chapter 5

Emily

*Six years later*

"Miss Emily, you look absolutely beautiful!" 

My secretary, Rose, complimented me with a smile, her eyes shining with admiration.

I smiled softly, smoothing out my white gown that was adorned with stones and flowers. 

Today wasn’t just an ordinary day. Today is the day I will reveal the face behind the king's Empire. After six years of hard work, sacrifices, and pain, I'm finally ready.

“Thank you, Rose,” I replied, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside me. “It’s going to be a big day.”

Rose nodded with excitement. “They’ll be so surprised when they find out it’s you. No one will see this coming.”

I laughed lightly, remembering how far I had come. 

Six years. That’s how long I have been preparing for this moment. 

I have worked in the background with the support of my childhood friend, Nathaniel and my grandmother, Mrs Helen Kings, A famous billionaire business tycoon who guided me all through while I took on a two-year business course to strengthen my understanding of the empire I now ruled. But now, with my grandmother sick and time running short, it was time to step into the light.

I have invited everyone who mattered in the business world including my stepmother and my ex-husband’s family. 

The thought of seeing their faces when they realized who I had become made a slow satisfaction simmer inside me.

As I stood by the large glass window, looking out at the skyline, the door swung open, and before I could turn around, two small figures ran toward me, their voices filling the room with joy.

“Mommy!” Lucas and Lily, my beautiful twins, called out as they rushed into my arms. 

Lucas was dressed in a smart black suit, a miniature version of his father, while Lily looked angelic in her white lace dress. Both were dressed perfectly for the occasion, just like me.

I bent down to gather them in my arms, feeling a surge of pride as I held them close. My children, my greatest treasures, The light of my life.

Nathaniel stood behind them, his tall frame leaning against the door, a proud smile on his face. His dark hair, which had grown slightly longer, was swept back neatly and he looked as handsome as ever in his tailored black suit. His green eyes sparkled as he looked at me.

“Are you ready to show the world that you are the face behind the king's empire?” he asked, his voice low but filled with pride and excitement.

I looked up at him and nodded, a confident smile tugging at my lips. 

“Yes,” I said firmly. “It’s time.”

I stood, still holding Lucas and Lily’s hands. “You two,” I said, smiling down at them, “I need you both to be on your best behavior today. Can you do that for Mommy?”

Lucas gave me a serious nod. “Don’t worry, Mommy. I’ll take care of Lily."

I smiled at him, my heart swelling. His confidence, even at this age, made me proud. He always behaves more than his age. 

Nathaniel walked over, gently resting his hand on my back. “I’ve tightened the security and I have added extra bodyguards for the children. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. 

"Thank you," I whispered, appreciating his calm presence beside me.

Rose, my secretary, re-entered the room, signaling that it was time. 

My heart pounded in my chest as I worked toward the door, but it wasn’t fear I felt, it was anticipation.

 The grand hall was packed with people, business elites, and powerful figures from across the world.

 

The lights were dimmed, and everywhere went silent.

The MC’s voice rang out, crisp and clear through the speakers. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you the president of the king's Empire. Ms. Emily Kings.”

The spotlight swung toward me, illuminating every step I took as I descended the grand staircase and the light caught every detail of my tailored dress. 

As I stepped forward, the room went silent and there was a collective gasp from the crowd, their faces frozen in shock and disbelief. I could feel their stares, their confusion. It was exactly what I had anticipated. They hadn’t expected me, Emily, the woman they had overlooked, betrayed, and abandoned to rise to this level.

I paused at the base of the stairs, holding the microphone in my hand. The room was silent, every eye on me.

With a slow smile spreading across my face, I met their gazes one by one, the powerful business owners, the Kings executives, my stepmother, and my ex-husband’s family whose jaws dropped, unable to hide their shock.

Just when I was about to make my speech, I felt the presence of someone. I spun around to see who it was and I met a pair of eyes, staring at me in shock with his mouth gap open. 

I smiled inwardly, "I'm back for revenge, dear ex-husband."