Chapter 2-Coming Home

Emily’s POV

After reading Nancy’s text, I was determined to make a difference. Some things needed to change in my life. I won’t let anyone or any man cause me this kind of heartache again.

The car pulled up to the massive Stewart family estate. 

Approaching the glass villa doors of the main house, a row of servants and maids were waiting outside, individually bowing as we arrived. 

“Welcome home, Miss Stewart,” the head butler said, turning the oversized gold doorknob. Only my brothers had known about my marriage to Fred. 

“Dad has postponed an important meeting with one of his big-time French clients,” Leon consoled. I smiled, appreciating the sweet gesture from my father. 

“We all know he’d rather lose a big-time deal and be here for your birthday instead,” Richard chimed in. “He canceled his flight on the private plane just for you, Em.” 

It didn’t surprise me; I was a daddy’s girl through and through. With two older brothers, it wasn’t hard to understand why. 

If only Fred could have shown me the same love… 

“He’s booked out the Grand Opal for your bash,” Richard continued. It was my favorite 5-star hotel. Of course, my parents remembered.

“Em, I’ve set up a surprise for you. It’s waiting inside your cloakroom,” added Leon, his excitement hard to ignore. 

I pushed open the heavy door to the room. Everything was so familiar. 

In true fashion, Leon had organized in advance a closet-fitting of all of my favorite brands, from Chanel to Versace, fresh off the latest Haute Couture Week collections. “I used to sit front-row,” I thought to myself, but now I hardly could recount the newest designs.

At that moment, I realized how much I had sacrificed for Fred, leaving behind my life of extravagance.

“Pick your best and get changed. The rest we’ll have put back into your closet to keep,” Leon gleamed.

There was also a row of Hermès bags in every style waiting. I selected the Himalaya Birkin, its 18-karat white gold and diamond-encrusted lock catching my eye.

Before heading off, he handed me a set of three luxury car keys, “Whichever one you want, my sweet sister. I had all three customized. My personal favorite is the Bentley.” 

Pushing my feelings aside, I got dressed to the nines, the expensive materials outlining my figure so perfectly. If I’m being honest, I hardly recognize myself in the mirror. I was so used to wearing ordinary clothing in an attempt to hide my true identity from Fred, as well as my family’s wealth. “This feels so right, though,” I admitted to myself. 

Perhaps there was a silver lining on the horizon? 

“Oh, Em, you look gorgeous, as always,” stated Richard as I turned around in my new clothes. 

“It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you so dressed up, Emmy. Simply stunning my sister,” complimented Leon.  

Their kind words touched me. Fred never gave me compliments. Maybe once or twice in the beginning. I guess I’ve just gotten so used to it. I was lost in thought for a second. It’s nice to feel loved again.

My brothers did love me, so very much. They both hated seeing me suffer. It had always been that way since I was little. Any problem or hardship, whether big or small; they were like my protectors. But that’s what you get with two older brothers, Em. I reminded myself, smiling. 

“I wonder how they must have felt about this all,” I thought, “what with me abandoning not just Mum and Dad but my older brothers all for a man these past three years.” But I knew deep down they would love me, no matter what… 

From now on, I’m going to focus on rebuilding the person I once knew, I decided; my real authentic self. 

A sudden knock came from the door, pulling me from my thoughts and Richard and Leon from their own conversation. 

“Yes,” Richard called, beckoning the person behind to enter. 

“Pardon me, Messrs and Miss Stewart.” It was Arthur’s voice, the butler. “Don’t mind the intrusion, but I have just caught wind that your father has landed. He’s getting off the plane as we speak, and he is on his way home. He asks that you meet him at the hotel as soon as possible.” 

“Thank you, Arthur,” Leon pronounced. “If you could tell him we’re on the way shortly.” 

“Of course, Mr. Stewart,” and with that, he retreated.  

“Em, I’ll drive you to the Grand Opal,” Leon stated. “Maybe even take your new ride for a test drive,” he joked. “I’ll go get my car, it’s parked in the lot. I’ll only be a minute. Meet you out front.” 

Leon walked off and Richard accompanied me to the grand entrance, waiting with me outside in the cool night’s breeze. 

“I’m excited to see everyone, but also a little nervous,” I began, turning to face my brother. With a gust of wind, the evening fascinator I was wearing almost blew off. Thankfully Richard managed to grab my hat in time, patting down my hair gently where the inner clip had come loose. 

I pulled a funny face, like the ones we would make when we were young, and both of us broke out laughing. It felt so good to laugh with my brother again. 

Suddenly out of nowhere, an angry voice echoed up the driveway. I recognized it immediately… But how- Just as I was about to say something to Richard, we were interrupted. 

“Emily, what are you doing here?!” the indignant tone demanded, traveling through the air like an unwanted visitor.