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Chapter 6
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2024-12-23 18:57:18Related chapters
Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 7
Mandy looked terrified. "James, could she be right? Has Emma turned into a ghost? Do you think she'll come back for revenge?"She wrapped her arms around Chester, her whole body shaking. "James, should we call in someone with spiritual know-how to cleanse the place?"James felt torn. He knew his family never cared for Emma, but to think their indifference could drive her to take her life…"Mom," he managed to choke out, "there's no such thing as ghosts. Emma's probably just sick. I'll get a top doctor to check out her records."He bolted from the room, haunted by Emma's words.So, she really hated them that much. The woman he had always seen as a blot on the Harris name, in her eyes, it was his family who were the real monsters.James was quick to get answers, and quickly enough, he had a diagnosis from the doctor. "The records show that Emma fell into a deep depression right after Calvin was born, but we all missed the signs," he said, his voice heavy, as he filled in his mom an
Last Updated : 2024-12-23Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 8
I finally opened my own flower shop.I spent my days among the blooms, the purples and reds, a feast for the eyes. When the sunlight poured through the greenhouse glass, it was like an instant dose of happiness.The town's tourists often wandered into my garden, and I got a kick out of playing host.Nothing was better than sipping on green tea and soaking up the wild tales from travelers.I remembered laughing until my sides hurt after saying goodbye to a couple who had globe-trotted to over 20 countries, picking up languages and funny stories along the way.However, then I spotted James and his two boys.My heart sank in an instant.As I moved to close the door on them, James caught it with his hand. "Emma, we're here to say we're sorry."He looked like a man carrying the world's sorrows, and his boys had the same hangdog look, like they had lost everything.I could not bear to look at them for another second. "Your Emma has been gone for three years. If I hadn't been here, t
Last Updated : 2024-12-23Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 9
Bonus ChapterI, Chester, for the first 15 years of my life, hated Emma with a passion. For the many years that followed, I spent every moment trying to make up for that hatred.On the day Dad took Calvin and I to say sorry to her, she did not even look our way before she was about to shut the door.Out of nowhere, I blurted, "Mom."That single word made me live with regret for the rest of my days.It was the first time I had ever called her that, and it was also the last.After that, the woman who cared for me for a decade never let me call her 'Mom' again.When we got home that day, Dad gave me a whooping with his belt. It hurt, but it seemed like nothing compared to the pain I had caused her.Later, I broke down crying, and Dad joined me, tears and all. He said it was not my fault, that he was the one to blame.Emma's laughter faded away, swallowed by his frosty shoulder and the silence that filled their home. He was the real villain, the one who should be begging for forgi
Last Updated : 2024-12-23Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 1
In the beginning, James Harris and the rest of the Harris family thought I was just in a mood, but it did not take long for them to sense that something was off.Calvin Harris, the youngest son of the family, was the first to make a scene. He was initially thrilled when his micromanaging mother took off.However, his joy turned to dismay at the school carnival when his father forgot to tell the babysitter to bake cookies, and he ended up with generic cookies instead of the homemade bear-shaped ones his mother used to bake.Surrounded by classmates who craved his mother's famous treats, Calvin had a sudden epiphany: maybe his mother was not so bad after all.Then there was Chester Harris who despised the scheming woman who had taken his mother's place. However, during a thunderstorm, as he pressed against the door, the absence of his mother's soothing hum from the other side sent him into a tailspin.Mandy York came next, her blood pressure spiking again, then needing meds to keep
Last Updated : 2024-12-23Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 2
I had made my new home in a quaint southern town, taking up residence in a cozy little courtyard.I was sprawled on a wicker chair, soaking up the rare shade on a balmy summer afternoon.The town was a slice of heaven, picture-perfect all year round. I was toying with the idea of opening a flower shop.I never used to care for the frilly stuff like flowers, but three years as Mrs. Harris had somehow coaxed out a fondness for their charm.James tracked me down on the third evening. His usually spot-on style was off, a button dangled by a thread on his cuff.He caught my glance and fixed his eyes on the loose button, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his stern features."Why won't you come home?" he demanded icily.I stared back, surprised. "Mr. Harris, considering I'm about to be your ex, I don't see why I should be at your place."Oddly enough, it was the first time I ever saw a spark of anger in James's eyes."Is our marriage, our family, just a game to you?"I could not h
Last Updated : 2024-12-23Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 3
That memory sent a chill through me."The divorce papers were crystal clear—I want nothing from the Harris fortune. Not the cash, not the houses, not the people.""You..."James was floored by my outburst, stumbling over his words before he managed to say, "Emma, what's going on? We're family. We need to talk about whatever's happening to fix it together.""Family?" I rolled the word around like it was a joke. He hardly ever included me in that circle, despite parading me around as Mrs. Harris. Frankly, I was always more of an outsider, a glorified butler at best.Mandy, Chester, Calvin, Julia, even his ex-wife—they all made the cut. Me? I was never part of that picture."Mr. Harris, did you ever see me as family?" I asked, sporting a smirk of irony. "If I remember correctly, every member of the Harris family is supposed to get at least a three-percent stake in Harris Group."Your ex Ms. Scott and your brother-in-law Mr. Clark have their shares, don't they? So, tell me, as your
Last Updated : 2024-12-23Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 4
Mandy looked like James's words had hit her hard, and it took her a moment to find her voice. "James, she's really tried her best as your wife all these years. Let's not bring up that old mess again, okay?"However, James was on a roll like he was dumping all the frustration he had been holding in all day. "We're better off divorced. I don't want her bad influence rubbing off on Chester and Calvin."Mom, think about Calvin. How is he going to feel growing up with her, knowing his mother did whatever it took to get ahead? That's going to hurt."He was about to keep going, but Mandy cut him off."That's enough, James. Just stop."James could not remember when Mandy had ever stood up for Emma like that.Before he could even wrap his head around it, Mandy's eyes filled with tears."James, I should've told you this a long time ago, but... well…"You made me see today that I shouldn't let my own wants get in the way of you and Emma making peace."Mandy struggled to speak like they w
Last Updated : 2024-12-23Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 5
The next morning, outside the County Clerk's Office, I could see the Harris family from a block away.Seriously, all this fuss just for a divorce?I barely stepped closer when Calvin bolted to me and clung to my legs. "Mom, where have you been? I missed you so much."Calvin was never one to stick to me like glue. The Harrises had him all prim and proper, a real little gentleman, except when it came to me—his own mother. He could not have been more indifferent.Once upon a time, I would have been over the moon for a hug like that, but after 1095 days, I was done putting on a show for those people.I glanced at James. "Aren't you going to do something about your son's lack of manners?"The Harris family looked like I slapped them all at once.James, probably worried about upsetting Calvin, quickly scooped him up. "Emma, Calvin just wants to be close to you. He's not doing anything wrong.""Is that so?" I squatted down, a mischievous glint in my eye, and met Calvin's gaze. "But ho
Last Updated : 2024-12-23
Latest chapter
Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 9
Bonus ChapterI, Chester, for the first 15 years of my life, hated Emma with a passion. For the many years that followed, I spent every moment trying to make up for that hatred.On the day Dad took Calvin and I to say sorry to her, she did not even look our way before she was about to shut the door.Out of nowhere, I blurted, "Mom."That single word made me live with regret for the rest of my days.It was the first time I had ever called her that, and it was also the last.After that, the woman who cared for me for a decade never let me call her 'Mom' again.When we got home that day, Dad gave me a whooping with his belt. It hurt, but it seemed like nothing compared to the pain I had caused her.Later, I broke down crying, and Dad joined me, tears and all. He said it was not my fault, that he was the one to blame.Emma's laughter faded away, swallowed by his frosty shoulder and the silence that filled their home. He was the real villain, the one who should be begging for forgi
Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 8
I finally opened my own flower shop.I spent my days among the blooms, the purples and reds, a feast for the eyes. When the sunlight poured through the greenhouse glass, it was like an instant dose of happiness.The town's tourists often wandered into my garden, and I got a kick out of playing host.Nothing was better than sipping on green tea and soaking up the wild tales from travelers.I remembered laughing until my sides hurt after saying goodbye to a couple who had globe-trotted to over 20 countries, picking up languages and funny stories along the way.However, then I spotted James and his two boys.My heart sank in an instant.As I moved to close the door on them, James caught it with his hand. "Emma, we're here to say we're sorry."He looked like a man carrying the world's sorrows, and his boys had the same hangdog look, like they had lost everything.I could not bear to look at them for another second. "Your Emma has been gone for three years. If I hadn't been here, t
Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 7
Mandy looked terrified. "James, could she be right? Has Emma turned into a ghost? Do you think she'll come back for revenge?"She wrapped her arms around Chester, her whole body shaking. "James, should we call in someone with spiritual know-how to cleanse the place?"James felt torn. He knew his family never cared for Emma, but to think their indifference could drive her to take her life…"Mom," he managed to choke out, "there's no such thing as ghosts. Emma's probably just sick. I'll get a top doctor to check out her records."He bolted from the room, haunted by Emma's words.So, she really hated them that much. The woman he had always seen as a blot on the Harris name, in her eyes, it was his family who were the real monsters.James was quick to get answers, and quickly enough, he had a diagnosis from the doctor. "The records show that Emma fell into a deep depression right after Calvin was born, but we all missed the signs," he said, his voice heavy, as he filled in his mom an
Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 6
James's forehead was creased with worry."Emma, I learned something yesterday. I admit I haven't treated you right all these years. Please, give me a chance to make it up to you?""Forget it. I'll just chalk it up to bad luck. As long as I don't have to see you or your family ever again, I'll be laughing in my sleep.""Emma!"Embarrassment flashed across James's face. "Let's go home. I owe you an explanation."He was dead set, looking like he would drag me back if he had to.Good. I had a few choice words for them myself.…In the Harris family's study, James was unusually amiable."Emma, about that mess at the party, we got it all wrong. I didn't realize until yesterday that you were a victim too. I'm sorry."He was earnest, but all I could do was scoff."So you know? How did you find out? If you're so sure I've been framed, then who's the real villain?"James looked away, his face a picture of discomfort, while Mandy blushed a deep red."Well? You said you had the truth,
Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 5
The next morning, outside the County Clerk's Office, I could see the Harris family from a block away.Seriously, all this fuss just for a divorce?I barely stepped closer when Calvin bolted to me and clung to my legs. "Mom, where have you been? I missed you so much."Calvin was never one to stick to me like glue. The Harrises had him all prim and proper, a real little gentleman, except when it came to me—his own mother. He could not have been more indifferent.Once upon a time, I would have been over the moon for a hug like that, but after 1095 days, I was done putting on a show for those people.I glanced at James. "Aren't you going to do something about your son's lack of manners?"The Harris family looked like I slapped them all at once.James, probably worried about upsetting Calvin, quickly scooped him up. "Emma, Calvin just wants to be close to you. He's not doing anything wrong.""Is that so?" I squatted down, a mischievous glint in my eye, and met Calvin's gaze. "But ho
Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 4
Mandy looked like James's words had hit her hard, and it took her a moment to find her voice. "James, she's really tried her best as your wife all these years. Let's not bring up that old mess again, okay?"However, James was on a roll like he was dumping all the frustration he had been holding in all day. "We're better off divorced. I don't want her bad influence rubbing off on Chester and Calvin."Mom, think about Calvin. How is he going to feel growing up with her, knowing his mother did whatever it took to get ahead? That's going to hurt."He was about to keep going, but Mandy cut him off."That's enough, James. Just stop."James could not remember when Mandy had ever stood up for Emma like that.Before he could even wrap his head around it, Mandy's eyes filled with tears."James, I should've told you this a long time ago, but... well…"You made me see today that I shouldn't let my own wants get in the way of you and Emma making peace."Mandy struggled to speak like they w
Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 3
That memory sent a chill through me."The divorce papers were crystal clear—I want nothing from the Harris fortune. Not the cash, not the houses, not the people.""You..."James was floored by my outburst, stumbling over his words before he managed to say, "Emma, what's going on? We're family. We need to talk about whatever's happening to fix it together.""Family?" I rolled the word around like it was a joke. He hardly ever included me in that circle, despite parading me around as Mrs. Harris. Frankly, I was always more of an outsider, a glorified butler at best.Mandy, Chester, Calvin, Julia, even his ex-wife—they all made the cut. Me? I was never part of that picture."Mr. Harris, did you ever see me as family?" I asked, sporting a smirk of irony. "If I remember correctly, every member of the Harris family is supposed to get at least a three-percent stake in Harris Group."Your ex Ms. Scott and your brother-in-law Mr. Clark have their shares, don't they? So, tell me, as your
Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 2
I had made my new home in a quaint southern town, taking up residence in a cozy little courtyard.I was sprawled on a wicker chair, soaking up the rare shade on a balmy summer afternoon.The town was a slice of heaven, picture-perfect all year round. I was toying with the idea of opening a flower shop.I never used to care for the frilly stuff like flowers, but three years as Mrs. Harris had somehow coaxed out a fondness for their charm.James tracked me down on the third evening. His usually spot-on style was off, a button dangled by a thread on his cuff.He caught my glance and fixed his eyes on the loose button, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his stern features."Why won't you come home?" he demanded icily.I stared back, surprised. "Mr. Harris, considering I'm about to be your ex, I don't see why I should be at your place."Oddly enough, it was the first time I ever saw a spark of anger in James's eyes."Is our marriage, our family, just a game to you?"I could not h
Her Life Beyond the Walls Chapter 1
In the beginning, James Harris and the rest of the Harris family thought I was just in a mood, but it did not take long for them to sense that something was off.Calvin Harris, the youngest son of the family, was the first to make a scene. He was initially thrilled when his micromanaging mother took off.However, his joy turned to dismay at the school carnival when his father forgot to tell the babysitter to bake cookies, and he ended up with generic cookies instead of the homemade bear-shaped ones his mother used to bake.Surrounded by classmates who craved his mother's famous treats, Calvin had a sudden epiphany: maybe his mother was not so bad after all.Then there was Chester Harris who despised the scheming woman who had taken his mother's place. However, during a thunderstorm, as he pressed against the door, the absence of his mother's soothing hum from the other side sent him into a tailspin.Mandy York came next, her blood pressure spiking again, then needing meds to keep
