The call came through as I was sitting in the waiting room, my hands still shaking from the crash. “Nathan, please. I’m begging you. Save our baby.
”
I didn’t even know she was pregnant. I didn’t know anything, because I wasn’t there. I was at a meeting, chasing a contract, while Emma lay bleeding in a twisted car. By the time I reached the hospital, it was over.
“We couldn’t save it,” the doctor told me. “The police have contacted your fiancé, but he still hasn’t shown up. ”
I tried his phone. Nothing.
Voicemail. Then he walked in, looked at me like I was an inconvenience, and said, “I asked you to deliver a document, but now you’re here. The meeting’s going to start. Where is it?
Good. Looks like you’re all right. It’ll be our wedding in three days, so be ready. ”
He didn’t ask about the baby.
He didn’t ask about me. He just wanted his papers. I should have known then. I should have walked away right there.
But I didn’t. The next day, the woman who called herself Nathan’s “true love” found me in the hospital corridor. “Stop calling for him,” she said, smirking. “Nathan doesn’t care about you.
I’m the one he loves. Back when Nathan went bankrupt, you left him all alone. All these years, I was the only one who stayed by his side. So thank you—for turning Nathan from a poor nobody into a rich tycoon.
But now that I’ve come back, you should just leave. ”
I looked at her, this stranger who knew nothing about the nights I’d spent working three jobs just to keep Nathan afloat, the years I’d given up my own dreams to build his. “You’re welcome,” I said quietly. It wasn’t until I saw the news that the full weight of it hit me.
There he was, the CEO of the Watson Group, photographed with his arm around that same woman at a gala, laughing, drinking champagne—while I was lying in a hospital bed, mourning our child. I had lost my baby. And he had been out having fun. That’s when the old friend found me.
“Emma. How are you feeling? ” Dean asked, standing in the doorway of my hospital room. “Dean, what are you doing here?
”
“We’ve known each other a while. Now you’re here. I had to come see you. ”
I felt a wave of shame.
“I’m sorry. Because you and I were engaged before. But then I left you alone, and I ran off with that bastard. ”
Dean shook his head.
“If you are not happy, you can always come back. We’re still valid. And I’m still waiting. ”
I looked at him—this man who had never hurt me, who had waited for me through everything.
And I made a decision. “All right,” I said. “Then I swear that in three days, I’ll marry you. ”
—
The wedding was small, quiet, nothing like the grand circus Nathan had planned for us.
I wore a simple white dress. Dean slipped a ring on my finger. The officiant asked if I took Dean Payne to be my lawful husband. “Yes, I do.
”
And then, just as the vows were ending, a familiar voice cut through the room. “EMMA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? ”
Nathan stormed in, his face red, his security guards trailing behind him.
He grabbed my arm, his grip bruising. “I’m guessing you put on this act just for me, didn’t you, Emma? ”
I pulled my arm free. “Nathan, are you kidding me?
I didn’t even ask you to come here. ”
“Cut the crap, Emma. I know you way too well. You’re getting so dramatic.
This is quite a show indeed. ”
Dean stepped between us. “Mr. Watson, this is my wedding day.
You should leave now. ”
Nathan laughed. “So, you’re telling me that you stood me up just for this jerk? ”
“I completely cleared the venue for you, as well as for Ella.
What’s wrong? Didn’t you two get married? ”
“Clearly, you’re jealous,” Nathan said, smirking. “Fine, Ella’s not going to be your bridesmaid, okay?
Now, just come back with me. ”
I looked at him—this man who had watched me destroy myself for him, who had ignored my calls while I miscarried our baby, who had fired me from the position he’d given to his mistress. “Right now, I really don’t care about Ella at all,” I said. “I’ve broken up with you.
”
“Really now? I didn’t agree. ”
I glanced at Dean. “Allow me to introduce someone.
This is my husband, Mr. Dean Payne. ”
Nathan’s face twisted. “Emma.
Enough already. This isn’t funny anymore. Now, come with me. ”
He grabbed my arm again, harder this time.
Dean stepped forward. “She said let go. ”
“Are you deaf? ” Nathan sneered.
“Mind your own business, you actor. ”
“But Nathan,” I said quietly, “Dean and I are legally married. He’s not some kind of actor. ”
“Legally married?
Where’s your certificate? Cut the crap, Emma. That certificate was a fake, too. Come on, I know you too well.
Besides, we’ve been together for quite a number of years. You’d never marry someone else, Emma. ”
He reached for me again, and I slapped him. The silence in the room was deafening.
“How dare you hit me? ”
“If you touch Emma again,” Dean said, his voice ice, “I’m going to break your arm. ”
Nathan laughed, his eyes wild. “Do you want to die?
”
“Nathan, are you finished yet? ” I demanded. “WHAT? Didn’t you see that he hit me?
”
“I do feel sorry,” I said coldly. “Now his hand is all bruised. ”
“Emma, even if you want to piss me off right now, you shouldn’t go too far. ”
“Can you stop flattering yourself?
” I said. “Besides, the wedding isn’t even over yet. So right now, I’m going to need you to get out of our wedding. ”
Nathan’s face darkened.
“I’m warning you. This is your last chance to come back with me. You’re doing this because I gave that project to Ella. All right, what if I promised you that I’ll add your name to it?
Just come back with me. ”
I stared at him. After everything—after the accident, after the baby, after the betrayal—he thought I could be bought with a name on a project. “I’ve made up my mind,” I said.
“I’m starting my own business to compete for the bid. ”
“You think you can compete with Ella? ” Nathan laughed. “Hope you don’t regret it.
”
“Well, since you’re so confident, I guess we’ll just have to see who wins the bid. But for now, get the hell out of my wedding. ”
“Just don’t come begging to me in the end,” Nathan said. “Let’s see just how far you can really go without me helping you.
”
He turned and stormed out. Dean took my hand. “Emma, about that bidding conference, I can help. ”
I smiled at him.
“No need. In fact, I’ve got a surprise for you, Dean. I’m Zo–”
The words caught in my throat. I wasn’t ready to reveal that secret yet, not to anyone.
It was the only thing I had left that was truly mine: the truth that I, Emma Holt, was the award-winning designer known to the world as Zora. And Ella, the woman who had stolen Nathan, stolen my job, and stolen my unborn child’s father—she was using my name. —
The press conference was a circus. “Hello everyone, and welcome to my press conference,” Ella announced, smiling her fake smile.
“I’m holding this conference to tell you that I am the designer Sora. ”
I pushed through the crowd. “That’s a lie. She’s not Sora.
”
“Emma, why are you here? ” Ella hissed. “There are a lot of reporters here. Don’t do this.
”
“Everyone,” I said, turning to the cameras. “I’m the real Sora. As for her, she’s the one who stole my identity. ”
“You claim to be Sora?
” Ella laughed. “Then prove it. Because I’ve got evidence. ”
She held up a stack of papers.
“You see, these are my design drafts. ”
“How dare you steal my design drafts? ” I demanded. “Steal?
I found them in my room, so they are mine. ”
I looked at the cameras, at the hungry reporters, and I made a decision. “Ella, at the bidding meeting in five days, I’m going to prove with my work that I am the real Zora. Because the truth is, you’re using my pen name.
”
—
The bidding meeting was held in a grand ballroom. Everyone who mattered was there: the investors, the judges, the press. Nathan looked at me with contempt. “Emma, Ella’s the real Zora.
If you quit now, you can still leave with some dignity. ”
“There’s no rush,” I said. “Let’s just wait and see what happens. ”
The judges reviewed the proposals.
The tension was thick enough to cut. “And the winner is,” the announcer paused. “Miss Holt’s Independent Design Studio. ”
Ella’s face went white.
“No way! I am Zora. So, how could I lose? It’s not fair.
It’s not fair. ”
But then the chairman of the judging panel, a man named Mr. Moss, cleared his throat. “Mr.
Ross, just who Zora really is doesn’t actually matter to us. It’s irrelevant. What matters is that Ella’s proposal was better. Can’t you guys see that?
What’s more, even if you’re Zora, we judge by capability here. I’ve seen your drawings and they’re not good enough. The winner should really be Ella. ”
I stared at him, watching as the other judges nodded.
“I agree with Mr. Moss,” one said. “I’m switching my vote in Ella’s favor. ”
“Same here.
”
Ella smiled, victorious. “Good,” Mr. Moss declared. “After careful reconsideration, the winning bid goes to Miss Russell of the Watson Group.
”
“You’ve already made your decision, but then you change your mind for him? ” I demanded. “That is not fair. ”
“How dare you?
” Ella snapped. “Security, I want you to get this troublemaker out of here. ”
But I wasn’t done. I looked at Mr.
Moss, and I recognized him now. He was the vice president of the Payne Group. I turned to Dean, who was standing in the back of the room, watching everything with a calm I didn’t understand. “This isn’t right,” I said.
“There’s something off here. ”
Nathan walked up to me. “Emma, have you realized that you’re nothing without me? If you apologize, then I’m willing to make you the lead designer again.
”
“You know what? ” I said. “Both of you make me sick. ”
But then the strangest thing happened.
Dean walked to the front of the room, and someone in the crowd gasped. “It’s you again,” I said, confused. “The nerve. How dare you come here?
”
“Of course I dare,” Dean said calmly. “I’m the head of the Payne family. ”
Laughter rippled through the room. Nathan piled on.
“You’re a nobody, and yet you claim to be the head of the Payne family? ”
But Mr. Moss’s face had gone pale. He rushed forward, bowing low.
“Mr. Payne, Mr. Payne, my apologies,” he stammered. “These two are utterly clueless, so please don’t be mad.
Please don’t take this to heart, sir. ”
“Mr. Moss, what are you doing? ” Nathan demanded.
“How can he be the head of the Payne–”
“Shut your mouth,” Mr. Moss hissed. “Don’t get me involved in this stupid mess. ”
Dean smiled coldly.
“Hey Toby, it seems that you’re familiar with him. Emma’s work clearly outshines theirs. However, you decided to kick her out. How dare you do that to her?
”
“Mr. Payne, I was wrong. Please, this is entirely my fault. But I beg you, for the sake of my family, to spare me this one time.
”
Dean shook his head. “You don’t deserve to stay here. Have the legal staff audit all of his accounts. I do not want to see him again.
”
The security guards dragged Mr. Moss away, still pleading. Everyone was stunned. Nathan’s face was a mask of disbelief.
“There’s no way,” he muttered. “Besides, you’re nothing but a nameless loser. How could you be the head of the Paynes? ”
Dean ignored him, turning to Ella.
“Ella, did I say you could leave? You need to apologize for your plagiarism. ”
“But Nathan, my chest really hurts,” Ella whimpered. “Cut the crap already,” I said.
“So, he will not apologize? I’m just going to have to sue you then. I wonder how many years she’ll get for stealing my design. ”
Ella’s face crumpled.
“Please, I’m sorry, Emma. I admit that I pretended to be Sora. I was wrong. ”
“Emma, I’m going to make you pay for this,” Nathan growled.
“Take her away,” Dean ordered, and the guards dragged Ella out. —
Nathan was not finished. He followed me out of the building, grabbing my arm. “Emma, even if you hooked up with this guy, so what?
I don’t care. You’re just doing this to hurt me. ”
“Oh, Nathan,” I said, sighing. “How many times do I have to tell you this?
Listen to me. You and I are finished. ”
“Stop pretending already. You were crazy for me.
Back in college, you walked ten miles under the scorching sun just to buy me a pair of limited edition sneakers. Not to mention you worked three jobs just to buy me a computer. All these years you’ve been with me, Emma. ”
“So, you actually remember everything I’ve done for you,” I said softly.
“And you’ve played dumb for so many years. Sometimes I wondered myself, just why the hell did I fall for you in the first place? ”
“Well, that’s because I’m your best choice, Emma. Even if you do get married to this clown, you really think you’re going to have a good life?
Because someone like you is nothing but a plaything to him. So, except for me, no one will want you. ”
He reached out to touch my face, and I slapped him again. “You hit me?
” he gasped. “Damn right I did. And if that wasn’t enough to teach you a lesson, I’d gladly do it again. ”
But then an old man’s voice rang out from behind me.
“He’s right about that. Dean Payne cannot marry a nobody. ”
I turned. It was Dean’s grandfather, the head of the Payne family.
“Grandpa? ” Dean said, startled. “What are you doing here? ”
“If I hadn’t come, who knows what the hell you’d do to impress this woman,” the old man said gruffly.
Nathan’s eyes lit up. “Mr. Payne, you came right on time. Emma Hart is my fiancé, but your grandson is having a fake marriage with her.
”
“Oh? A fake marriage? ”
“That’s right. Your family’s very noble.
So, then, how could your own grandson actually marry a woman like her? ”
The old man looked at me, then at Dean. “Well, in that case, I need to step in after all. ”
Nathan smirked.
“Emma, did you hear that? This is reality. ”
But Dean’s grandfather walked up to me and pressed a thick envelope into my hands. “The money in here is for you, my dear.
So that you never leave Dean. ”
I stared at him. “I can’t accept this. ”
“What will it take for you to stay with Dean, huh?
” he insisted. “Now that Dean has finally found you, if you leave him, he might just stay a bachelor forever. Here, take it. ”
He pressed the envelope into my hands, then pulled a jade bracelet from his pocket.
“You know, this jade bracelet’s a family heirloom. Try it on. ”
“It’s too valuable. ”
“It’s tradition.
Take it. ”
He slid it onto my wrist, his eyes warm. “Silly girl. Just forget about the past.
That’s over now. Now that you’re with Dean, no one can bully you. What’s more, all these are your welcoming gifts. ”
I looked at Dean, who was watching his grandfather with a helpless smile.
“He’s been waiting for you for a long time,” the old man said, winking at me. —
It was late that night when the memory came back to me. The rooftop. High school.
My secret spot. Dean found me there the next day, standing at the edge, looking out at the city. “Hey,” I said. “This rooftop was my secret spot in high school.
How’d you know about that? ”
He smiled. “That day, after sneaking a peek at you, I fell in love. Loving you is just easy for me.
”
I laughed. “So you didn’t know that Grandpa collected all those photos? ”
“Grandpa, just stop it,” he muttered, embarrassed. But the old man was relentless.
“No, I won’t stop. Anyway, after he heard about the marriage, he snuck a peek at you. And he completely fell for you. So when you asked to call it off, he was a wreck.
And he cried every night for many, many nights. ”
Dean put his hands over his face. “Don’t listen to him, all right? ”
I was laughing for the first time in weeks.
But the peace didn’t last. —
“Emma! Emma, I think that Ella drugged me. You have to help me.
”
I found Nathan collapsed outside our gate, his face flushed, his voice slurred. “If you help me now, then I’ll forgive you for all the mistakes that you’ve made before,” he said, reaching for me. “Just how many times do I have to tell you? ” I said.
“It is over between us. ”
“Stop pretending. Because this proves that you still love me. ”
Dean appeared behind me, his jaw tight.
“Hey. You keep messing with her. Do you think I’m a pushover? ”
Nathan laughed, waving him off.
“Listen, Dean. She already called off the engagement once. She’s going to dump you again. The truth is she and I are just having a little spat.
If you know what’s good for you, you better stay far away from her. ”
“Fine,” Dean said. “Let me make this clear right now. Emma is my lawfully wedded wife.
She’s Mrs. Payne. ”
Nathan’s face contorted. “What did you say?
Joni? Bring out the reporters from the hall. ”
I blinked. “What’s going on?
”
Dean turned to the waiting reporters. “I’ve invited you here to bear witness to something. I’m naming the largest shareholder of the group. And now that person is Emma Holt.
”
The cameras flashed. Reporters gasped. “Mr. Payne, how did you meet Mrs.
Payne? ”
“Love at first sight,” Dean said, smiling. “When are you getting married? ”
“We already did.
”
—
The news coverage was everywhere. The Payne Group’s equity change. Emma Holt, the largest shareholder. Nathan called me, desperate.
“Emma, this can’t be real. How could you marry someone else? Five years. We’ve been together five years.
How could you throw that away? ”
“But it is true. You even saw the wedding yourself. ”
“You sacrificed too much for me.
How could you just leave me like this? I get it. This is because of Ella, right? I’ve already sent her away.
No one will come between us ever again. ”
“Too late. Listen to me,” I said, my voice hard. “I don’t love you anymore.
”
“But why not? Look, I know I made the biggest mistake that any man could ever make. But if you abandon me, what’s going to happen to all this? You’ve done so much for me.
”
I took a deep breath. “You ask me why? Well, Nathan, I’ll tell you why. It’s because you murdered my baby.
Nathan, you murdered my child. ”
The line went silent. “What did you say? You’re saying we had a child?
Can you tell me what happened? ”
“Remember the accident two weeks ago? ”
“What did you say? ”
“Nathan, you’re finally here,” I whispered, the memory flooding back.
“Our baby…”
“I asked you to deliver a document, but now you’re here. The meeting’s going to start. Where is it? Where is it?
Good. Looks like you’re all right. Got to go. ”
The silence stretched out.
“I can’t believe I was such a monster,” Nathan said finally. “Yeah,” I said. “You were. ”
—
A week later, Dean came home looking like he’d seen a ghost.
“Olivia’s mother-in-law had a heart attack,” he said quietly. “She’s in the hospital. ”
We rushed to the hospital, but Olivia refused to see us. “Don’t act so friendly,” she said, her face hard.
“Everything went wrong after you and my son started seeing each other. ”
“Olivia, tell me which room Nick’s in,” I said. “I want to see him. ”
“Forget it.
Do you want to cause even more trouble? If you really care about us, just go away. ”
“Olivia, I’m sorry. And I know that I’ve brought a lot of trouble here.
But I’ll definitely take good care of him. The doctors, they say that he’s going to recover soon. By the way, Olivia, I’m pregnant. And look, the baby’s healthy.
”
Olivia’s eyes widened. “Wait, so you’re really pregnant? ”
“But don’t worry. I promise to protect this baby.
”
“But just look at how pale you are,” Olivia said, her voice softening. “Maybe you should focus on rest first. As for Dean, I can handle him. ”
—
But Nathan wasn’t done.
He appeared at the hospital, his face twisted with rage. “Emma. What are you doing here? Why would you let my child call another man daddy?
”
“Wait. What did you say? ” I demanded. “The baby’s really yours?
”
“I know everything. You silly girl. How long did you plan to hide it? ”
“What are you talking about?
”
“You liar,” Nathan snarled. “How dare you try to make a fool of me? ”
Olivia turned on me. “OLIVIA, I didn’t.
This baby really is Dean’s. ”
“Your lover’s standing right here. How dare you deny it? Shameless whore.
”
“Don’t you dare insult her,” Dean said, stepping between us. “Look, this has nothing to do with you. ”
“Emma, stop being so stubborn,” Nathan said. “The doctor said that the baby is six weeks old.
And we were together six weeks ago, remember? I’m telling you now, you can’t marry that man if you’re having my baby. ”
Olivia’s face was livid. “My son is still here, for goodness sake.
He’s not dead. How dare you cheat on him? And now you want to fool us with your bastard? Just hurry up and sign the divorce agreement.
After that, you can take your child and get lost. ”
“Olivia, I’m not signing. The baby really is Dean’s child. ”
“Sign it.
You make me really sick. ”
“Emma, just sign it and come with me,” Nathan said. “I’ll take care of our child. ”
“This has nothing to do with you,” I said.
“Are you still talking nonsense at this point? You want our child to be born without a dad? Sign it. Come on, sign it.
”
That’s when Olivia noticed the bracelet on my wrist. “This bracelet that you’re wearing is a family heirloom. Why do you have it? Speak up.
Did you steal it or what? ”
“No, I didn’t. Nick gave me this bracelet. ”
“Then give it back.
”
I clutched my wrist. “Don’t touch me. ”
“Enough. Now get out.
”
I looked at Olivia. “I’ll leave you guys for now. However, until Dean wakes up, I’m not going to stop trying to prove my innocence. ”
—
I ordered a DNA test.
The results were due in one day. But that night, Nathan called me, his voice desperate. “Emma. Please.
I think I’m dying. Ella drugged me. I think I’m dying. Only you can help me.
”
I found him collapsed in the rain, shivering, his face pale. “Emma, I know that I was wrong. I’m begging you, please come back. I promise you, I’m willing to do anything you say.
I’m begging you. Ella drugged me and I feel like only you can help me, Emma. I’m begging you, please. ”
I looked at him, this pathetic, broken shell of the man who had destroyed me.
“Who knows? ” I said. “Maybe all this rain can actually help you clear your mind. Or not.
”
“Emma. Emma. EMMA. I WON’T LET YOU GO, EMMA,” he screamed.
“Worst case, I’m going to be the one pursuing you. SHE HAS A SOFT HEART. She’ll come out when she sees me like this. ”
I turned and walked away, leaving him in the rain.
—
Ella died that night. I don’t know all the details. She’d been caught, cornered, tried to run. There was an accident.
They found her body in a crashed car. But before she died, she’d managed one last act of cruelty: she’d paid men to kidnap me. I was dragged to a warehouse, tied to a chair, my mouth covered. Ella walked in, smiling.
“Emma, you really are a fool. Believe it or not, even if you die in here, it’s still going to look like you had a car accident. ”
“Ella, it was you who messed with our truck. ”
“So, you lured me here on purpose?
”
“Yeah, so what? Because if it weren’t for you, I would not have been kicked out. Today, you must die. ”
The men were cruel.
They talked about selling the video, about having their fun while I was still alive. I was screaming when the door burst open. Nathan charged in, his face wild with rage. “LET HER GO!
I’ll give you whatever you want. Let my fiancé go. ”
Dean arrived seconds later, flanked by security. He didn’t negotiate.
He didn’t plead. “You kidnapped Emma for money, right? So, just let her go. And you’ll have a worry-free life.
”
“Thing is, for gangsters like us, backing out of a job is very serious,” the leader said. “If you harm her in any way, I’m going to do whatever it takes to track you down. You and your families. ”
“You’re a pretty smart guy,” the leader said.
“I believe you know what to do. ”
Dean ignored him, addressing the leader directly. “And why should I trust you, huh? What if you regret it after I’ve released her?
”
“No, I’ve got it,” Dean said. “A bank transfer. Just let Emma go and have her walk to me. Once the payment goes through, you can leave.
”
The leader nodded. “Fine. I’ll take your word for it, but if you try anything funny…”
“I’ll keep my word. ”
The money was transferred.
Emma was released, and she ran to Dean. But Nathan, in his recklessness, lunged at the leader. The warehouse erupted in chaos. A gunshot rang out.
Dean threw himself in front of me. “EMMA, I’LL SAVE YOU. NO. NO.
”
He crumpled to the ground, blood spreading across his chest. “How dare you mess with me? ” the leader screamed. “EMMA!
EMMA! DON’T BE SCARED. I’VE GOT YOU,” Dean gasped, his hand reaching for mine. “YOU’LL BE OKAY.
”
“Don’t touch me,” I said, my voice breaking. “Dean. You’re going to be okay. ”
“Promise me.
Promise me something,” Dean whispered. “Okay. Just say it. Whatever it is, I’m going to do it.
”
He smiled. “Live a good life. ”
“I know. But I want the both of us to live.
”
“I’m glad that you’re safe. That’s good. ”
“I love you,” I sobbed. “No.
No. No. ”
The ambulance came, but the road had collapsed, cutting off the route to the hospital. “Mrs.
Payne, the road collapsed. We can’t get to a doctor,” the paramedic said. Ella’s voice echoed through the chaos, victorious. “I did.
I’m going to kill you. I’m going to kill ALL OF YOU. You deserve to die. ”
I looked down at Dean’s pale face, at the blood pooling beneath him.
“You’re not going to kill me,” I said, my voice so cold I barely recognized it. “You will live in misery. Even if I can’t kill you here, I just happen to have countless ways to make you really suffer. ”
Ella laughed.
“You know, there’s no way out today. All of us here are going to die. ”
“After everything you’ve done, what do you have to show for it? ” I asked.
“Look, you ruined yourself for a man who doesn’t even love you. Is he really worth it? ”
“What do you know, Emma? Because if you had not stolen Nathan from me, then he would have been ALL MINE.
”
“Ella, can’t you see? Nathan never loved me. There’s no way he could have loved you. Because Nathan only ever loved himself.
You should know that. I was never your enemy. Even without me, there would be someone else. Soon enough, he’s going to have someone new in his arms.
How long will you keep lying to yourself, anyway? ”
“Why the hell are you not even upset? ” Ella demanded, her voice cracking. “But why should I be upset for such a selfish and self-centered person?
”
Ella stared at me, her face crumbling. “You’re right. You’re right. I must be crazy to throw away my life for someone like you.
”
She turned away, and in the chaos, I lost sight of her. —
Dean survived. He was unconscious for weeks, but the doctors said he would recover. I sat by his bed every day, holding his hand, talking to him, telling him about the baby growing inside me.
“Hey Dean. Can you feel my tummy? Our baby’s growing up day by day. Dean, don’t you want to wake up and see your child?
”
It was in the hospital waiting room that I overheard the conversation that shattered everything. “Hey Doc. You know that pretty woman in the white dress? What test did she take?
”
“Oh, well, she’s pregnant. Six weeks along. ”
Six weeks. I counted the weeks back in my mind.
Six weeks ago, I had been at a party. A work event. I’d had too much to drink. Nathan had offered to drive me home.
I’d been so ashamed, so disgusted with myself, that I’d buried the memory. Told myself it had never happened. But it had. Nathan appeared in the hospital, his face smug.
“I know everything. You silly girl. How long did you plan to hide it? ”
“What are you talking about?
”
“The DNA test results will be ready in one day,” he said. “And that means by tomorrow, we’re going to know the truth. ”
—
The morning of the DNA results, Nathan called an emergency shareholders meeting. But when he tried to announce the results, I was there.
“Emma, what are you doing here? I thought you were in Toledo. ”
I held up the envelope. “I have the results, Nathan.
And they’re not what you think. ”
He snatched the envelope from my hands, ripped it open. His face went pale. “This is impossible.
The baby is not mine. ”
“That’s right,” I said. “The baby is Dean’s. I never slept with you that night.
You were so drunk you don’t remember, but nothing happened. The woman you were with that night was Ella. ”
“No. No.
”
“Ella’s parents are outside right now,” I said, my voice flat. “So, if you still have a conscience, then you should go out there and face them. And that poor child that was murdered by you in the accident? It wasn’t mine, Nathan.
It was Ella’s. And you killed it. ”
“You are nothing but a complete hypocrite. ”
—
The shareholders turned against Nathan.
I bought up shares, enough to become the largest shareholder. “I declare that you’re no longer the CEO,” I said. “I just hope you’re prepared to go bankrupt. ”
“See, Nathan, as of right now, I have more shares than you.
I declare that you’re no longer the CEO. Get him out. ”
“YOU DON’T DESERVE THE POSITION THAT YOU HAVE. NO.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING? HEY. STOP IT. STOP IT RIGHT NOW.
GET OUT. LET ME GO. LET ME GO. LET ME GO.
”
I watched them drag him away. —
Five years later, I was running the Payne Group. The market value had tripled. I was sitting in my office, looking at photos of my daughter, when someone knocked on the door.
A man I didn’t recognize was standing there, holding a single red rose. “Can I help you? ” I asked. He looked at me with desperate eyes.
“Emma. You have to come back with me. I know I was wrong. I’m sorry for everything.
”
“Nathan? ” I said, not recognizing him at first. He looked broken, old, nothing like the tycoon who had once ruled his empire. “I know it’s been a long time,” he said.
“But I’ve changed. I’m a different man now. I can’t stop thinking about you. Please.
Give me another chance. ”
I looked at him, this man who had never once put me first, who had watched me lose our child and walked away, who had tried to steal my baby, my identity, my future. “Nathan,” I said, closing my laptop. “It’s been five years.
You need to accept that we’re over. ”
“But Emma–”
“I have a daughter. She’s waiting for me at home. Her father—my husband—is making her favorite pork ribs tonight.
I’m not going to ruin that for you. ”
He opened his mouth, but I cut him off. “Security? Please escort this gentleman out of the building.
”
I watched him leave, thinking about the choices I’d made, the heartbreak I’d survived, and the life I’d built with a man who actually loved me. For the first time in forever, I felt nothing when I looked at him. He was just a stranger now.
