Chapter 3

Emily Pov 

“You can't live here!” My father’s voice echoed as he maintained a straight face. 

“What!” I gasped in disbelief at him as I stumbled backward, his words piercing through my soul.  

"You heard correctly. You cannot stay here. I cannot have my daughter, known for marrying billionaire Alexander Bennett, causing scandal," my mother's angry voice echoed. 

"Have you considered the consequences?" she asked. 

"You cannot disgrace us," she added, leaving me stunned. 

Weren't mothers supposed to protect their children? Where was her compassion? I wondered.  

"We are family," I said, my voice quivering, on the edge of breaking, as tears threatened to spill. But I held firm. I already swore I'd shed no more tears this time.

I had clung to the hope, the belief that as my family, they would never let me end up on the streets. Desperation and vulnerability colored my gaze as I looked at my parents and sister.

Yet, none of them could meet my eyes.

"You just made us miss out on our chances with the billionaire!” My father declared. 

“What is the use of calling you our daughter when you let the billionaire slip through our fingers?” My father yelled, his voice filled with frustration. I frowned, taken aback by his harsh words.

“What do you mean, Father? Am I not supposed to come here if he no longer wants me? You're my home, my only family.” I retorted, feeling a sting of betrayal.

Sophia scoffed and cleared her throat before interjecting. “We are your family? Really? Did you ever consider us as a family before you agreed to his proposal?” She inquired, her voice dripping with sarcasm. I huffed in response, the weight of their disappointment heavy on my shoulders.

"Sophia?” I called out to her, my face retracing a bit as I wondered if she was the one speaking, or if a spirit was speaking through her.  

 “Didn't my husband help—”

“No.” She interrupted my speech, shaking her head in disagreement. 

“Your ex-husband. The man finally came to his senses and made the right choice. I've always known things wouldn't turn out well for you because you.” She snickered and winked at me.

Her words felt surreal. I couldn't believe my sister would say such a thing to me. 

My mind drifted back to the first time Alexander was introduced to the family, declaring his intention to be with me. 

“I'm your sister-in-law now, and I hope you know your duties,” she had said that day, all the while, she ranted about how much she loved me. She had promised she wouldn't let anyone take away my happiness and joy. Threatening Alex, even.  

“I will tear you apart if you ever wrong my sister.”

What had changed in her? What had turned that affectionate, protective girl into a stranger?

I chuckled bitterly. "I'm not perfect. Consider helping your first daughter and your sister at least," I implored, hoping for a change of heart. Their response was cold; they didn't even want to hear me out.

"I stand by my decision, Emily. You can't stay. Return to your husband. It's better for us. We can barely make ends meet, and he's always been there for us. We'll suffer if you are here. Go back to him," my father insisted, his words cutting deep and forcing a painful laugh from me. 

With my lips curled in disbelief, I couldn't fathom the implications of their actions. The thought of being seen as desperate or a gold-digger weighed heavily on my mind.

 I realized their motivations went beyond my well-being; they were fixated on reaping the benefits tied to Alexander. Their betrayal cut deep, leaving me questioning the sincerity of their intentions. 

The truth dawned on me, unraveling a web of deceit and self-serving interests. That moment marked the beginning of a journey towards reclaiming my worth and forging a new path independent of their manipulative schemes. 

"I know Alex so well. You must have provoked him to warrant this punishment. You need to go back and plead with him to take you back." my mom insisted.  

"Maybe he caught her cheating. She can be quite the flirt sometimes," Sophia said, casually playing with her thumb.

"What?" I asked, squinting my eyes at her in disbelief.

"Why are you looking at me like you're innocent?" she retorted, staring at me as if she had just stated a fact. 

"Back then in college, all the boys wanted to talk to you. They always say, 'We only want to be with Emily. She's beautiful and has a kind heart.'” She said, funnily mimicking them.

 “You throw yourself at them and act like a saint. That's how you got Alexander's attention too."

A heavy silence fell over the room as I stared at her, unable to comprehend the cruelty of her words. 

"I offered to go instead of you, but you insisted on facing him alone at the party, the so-called love of your life," she added. 

With a clenched jaw, I refuted, "That's not true!" Her smirk intensified as I gripped my clothes, seething with frustration.

"Do you want to hit me now? Should we go further with this?" she asked, her voice dripping with innocence, as I winced and nodded through the pain.

"Enough! Emily, stop causing trouble here. Ever since you disappeared, we've had peace. Leave!" my father commanded angrily, pointing to the door. I let out a sigh, the pain evident in my expression.

Just when I was about to leave.  A thought came to mind, maybe telling them about the pregnancy might change their mind.  

"Father, I'm pregnant," I said, looking towards his direction. My voice trembled as I awaited their response.

"What! Emily!" they all exclaimed, shock evident on their faces.

My mother approached me, placing a hand on my belly. "You're pregnant and you're here?" she questioned. "Does he know?"

"He sent me away before I realized," I admitted, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders as my father grinned.

Perhaps this unexpected news could bring us closer together, I thought, hoping that they would see beyond their initial reaction and support me during this challenging time.

“Are you that dumb, Emily? You're carrying the billionaire’s child and you're divorced? I still stand by my words, you are not to live in my house. Not on my watch.” He declared. 

“I have a plan,” My mom said as I glared up at her, my thoughts whirling. What could her plans be?  Would her plans get me and Alex back together?