Seven years into her marriage, her husband brought his mistress home and her son demanded a new mother.
Emery's heart felt like it had been shattered beyond repair. Without looking back, she left them behind and headed to Willowridge.
Elliot dismissed her departure as a momentary outburst, convinced their history and bond would soon draw her back.
When people asked him about it, he simply shrugged and said, "Emery’s just being her usual jealous self. She’ll come back once she cools off and everything will be fine again."
But the days stretched into months and instead of her return, he heard the news of Emery’s engagement in Willowridge.
——
“Landon, I’ve booked my ticket to Willowridge for two weeks from now. Please draft a divorce agreement for me immediately.”
While Emery spoke on the phone, her eyes rested on the young woman stepping out of the Cayenne that once belonged to her. With a steady breath, she made her decision.
Hanging up the phone, she draped a coat over her shoulders and went downstairs.
The pounding rhythm of electronic music filled the grand mansion, its first-floor hall buzzing with people. Amid the lively crowd, Calla Daniels lounged on the sofa in a glittering black sequined dress, soaking up the admiration.
Beside her sat Elliot Carter, Emery’s husband and their seven-year-old son, Jaxon, whom Emery had carried for ten months, risking her life and raised with unwavering care.
Now, the two sat with Calla, creating a perfect family picture as if Emery had never been a part of it.
Unrelated, yet somehow connected. Calla had once been a struggling student Emery had taken under her wing and sponsored.
As Emery looked at her, memories flooded back of how this woman had slowly but deliberately inserted herself into her life.
But those memories no longer held any weight.
The air turned heavy with unease as Emery stepped down the stairs, her presence an unwelcome contrast to the lively scene below.
Maeve, Elliot’s assistant, quickly greeted her with an awkward smile. “Didn’t know you were back, sister-in-law. Hope we’re not bothering you.”
Everyone who knew Emery was aware of her hearing impairment and the cochlear implant she wore in her left ear. She could never tolerate such deafening noise.
Before bringing anyone into their home, Elliot hadn’t even bothered to check if she was there.
Keeping a calm smile, she replied, “It’s fine.”
Neither Elliot nor Jaxon paid much attention to her presence.
It wasn’t until she reached the last step that Elliot signaled for the music to stop. “Calla got promoted today. We’re celebrating.”
His voice was cold and detached. It didn’t sound like an explanation but more like a reprimand, as if her presence had disrupted the evening.
Jaxon, meanwhile, stood protectively by Calla’s side like a loyal guard and said, “Aunt Calla is the star today, Mommy. Don’t ruin the fun. You know I can’t stand it when someone spoils the mood. If only you could be as fun and carefree as Aunt Calla.”
Watching her son, the one she had poured her heart into raising, defend another woman so passionately, Emery felt a brief flicker in her chest, only for it to fade as quickly as it had come. The time for emotional upheaval had long since passed.
She smiled, calm and composed. “As long as you’re happy. Congratulations on your promotion, Calla.”
Once her affairs were in order, she would leave the city behind, severing all ties with both father and son.
Not wishing to join the celebration, Emery slipped around the crowd and made her way toward the kitchen, away from Calla.
But Calla wasn’t about to let her go so easily. Holding a glass of red wine, she gracefully approached Emery.
“Thank you, Miss Carter. If you hadn’t recommended me to Oakridge, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Originally, Mr. Carter planned to book the top floor of the Regent for a grand celebration, but I thought that was too much. I suggested we keep it here instead. I’m sorry I forgot about your dislike of noise.”
“Since it’s such a happy occasion, Miss Carter, why not join us? Jaxon often mentions how you prefer quiet things. As a mother, shouldn’t you spend more time playing with your child and understanding what he truly wants? Don’t you agree, Miss Carter?”
