Chapter 2

I felt miserable at that point, with the way he looked at her and filled with excitement i needed no one to tell me it that she was daniel's supposed bride 

Who left him. 

 After she realised he was getting married to me because of My life hung by a threat after my parents were murdered by their rivals. 

To survive, my uncle saw only one path, an alliance with Daniel. 

He offered his protection, but the cost was me. Forcing me into marriage was the only way they could secure that shield, a brutal transaction that completely disregarded my own desires. 

And now? Now that Daniel has what he wanted – my father's restored and ruthlessly taken-over Mafia empire – suddenly, his eyes are fixed on Laura. It's sickeningly clear. 

I was just a means to an end, a temporary pawn in his power game.

I watched in stunned silence as Daniel rushed towards laura, his face alight with excitement.

 "Laura! Oh my god, I didn't know you were coming!" he exclaimed, sweeping her into a tight hug.

My heart sank as I took a step back, feeling like I'd been punched in the gut. 

Claire's eyes met mine, and she raised an eyebrow. "Looks like the family pictures will have to wait," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me as I watched Daniel and laura laugh and talk together.

 He held her at arm's length, studying her face like he couldn't believe she was really here. 

"What are you doing here? How did you...?" he asked, his eyes shining with happiness.

Laura smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I couldn't miss your anniversary Daniel”.

 I'm sorry it took me so long to come back.”

“It's all good now” Daniel whispered, landing a peak on her cheek.

My eyes stung as I turned away feeling like I was going to cry.

The two of them walked off together, leaving me standing alone in the crowd. I felt like I was frozen in time, my eyes fixed on their retreating backs. The crowd around me seemed to stir, people whispering and glancing at me with a mixture of curiosity and pity.

"Looks like someone's been replaced," someone whispered, loud enough for me to hear.

"Poor thing, she had no idea," another voice chimed in.

The whispers grew louder, and I felt my face burning with shame. I tried to push my way through the crowd, but it seemed to close in around me, trapping me in this humiliating moment.

I broke free from the crowd and made a beeline for the restroom, tears streaming down my face. I locked myself in a stall and pulled out my phone, my hands shaking as I dialed a number.

"Mark, it's Emily. I want a divorce," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Emily, what's going on? What's wrong?" Mark, my lawyer, asked, his voice calm and professional.

“I want out of this marriage, Mark. I want out,I deserve better than a broken marriage" I said, my voice cracking.

Mark's tone turned serious. "Okay, Emily. We'll get started on the paperwork. But are you sure you're ready for this?"

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. "Yes, I'm positive. I deserve better than this."

As I hung up the phone, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was taking control of my life, and I was going to make sure Daniel didn't get to hurt me again.

I stormed out of the bathroom, my eyes fixed on my room door. I needed to get out of this dress, which was now stained with wine and smeared makeup. I pushed open the door,But what I saw made my blood boil.

Daniel and laura were wrapped in each other's arms, kissing passionately.The sight was like a punch to the gut, and I felt my anger and hurt boiling over.

Daniel's eyes snapped open, and he glared at me, furious. "What the...? Why did you barge in like that?" he demanded, his voice rising.

Laura, still clinging to him, gazed up at me with a triumphant smile. "Oh, Daniel, darling," she purred, "I think your wife is a bit... unstable."

Daniel's expression darkened, and he sat up, Laura still wrapped around him. "Emily, you need to calm down and respect our privacy," he said, his voice cold.

Laura’s eyes sparkled with malice as she whispered something in Daniel's ear. His face twisted in anger, and he turned to me. "You need to leave. Now."

I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. 

"Daniel, I understand you're upset, but this is our room, too. I came in to change my dress. It's ruined," 

Laura's eyes flashed with a little pretence. "At least you have knocked," she sneered.

I turned to her, my patience wearing thin. "And what makes you think you are in position to talk to me right now”.

Daniel's face darkened. "Emily, apologize to Laura right now," he demanded.

“You can't always be this rude to everyone she was only trying to coach you in case of nest time”

I felt even more disappointed and speechless at Daniel's words.

“Dan…I…I”.

But Daniel cut me off. "Just apologize, Emily. This isn't the time or place for this discussion.”