***Emma's POV***

I held Rachael gently as we entered the living room. Looking up, I met three shocked faces, I ignored them and led Rachel to the sofa to sit down.

The noise from the wheels of Rachael's suitcase interrupted the tension in the room.

"Mrs. Wilson, take Rachael's luggage to the guest room on the top floor and prepare a bath for her." I ordered.

When I heard no movement, I turned around to see Mrs. Wilson still rooted to the floor, her mouth hanging open.

"Didn't you hear me?" I snapped.

"Yes sir.. I mean I'll take the suitcase upstairs now." She replied, then hurriedly took the suitcase and left.

"Who do we have here? Daniel you didn't tell me you're bringing someone home." my mom stated, slowly walking close to me.

I wondered why she was still here. I love her but sometimes she is overbearing, the last thing I need is drama in this house.

"Mom, this is my friend Rachael." I answered.

She didn't spare Rachael a single glance. With her gaze still fixed on me, she asked again

"And What's Rachael doing here?" she quipped.

Already frustrated, I tugged on my collar and removed my tie. Why was she asking so many questions?

"She just returned to the country and her accommodation is not yet settled. She also injured her ankle so I brought her here to stay for a while."

"Oh I see." Mom said dramatically.

She turned and finally looked at Rachael. "She looks familiar. Young lady, What's your surname?"

Rachael looked extremely nervous but she still answered. "It's Adams. Ma'am."

Mom seemed pleased with her and that's only because Rachael called her ma'am, unlike Emma who always called her Susan.

Thinking about Emma, I looked at the dining table and saw her sitting quietly and sipping soup. Although she looked focused and unbothered, I could still see that her body was tensed and the spoon was shaking due to her trembling hands.

"Adams? Hmm. That sounds familiar." Mom said.

She must be putting two and two together now.

"Wait, you mean Adams. As in Mr and Mrs Michael Adams?" Mom asked again.

"Yes ma'am. They're my parents." Rachael answered. I could see her nervousness was easing off.

"Wait, does that mean you're the same Rachael? Daniel's first and only love."  Mom blurted.

Rachael's cheeks turned pink immediately. Before I could tell mom to stop teasing her, a sound of a plate hitting the floor echoed in the room. Turning around, I saw Emma standing there with a devastated look on her face. What's wrong with her?

"Why are you always messing things up? If you're sick, go and rest. Stop being destructive." mom scolded.

Hearing mom's tone, I wanted to interject but Emma spoke first.

"I'm sorry, it slipped from my hands. I will clean it up immediately." She mumbled.

Seeing her tired face, I quickly instructed a maid to clean up the mess.

"Emma, there's no need to do that. You looked stressed. Go and take a rest."

Emma looked surprised by my words. Well, usually, I don't really care but I've never seen her like this before.

She slowly turned and started walking upstairs. Looking at her back, I noticed how thin and frail she had become. Isn't she feeding well? Then I remembered she was at the hospital earlier.

"Emma." I called out.

She stopped, but didn't turn around.

"What did the doctor say during your checkup?" I asked feeling concerned.

"Nothing." She uttered, then continued going up the stairs.

I sighed. She must be angry I didn't go to the hospital with her, but was there with Rachael. Well, Rachael chatted me up during breakfast this morning, she was landing at the airport and wanted me to pick her up.

That was  the reason I didn't go to the hospital with Emma. Unfortunately, Rachael sprained her ankle on our way back, so we had to go to the hospital.

"Daniel, you don't need to bother yourself with her. She had always been dramatic." Mom interrupted my thoughts. 

I turned around to see Mom already sitting close to Rachael. Gosh, she's going to interrogate the life out of her.

"So tell me, Rachael, how's your parents? I knew their company was about to go bankrupt years ago before they decided to relocate abroad. So what happened?" She asked.

Rachael's face turned a little sour before it brightened up again. Yeah, that's a sensitive topic to her. She answered anyways.

"yeah, my parents were able to stabilise their business abroad. They're planning to bring it back home. That's why I'm back first, to start making preparations."

Mom's face lit up immediately. Of course it did, the only thing that could impress her was wealth and money.

"That's really nice to hear. Have you found a job yet?" She probed.

"Yes. Actually, Daniel gave me work in his company as his second personal assistant. That way, I'll be close to him and learn a few things about managing a company." Rachael replied.

"Hmmm, that's good..," Mom drawled, turning her gaze at me.

"Close huh. Now, I'll go straight to the point. Are you two getting back together?"

"Mom.."  I muttered. Why was she asking so many questions.

"Actually Ma'am. Eh mmm..   Daniel and I are planning on rekindling our old feelings. What happened back then was unfortunate but we're ready to start over again." Rachael answered before I could say another word.

I frowned, there's no need to explain all that to mom. After all I'm still married.

"Really? Daniel is this true?" She exclaimed looking all excited. " Why didn't you say anything since? I could have instructed the maid to prepare the second master for her bedroom before you guys arrived"

"Mom, the room is occupied by Emma. Have you forgotten?" I reminded her.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot, " she sighed, almost regretfully.

She thought for a few seconds and asked, "so what are you going to do with Emma"

" Divorce, of course. After all.. the time is almost up"  I trailed off.

"Yeah, right. Prepare the divorce papers so she'll leave immediately. That way Rachael won't be uncomfortable." she said smoothing Rachael's hair tenderly.

I frowned at her words, but I didn't take it seriously. After all, she had never liked Emma.

"I'll leave you two now. Your father called so I have to go back to the family house." She said, standing up.

Rachael wanted to stand too but Mom quickly held her down and gently told her not to move.

It really irked me how she was treating Rachael like that but she had never been gentle with Emma before. Well I guess this house would be more peaceful once Emma leaves. A sudden ache sliced through my chest, I hissed and rubbed it. For some unknown reason, that thought felt wrong.

" Is everything okay Daniel?" Rachael asked, looking all concerned.

Mom was staring at me with a strange look on her face.

"Yes, everything is good. Mom, isn't it already late to go tonight? Why don't you go in the morning?" I asked her.

Eventually, the look was replaced with a smile as she answered,

"Well, darling, I must go now. Your father is a hard man to deal with." She then turned to Rachael, "I'll see you soon dear. Daniel, don't fail to bring her to the family house to meet your father." she walked off, without waiting for me to answer.

I was about to sit down when I heard her voice again. "Daniel, accompany me to the car, would you?"

"Of course, mother." I answered, and followed her after giving Rachael a nod.

I caught up with her in front of the waiting car. She turned to me looking all serious.

"About Emma." She started.

I wasn't ready for this conversation.

" Mom..." I drawled.

"No, hear me out," she interrupted, "I've been waiting for this day. I've seen how lonely and unhappy you have been throughout these nine years. So I'm glad you're moving on."

Unhappy? Was I unhappy? I don't really know.

She continued, "make sure she signs the divorce papers and also compensate her well  so she can leave. A woman doesn't like another woman intruding in her relationship. I'm sure you don't want Rachael to leave because of her."

Her words didn't sit right with me. How was she an intruder? Something must be wrong with me this evening. I looked up to see the same strange look on mom's face again, as if she's trying to assess my inner thoughts.

"Daniel darling, you're not in love with Emma, right?"

For the Best

"What?" I nearly shouted. "How can you think that? I'm not in love with her."  Even as the words left my mouth, an uncomfortable tightness squeezed my chest. Why the hell did that hurt?

"You better not be," Mom said, pulling me into a hug. "That girl has dragged you down long enough. It's time you start living again."

I stood in the driveway long after her car disappeared. My mind was in chaos. I loved Emma when we were younger, She had been so fragile, pitiful and sweet. I swore to protect her even though it wasn't anything romantic.

The lover I had for her was the kind a brother would have for a sister. But clearly, she didn't see me as a brother and that was the reason she teamed up with my dad and forced me to marry her. The thought made my blood boil all over again.

Slipping out my phone from my pocket, I dialed my lawyer's number.

"Prepare the divorce papers."

When I returned to the living room, Rachael was still on the couch, looking like a lost puppy.

"What are you still doing down here? Hasn't Mrs Wilson prepared your room?"

"She has, it's just that, when I tried to stand up my..." She glanced at her ankle. Of course, how could I forget, she's injured.

I scooped her up and carried her upstairs to her room. After placing her on the bed, I entered the bathroom to make sure everything was in order.

"You can take your bath now, everything is prepared."

I was almost out of the door when she  called out softly.

I turned around. "What's the matter?"

She seemed hesitant to speak and started biting her nails. I couldn't contain the chuckle that bubbled out of my throat. .

I walked back and sat beside her, gently pulling her hand away from her mouth.

"So you haven't stopped this habit of yours."

Rachael laughed, and for a moment, it felt familiar. Suddenly, Emma’s face flashed in my mind. When was the last time I heard her laugh? She's always mean and concentrated.

"Daniel are you okay?"

"Yeah. why?" I answered, returning my attention to her.

"You zoned out. I was saying that you used to hate it whenever I bit my nails."

"Of course I did. You were always biting your nails every single time." I smiled, remembering the old days.

"I used to threaten to kiss you every time you bite you them."

She burst into laughter again. "And you actually did. Even when we're in school. I was so shy then."

We talked about old times, her eyes were suddenly filled with tears.

"Rachael, what’s wrong?"

"Can it really be like old times again?" she whispered.

My heart stuttered. The thought of divorcing Emma suddenly felt heavier than expected. I wiped her tears away.

"Things might not return to exactly how they were before but I promise I'll try my absolute best to love you with all my heart just like before."

She smiled through her tears.

She then mentioned she couldn’t bathe alone because of her ankle.

Right. How could I forget? Thinking of a quick solution. "Should I call Emma to help you?"

"No please,I don't think she's ok with me being here." 

I took a deep breath, annoyance creeping in. "This is my house , I don't need her permission to bring anyone in."

"But she's your wife."

"And she's your step sister. You're not a stranger." I sighed and headed to the door.

"I'll send Mrs Wilson to help you. Good night."

After sending Mrs. Wilson up, I headed straight to home office and slumped on the chair. Today had been extremely exhausting. I reached for my coffee but it wasn't on the usual spot. Didn't Emma bring it. That's unusual, she always makes sure my coffee is here. Maybe she forgot or she's just being petty.

Thirty minutes into working, I let out  a frustrated huff. I slammed the laptop shut and marched to Emma's room.

I tried to open the door,  but it was locked. Since when did she start locking it.I knocked. No answer. I knocked again, harder this time, patience was running out.

Mrs. Wilson opened the door, looking startled.

"Aren’t you supposed to be helping Rachael?" I asked, confused.

"Yes but she dismissed me."

"And what are you doing here?"

"I asked her to bring my dinner." Emma suddenly appeared behind her. "You can go now Mrs. Wilson."

"What are you doing here?" She asked the moment Mrs. Wilson left.

She looks pale and exhausted, her hair messy. She looked… sick.

"If you have nothing to say, leave. I want to sleep," she said coldly.

I pushed past her into the room. "You seem to be forgetting this is also my room."

She looked pissed like I've said something wrong. "And when was the last time you actually slept here?"

I shrugged and dropped onto the bed. "Doesn’t matter. I’m sleeping here tonight."

If I think she was pissed before, now she's definitely angry. Seeing another expression on her face other than the usual meek and composed one seemed to be stirring something inside me. I want to see all those expressions not the usual calm one. Before I could provoke her further, she cut me off.

"Do you think Rachael will be happy if she finds out you're going to sleep here." I knew she's trying to annoy me so I relaxed more into the bed.

"Well, it's none of her business."

"I think it is, you have promised to marry her right after you divorce me. Sleeping with your ex wife while your lover is in the next room. Do you think it's right?"

" We aren't divorced yet."

    My phone chimmed, it was a message from the lawyer. My mood soured immediately, I stood up and left without another word. The door slammed shut behind me with a loud bang.

I paused, just now Emma was acting suspicious, she used to beg me to sleep in our room, now she couldn't even wait for me leave

Thinking of it, I didn't see any food inside the room but she said Mrs. Wilson brought dinner to her. Before I could think further, my phone started ringing.

Seeing it's the lawyer calling, I headed to the study.

"What is it?" I answered settling into my chair. I absentmindedly reached for my coffee again. It wasn't there of course and I totally forgot to ask Emma about it.

"Sir are you there?"

"Yes, why are you calling me by this time when you could have sent a message."

"I said that I've prepared the divorce papers. Should I bring it over tomorrow?"

I paused, how could he prepare it so fast. I had just instructed him this evening.

"I'll go through it first." I answered and cut the call.

Looking at the documents, I suddenly felt a split of headache. My heart skipped a bit on seeing my name and Emma's on a divorce paper. This is for the best, I dialed the lawyer number.

"Yes sir."

"Print them. Bring them over first thing tomorrow morning."

           ***Emma's POV****

No longer his wife

I woke up feeling extremely nauseous, I scrambled off the bed and rushed into the bathroom. My head was throbbing and I'm feeling slightly dizzy. Just when I was about to climb back into the bed, a knock sounded on the door.

"Your breakfast is ready, ma'am," Mrs. Wilson called cheerfully.

"Please bring it upstairs. I’m not feeling strong enough to go down."

"But the young master specifically asked for you to come down."

"He did?" I asked, completely shocked. Daniel rarely cared whether I ate with him or not.

After freshening up, I headed to the dining room. Daniel and Rachael were already eating. Rachael’s face lit up with fake sweetness the moment she saw me.

"Good morning sis."

Daniel didn’t even glance up. That's exactly the treatment I was used to. I walked over and stopped beside Rachael.

"You're in my seat."

Her eyes widened in exaggerated surprise. "Oh sorry, I didn't know."

When she still made no move to stand, irritation flickered in me

"Well stand up then." 

She looked down at her plates, then at Daniel. Tears were clouding her eyes. She's still a great actor even after all those years.

"Emma, Rachael is already sitting there. Take another chair," Daniel said flatly, eyes fixed on his plate.

I let out a bitter scoff and sat elsewhere. It's not like I was expecting Daniel to side with me.

Mrs. Wilson placed a bowl of oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and warm ginger tea in front of me.

"Why is her breakfast different from ours?"  Daniel asked, his gaze suddenly locking onto me.

Mrs. Wilson nervously explained that I wasn’t feeling well and needed a light diet. The door bell rang before Daniel could ask another question. Mrs. Wilson immediately rushed out to get it.

A man probably in his early forties entered carrying a briefcase. Daniel immediately stood and led him into his study.

"I think that's a lawyer." Rachael said smugly, once they had disappeared. I ignored her and continued eating.

"I bet he's here with your divorce papers." She taunted. Good, she finally dropped the sweet act.

"You thought you won five years ago, didn’t you? Now watch me take everything back."

I didn't, you disappeared on your own. I wanted to say instead I kept shut.

Daniel returned few minutes later with documents in hand. Without a word, he dropped them in front of me.

"Sign them."

My stomach dropped, I was looking at our divorce papers. My eyes darted to Daniel. He's staring right back at me, his expression ice cold.

"Divorce papers?"

"Don't act like I didn't inform you already."

"You informed me less than 24 hours ago." Just how long has he been planning this.

I read through the terms quickly. Five hundred thousand dollars and two houses. As much as I don't want to take anything from him, I still needed the money for my baby.  With steady hands, I signed every page and slid the documents back to him.

For a split second, something chaotic flashed across Daniel’s face as he inspected the papers.

"Emma, I know you must be heartbroken," Rachael said in a pitiful voice, "but once you take care of yourself, maybe another man might actually want to marry you."

I ignored her and turned to Mrs. Wilson. "Please take my food upstairs."

I stood up, ready to go to my room.

"Wait, Emma…" Daniel’s voice stopped me. "You… you don’t have anything to say?"

I turned back to him. "Is there anything to say?"

He opened his mouth to say something but ended up closing it. Anger suddenly clouded his features as he stood up so abruptly that his chair toppled over. He stormed upstairs without another word.

I stood there rooted on the ground. Didn't I do what he wanted?

"Didn't I tell you? I'll take everything back one by one." Rachael said smugly.

"Make sure you pack out from the master bedroom as soon as possible. I can't wait to fully move in."

I gave her a cold smile. "Of course. You’ve always had a thing for used goods."

Her face turned crimson. "You... how dare you!"

Ignored her and dragged my tired body upstairs, ate what I could, and took my medicine. Even though I've been taking the medications prescribed by the doctor, the persistent bloating and constant pain on my lower back hasn't gone away. I really need to rest.

I had almost drifted off when I heard the door click open. The bed dipped beside me, and a strong arm suddenly wrapped around my waist. I sprang up immediately only to see Daniel lying there with an annoyed look on his face.

"What the hell are you doing in my room?"

He stared at me like I was being ridiculous. "This is my house and the rooms in it belong to me."

"But this is my room, the divorce papers clearly state I can stay here until the divorce is finalized."

"Exactly. Our divorce is still invalid. Meaning we’re still married and I have every right to sleep in our room."

Seeing that I couldn't reason with him, I grabbed a pillow and moved to the sofa.

"Aren't you supposed to be at work?" I asked.

He stared at me like I've lost my brain cells. "Today is Sunday."

"Yeah but you work every day. You’re never home."

His expression darkened. "Just because I wasn't home doesn't mean I was working."

I let out a dry laugh. "So that’s how much you hated being around me? You couldn’t even stay home on your days off for five whole years?"

How had I spent the last five years my life forcing myself on someone who doesn't want anything to do with me.

"Stop laughing like that," he growled.

Suddenly, another wave of nausea hit me. I pressed my hand to my chest, fighting it desperately.

"Are you alright? You've suddenly gone pale."

I wasn't used to Daniel feeling concerned for me. He usually doesn't care at all. I'm not really used to this side of him.

"Nothing. It's just that your presence is irritating me."

His eyes flashed with fury. "Say that again."

I smiled bitterly. "How do you think Rachael will feel when she finds out you’re spending time with your ex wife instead of her?"

"We aren't officially divorced yet."

"We have signed the divorce papers."

He opened his mouth to retort but seem to think against it.

After a heavy silence, he stood up. "I’m going to send you a dress. We’re having dinner at the family house tonight."

The moment he left, I rushed to the bathroom and threw up again.

Daniel's last words finally sank in. We're going to the family house. I always have mixed emotions whenever we're going there. One is dreading to see Susan and face her constant judging and nagging. But on the other hand, I get to see Mr Brookes, Daniel's dad. He had always treated me like a real daughter.

He'll definitely be heartbroken once he finds out about the divorce. Hiding my pregnancy from him felt wrong… but I have to.

If I want to  break free from these shackles of a marriage, I must keep this pregnancy a secret.