Chapter 3

I turned and left without altering a word , I felt a mix of emotions: anger, hurt, and disappointment. 

But before I could take another step, I saw Claire standing in the doorway of the guest room, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Be careful not to play with fire, Emily," she said, her voice low and taunting. "You might just get burned."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as she smiled and walked out of the away, leaving me standing there, feeling vulnerable and exposed.

I walked into the room, my legs shaking with emotion. As soon as the door closed behind me, I let out a sob and collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming down my face.

The tears flowed freely, and I cried until I was exhausted, my body wracked with sobs. Eventually, I fell into a fitful sleep, my dreams filled with images of Daniel and laura.

》》》》》

The next morning, I woke up feeling drained and empty, my eyes puffy from crying. I looked around the room and saw a white envelope beside My bed. When I opened it, it was a letter from laura.

 “You were Emily Alessandro for 5 years with a title and nothing to show off, but am about to be Laura Alessandro,And…about to take what is mine and I will make this house a living hell for you”.

“Hi love” the door swung open with daniel coming inside.  

I quickly hid the letter under my duvet.

 He and sat at the edge of the bed fumbling my hand with a contrite look on his face

"Emily, I'm so sorry about what happened yesterday,”

I pulled my hand away, feeling a surge of anger. "Sorry? You're sorry?" I repeated, “you can't be serious”.

Daniel looked taken aback, but he continued,

 "I know I hurt you, and I want to make it up to you. That's why I've organized a make-up party tonight. I thought it would help us put everything behind us and move forward.”

I stared at him for a while, my eyes blazing with determination. "You … you know, Daniel? I think I'm done playing the role of the dutiful wife for 5 years. I said with a shaky voice.

Daniel's eyes widened in shock,knowing i have never spoken to him in such a manner. 

“C'mon babe” I just said "am sorry”he said, his voice laced with annoyance.

 “I want a divorce daniel” pursued for a while. “After tonight, we'll be separating. My lawyer will bring the pepper for us to sign tomorrow”.

Daniel's eyes widened in shock.

"Ah, emily, I see you're still upset. Let's not discuss this now. Let's enjoy the party tonight, and we'll talk about everything else later."

I raised an eyebrow, sensing the insincerity behind his words. But I played along, nodding and smiling. 

"Yes, let's do that.”

His gaze fixed on mine "umm… the venue is at Don D hotel I will come and pick you up”.

 He left 

The tension between us was palpable.

》》》》》》》

How quick time flies,

I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering where Daniel was. We were supposed to leave for the party an hour ago, and I was starting to get anxious.

Just as I was about to call him, I heard a knock at the door. I opened it, expecting it to be Daniel, but instead, it was one of the men.

"Your car is ready, ma'am," he said, handing me a bouquet of flowers. "Mr. Daniel sent these for you. He apologizes for the delay and will meet you at the venue."

I took the flowers, feeling a mix of annoyance. Where was Daniel, and why was he running so late? I took a deep breath, smoothing out my dress.

 I arrived at the party venue, I was taken aback by the grandeur. The lights, the music, everything was perfect. But I don't know any of the guests.

I stood there, frozen in thought, as Laura and Claire appeared out of nowhere, each taking an arm and dragging me towards the seating area.

 "Come on, Emily, let's get you off your feet," Laura said.

As we sat down, Claire handed me a glass of champagne, and Laura chimed in, 

Before they could continue, Daniel cut them off, his voice smooth as silk. 

"Ladies, let's toast to new beginnings!" He raised his glass, and the room fell silent, all eyes on him.

I hesitated, sensing something off, and politely declined the drink Laura offered me. Laura’s eyes flashed with annoyance, but Claire just smiled and said, 

"Suit yourself, dear."

Laura’s voice dripped with venom. "Come on, Emily, don't be shy. It's just a little champagne."

I shook my head, my voice firm. "No, thank you. I'm good."

The tension between us was palpable.

“Alright!enough ladies,”Daniel said and dropped his drink.

"Dance with me," he said, his voice low and commanding.

 I felt a surge of resistance, but he took my hand,pulling me onto the dance floor before I could protest and spine me around to the music.

 But as he dipped me low, his hand slipped, and I stumbled, falling to the floor.

The room fell silent, and I felt my face burning with embarrassment. Daniel's eyes flashed with annoyance, but he quickly masked it with a charming smile.

"Sorry, babe," he said, helping me up. "Guess I got a little carried away."

The guests applauded politely, but I could sense their unease. I smiled tightly and extricated myself from Daniel's grasp.

"I think I've had enough dancing for one night," I said, my voice laced with sarcasm.

As I turned to leave, my phone chimed with a text popping on the screen “Am here meet me at the private room”.

“I need to use the restroom” I walked out on him. 

I made my way to the private room, my heart racing with anticipation. As I entered, I saw Victor, my father's most trusted ally, sitting in a plush armchair. He rose, his eyes warm with concern. 

"Emily, darling, what's going on? You sounded distressed on the phone.”

I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions.

 "Victor, I need your help. Daniel's trying to take control of the family business, and I think he's working with Laura to undermine me.”

Victor's expression turned grave.

”We'll take care of it, Emily, that Shouldn't bother you, you can't let daniel suspect anything."

Just as Victor and I were getting into the details of our plan, the door burst open and Claire strode in, her eyes scanning the room with a desperate glint.