, caught up in the moment.Without thinking, I picked up the call mid-chorus, too engrossed in the music to realize what I was doing. The voice on the other end pulled me out of my reverie like a bucket of cold water.“Emily? Oh my God, where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you!” Claire’s panicked voice filled my ear.My heart stopped, the phone slipping from my hand and bouncing off the bed. Th
Emily's POVThe vineyard was enchanting, a private oasis where time seemed to stand still. I couldn’t help but feel at peace as Adrian’s piercing gaze held mine. He had a way of making everything else disappear, and in that moment, I wanted to let him in—fully.We sat on the soft picnic blanket, our wine glasses glinting under the fading sunlight. “So, tell me,” Adrian said, his voice warm and inviting. “What’s your dream, Emily? What do you want out of life?”His question caught me off guard, but the sincerity in his eyes encouraged me to open up. “I want... more than just success,” I began, my fingers tracing the rim of my glass. “I want to create something lasting, something that matters. A business that supports people, helps them grow. And maybe one day…” I hesitated, feeling vulnerable under his scrutiny.“Go on,” he urged gently.“Maybe one day, a family. But only if it’s with someone who sees me as an equal, someone who... values me for me.”His expression softened, and for a
Emily's POVI woke up to the soft light of morning filtering through the curtains, warming the edges of the bed. Stretching languidly, I let the events of the last few days wash over me. Adrian—his intensity, his protectiveness, and that maddening charm of his—was all I could think about.But my responsibilities called, tugging me back to reality. The hotel wouldn’t run itself, and I had left so much undone. My team deserved more than me hiding away, no matter how tempting it was to let Adrian keep me cocooned in his world.As I made my way to breakfast, I resolved to convince him I needed to return to work. Easier said than done, I realized when his piercing gaze met mine over the table.“You’re not going back without security,” he said before I could even get the words out. His tone left no room for argument.I tried to keep my voice calm, measured. “Adrian, I’ll be fine. Really. I’ll be careful.”“That’s not enough,” he replied, his voice softening but still firm. “Emily, I can’t t
Emily's POVI woke slowly, the warmth of the sheets cocooning me, creating a shield against reality. The faint ache in my body was a bittersweet reminder of everything that had transpired—fear, rescue, and the man who refused to let me face any of it alone. Adrian. His presence lingered in the air, as palpable as the cedar and citrus scent that clung to the bedding.The room around me wasn’t mine. It was too masculine, too pristine, yet somehow inviting in its simplicity. My gaze drifted to the bedside table, where a note sat propped against a steaming cup of tea."You’re safe here. Rest. I’ll be back soon."The sight of it made my chest tighten. He’d thought of everything, even my favorite tea. As I reached for the cup, its warmth seeped into my hands, steadying me. The taste was familiar, soothing, but it did little to calm the storm inside me. How could someone so powerful, so complicated, care this much?The sound of the door opening startled me, and I turned just as Adrian steppe
Emily’s POVWhen I woke, the first thing I noticed was the faint golden light streaming through the curtains. It painted the room in warm hues, but the warmth didn’t extend to my chest. There was a dull ache there, a reminder that the horrors of last night hadn’t been a nightmare.I sat up slowly, my muscles stiff and aching, and the events of the previous evening washed over me like a cold wave. The hands that had grabbed me. The cruel laughter. The helplessness. My chest tightened, and I clenched my fists against the surge of emotions threatening to drown me.But then I remembered him.Adrian.My gaze flicked to the chair by the window, where he had sat the last time I drifted off, his presence a silent shield against my spiraling thoughts. But now, the chair was empty.He’s gone.The thought was like a knife twisting in my gut. I shouldn’t have expected him to stay. He had done enough, hadn’t he? Stayed through the worst of it, comforted me when I couldn’t even face myself. It wasn
Adrian’s POVThe silence in the penthouse was unnerving. My steps echoed faintly as I moved through the dimly lit space, the weight of the night pressing down on me. Emily lay asleep in my bed, her delicate form wrapped tightly in the blankets, as if shielding herself from the world. Her face was calm now, a stark contrast to the fear and pain I’d seen etched into it only hours ago.My hands curled into fists at the memory. Those bastards had dared to lay a hand on her—to hurt her. Rage simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over, but I forced myself to exhale slowly, grounding the storm. I couldn’t afford to lose control now. Not when she needed me steady.I sat down on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb her, though my gaze lingered on the faint bruises marring her skin. Her breathing was soft, even, a rhythm I found myself syncing to as the tension in my body eased ever so slightly.But the guilt? That didn’t fade.I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees
Adrian’s POVThe rain lashed against the windows of the penthouse, each droplet pounding as if it were trying to pierce through the glass. The storm outside mirrored the tempest inside me—a raging, relentless fury that no amount of whiskey could dull.I stood in the living room, swirling the amber liquid in my glass, but its heat did nothing to thaw the icy anger gripping my chest. Emily was safe now—that fact should have been enough. Yet every time I closed my eyes, I saw her. Bound. Bruised. Terrified.My Emily.The image tore through me, a fresh wound every time it resurfaced. They had dared to touch her, dared to hurt her, and now every fiber of my being demanded retribution.My knuckles throbbed, the raw skin splitting where I had thrown punch after punch. The satisfying crunch of bones under my fists should have brought me some peace. It hadn’t. Not when there were still unanswered questions. Not when I knew the threat wasn’t over.“Adrian.”Her voice was soft, hesitant, yet it
**Emily’s POV** The rain poured relentlessly, soaking me to the skin as I thrashed weakly against the ropes binding my wrists. My heart pounded in my chest, and every slap of thunder echoed the terror racing through my veins. I screamed until my throat felt raw, my voice lost in the howling wind. “Shut her up!” one of the men growled, raising his hand again. I braced for the impact, but the sharp sting across my face was no less shocking. I bit my lip to keep from crying. They couldn’t see my tears. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction. But I was losing hope. The dark room, the rough voices, the oppressive weight of fear—I didn’t think I’d make it out of here whole. Then I heard him. “EMILY!” Adrian’s voice cut through the rain like a blade. It wasn’t a call—it was a command, filled with frantic desperation and unyielding fury. “Did you hear that?” one of the men hissed, stepping toward the door. Another laughed. “Doesn’t matter. He’ll be dead before he gets to her.”
Emily’s POVThe tires screeched as I sped out of the hotel’s compound, barely daring to glance in the rearview mirror. But, of course, he was there—following me. I could feel my heart pounding, could practically see him in my mind’s eye, gripping the wheel of his car, pursuing me with that infuriating determination of his. My hands clenched tighter, knuckles turning white as I pressed the gas pedal to the floor.I had no plan. I didn’t know where I was going, and it didn’t matter. I just knew that I couldn’t stop. Not for him. Not for anyone. I couldn’t face him, not after seeing Vivian wrapped around him, touching him so familiarly, as if… as if he was hers. My stomach churned at the thought.Ahead, the light turned red. I didn’t slow down. My foot stayed firmly on the pedal, my pulse racing faster than ever. I barely registered the blare of a horn as I sped through the intersection, narrowly avoiding a truck that roared by with a gust of wind so strong it shook my car. I gasped, but
Emily's POVI returned to my office, the door closing with a soft click behind me. The quiet enveloped me, but it did little to calm the storm swirling inside. My fingers brushed the edge of my phone, still in my hand. I glanced at the screen, debating whether I should check the endless stream of emails or just bury myself in work. But the weight of Vivian’s words—her casual declaration that she was engaged to Adrian Blackwood—pressed on me like a weight I couldn’t shake off.I dialed Claire’s number quickly, not bothering to wait for it to ring long before I spoke."Hey, just checking in. You get home safe?" My tone was clipped, colder than I intended, but I couldn't help it. The anger and confusion still simmered beneath the surface, and I didn't want to deal with small talk right now."Yeah, I'm fine," Claire replied, her voice light and unconcerned. "I made it home just fine, don’t worry."I let out a breath, trying to rein in my emotions. I wa