EMILY’S POVMy breath catches in my throat at Carlos' words. Sure, he told me I was beautiful about three minutes ago. Still, I feel some type of way about it. "I’ll take care of you," he says, bringing me out of my thoughts.I blink up at him, in surprise.“Carlos, you don’t have to do that,” I murmur, forcing my voice to stay steady. “I’ll be fine.”He shakes his head “I do have to. And I will.”I swallow hard. It’s too much. His concern, the way he’s looking at me right now—like I matter, like I’m still his wife in more than just name. But I’m not. He’s divorcing me. He loves another woman.So why is he doing this?Carlos gestures toward the nightstand. “Did you take the rest of the meds the doctor prescribed the other time? It could be the same sicnkess”Panic spikes through me “I—”He frowns, waiting for my answer. “Do you need more?”I shake my head quickly. “No.”It’s not a lie. I don’t need them. I can’t take them. Not with the life growing inside me.Carlos studies me for a
EMILY’S POVThe next morning, I wake up to an empty bed.For a moment, I just lie there, staring at the ceiling, letting the warmth of the sheets remind me of last night—of Carlos. But he's gone now, as if he was never here at all. The space beside me is cold, and I sigh.I sit up slowly, stretching my limbs before my hand instinctively moves to my stomach. I can’t help but smile as I rub the small curve where my baby grows."Good morning, my love," I whisper. As if responding to me, I feel a tiny movement against my hand, and I gasp, laughing softly. "You’re up early today. Just like your daddy..." My voice falters at that last part, and my heart clenches painfully.Carlos.I love him. I love him more than I can even begin to describe. But I can't keep doing this to myself. Last night was a moment of weakness, a moment where I allowed myself to pretend, just for a little while, that things were different. That he still belonged to me. But the truth is, he doesn't. He loves someone e
CARLOS’ POVA bottle of expensive wine sat between Mateo and me as we leaned against the wooden bar at the far corner of the dining hall. Mateo took a long drag from his cigarette, exhaling the smoke in slow spirals. He looked over to where Emily sat at the dining table, absently stirring her tea while talking with my other relatives.Mateo nudged me with his elbow. "You know, you're lucky, hermano. Not every man gets a woman like that."I felt a tightness in my chest. I forced a small smirk, bringing my wine glass to my lips, but the liquid tasted bitter tonight. He didn’t know. Mateo didn’t know about the divorce, about how everything was coming to an end. I swallowed the lump in my throat and gave a nonchalant shrug."Yeah," I muttered. "Emily's a good woman."Good? That was an understatement. Emily was more than good—she was kind, patient, and had been by my side even when she had no reason to. She had done everything to fulfill our contract, to play the perfect wife even when I g
EMILY’S POVI stand in front of the courthouse. Carlos and I finally decided to get the divorce today. I glance at my watch for the third time in the past five minutes.Carlos is late.I let out a slow breath, trying to ignore the dull ache in my chest. He isn’t the type to be late—not for something this important. Our divorce signing was supposed to be a clean, professional exchange, just ink on paper before we walked away from each other for good.But he isn’t here.I pull my phone from my coat pocket and dial his number. The call rings once, twice, three times.No answer.I try again.Still nothing.A pit forms in my stomach. Carlos may have been many things during our marriage—distant, impossible to read—but unreliable was never one of them. He wouldn’t just forget. He wouldn’t just disappear.I shake my head, pushing the thoughts aside as I scroll through my contacts and press the number of the next best person to give me an answer.Sarah.“Good morning, Miss Emily,” she says.“
EMILY’S POVI stood frozen in the doorway. My heart is pounding so violently I could feel it in my throat. My breath came in shallow gasps as I took in the scene before me. Carlos and Lina. Together. In bed. Tangled in each other’s arms like they had all the time in the world.A I had been waiting for him all day, watching the clock tick by second after agonizing second. Today was supposed to be the end—the day we finally signed the divorce papers, the day I closed this chapter of my life and moved forward. And yet, here he was, tangled in silk sheets with the very woman he was leaving me for.Alexander, standing beside me, murmured something. I could hear the disbelief in his voice, but I couldn’t turn to look at him. My eyes were glued to Carlos, to the way he lay so peacefully.How could he sleep so soundly after what he had done?Rage spread through me like wildfire. My hands clenched into fists at my sides. I could feel my body trembling with the anger I felt. I turned to Alexand
CARLOS’ POVI still feel groggy. My head feels like it's stuffed with cotton. As Emily leaves, I try to piece together what the hell just happened. The last thing I remember is lying down, exhausted but restless. The night feels like it has slipped through my fingers like sand, and I don’t understand why.Then I hear the sharp sound of a door slamming. Emily.My heart clenches, and confusion grips me. Why did she leave like that? My muscles protest as I try to think. Something isn't right. There’s a bitter taste on my tongue and my mind screams at me that I’ve been out for much longer than I should have been.Across the room, Lina stands near the window with her arms folded, watching me with an unreadable expression.“What the hell just happened?” I ask.Lina exhales “You overslept”My mind reels, connecting pieces that don’t fit. “Wait… why do I feel like I’ve been drugged?”Lina's silence is deafening.My stomach drops. A feeling of dread goes down my spine.No…She wouldn’t….“Lina
EMILY'S POVThe moment I step out of the hotel, I can’t help the tears that fall from my eyes. My heels click angrily against the pavement as I march away, blinded by tears. My breath shudders with the weight of my emotions. My hands shake as I clutch my purse.The world is spinning.Carlos delayed our divorce hearing once again. Why? Because of Lina. The hold that woman has on him makes me jealous."Emily!" Alexander's voice echoes behind me. I can hear the sound of his footsteps as he struggles to catch up with me "Wait!"I don’t stop. I can’t. If I do, I’ll fall apart, and I refuse to let anyone—especially him—see me this way. But my legs betray me. out of my control, my legs slow down because deep down, I want someone to stop me. To tell me I’m not crazy. That I’m not overreacting. That I matter.Footsteps pound behind me, quicker, stronger, until Alexander finally catches up. His hand closes gently around my wrist. I jerk away instinctively, but he doesn’t let go completely, just
EMILY'S POVEMILY’S POVThe past few days have been a blur of exhaustion, nausea, and an overwhelming need to rest. I spend most of my time curled up in bed, trying to ignore the waves of sickness that come and go like the tide. The air in my room feels heavy, suffocating almost, and I long for something—anything—to ground me.Then, my phone rings.I glance at the screen. My heart skips when I see the familiar name flashing across it. Grandma.Taking a deep breath, I answer. "Grandma?""Emily, sweetheart!" Her voice is warm, full of love "How have you been, dear? It’s been too long since we talked."I swallow hard, forcing a smile even though she can’t see it. "I’m okay, Grandma. Just… taking it easy.""You don’t sound okay," she notes, "Are you eating well? You need to take care of yourself, darling."I hesitate, pressing my fingers against my forehead. "Yeah, I am. Just tired, that’s all."She hums in disapproval, but thankfully doesn’t push. "Why don’t you come over today? I’ve mis
EMILY'S POVEMILY’S POV(THE DAY OF THE DINNER)That evening, I pace my bedroom with my phone pressed to my ear, Alexander’s smooth voice filling the space around me. I let out a sigh, twirling a strand of hair around my finger."I don’t know, Alexander," I admit, sitting on the edge of my bed. "This dinner… it just feels like a bad idea."He chuckles on the other end. "Why? Because Carlos might bring Lina? Emily, you’re stronger than this. And honestly, what better way to show him you’ve moved on?"I scoff. "I never said I was trying to prove anything to Carlos.""Maybe not, but deep down, you want him to see you thriving. And you are, Emily. You’re beautiful, independent, and way out of his league. He just didn’t realize it until it was too late."His words send warmth spreading through me, and before I can stop myself, I laugh. "You’re ridiculous, you know that?""Ridiculously right? Yeah, I know." I can hear the smile in his voice, and for some reason, it makes my heart skip a bea
EMILY'S POVI sit on the couch with one leg curled beneath me. Bridget, Helen, and I are on a video call."Emily, I’m telling you, this whole situation is insane. Carlos came to visit you yesterday? Why?" Bridget asks.I sigh, rubbing my forehead. "Bridget, I don’t know, okay? I don’t have the energy to think about it right now.""You should, Em. Because if you don’t, I will. I swear, if I ever see that bastard—""I think it’s cute," Helen says. "He’s trying to make up for things.""How about his little girlfriend then?" Bridget asks Helen.A sharp knock at the door makes me sit up. I frown, glancing at the clock. It’s too late for visitors, and I’m not expecting anyone."Bridget, I’ll call you later," I say, already getting to my feet."Wait, who is it?""No idea," I murmur."Be careful. And if it’s Carlos, kick him in the balls for me," Bridget says.I snort, shaking my head. "Goodbye, guys."I hang up and walk toward the front door just as one of the maids opens it. My breath hitch
EMILY’S POVI wake up to the sunlight the next morning. My fingers stretch across the sheets, looking for warmth, looking for him. But the other side of the bed is cold and empty. Just like every other morning since he left.Carlos.I let out a bitter laugh, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I force myself to sit up. “Damn it, Emily,” I mutter, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. “You’re stronger than this.”Except I don’t feel strong. I feel hollow. But I can’t let myself drown in that emptiness. Not when I have someone else to live for now.My hands cradle my stomach.“It’s just you and me now, sweetheart,” I whisper, running my fingers over the soft fabric of my nightshirt. “We’re going to be okay.”The baby doesn’t answer, of course, but the thought of them is the only thing keeping me calm. Keeping me moving. If I stop, I’ll fall apart.I push to my feet and make my way to the kitchen. The routine helps. Coffee. Emails. Anything to keep my mind busy. Anything to silence t
CARLOS' POVI swirl the liquid in my glass as I sit alone, lost in thought. I take a slow sip, letting the burn go down my throat, but it does nothing to clear my mind.Lina's voice echoes in my head. Our last conversation left a bitter taste in my mouth, one that no amount of whiskey can wash away. She had been right—of course, she had. But I had been too stubborn, too caught up in my own lies to admit it.She asked me if I was still hung up on Emily. I had hesitated, and that hesitation had said more than any lie could. I wanted to believe that Lina was what I wanted. That I could be happy with her. But sitting here now, staring at the old, faded photograph on my desk, I know the truth.Emily.I drag a hand down my face with a sigh. I had promised myself I wouldn’t think about her, wouldn’t let her haunt me. But seeing her at the ball had shattered that resolve. She had been breathtaking, standing there with Alexander. The way she had looked at him—I clench my jaw, gripping the gla
LINA'S POVThe sunlight pours into my bedroom as I pace around, phone in hand, still caught up in the magic of last night.“Elisa, you should have seen it! The ball was breathtaking. I swear, I felt like royalty walking through those golden doors,” I say, running my fingers through my hair as I step into the bedroom.Elisa laughs “I’m sure you did, darling. You always know how to command a room. Did Carlos stay by your side the whole time?”I scoff, looking through my vanity for my lip gloss. “Of course not. He had to entertain some business acquaintances. But you won’t believe who I saw there.”“Who?” Elisa asks, intrigued.“Emily.” Just saying her name makes my skin crawl.There’s a sharp inhale on the other end. “What? What the hell was she doing there? Is she stalking you guys?”“I wouldn’t be surprised,” I mutter, rolling my eyes. “She was definitely watching. It was pathetic. You should have seen the way she kept staring at Carlos like she still had a chance.”Elisa groans. “Ugh
EMILY’S POVThe classical music playing fills the entire ballroom. I move with Alexander. Our steps are in perfect sync as he leads me effortlessly across the floor. His touch is gentle. His hand rests at the small of my back while our fingers intertwine. The warmth of his palm against mine sends a shiver up my arm."You’re a wonderful dancer, Emily," Alexander says.I laugh softly, tilting my head to look up at him. "That’s all you. I’m just following your lead."He smirks. "I wouldn’t be so sure about that. You move with such grace, it’s as if you were made for this."I can’t help but blush. Alexander has a way with words. He knows exactly how to make a woman feel like the most precious thing in the room."Flatterer," I tease, shaking my head."Honest man," he corrects with a wink. "I have a confession.""Oh?" I raise a curious brow.He leans in slightly, his lips mere inches from my ear. "I’ve been waiting all night to dance with you."His words send a rush of heat through me. "Is
CARLOS' POVI stand there, frozen, watching Emily disappear into the crowd with Alexander. My hands clench into fists at my sides, and my pulse hammers in my ears. She’s gone, just like that, and there’s nothing I can do about it.Beside me, Lina scoffs, breaking the silence. "Seriously, Carlos? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. What?"I don’t answer. I can’t. My chest feels tight, like something is squeezing around my ribs. But Lina isn’t done. "I don't know what you ever saw in her. She's so... plain. And come on, Carlos, there’s no way a man like Alexander Gonzalez is actually interested in her. She probably slept her way into his life."My head snaps toward her. I can’t help the anger flaring hot inside me. "Lina. Don't say that."She blinks, caught off guard by the sharpness in my voice. "What?""Don't ever say things like that about Emily," I say. "You don’t know her. You don’t know anything about her."Lina scoffs again, louder this time. "Are you seriously defending her right
CARLOS’ POVI see her before she sees me.For a moment, I think I’m hallucinating. I blink, once, twice, trying to convince myself that it isn’t real—that she isn’t real. But she is. Standing across the ballroom, dressed in shimmering gold, looking every bit like the goddess she was always meant to be.Emily.My chest tightens as I drink her in, the way the dress clings to her curves, the way the soft lights of the chandelier dance against her skin, giving her an ethereal glow. Her dark hair is falls to her shoulders in flawless waves. Her hair highlights the curve of her shoulders in the most beautiful way. She looks breathtaking, more than I remember, more than I deserve to see.I feel a sharp pull in my chest. I try to ignore it, but my feet move before I can stop them.“Carlos?” I hear Lina call from behind but I pay her no mind. How can I? all I can focus on is Emily.What’s she doing here? I never expected to see her here.Lina says something again but it feels like background
The reflection in the mirror stares back at me. The knot of my tie is perfectly straight. I adjust the cuff of my suit jacket, exhaling slowly as I mentally prepare for the night ahead. The charity gala. Another evening of polite smiles, handshakes, and empty conversations I have no interest in having.The bedroom door bursts open, slamming against the wall."Carlos!" Lina raises her voice.I don’t even flinch. Sadly, I’m already used to her outbursts.I meet her furious gaze in the mirror, watching as she storms in."Have you seen my lip gloss? The one in the gold tube?"I sigh, turning back to my reflection. "No."Lina huffs, yanking open drawers, tossing things aside. "I swear, I left it right here! And now it’s gone. Just perfect."She continues looking. I can feel her frustration growing with every passing second. "I don’t understand why things keep disappearing in this house!"I pinch the bridge of my nose. At this point, my patience is thinning. "Lina, you have a whole damn dra