Chapter 3-Regret

Emily’s POV

The cheerful mood suddenly turned very sour, instantly leaving a bad taste in my mouth. 

Making out the silhouette of Fred’s BMW even in the dark, there was the sound of his familiar car remote clicking. He marched angrily towards us standing at the entrance. 

Why was he here? But I suddenly remembered that his grandfather stayed in the same area. Maybe he’s visiting him?    

But it was not my circus, not my monkeys anymore. 

Richard’s face was NOT pleased to see Fred either. He quickly stepped in front of me, guarding me from Fred. Out of my two brothers, he was definitely the one with a more forcefully protective nature.

I gently patted his arm, signaling to him that I was okay. “Thanks, Rich, but I’ve got this one,” I said to him softly but appreciating the gesture all the same. 

Why was Fred angry? We were already divorced, right? I then glimpsed sight of Nancy’s shadow hanging behind Fred. Looking closer, her dainty face was painted red with rage and jealousy. Jealousy really does make one nasty. For reasons unknown to even myself, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her at the moment.

“How dare you, Emily. How dare you move on so quickly. It hasn’t even been a day. I never mistook you for a who-” Fred pointed to the villa behind us, asking as if he had discovered something unacceptable. 

“You better watch your words there, Mr. Walker,” Richard immediately interrupting Fred.

Hattonshire had long been renowned as a playground for the lives of the rich and famous, as well as families from old-money nobility. I should know, my family was one of them. 

“Plus, how did you even get in? They don’t let just anyone through the security gates. Was it this man here?” Not letting anyone else get a word in, he carried on with his cruel lecture. 

“Fred, please, take it easy,” I warned. I knew my brother well, and there was only so much he would take. But Fred didn’t even notice my words, too caught up in his rage of fury. 

“And your clothes, Emily. Did he buy them for you? Are you just doing this all to spite me?” 

I stood there shocked. Not only by his disgustingly unkind words, which hurt my heart deeply but by the utter lack of faith. 

“Listen, Fred, it’s not what you think,” I started. 

“Not what I think, Emily, do you take me for a fool?” He shot back. 

After three years of marriage, Fred didn’t trust me at all. No matter what I say, nothing will change.  

Richard stepped forward, just inches away from Fred’s face. But he remained as calm and collected as a still lake. 

“Now listen here, Fred,” Richard butted in, this time using my ex-husband’s first name, “I think I’ve heard just about enough. How dare you speak to Emily that way. I want you to stay far away from her.” 

“I’ll speak to my wife how I please. Nobody tells me what to do, least of all her lover.” 

Huh, Richard scorned. “You mean, ex-wife, don’t you?” 

“Ex-wife? Who are you to tell me about my relationship? Who exactly do you think you are, mister?!” Fred retaliated. 

“Enough Fred, we are divorced!” I shouted, interrupting the two men before things could escalate to the next level. “I gave you what you wanted. You have Nancy, and I wish you nothing but happiness.”

Although my heart was fueled with bitterness, the last thing I wanted was a public conflict, especially not with my brother involved. I turned around to grab Richard’s arm. 

Fred was about to say something, but Nancy cut him off. 

“Darling, I’m feeling rather dizzy,” Nancy called from behind him. I had never been so thankful for her presence as I was then. 

Hearing Nancy’s voice, Fred was instantly distracted, turning to make sure she was alright. 

With all of the commotion, no one had noticed another car pulling into the driveway. It was Leon. He had seen everything that had transpired, and he wasn’t going to entertain any of it. 

Without saying anything, the automatic doors of his Jaguar Land Rover opened, and my brother and I stepped into the car. 

As we turned to pull off, Fred’s last words resounded through the air. “Stop!” He shouted. 

Looking back through the rearview mirror, Fred’s maddened glare followed our direction. He had his phone to his ear and was mumbling down the line.