05

Emily

I squinted, trying to force my eyes open. After a few attempts, they finally flew open. Slowly, I looked around, not immediately recognizing where I was until my gaze landed on the familiar picture frame in my room.

I realized I was home—in my room. But the question lingering in my mind was, how did I get here? I had been brought back to the mansion where my mother and stepfather lived.

Tentatively, I stepped out of bed and made my way downstairs. As my gaze traveled to the clock on the wall, I saw it was almost noon. I must have slept for a long time, something I hadn’t done in the past four years of my marriage to Ryan.

It had always been one chaos to another, doing house chores, trying to please Ryan, Zara, and his family members. But now, it was finally over. Deep down, I was hurt that I couldn't win his love in those four years, he was the perfect hubby for me. The kind of man I have always wanted to spend the rest of my life with, but there was nothing I could do about it than move on.

As I stepped into the living room, I caught sight of my mom. She paused, looking in my direction when she noticed my presence. There was a subtle, almost mocking smile on her face, though it wasn’t entirely clear.

They had all been against my marriage to Ryan four years ago. But I chose him over them, convincing myself that he would fall in love with me one day.

And here I was, covered in shame, standing before her. The man I chose hadn’t given me so much as a small smile in the past four years.

"Four years have passed, and he hasn't fallen in love with you." She said, though it sounded like mockery. "You lost, and you are back to being the heir of our family."

I could hear the hurt in her voice. Considering how she pleaded with me to forget about him, but I turned her down. "We will find a time to announce at a banquet dinner that the heir of our family is back." She added, walking out of the living room.

I'm glad she didn't say anything further because I don't know how I would stand in front of her while she elaborates on my failed my marriage.

I had to agree, well, it's not like I have a choice. Not after my marriage has failed. I have to do what they want, to please them.

I plopped on the couch, my head resting on the head rest, when my stepsister Lisa, who is also my good friend, march into the living room.

"Hey!" I said, but she didn't respond. Instead, she looked at me with tender concern, making me ponder if she was going to talk about my marriage.

"You look pale! Ethan was the one who brought you home. Funny how you slept for almost a day, getting everyone worried." She said, plopping next to me, her head resting on the couch.

I wondered how I got home, almost forgetting I called him to come pick me up at the hospital.

"You don't know how horrified Ethan looked when he came back. He stayed up all night watching over you before going to work in the morning." She added, turning to look in my direction.

"I will thank him when he returns from the office." I responded, not sure of what to say next. I'm not in the mood, or ready to answer questions about my failed marriage.

I can't tell them he didn't show up on our anniversary and I had to wait in the rain for him to come home, but he never showed up.

It felt awkward, and I was about to make my way out of the room when Lisa held me, making me halt.

"Where are you going? Let's have lunch. Mother already set the dinning, hoping you will be up soon." She informed.

"I will be right back! I'm famished." I responded, making my way out.

I ascended the stairs to my room. In the next ten minutes, I returned and joined her in the dinning room.

My mother must be mad at me, but she didn't forget to make my favorite. Seeing how she arranged the dinning, and made different delicacies, I knew she missed me, but she can't tell me because she's hurt.

It's being awhile someone cooked for me. I have always been the one cooking for people who don't appreciate my effort, no matter how I try to please them.

I dug into my meal immediately, munching on the taco. We were still having dinner when Lisa suddenly grabbed her iPad and gasped.

I looked in her direction, my brows scrunched, waiting to hear why she had to make a squeak.

"Check your social media." She urged. "Even after your divorce, they haven't forgotten to stab you in the back. They are saying you stole something, and you have to return it by tomorrow. You can either do it or they will report you to the police, and it will be your fault if they do. The internet is blowing up."

I took her iPad and found that Ryan ex-wife was indeed trending. I'm the talk of the city. Fascinating.

His company's official statement accused me of stealing valuable jewelry after the divorce. No one knew about our divorce, except the both of us. He must be eager to announce it to the public.

He certainly has looked for me, and couldn't find me. This is the only way he thinks he can find me. I was still in thought when Lisa snapped me back to reality.

"Valuable? How dare he show off a necklace worth only a million? Haven't he seen any money before? Is this the best he could do?" Lisa angrily scolded. I wonder why she was getting so worked up.

I only wore the ruby necklace once, on my wedding day, and then Ryan locked it in the safe. I don't know the code and I never asked for it.

I returned her phone, reaching out to mine. Immediately I opened it,

My social media inbox is full of insults from different people.

Exposing me to the world like this is the best he could do. He asked for it, I will give him more of it.

"This is the only way he could get my attention, and I'm not letting him win over." I said.

"I succumb! You should deal with him for painting you as a thief. Next time, he will learn not to deal with an heiress."

Everyone thinks I was divorced and kicked out of the house because of my despicable behavior.

Ryan dared to frame me. Does he think I will put up with it? How pathetic!

I should strike back, I won't let him walk over me even after divorce. I'm no longer legally married to him.

I start tweeting: This necklace has GPS and is currently at this young lady's apartment. Congratulations to the newly wedded happy couple. I typed, proceeding to attach the selfie of Zara lying in Ryan's arms. He asked for it, and I will definitely give him back.