Novels by Emarial

~ EVANGELINE ~The hall exploded after Damien's announcement.Cameras flashed everywhere. Reporters screamed questions. People rushed toward the stage from all directions."Damien! How long have you known about Evangeline?""Is the marriage real or fake?"Damien's security guards moved fast. They surrounded me and Damien in a tight circle and started pushing people back."Move! Everyone back!" the head of security shouted.I stood frozen on the stage. My mind couldn't process what just happened.Me? Married to Damien Blackwood?"This way, ma'am." A guard touched my elbow gently. "We need to get you out of here."Damien took my hand and pulled me toward the back of the stage.Behind us I heard Jason screaming. "She's still my wife! That marriage is fake! Someone stop them!"Victoria's voice joined his. "This is illegal! I'm calling Augustus! I'm calling the police!"We went through a door backstage and down a long hallway. The noise from the hall faded but I could still hear them."Ke

~ EVANGELINE ~The car ride to the gala was silent.Jason sat in the front seat next to the driver. Victoria sat beside me in the back. Veronica was in her own car following behind us.I stared out the window and watched the city lights blur past. My hands were folded in my lap so no one could see them shaking."Remember what I said," Victoria whispered to me. "Smile. Behave. One wrong move and you'll regret it."I didn't answer.We pulled up to Palazzo Reale and cameras flashed everywhere. Reporters lined both sides of the red carpet. Security guards stood at the entrance.Jason got out first and buttoned his jacket. He smiled for the cameras like nothing was wrong. Like he hadn't been arrested just hours ago.Victoria got out next and waved at the photographers.Then it was my turn.I stepped out of the car and the cameras went crazy. Flashes blinded me from every direction."Mrs. Blackwood! Over here!""Emma! Look this way!""Is it true your husband was arrested tonight?"Jason gra

~ EVANGELINE ~The police pounded on the door again."Police! Open the door now!"Jason stared at me with his hand still raised. "You called them.""I didn't," I said. "I swear I didn't.""Liar!"The pounding got louder. "We have a warrant! Open this door or we're breaking it down!"Jason dropped his hand and ran downstairs. I followed him with my heart racing.He opened the front door and four police officers rushed in."Jason Blackwood?" the lead officer asked."Yes, that's me. What is this about?""You're under arrest for assault and domestic violence." The officer pulled out handcuffs. "Turn around and put your hands behind your back.""What? This is ridiculous! I didn't...""Sir, turn around now."Victoria came running down the stairs in her robe. "What is going on here? Get out of my house!""Ma'am, step back," another officer said.They put handcuffs on Jason and he turned to look at me with pure hatred in his eyes."This is your fault," he said. "You're going to pay for this."

~ EVANGELINE ~The next few days were the same nightmare on repeat.Veronica played lady of the house. She sat at the head of the table with Jason and wore my clothes and gave me orders like I worked for her."Emma, I need coffee.""Emma, my bathroom needs cleaning.""Emma, these towels aren't soft enough."I did everything she asked without arguing. Without feeling anything at all. I was numb to all of it. After being called useless and after having my wedding ring stolen, there was nothing left inside me to hurt.I just went through the motions of cooking, serving and staying invisible like I always have till the afternoon I was in the kitchen washing dishes when someone pounded on the front door.The knock was loud and aggressive.I dried my hands and walked to the door. Through the peephole I saw two men in dark suits. They looked expensive but dangerous.I opened the door."Can I help you?"The taller one looked me up and down. "We're here to see Jason Blackwood.""He's not hom

~ EVANGELINE ~ I woke up and my shoulder was screaming in pain even worse than yesterday. The cold cloth had fallen off during the night and my arm was swollen and bruised. I sat up slowly and bit my lip to keep from making noise. I was already late. Getting dressed with one hand took forever. Every movement hurt. In the bathroom mirror I saw the bruise spreading across my shoulder. It looked like an ugly dark shade of purple. I pulled on a long-sleeved shirt to cover it. Before I could make my way to the kitchen to make breakfast like I always do. A knock came in. Mrs Blackwood must be here to read to me to filth about my lateness. But opening the door Jason stood there watching me carefully. “Uhm…Good morning” I sputtered nervously. "Veronica is moving in today," he said, immediately ignoring my greetings. My heart stopped. At that point Victoria waltzes in with her phone in hand smiling. "Finally," she said. "That girl has been waiting long enough." Jason continued to s

~ EVANGELINE ~The alarm rang before sunrise and I turned it off quickly. Victoria hated when I was late.I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. The guest bedroom was freezing, as always, and I have been stuck here for the past two years of my marriage with Jason because he never let me sleep in the master bedroom with him.I washed my face and got dressed in something plain. I learned not to wear anything that drew attention in this house.The kitchen was dark when I walked in. I turned on the light and started making breakfast.My days are the same now. All I do is cook, clean and serve like a glorified maid.Two years ago I thought marrying Jason would save me. I had run away from my controlling family and changed my name to Emma Sterling. When I met Jason, he seemed kind and different from my father.I was so damn stupid."Emma!"Victoria's voice came from the dining room. I grabbed the plate and carried it out to her.She sat at the table with her phone in her hand. She didn'