Chapter 2: Before The Wedding

To avoid an endless argument, Emma let out a cold chuckle and spoke indifferently, without a second thought.

 "Just let it be. I'm quite curious to see how they'll try to deal with me." She burst into laughter, her eyes gleaming with arrogance. "Emma here doesn’t know fear."

Devlin crossed his arms, watching her calmly. His voice was low, carrying a hint of amusement. "I was just being kind enough to remind you. After all, you've been a very good partner to me."

"Just mind your own business and don’t interfere in mine," Emma retorted sharply. "We are just partners. Don't get too involved in my affairs."

Devlin remained silent for a moment before shrugging. "Fair enough."

He turned away slowly, reaching for the pack of cigarettes on the nightstand. His slender fingers leisurely flipped open the box, but before he could take one out, Emma stepped forward, her sharp gaze fixed on his hand.

"Smoking again?" She smirked, her tone carrying a hint of mockery. "You know, smoking too much isn’t good for you."

Devlin raised an eyebrow, the corner of his lips curling as if he had just heard something amusing. "Are you concerned about my health?"

Emma chuckled softly, tilting her head, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Not really, just a pity." She swiftly snatched the pack from his hand, twirling it between her fingers playfully. "You still have a lot of important things to do. Are you really going to let this ruin all your plans?"

Devlin didn’t rush to take it back; instead, he narrowed his eyes, watching her with interest. But Emma didn’t stop there. Her voice lowered slightly, laced with a trace of irritation. "More importantly, have you forgotten that I can’t stand the smell of cigarettes? It drives me insane, so don’t even think about lighting one up."

Devlin was silent for a few seconds, then let out a quiet laugh. "You seem quite confident in what you're saying." Leaning back against the headboard, his gaze darkened slightly. "But don’t get too full of yourself. Life is unpredictable."

Emma shrugged nonchalantly, tossing the cigarette pack onto the table before turning to the mirror. "Just a piece of advice—whether you take it or not is up to you." She adjusted her slightly tousled hair, her tone still casual but carrying an underlying authority. "Just don’t let me catch you with a cigarette between your lips."

The air grew heavy for a moment, but there was no discomfort. Devlin watched Emma’s reflection in the mirror, his eyes glinting with thoughtfulness. She always had a way of surprising him in ways he never quite expected.

Emma met his gaze through the mirror, a small smirk playing on her lips. "One day, you’ll realize there are far more important things to worry about than a mere cigarette."

Devlin scoffed lightly, a sharp glint flickering in his eyes. Then, as if not wanting the moment to linger, he suddenly pulled Emma close, lowering his voice into a deep, provocative whisper against her ear.

 "I’ll miss you. When you return from your honeymoon, we’ll continue our adventure."

Emma chuckled softly, neither rejecting nor agreeing. She simply slipped from his grasp with ease and strode into the bathroom, leaving Devlin watching after her with an unreadable expression.

…

Today was the most important day of her life. Emma couldn't afford to lose herself in pleasure and forget that fact. Standing under the shower, she recalled the day she threw herself into the arms of Duong Alden, the young heir of an empire that spanned luxury casinos, grand hotels, construction companies, and prestigious hospital chains.

Emma knew Alden was a top-tier playboy among the wealthy elite. He loved racing, changed lovers like changing clothes, and was infamous for both his extravagance and ruthlessness. His name commanded both admiration and fear. At first, when she set her ambitious sights on him, Emma thought it would be nearly impossible to catch his eye—let alone manipulate him. But then, a golden opportunity presented itself, as if the heavens had gifted it to her, and she seized it without hesitation.

That day, Alden had gone out drinking with friends and unfortunately met with an accident. He was hospitalized for three months. That time was more than enough for Emma to execute her plan. Playing the role of a seductive and attentive nurse, she used special medications to make Alden obsess over her. The result? He fell to his knees before her like a puppet on strings. This wedding was the clearest proof of her success. Thinking about the luxurious life ahead, Emma couldn't hold back a triumphant laugh that echoed through the bathroom.

Who would have thought that someone like Emma could ensnare the heir of the Duong family? When she introduced Alden to her circle of friends, they were green with envy, showering her with endless flattery and attempts to win her favor. Emma basked in their admiration, always carrying herself with an air of arrogance. Yet, in front of Alden, she played the role of a meek, gentle, and virtuous woman, convincing him that she was the perfect partner—someone to be proud of.

Alden had heard warnings about Emma, but he ignored them all, which only made her more smug. Emma knew the drugs she used worked wonders, but she also understood that nothing lasts forever. That was why she had everything prepared—from siphoning off assets to securing an escape route—just in case things took a turn for the worse. For now, she intended to enjoy her lavish life to the fullest.

"I really am too clever!" Emma thought, feeling proud of herself. Another satisfied chuckle echoed through the soundproofed bathroom.

However, the moment she thought of the biggest obstacle ahead, her mood soured. Emma knew Alden’s parents didn’t like her. But the real thorn in her side was Gavin—Alden’s older brother.

They had all fiercely opposed her relationship with Alden, despite the fact that she had played a role in "reforming" him—helping him abandon his bad habits and become a better man. They claimed that everything she did was for money. Of course, their suspicions weren’t wrong.

Emma understood their objections but also knew how to counter them. Alden’s parents were terrified of losing him, especially after the accident that nearly took his life. Exploiting that fear, she skillfully manipulated Alden into declaring that without her, he would spiral back into his reckless ways—even putting himself in danger again. Under such pressure, his family had no choice but to reluctantly accept their marriage.

Too easy, wasn't it? Emma thought so. She didn’t care how Alden’s family would treat her after the wedding. As long as she maintained her hold over him, she could do whatever she pleased without fear of anyone. With Alden shielding her, she believed she had nothing to worry about.

She also didn’t concern herself with the consequences of her deception. Emma felt as if fate was on her side—as if she had been blessed by the heavens—since she had successfully fooled Alden for two whole years.

But just like Alden, Emma forgot one simple truth: the wheel of fate never stops turning. And it could derail at any moment.