“My lawyer will bring the divorce papers tomorrow and you can sign it. Once it's a month, I will have it delivered to the court." Liam explained with calmness.

“Fine, but you will have to act according to my rules now," I said, and Liam looked at me with eyebrows furrowed.

“I have conditions I would like you to pay keen attention to it."

Liam didn't pry too much, and instead, he told me to go ahead.

“Okay. I would like to have my separate room."

“Fine," Liam agreed without batting an eyelid.

“I don't want to share meals with you or anything. I will walk the way I want and do everything I want in my way."

“Accepted," Liam replied.

I released my hands under my bosom and clasped them together. I bit my lips in nervousness and braced myself. I'm no longer a teenager.

“I don't want us having s*x," I said, looking at the wall. A blush crept to my cheeks which made me shut my eyes tight, muttering some curses under my breath.

* * * * * * * *

Emily had an arranged marriage to Liam Nolan, the ruthless billionaire in Los Angeles. Although she always had a crush on him Liam never recuperated her feelings. Despite the love she has for him, Liam didn't hesitate to treat her like trash. Betrayed by her sister, Emily's life was cruelly cut short.

However, she was granted a second chance and this time, Emily swore to not repeat the same mistake she made in her past life.

What happens when she realizes her ruthless husband has no intention of letting her go in this lifetime?

Would she find the strength to break free, or would Liam's relentless pursuit rekindle the flames of their passionate yet toxic love?

EMILY'S POV

“I'm done with you, Emily. I never knew you could stoop so low. Bringing a bastard child into my home to claim it's mine?"

I felt air suck out of my lungs when my husband, Liam, uttered those words with rage in his eyes. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I held on to the front of my dress. My baby bump couldn't let me stand well but what broke me more was the look Liam gave me.

It was filled with disgust and hatred, which made me doubt whatever I was going to say was going to change a thing.

"Liam, please, this is our child..." I began but my voice faltered when a slap suddenly landed on my cheek. My gaze became blurry as more tears threatened to escape my eyes. It stung but the person who slapped me was none other than my fake sister. She was the princess while I was nothing but her shadow.

“How could you lie to my face?" My sister yelled in front of me with pure hatred in his eyes. She cleaned her hand with a handkerchief as if I were a rag before stomping the handkerchief on the floor. She towered over me with her high heels and looked at me with a sense of mockery.

“I know you have a lover, Emily. And the two of you were caught in the CCTV camera. What more proof do you want? I showed Liam everything." My sister yelled again and sat back on the chair while her chest rose and fell.

No matter what I said, there is no way for me to refute their claim. The footage showed me coming out of a hotel room with a man but I knew I was drugged by someone because this happened a few months back before I got pregnant. I didn't even know when I got home but I knew I was brought home by someone.

Undoubtedly, Liam is the only man I have come to rely on. I have loved Liam all my life but my sister ruined everything for me.

I took a few steps towards Liam but he raised his hand again to stop me. The divorce papers were on the floor for me to sign but I couldn't bring myself to.

“I know you aren't going to leave this house, Emily, and this is why I'm going to leave. At least you should gain something for staying with me for two years just to cheat on me with a lover you met a few months ago." Liam said with an indifferent tone, which made me swallow the lump at the back of my throat.

I don't want to cry again. God!

“That's not true. Please, Liam, I love you. I was framed." My voice was barely above a whisper, but Liam heard me.

Liam chuckled with sarcasm and raked his hand through his hair. He stood up from the couch and took bold steps toward me while I took a few steps back in fear.

“You should know that what existed between us is just a contract marriage, Emily. The moment you cheated on me, it was over between us."

"Liam, please, listen to me. We can do a DNA test once I give birth. No man touched me except you, Liam. Believe me," I pleaded with a shaky voice.

My knees wobble slightly but Liam's next words shattered my existence.

“You think I have the patience to wait till you give birth to that bastard you call my son?" Liam's words were like venom to my entire being and I trembled.

My sister gave me a triumphant look but I was too weak to fight back.

I don't know if it was pain I saw in his eyes but it vanished when he blocked his eyes. My mouth opened agape when my sister walked towards me and pushed me slightly.

“Don't look at him as if he is the one guilty. You and I both know that you aren't over Williams." My sister said and tugged on Liam's hand.

Liam took his car key and adrenaline rushed in, which made me rush towards him.

“Whatever my sister told you is not true Liam. Believe me," I pleaded, and my heart ached.

Liam slapped my hand away and took a glance at me.

”Sign the divorce papers, Emily, and I don't want to ever see your face again."

I froze on the spot like a statue. I fell on my knees and tugged on the hem of Liam's trousers. My tears wet the tiled floor and I pleaded silently.

“You are too disgusting, Emily!" My sister yelled and kicked me in the stomach. My face contoured in pain and I shed tears when I felt the pain in my stomach. A scream threatened to fall from my lips.

She kicked me again and my back hit the ice cellar door with a loud bang. Liam stopped my sister from hitting me again when a painful groan escaped my lips.

“She is not worth it," were the last words I heard from Liam before my breathing became shallow.

Blood soaked my thighs as I watched death right in front of me.

“Please, help me," I said with eyes filled with tears, my heart breaking into pieces, but I was scared. I was so scared of dying.

“A... Anyone please."

But no one!

No one came to my rescue.

I tried to crawl but the sharp pain in my stomach made me bite my lips.

“Ah," a painful groan escaped my lips, clouding my head. I heard something creak which made me tilt my head to the back. The ice cellar door was already breaking.

My eyes widened in fear when I saw it crashing down on me which made me close my eyes tight.

My lips shake as I whisper silent prayers while the darkness engulfs me whole.

Thud...

Beep...Beep...Beep.

“Doctor, she is awake!" I heard a distant voice and the smell of drugs assaulted my nostrils.

I heard the door swung open, followed by rapid footsteps.

“Give me a flashlight," I heard a solemn voice say.

“Her fingers moved just now." The person who spoke sounded scared, but I was more focused on wrapping my head around what just happened.

One. Two. Three.

My eyes fluttered open, only to fall on a pair of dark eyes. A man wearing a white coat was looking down at me with a small flashlight in his hand.

"Ma'am, can you see how many fingers I have up?"

I blinked my eyes a few times looking at the white ceiling. Where was I? Realization dawned on me. I was in the hospital. I managed to sit up with the help of the doctor and my head kept ringing.

How did I get here?

Where am I?

What is happening? All these questions flooded my mind as I looked around.

“You were shocked when the car almost caused an accident, but there is no internal or external injury, ma'am."

The man standing far away from me left the room, but I recognized him. He is my husband's bodyguard but what am I doing here?

What is happening to me?

I listened to the doctor, not saying a word as I kept wondering what happened. One minute, I was lying on the floor in the pool of my blood, and now, here.

“I have some good news to share with you, ma'am. You are four weeks pregnant," the doctor said and gave me the report.

Pregnant? Me? But I was pregnant the whole time and...

I looked at my stomach only to see that my baby bump had disappeared. My stomach is flat and my feet are not sore.

All my questions were answered when I checked the doctor's report.

April 30, 2024.

I rubbed my hands with my palm and checked the report again. It was indeed six months ago before Liam presented the divorce papers to me.

I was reborn!

It felt like a dream but then the scene was unfolding right in front of me.

“Doctor, I am pregnant?"

“Yes, Mrs. Nolan. You are pregnant."

Of course, I remembered this scene from my previous life. I was wearing the same blue dress. I was on my way to the signing event of my first comic book when the car suddenly hit a truck.

If I am right, Liam is going to walk in with my sister, and I will divulge the pregnancy news to him.

No, this can't happen again.

This is a chance for me to make things right and not repeat the same mistake. This time, I'm going to act differently. I won't let Liam trample on me again.

A lone tear escaped the corner of my eyes which I wiped off instantly. Before the doctor could leave, I tugged in the hem of his coat.

“Please, can you not tell my husband? I would like to deliver the great news to him myself." I sounded desperate but I don't care right now.

“Of course, Mrs. Nolan. You are free to get discharged now."

“Thank you, Doctor."

As soon as the doctor left, I put on my shoes and made my way to the parking lot while Liam's bodyguard kept on apologizing for almost causing my death.

When I got to the parking lot, I saw Liam and my sister in the same car in a kissing position.

Maybe they weren't kissing, I'm not sure because they were facing each other.

They got out of the car, and I took in a quick breath involuntarily when Liam walked towards me slowly.

“Emily, I was so scared when I heard you had an accident. Are you okay and you, Drake?" Liam said, pointing to his bodyguard.

Rage fueled inside me like a volcano eruption. My gaze was filled with fury when I saw the pretentious sad face my sister had as she walked towards me.

“Emily, I followed Liam here when I heard..."

“I want a divorce, Liam. I'm done with this marriage," I cut in before my sister could complete her statement.

EMILY'S POV

My heart kept pounding hard as I made my way to the car while Liam's bodyguard got into the driver's seat.

“Take me back to the penthouse," I said with bloodshot eyes as soon as I locked the car door. I took a long deep breath, trying to tame the anger that threatened to burst any second.

There were three knocks on the car window before I finally heard Liam's voice.

“Emily, tell me what is wrong," Liam asked, but I didn't bother to look at him. I was pissed to see him with my sister again after everything he has done.

I don't even know how my sister got to know I was in the hospital. I want to leave this place right now.

“Won't you get this car out of here right now?" I said to the bodyguard with my voice octave at peak.

He stepped on the pedal and drove out of the parking lot at the speed of light. I watched Liam stand in the parking lot through the mirror, but I didn't bother to have any ounce of regret for him.

I remember sharing the good news with him in my past life before the sudden change in his behavior. I knew my sister was the one who made everything happen but now I'm tired and pissed off.

I want to leave this toxic family and move far away from Liam and my stepmother.

Soon, the car was pulled to a halt in the parking lot and not long after, Liam also drove his car inside the mansion.

My heels made soft clicking sounds on the tiled floor as I made my way inside the mansion. I ignored the maids' greeting as I made my way up the stairs.

“Emily!"

Liam's voice thundered behind me as I walked forward. He seems to be angry but he has no fucking right to be when he made life unbearable for me to live in.

I stormed into our room and it was just like before. Just like when I first met Liam, we made love passionately on this bed.

My heart sank when I saw our wedding picture on the wall with a beautiful smile on my lips.

“Not anymore, Emily. You will leave this place," I chant in my head before pulling the wardrobe open.

Liam's clothes were neatly arranged on the left side of the wardrobe while my clothes occupied the rest of the space.

By the time I pulled out the suitcase, Liam had already stormed into the room. I began to pack my clothes out inside the suitcase when Liam suddenly held my hand in his.

For a second, the time seemed to stop when his cold hand held my wrist in a tight hold. My heart yearned for his touch and it suddenly made me realize how much I have missed Liam in my past life.

“Emily, what are you doing?" Liam asked with his jaw clenched while his other hand was bound into a fist.

Liam's voice seems to knock me out of my daydreaming world and I remember all the pains I endured in Liam's hand in my past life.

”What does it seem like I am doing?" I snapped back. “I told you I'm done with you. I want a divorce." I said with gritted teeth when I finally turned to face Liam.

My breath seemed to cease when I saw Liam's beautiful face up close. Maybe that was why I fell for him first.

It was just me all along, he never loved me, which was fine considering the fact my father was the one who arranged the marriage, and he gave me a contract to sign, but we made love.

Liam scoffed and took two steps back in shock or maybe I was the one hallucinating because he is never the type to let out his emotions.

“A divorce, Emily? Did you hit your head while in the car accident?" Liam suddenly asked with his eyebrows raised while his forehead formed deep creases.

My heart broke when I realized I might cry at any moment, but I steeled myself. “Enough Emily. You have to do this. To save yourself," I said in my head. In a fit of anger, I jerked my wrist away from Liam's hold.

Liam seems taken aback by my sudden change of behavior.

“What the fuck are you talking about, Emily? Do you want to divorce me with no perfect excuse? Maybe you have forgotten who I am," Liam added as he tucked his hand inside his pocket.

I raised my chin high, glaring at him, but his cold eyes seemed to draw my attention back to look at Liam properly.

Cold, heartless, and ruthless billionaire. I am sure he wouldn't let me go like that.

“You heard me right, Liam. I'm done with you and I don't want anything to do with you again..." I said only to get cut off by Liam when he suddenly walked towards me.

I could taste bile in my tongue and there was this sudden need to slap him because my hand was already itching.

“I need you to fucking tell me what is wrong, and then I will let you know my decision. And don't you dare lie to me, Emily?" Liam said with gritted teeth and clicked his tongue in distaste.

His words seemed to cut the last strap of my patience because my voice suddenly flared up in anger.

“Fine," I said, flaring my hands up. “Care to explain to me the kind of relationship you had with my sister?" I asked with the corner of my lips pulled while I crossed my arm under my bosom. I

Liam raked his hand through his hair and muttered something under his breath.

“Cut to the chase, Emily."

“Why can't I ask for a divorce, Liam?" I snapped only to see Liam stand still.

His firm lips were pressed tight together and I knew that he wanted to say something but he chose to listen to me.

“I knew all along that you wanted to marry my sister, but you should have respected my opinion until the contract we both signed expired." I stopped and continued. ”I saw you kissing my sister in the car. Right there in the parking lot!" I screamed like a feral beast and I saw a flicker of emotion through Liam's eyes.

Though I am glad I didn't cry or hang up on him like a crazy fan girl who just sees her idol, I wasn't satisfied, either.

“Is that all you got, Emily? Is that the only excuse you got for your sudden rage of divorce?" Liam scoffed at me, his eyes narrow.

Maybe I would have believed him if I didn't see him in that compromising position. I would have agreed with him if I didn't know about what happened in my past life.

“I know you are going to deny it, Liam, but you should know that I saw you. I won't argue with you or anything, just call the lawyer." I said and Liam turned his back to me only to hit the wall.

I flinched when he suddenly looked at me and parted his lips.

“It seems you already made up your mind," Liam asked with new vigor and I rolled my eyes.

“A divorce will satisfy me, Liam, and you know we were both forced into this marriage," I said calmly, even though I sincerely wanted to marry Liam back then.

The room fell silent, and if a pin should drop now, it would echo in the room.

“Fine Emily. I will divorce you," Liam finally said, and I blinked my eyes repeatedly.

I am glad and also sad because a part of me wishes Liam would beg me to stay but he didn't do that.

“F...Fine." I stuttered like a little kitten. “Call your lawyer and let me sign the papers now." I rushed the words out of my mouth.

Liam's eyes scrutinized me before settling in my bosom and I gulped the nervousness brewing inside me.

Why would Liam Nolan suddenly look at me with those dark eyes as if I am the most beautiful woman in the world? He took another step and his hot breath fell on my lips.

“I will divorce you after a month, Emily." I heard Liam next to me, and my world seemed to stop spinning.

EMILY'S POV

Maybe I heard wrong because Liam suddenly stepped back only to sit on our matrimonial bed. He crossed his long legs over another and undid the tie around his neck.

“What do you mean Liam? Why a month?" I asked with uncertainty.

The chandelier cast its soft glow on Liam, and he appeared even more attractive.

“Just like you said" Liam began and undid the next two buttons of his shirt. His taut muscles caught my eyes and butterflies seemed to flap their wings in my stomach.

This was one of the reasons women wished to bow their feet at Liam's feet. He is just too perfect and too handsome and I wasn't an exception to not get affected by his charm.

Liam's next words seemed to bring me out of my world, and I shot a glare at him.

“We were both forced into this marriage, Emily, and I won't stop you from leaving." Liam declared with confidence.

Good. Liam wasn't going to deny the claim about my sister which is fine. I was right all along.

“Then why after a month?" I asked without averting my eyes away from him.

“My father wanted this marriage to work out and that was why he told me to marry you. There is a contract I need to secure through the help of my father and he wants me to get you pregnant."

My mouth fell open in shock as I digested the word.

“Just a month. I will get everything sorted out, and once I get it, you can go, Emily." Liam said, and I shook my head, not believing any of his words.

“My lawyer will bring the divorce papers tomorrow and you can sign it. Once it's a month, I will have it delivered to the court." Liam explained with calmness.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't taken aback by his words. Liam Nolan has always been good at words which was one of the reasons he owned the best business corporation in Los Angeles.

”Fine, but you will have to act according to my rules now," I said, and Liam looked at me with his eyebrows raised.

“I have conditions I would like you to pay keen attention to it."

Liam didn't pry too much, and instead, he told me to go ahead.

“Okay. I would like to have my separate room."

“Fine," Liam agreed without batting an eyelid.

“I don't want to share meals with you or anything. I will walk the way I want and do everything I want in my way."

“Accepted," Liam replied.

I released my hands under my bosom and clasped them together. I bit my lips in nervousness and braced myself. I'm no longer a teenager.

“I don't want us having sex," I said, looking at the wall. A blush crept to my cheeks which made me shut my eyes tight, muttering some curses under my breath.

One... Two...Three...

Liam didn't reply which made me curious. He stood up from the bed and looked at me coldly which made goosebumps form on my skin.

Liam walked towards me in his long strides and I stopped breathing with my back pressed against the wardrobe.

He stopped in front of me and tilted my chin up with his index finger. He smiled and then the smile disappeared.

“Nice try, Emily," Liam said and released my chin. The place he touched still burned and I felt the need to slap myself just to regain my senses. Liam is my nightmare.

“But I will think about that." He concluded and began to pack his clothes out. I stood there frozen on the spot because Liam didn't give me a direct answer.

Once I leave, I'm sure he won't come into my room, he won't even have the space either. I didn't ask more questions, instead I opened the side door.

“I will leave the room, Emily. You should stay here because it will be a load of work for the maids to start packing your things out." Liam explained, still packing his clothes, but I didn't believe him.

“I will just take them out myself" I said but this time he faced me and I saw a flash of anger in his dark eyes before his long eyelashes fluttered.

“If the maid should catch a whiff of whatever is happening here, to divorce me will be hard," Liam made me realize, and I agreed with him.

Few of the maids were working for Liam's father before coming down here. If they realized I moved my things out, things wouldn't look good.

“Okay. Pack yours, and don't leave anything behind," I said aloud for Liam to hear.

I went back to sit on the bed while waiting for Liam to get his things out.

My heart felt heavy when I realized I was indeed reborn. I wasn't dreaming and it seems God took pity on me.

I felt something rustle behind me and I stopped shill. I yanked my head towards the direction only to see Liam getting undressed.

“What are you doing?" The words stumbled out of my lips before I could stop it.

“What does it look like I am doing? I'm getting dressed for your sister's birthday party" Liam replied nonchalantly.

“Aysel birthday party?" I asked confused before realization dawned on me.

Of course, Aysel was celebrating her birthday party the same day I found out I was pregnant in my past life. It was a double celebration Because everyone was happy about my pregnancy news.

“Emily!"

“What?" I flinched back in shock, only for me to realize I had zoned out.

Liam only shook his head and unzipped his pants. This time, his upper body was already bare.

I tilted my head towards another side only to come face to face with the dressing mirror. Liam already got the trouser to his middle thigh and a pair of black boxer pants adorned his butt.

“God! Liam, what are you doing?" I screamed in shock before covering my eyes.

I heard someone chuckle behind me but I didn't dare turn back to look at him.

“You are still as shy as ever." Liam poked at my wound.

He was right about that. Though we only had sex a few times, we always did it in a semi-dark room because I was always shy.

But I am different now. I'm no longer the shy Emily. I fluttered my eyelids open but Liam was already done dressing.

He wore a crisp white shirt and black pants. Two buttons were left undone and a black belt graced his waist.

I missed him more than anything and he was watching me through the same mirror. Liam didn't explain himself to me, and I was right when I said he was having an affair with my sister.

Liam averted his gaze away and took a bag out. After packing his clothes inside, Liam took the bag and made his way out of the room. However, Liam stopped when he got to the door.

“Emily" he suddenly called in his deep smoothie voice.

“huh?" I asked flustered as I looked at him.

“About your last request. I don't think I can adhere to the rule." Liam said and licked his dry lips.

I wanted to agree with him and confess to him that I don't think my body can stay away from him but I choose to be different. My inner voice keeps telling me that he is only pretending.

“We will see about that, Liam, because I don't want you," I said, my voice dripping with venom.

“Ouch," Liam said playfully and I was stunned for a moment.

“Meet me in the car Emily. We don't want to be late to your sister's birthday celebration." Liam said and I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

“Or we should say your girlfriend's birthday," I rephrased the words, but Liam only looked at me oddly.

“I canceled the signing event for your comic book,” Liam said, ignoring my words.

That was true. I forgot I was going to the event before the small car accident. Liam left the room, closing the door with a jerk.

I sighed looking at my reflection in the mirror. I knew how Aysel's birthday went. I remember how some of my friends told me Pregnancy looked good on me when I was only a month gone. Maybe it was because of how I carried myself.

I just wanted Liam to love me for my natural self but I already shed the pretentious skin. I just want to be myself.

I pulled out my phone from the purse and made a call to my friend.

“Woah Emily. You finally called me after all this while, huh?" My friend's Voice boomed into the speaker. I felt like crying because it's been a long time since we spoke after what happened in my past life.

Chelsea is a crazy friend I love because she accepted me for who I am. I don't have time for pleasantries right now because I'm in a hurry.

”See Chelsea, I need your help right now because I'm in a dire situation."

“Hmm, so no greetings, huh? Just wait till I see you next week." Chelsea replied in her cheerful tone and I giggled slightly.

“I know. The thing is, I need a gorgeous dress and some makeup kit delivered to me in thirty minutes."

“Woah, what has gotten into you? Don't tell me you finally decided to come out of your shell, Emily"

I rubbed my nose in nervousness before a smile spread across my lips.

“Just have it delivered to me, Chelsea. We will talk when you are back babe"

“Sure mademoiselle, you know I own the store. One of my staff will have it delivered to you soon"

“Thank you, Chelsea," I said and hung up the call.

I sat back on the bed and heaved a sigh of relief.

“Just wait, Liam; I will make you regret ever toying with me.”