Emma took a deep breath and stepped into the luxurious Michelin-rated restaurant where she was set to meet Alicia. The ambiance was serene and elegant, with soft music playing in the background and the rich aroma of gourmet cuisine filling the air. She spotted Alicia at a corner table, looking poised and sophisticated. Emma approached, her heart pounding in her chest.Alicia looked up, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Emma. "Hello, can I help you?" Alicia asked, clearly puzzled by Emma’s presence.Emma forced a tight smile. "I’m Emma Alden. Daniel’s wife."Alicia’s face drained of color. "Oh, I... I didn’t expect to meet you here."Emma took a seat across from her, maintaining eye contact. "We need to talk."Alicia shifted uncomfortably. "Sure, please, have a seat."Emma sat down, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. She glanced at Alicia’s wrist and saw the Rolex that once belonged to Daniel. “Nice watch,” she remarked. “Gift or loan?”Alicia’s eyes flickered with a mix o
Daniel sat alone in his study, the silence of the house pressing down on him. He rubbed his temples, trying to fend off the impending headache. The events of the past day played over and over in his mind, and he felt the weight of his actions like never before. He couldn’t help but replay their argument from last night, every word etched painfully in his memory. After Emma had tended to Lily and put her to sleep, she had come into the study, her face a mask of determination and sorrow. He had been hopeful, thinking they were finally moving past their issues, especially after the intimacy they had shared, where they had both confessed their love. "Emma, I thought we were resolving things," he had said, his voice tinged with desperation. Emma had nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. "I thought so too," she had whispered. Then she had pulled out a stack of documents and slapped them onto the desk in front of him. "But then I got these from Claire." Daniel's heart had sunk as he saw
Emma stood in the doorway of Claire’s home, her heart heavy with the weight of recent events. The cozy, familiar space offered a sense of refuge she desperately needed. She held Lily close, kissing the top of her head. "We’ll be okay, sweetheart," she whispered, more to herself than to her daughter.Claire, having taken an annual leave from her obligatory service out of town, welcomed them in. Her face was etched with concern. "You’ll stay here as long as you need," she said firmly, leading them inside.Emma nodded gratefully. "I promise we’ll be out by the end of summer. Once the divorce is finalized, I’ll move back to my parents until my record is cleared. Then I can go back to work and make ends meet."Claire's expression turned to shock. "Emma, Daniel is in a good position to give you alimony. Why would you leave without ensuring you’re financially secure?"Emma sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Daniel threatened that if I leave this marriage, I’ll leave penniless. He thinks I woul
Emma sat in the courtroom, her heart pounding in her chest. She glanced around at the somber faces, feeling the weight of the moment. Her parents sat a few rows behind her, their expressions a mix of concern and anticipation. Claire was there too, offering silent support with her steady presence. Daniel was there as well, sitting alone, looking worn out and regretful. Emma steeled herself, knowing that this was the day that could determine her future.The judge entered, and the room fell silent. The prosecutor began outlining the case, detailing the financial crimes and the evidence that had led to Emma's arrest. Emma’s lawyer, a sharp, experienced attorney named Mr. Yilmaz, listened intently, ready to dismantle the accusations."Your Honor," Mr. Yilmaz began, standing to address the court. "The defense will show that my client, Dr. Emma Alden, is not guilty of these allegations. We have substantial evidence that the accusations were fabricated by Mr. Arda Demir, who holds a personal
The morning sun filtered through the frosted windows of the courtroom as Emma sat on one side of the polished wooden table, her fingers clasped together in her lap. The atmosphere was muted, marked by the subdued murmur of voices and the occasional rustle of legal documents. Daniel was seated opposite her, his face a mask of controlled emotion, a stark contrast to the turbulent feelings Emma grappled with.The courtroom was modest but dignified, decorated with rich mahogany furnishings and framed legal certificates on the walls. Today was the day of their divorce hearing, and while Emma had steeled herself for this moment, the weight of finality pressed down on her shoulders.A middle-aged judge, his robes draped over his shoulders like a solemn mantle, entered the room and took his seat at the bench. The gavel came down with a measured thud, signaling the start of the proceedings. “Welcome,” the judge said, glancing at the pair of them. “Let us proceed with the divorce settlement. A
3 months later… The dimly lit Irish pub was a refuge for those seeking solace in a pint of Guinness or a shot of whiskey. The air was thick with the scent of hops and the low hum of conversations, blending into a background noise that matched Daniel’s own disheartened mood. It was a familiar place from his high school days, but tonight, it felt like a far cry from the laughter and camaraderie of the past. Daniel sat hunched over the bar, a half-empty pint of stout beside him and a plate of neglected nachos growing cold in front of him. His high school friend, **Jason**, sat beside him, a look of mild concern on his face as he watched Daniel down another shot of whiskey. “Come on, Daniel,” Jason said, his voice a steadying force amidst the clamor of the pub. “You’ve been drinking like this for months. It’s time to talk about something other than Emma.” Daniel laughed bitterly, swirling the whiskey in his glass. “What’s there to talk about? I screwed up everything, Jason. I ruine
Five months had passed since the divorce, and Emma’s life had taken on a new rhythm. Living with her parents provided a sense of stability, and Lily thrived in the preschool Emma had carefully chosen for her. The scandal that had marred her reputation was behind her, but the hospital where she once worked was not so forgiving. They couldn't overlook the truth about her ex-husband’s influence in suspending a colleague, nor the head of the hospital’s involvement in bribery.Rather than jumping into another job, Emma decided to take her life in a different direction. She had always dreamed of working in the United States, so she dedicated herself to passing the USMLE Steps 1 and 2. Today, she received the results: she had passed. Elation filled her as she began gathering the necessary documents to apply for an American visa. If she passed Step 3, she could secure a job in Tennessee, a fresh start far from the shadows of her past.Claire, her steadfast friend, came over to check on her. A
Daniel sat in the dimly lit Irish pub, nursing his drink as he recounted his sorrows to his old high school friend, Alex. They had been inseparable during their teenage years, and now, years later, they found solace in their shared troubles."She's moving to Tennessee," Daniel muttered, the alcohol amplifying his despair. "Lily told me during her last visit. Emma’s leaving the country, and I can't do anything about it."Alex, who came from a wealthy political family and had been in a long-term, yet non-committal relationship with his childhood sweetheart, nodded sympathetically. "That's tough, man. But maybe it's for the best. You know how complicated things get after marriage."Daniel shook his head. "I’ve tried everything to forget her, Alex. I get drunk, sleep around, overwork, hit the gym for hours. But nothing works. Every time I close my eyes, I see her. I feel disgusted with myself for trying to replace her."He thought about Emily, the girl who had been in love with him since