Chapter 1-The Beginning of the End

Emily’s POV

Fred proposed divorce. I knew this day would come sooner or later. But I never expected it to happen today, nor did I expect him to be so resolute with his decision. He left divorce papers with his signature on the table, the black ink glaring back at me. 

The whole thing was difficult for me to wrap my head around. I loved Fred with all my heart! If it were up to me, we would still be together. I didn’t want the separation and … I had married for love. 

Fred was annoyed by my hesitation, his frustration apparent like an angry child who can’t get his own way.  

“What did he expect?” I thought but didn’t dare to say out loud. Did he think I’d be okay with this whole situation, smile, and agree?

“But, Fred, I…” I began, trying to explain how I really felt, the words trembling out of my mouth.  

“You knew the deal, Emily,” he interrupted, “we both agreed from the start that our marriage would only last two years,” Fred shot back, a hint of embarrassment as the words left his mouth. 

Yes, it was true. Our agreed deadline was up, and he hadn’t forgotten. I had hoped it was just a phase; that these past two years together would have changed his mind.  

“I know Fred, I know…” I replied, trying my best to hold back tears.

“Listen, Emily. It’s not that I don’t love you. I do, I’m just not in love with you.” Fred began. “Right from the start I’ve treated you like family, but you’ve always known the way I feel about Nancy.  She’s returning home today. I’ve promised her a home together.” He continued, his words cutting me like a sharp kitchen knife. 

Hearing all of this, my body began to tremble, and the only thing I could muster was an “I see.” 

Despite our situation, Fred was raised well, and with good morals. Maybe that’s why I fell for him. 

I knew Fred well enough to know he would only be with Nancy as a single man. The reason for our divorce very clear to me. 

“You’ll be more than compensated. I would never leave you with nothing, Emily,” Fred uttered. 

“I don’t want your money, Fred, how many times must I say it?” I answered. What I so desperately needed was his love. That was all. 

It wasn’t his money nor property I was after. I had enough of my own, my family inheritance digging much deeper into pockets than his — albeit Fred never knew anything about this.  

I was thankful then that I had never shared any of this information with him. He had no idea about the rich upbringing I came from…

As much as I adored my husband, I knew Nancy was his first, true love. I had always known deep down it was his grandfather who pushed our marriage. The head of the Walker family. More of a contract to him, than anything.

Unfortunately, our marriage never began with love, well, true love at least.

I’d had a crush on Fred for three years. We were hitched within two. I’d hoped all this time to win his heart, but I failed us both. 

Fred looked at me silently. His silence told me everything I needed to know. 

Heartbroken and sighing deeply, I picked up a Lamy fountain pen lying on the table nearby.  Staring down at the page, the words seemed to jumble into one. Along the dotted line, I signed my name for the last time as ‘Emily Walker.’

Piercing the silence, Fred’s iPhone rang, snapping me back into this unwanted reality, and Nancy’s voice coming from it immediately. It was hard to forget her high-pitched tone. 

Hearing flicks of their conversation, Nancy was indeed home from a vacation in Europe and hoped that Fred would pick her up from the airport. 

“Emily, something has come up.” He was out the front door in a second. 

It was now evening and I was packing my suitcases. I heard the front door key turn, and Fred walked in…with Nancy. 

“The audacity!” I screamed internally but said nothing. My pride wouldn’t let Nancy have the upper hand on this one, let alone let her know the pain they had caused me. 

We had just signed the divorce papers a couple of hours ago. I can’t believe he would have the nerve to bring her home. 

He had his arms around her waist, and she was leaning back into his chest. He murmured something into her ear. 

I tried my best not to let their affection hurt me.  

“Fred!” Nancy shrilled. “I hardly think it’s an appropriate time, darling. You’re not divorced, yet.” 

“I’m sure Emily wouldn’t mind.” he stuttered back sheepishly. 

I couldn’t take much more of their lovey-dovey canoodling. It was too painful. He’s never shown me even half the affection — one that I had longed for so deeply night after night. 

“I’m going upstairs, Fred. I suggest you don’t follow.” I said sharply. Not that you would, anyway. 

I still had another suitcase to pack and this would help take my mind off of things. As I retreated to the bedroom, I swore I heard them snicker. Did they really think I would just be okay? 

It was nearing 7pm when I heard the front doorbell chime. Grabbing my suitcases and leather bag, I walked toward the living room. 

I wanted to at least say my final goodbyes to Fred, but no one was in the living room where I had last left them. Their giggles floated down the carpeted staircase, signaling it was coming from the guest room. 

“Screw that, and them,” I muttered, “I’m done with this all.” God only knew what they were getting up to by now, but I had my suspicions. They were hardly able to keep their hands off each other in front of me. 

“I bet their clothes are strewn all over the parquet floors by now. In my own house. A little respect is all I wanted.” But it was no longer my responsibility. With that, I grabbed my bags and waltzed out the door.  

A row of Rolls-Royce were waiting outside, bodyguards standing next to the Black Diamond rides. 

“Good evening, Miss Stewart.” One of the men greeted me using my maiden name.  

A chauffeur took my suitcases from me and opened the front door. He handed me a Mulberry silk cape to keep me warm. I got into the car, a tear rolling down my cheek. 

“Let’s go,” I whispered softly. 

“Welcome home, my baby sister, and of course, happy birthday!” I had hardly noticed Richard, my eldest brother, sitting in the leather seat next to me. I had never been more happy to see him! 

“Oh, Richard!” I cried. “Today has been one of the worst of my life. I’m so glad you’re here,” leaning into his shoulder. “I keep hoping it’s all a nightmare!”

It hit me then like a gut blow to the stomach during a boxing match…Fred had divorced me…on my 27th birthday. With all the ongoing drama today I had completely forgotten. Did Fred remember? I couldn’t help but think, and the emotions washed over me again. 

My head started to spin as if I was on a high-speed roller coaster. 

“Fred doesn't deserve you! Forget about him, Em,” came another voice, this time from my other brother Leon, “We’ve prepared a banquet for you, come, let’s go. Mother and Father are waiting.” 

As we left, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was a text from Nancy, shaking me to my core. 

“Emily. I just wanted to say thank you. You’re a failure, and Fred is finally mine.”