Today's update. :)
"You're so shameless, hugging your lover right outside the courtroom! But I guess you have nothing to fear when you've got a judge on your side!" Margaret's angry voice sliced through the hallway.Emmeline jerked away from Zavian's embrace, her gaze drawn to the courthouse entrance where Richard, Yuna, and his parents stood glaring at them.The hostility radiating from the group was palpable, like a physical wave of animosity washing over her.Margaret's normally elegant features contorted into an ugly visage of contempt that transformed her into someone Emmeline barely recognized.The corridor suddenly felt smaller and the air heavier as the two groups faced each other in the aftermath of the trial.Emmeline felt her heart rate accelerate. The small victory she'd just achieved seemed already tarnished by this confrontation. The taste of triumph turned bitter in her mouth."I feel guilty for choosing such a corrupt woman for my son," Margaret spat. Each word was enunciated, designed to
Yuna's gaze flickered briefly to Emmeline, assessing her like a predator, before returning to Zavian. Her perfectly painted lips curved into the ghost of a smile that never reached her eyes—a smile that spoke of leverage yet to be deployed."Aren't you his attorney?" Zavian asked his wife pointedly… in a tone suggesting she should know better than allow her clients make such reckless accusations. "Perhaps you should advise your clients on the legal implications of their statements before her mouth writes checks her family can't afford to cash."Yuna's expression didn't change. However, one could notice a muscle jumping beneath the smooth skin of her jaw—the only indication that Zavian's words had hit their mark.Her eyes burned with an intensity that made Emmeline shiver despite the warmth of Zavian's embrace.Brody, who had been standing with Taehyung and Minnie behind them, stepped forward with a serious expression. His intervention was perfectly timed, adding legal weight to Zavian'
Zavian's eyes burned with violence waiting to unleash. The intensity of his gaze made Richard unconsciously take another step back, some primitive part of his brain recognizing the presence of a superior predator."You won't get those hands back if you try it again!" Zavian threatened, straightening his collar with deliberate calm that contrasted sharply with the storm that still raged within him."I'm not one of your subordinates or your wife. I won't tolerate your tantrums or your hands on my person. Test me again, and you'll know exactly how unwise that would be!"The double meaning in his words sent a shiver down Emmeline's spine. To everyone else, it was a threat of legal consequences, perhaps physical retaliation but those familiar with him understood the true nature of the warning. If Richard pushed Zavian too far, the entities might break free, and there would be nothing left of Richard to prosecute or punish.Emmeline quickly placed her hand on Zavian's back. The contact see
Zavian's fingers closed around Richard's throat and delivered a single, calculated punch to Richard's midsection without a flicker of emotion crossing his marble-carved features.The sound of impact echoed sickeningly in the hushed corridor.Richard doubled over with a strangled wheeze escaping his lips as the air violently fled his lungs. His knees buckled that only Zavian's iron grip on his throat kept him from collapsing entirely.The sudden violence caused ripple through the courthouse corridor. Several onlookers gasped and stepped back, creating a widening circle around the confrontation.The temperature plummeted so drastically that everyone visibly shivered. Zavian's eyes darkened to an obsidian void that reflected nothing. They were the eyes of something merciless that had merely been wearing a man's skin."Don't. You. Dare. Insult. Her!" Each word fell from Zavian's lips like an icicle shattering on stone—a voice that scraped along the primal fear centers of everyone who heard
The effect proved instantaneous. Richard's face drained of color until it resembled chalk as his earlier bravado evaporated like morning mist before a scorching sun.A visible tremor ran through his body, starting at his hands and traveling upward until his entire frame shook uncontrollably.His mouth worked silently, opening and closing without producing sound, resembling a fish thrown onto dry land. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the unnatural cold, trickling down his temples.The moment stretched unnaturally into what felt like hours.Zavian straightened his rumpled shirt with slow, almost ceremonial motions. His eyes never left Richard's face, pinning him in place like a butterfly to a collection board. "Emmeline can sue you for domestic violence," he stated coolly. "Ask your lawyer about the consequences."The last remnants of Richard's confidence crumbled visibly. His shoulders sagged as though under an unbearable weight. His desperate, searching eyes turned to Yuna, silent
Emmeline remained rooted to the spot until Zavian reluctantly removed his hands from her shoulders.His jaw clenched in frustration, and he muttered something that sounded like "stubborn" under his breath.Only then did Emmeline allow her brother to lead her away."Thank you all," Emile threw over his shoulders in genuine gratitude despite his obvious desire to leave.Minnie looked annoyed at Emile's behavior. She waved enthusiastically to Emmeline nonetheless."You’ve won the case now and there's no longer any need to hide. I expect you to come visit me soon!"She raised her voice deliberately to ensure Emile would catch her next words. "No more locking you up at home, do you hear me?"Emile rolled his eyes disapprovingly at the comment.On the other hand, Emmeline kept her gaze fixed on Zavian as long as possible, drinking in the sight of him until they turned the corner at the end of the hallway and he disappeared from view."You're really something, Emmeline," Emile muttered once t
They drove in silence for the remainder of the journey, the familiar streets of Riverwalk passing by in a blur outside the window.Emmeline found comfort in the quiet, grateful that at least her brother would keep her secret from their parents.After fifteen minutes that felt much longer, they pulled into the driveway of the family home.The building loomed before them. To outsiders, it represented success and harmony. To Emmeline, it had become another kind of prison, different from her marital home but confining nonetheless.They entered quietly, only to find their parents standing in the living room, their postures tense with anticipation.Eleanor rushed toward them. "You’re so late! My heart almost stopped from the stress of waiting," she exclaimed, directing her words to Emile despite Emmeline being the one whose fate had been decided today. "What happened in court? Did Emmeline lose the lawsuit?"Emile forced a smile. "What's all this pessimism, Mom?"Charles approached them as w
Zavian's arms tenderly enveloped Emmeline, one hand cradling the back of her head while the other pressed firmly against her spine.The steady beat of his heart against her ear provided a rhythm to focus on—something solid and real amid the chaotic storm of her thoughts.She surrendered to his embrace, drawing strength from his unwavering presence as she had done countless times before, though never with such desperation clinging to her every breath."Please help me," Emmeline whispered. "I don't want to leave."Her arms tightened around his waist with such intensity that her knuckles blanched white.The warmth of his body contrasted with the cool evening air, grounding her in the moment even as her thoughts threatened to spiral into an abyss of panic and loss."My worst nightmare is about to come true, and I have no choice but to submit.” The words tumbled out, each syllable laced with raw fear. "You're the only one who can prevent this from happening."Zavian's hands moved to her sho
Zavian kissed her like a man starved.Emmeline tried to match his intensity, her inexperience showing but only making him want her more.He took turns with her upper and lower lip, occasionally letting his hot breath slip into her mouth.The counter dug into her back as his body caged her in. When his tongue finally slipped past her lips, pleasure escaped her throat in a moan she couldn't hold back.Zavian’s hand moved from her chin to grip her waist tighter. He explored her mouth thoroughly. Their lips moved in perfect rhythm while their tongues danced together. Every so often, he pressed his hips forward, letting her feel how much he wanted her. Each contact pushed her excitement higher.Eventually, they had to break apart for air.Their eyes reconnected, glowing with obvious love."Damn everyone who kept us apart this week!”Their lips stayed inches apart while they caught their breath.The look between them was almost physical in its intensity."I've always gotten what I want with
The group split up at the parking lot.Emmeline slid into her brother's car passenger seat while Minnie moved toward their own car.She caught Emmeline’s eye from across the lot, offering a small supportive smile before climbing into her husband's car.On the other hand, Brody's convertible roared to life with unnecessary force before peeling out of the parking space and disappearing down the street.The drive home stretched into an exercise in silence.Emile gripped the steering wheel with his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead.Tension filled the car.Emmeline turned toward the window, watching the familiar streets of Riverwalk blur past. The town that had always been her home now felt like a place she was preparing to escape."Mother called while we were in court," Emile finally said.Emmeline traced a pattern on the condensation forming on the window. "What did you tell her?""What needs to be said.”Emmeline turned to face him, already knowing what he meant. "You shouldn't make
Minnie grabbed the chance to pull Emmeline back, making sure there was enough space between them and the men for a private conversation."What's this about going to France?" Worry shadowed her expressive face. "When were you planning to tell me? Or was I supposed to get a postcard from Paris?"Regret washed over Emmeline's face. The truth was, she'd been putting off this conversation, dreading how Minnie would react."I never found the right time to tell you," she admitted, avoiding her friend's sharp gaze by staring at the fancy ceiling molding.Minnie's fingers tightened around Emmeline's arm and her eyes narrowed. "This wasn't your idea," she stated with certainty. "You have too much to lose if you leave Riverwalk. Maybe you could handle being without me—though I doubt it—but what about Judge Blackthorn? What happens to you two?"Emmeline put her hand over Minnie's. "Don't ever say that. I couldn't stand losing either of you."Satisfaction softened Minnie's expression, encouraging E
Taehyung’s eyes twinkled mischievously. "Something tells me you won't be single for long, though."Understanding his hint about Zavian, Emmeline ducked her head as heat flooded her cheeks. "Maybe."She turned toward her brother Emile, who waited with the patience of someone used to family obligations. His expression revealed nothing."Congratulations, Emmeline," he offered, his tone measured.Emmeline responded with a small smile.Emile placed his hands on her shoulders, his voice taking on that big-brother seriousness she'd known all her life."A dark chapter of your life is over. Every door is open to you now. Choose the right path. Our family made a terrible mistake pushing you toward Richard. I hope you'll be smarter going forward."His pointed reference to Zavian made Emmeline's jaw clench, but she forced herself to appear agreeable. This wasn't the time or place."I've had enough pain to last a lifetime, Emile. I won't walk into more."Her brother studied her face, clearly suspic
Emmeline closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the sweetness of liberation. When she opened them again, she found Zavian watching her with an expression that contained unmistakable tenderness.She sat motionless, letting the words wash over her like warm sunlight after an endless storm.Her heart thundered in her chest, each beat a celebration of newfound freedom.The courtroom around her blurred into insignificance. Only Zavian remained in sharp focus, whose distinguished features softened by something deeper than satisfaction.Their eyes remained locked across the formal expanse of the courtroom, defying the crowd of spectators, attorneys, and court officials surrounding them.Zavian gazed at her with such intensity that Emmeline felt heat rise to her cheeks. The subtle curve of his lips spoke of personal triumph, of a private victory shared between them alone.She finally snapped out of their spellbound when the courtroom erupted into a cacophony of reactions.The chaos provided Em
The courtroom hummed with tension as everyone returned to their seats.Emmeline’s hands clasped tightly in her lap to hide their trembling. However, felt a strange calm beneath her nervousness. Today might finally mark her freedom from Richard.Brody rose from his seat with confidence. His tailored suit and commanding presence gave Emmeline a small measure of reassurance as he buttoned his jacket and addressed the court."I am Attorney Brody Park, representing the plaintiff, Emmeline Lawson," he announced.While Brody spoke with unwavering authority, Emmeline found her attention drifting to Zavian.The man commanded respect without effort. With penetrating eyes that seemed to see through pretense and his expression remained neutral as he listened to the proceedings."My client has filed for divorce and is seeking damages against her husband, Richard Maine," Brody continued. "The grounds for this petition are irreconcilable differences and, more significantly, the pattern of physical vi
Emile released his grip on Emmeline's arms and exhaled deeply. "That's somewhat comforting."He took a seat in the front row while Emmeline proceeded to the plaintiff's table with Brody at her side.Brody’s expression shifted from contemplation to something sharper and more predatory. "I was looking forward to another round against Yuna," he admitted with a competitive gleam lighting his eyes. "I wanted to outmaneuver her in her own field and prove once and for all that I'm the superior divorce attorney. It's rather disappointing."Emmeline regarded him with barely concealed disapproval. "This divorce represents my entire future," she reminded him sharply. "Your attitude about it being some sort of professional competition is deeply troubling."They settled into their seats behind the prosecution table, and Emmeline added with admonishment, "I don't appreciate you viewing my personal trauma as just another notch in your professional belt."Brody placed his briefcase on the table and fo
The kitchen door slammed shut behind Yuna.The thick tension she'd brought with her lingered for a few seconds, then faded away, leaving Emmeline alone with her ragged breathing and wounded pride.Barely a moment passed before the door swung open again. Noel poked his head in, then stepped fully into the kitchen with worry plastered all over his usually chill face.His eyes darted around before landing on Emmeline."Thank God she's gone.” His shoulders dropped with obvious relief.He ran fingers through his hair and let out a huge breath. "Lucky she didn't show up during lunch rush. Can you imagine the drama with all those customers watching?"Then he really looked at Emmeline and his eyes widened.Her waist-length waves normally her best feature was in a tangled mess around her shoulders. Angry red prints marked her cheek, and her white blouse was rumpled."My God." The words came out barely above a whisper. He rushed over, stopping just short of touching her. "What the hell happened
Emmeline's mind raced back, trying to remember where Zavian had been, what he had told her about that night.Had he actually been with Yuna?"Why are you telling me this?" Emmeline’s voice sounded hollow. "Why not just tell him about the baby and let him make his choice?"Yuna's expression softened slightly. "Because I know my husband," she said quietly. "He has a strong sense of duty. If he knows I'm carrying his child, he'll feel obligated to stay with me, to give our baby a proper family. But if he's torn between that duty and his feelings for you..." She trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air."You want me to make the choice for him," Emmeline realized aloud. "You want me to walk away so he never has to know."Yuna nodded slowly. "It would be better for everyone," she insisted. "He wouldn't have to choose between his child and his... infatuation. You wouldn't have to live with the guilt of separating a father from his child. And I wouldn't have to raise this baby alon