Emelia Chapman's voice carried a defiant edge as she declared, "I know exactly what I'm doing, David. Let's end this on good terms. Just tell me your conditions for the divorce, and I'll go along with it!" She hung up before he could even react.

After the call, Emelia leaned against the wall, letting out a long breath. She'd made up her mind — no more lingering, no more hoping for change, no more staying stuck in a loveless marriage.

On the other end, David Richards stood with one hand on his hip, frustration coiling in his chest with nowhere to go. Just last night, her jealous outburst over "that woman" had secretly thrilled him, making him wonder if she still cared. But this morning's abrupt exit slapped him back to reality — what he'd taken for jealousy was just a flicker of possessiveness, nothing more.

The truth? She'd never been fond of him. He'd known it since the day they signed their marriage certificate — her cool, detached expression said it all. This marriage had been a thorn in her side from day one, hadn't it? She'd been looking for a way out while he deluded himself into thinking that keeping his distance, staying out of her way, might somehow ease her discomfort.

He'd done everything he could to accommodate her, to make her feel less trapped. And still, she walked away without a hint of compromise. David let out a bitter laugh, caught somewhere between anger and amusement. Fine. If she wanted a divorce that badly, he'd see just how far she was willing to go.

Emelia made her way back to her old apartment — a cozy little place, just over a thousand square feet. Small, sure, but warm and welcoming. She'd only brought her everyday clothes and essentials; the place was already furnished with everything she needed.

"What if David comes after you and tries to drag you back?" Lorelai Bailey asked, dusting the shelves with a cloth in hand.

Emelia shrugged, sliding her books onto the shelf with a wry smile. "Knowing him? He might be pissed, but I don't think he'd go that far."

"Even after last night's little drama, he couldn't win you over?" Lorelai teased, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips.

Emelia's cheeks flushed, and she shot back with a shy smile, "What are you talking about?"

"Don't act all innocent!" Lorelai joked, tapping Emelia's neck lightly. "Ms. Chapman, there's a little evidence right here."

Emelia instinctively touched the spot, her heart skipping as last night's memories flooded back.

"That was just spur-of-the-moment. It's not like it meant anything," Emelia said, trying to play it off.

Lorelai rolled her eyes and switched topics. "And how are you going to explain this to your parents? You're not planning to tell them you were unfaithful, are you?"

Emelia had been asking herself the same thing. With a heavy sigh, she admitted, "I don't know yet. I'm going to handle the divorce first, then break the news. For now, it stays between us."

Just then, her phone buzzed with a video call. Seeing her mother-in-law, Nadia Simpson, on the screen, she steadied herself and answered with a smile.

"Morning, Mom," she greeted warmly.

Nadia — always the gracious, refined mother-in-law — had treated Emelia well from the start.

"Morning? It's almost eleven," Nadia laughed gently, taking in Emelia's surroundings. "You're not home?"

Emelia replied, "I stopped by the apartment to grab some reference books."

"It's Saturday. Why don't you and David come over for lunch? You skipped last week, and Grandma's been missing you both," Nadia suggested kindly.

Emelia hesitated. "I'm not sure if David's working today. He's been slammed lately."

"Oh, he's always busy. But no matter how busy, you two always show up together," Nadia teased.

"I've made your favorite spiced honey cakes," she added warmly.

A soft warmth spread through Emelia's chest, and she thanked her sincerely. "Thank you, Mom."

"Come soon. Grandma's waiting," Nadia said before ending the call.

Emelia looked at Lorelai, torn. "What do I do? I hate saying no to Mom."

"She really is a great mother-in-law," Lorelai agreed. "Just go. David won't bite."

After tidying up quickly, Emelia and Lorelai headed out toward the family estate.

Emelia drove to the Richards' place, stopping on the way to pick up Grandma's favorite coffee. After an hour's drive, she pulled up to the villa. As she got out of the car, another vehicle screeched to a halt behind her — David had arrived.

David stepped out holding a cake box, his expression sour. Emelia noticed his mood but stiffened her own, choosing to ignore him and head straight for the house.

"Mr. Richards, Miss Emelia, you're back!" Aylani Bailey, Astrid Richards's caretaker, greeted them with a bright smile.

Emelia slowed her pace, letting David catch up despite herself, and they walked in together to find the family gathered in the living room.

"Grandma, we're back," David announced with a smile.

Astrid Richards patted the seat beside her. "Come sit with Grandma. I haven't seen you all week — you look thinner."

Emelia sat down next to her grandmother-in-law. "Oh, Grandma, maybe it's the summer heat. I haven't had much of an appetite."

"Really?" Astrid raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing glance with Nadia. "Could it be something else?"

"Something else? Like what?" Emelia asked, genuinely puzzled.

Astrid gave Emelia's hand a playful pat. "What else but a baby!"

"That's impossible," Emelia blurted out. "David and I have been—"

"Ahem—" David's deliberate cough cut her off.

Emelia had been about to say they'd been careful — except for last night. David interrupted, clearly not wanting to discuss that with the elders.

Astrid looked at her grandson, curious. "You and David have what?"

Realizing her slip, Emelia quickly recovered. "Oh, we're just taking things as they come."

"It's been over six months. Who knows? It might happen sooner than you think," Astrid said with a soft sigh. "I'm not in the best of health, dear. I just worry I won't live to see my great-grandchild."

A pang of guilt hit Emelia at those words, and she glanced at David.

David moved over and wrapped an arm around Astrid's shoulders. "Grandma, you're healthier than anyone I know. With all your hobbies and treats, you'll outlive us all!"

Astrid playfully swatted at him, and he caught her hand with a laugh, promising, "Don't worry, Grandma. As your only grandson, I won't let our family line end here. I'll make sure Emelia is expecting within six months!"

Astrid Richards lit up like a Christmas tree at her grandson's promise, her smile practically radiating pure joy. Nadia Simpson shared in the warmth, though she'd never once pressured the young couple about giving her a great-grandbaby.

Emelia Chapman fixed David Richards with a serious look, her lips pressed into a thin, hard line. David, on the other hand, met her gaze with that teasing glint in his eyes — like he was genuinely getting a kick out of her discomfort.

After a while of chatting with the elders, Astrid gently shooed the young couple upstairs to their bedroom, clearly eager to give them some private time to talk.

Once the door clicked shut, Emelia didn't waste a second. "What was that about? We're talking about a divorce, remember? Why would you make a promise like that to Nana? Are you doing this just to piss me off?"

David closed the door, his posture stiff, his voice edging with frustration. "Piss you off? What was I supposed to say with Nana practically glowing at the idea of a great-grandchild? Announce our divorce and shatter her heart?"

Emelia shot back, "You could've been vague about it. Now you've got us promising a baby in six months. How are we supposed to handle that down the road?"

David mulled over her words, his irritation flaring as he thought about the way she'd bolted out that morning without a word. "Did you even think about how upset Nana would be when she found out you moved out without telling anyone?"

"She wouldn't have known!" Emelia huffed, exasperated.

"There are no secrets in this family. You really think Mom and Nana won't find out just because they don't stop by often? You're being naive!" His voice matched hers in intensity, but he couldn't bring himself to meet her eyes anymore. He turned and flopped onto the sofa.

Emelia paused, the truth of his words sinking in. The bodyguard, the housekeeper, the occasional driver David had assigned to her — they'd all notice her absence. It was only a matter of time before Mom and Nana caught wind of it.

A wave of helplessness washed over her. All she'd wanted was to escape this suffocating marriage, but she hadn't thought about how the household staff would inadvertently spill the beans to the elders.

Was this where their divorce would hit a brick wall? Just to spare the elders any worry, was she doomed to endure a loveless marriage forever?

The room fell into a heavy silence — a tension-charged pause as thoughts churned between them, neither willing to break it.

It lasted until dinnertime, when Aylani Bailey came to call them downstairs.

Before stepping out, Emelia cautioned, "Please don't make any ridiculous comments during dinner, alright?"

David brushed past her. "I know how to handle it without your advice."

Emelia rolled her eyes at his back and followed him out.

In the dining room, a lavish dinner awaited them. Not long after they took their seats, Nadia and Astrid entered, with Emelia helping Astrid to her chair.

Astrid took the head of the table, and Emelia settled in beside her.

Patrick Richards had fallen from grace years ago — thanks in large part to his own indiscretions. David's father had gotten tangled up in an affair and tried to legitimize his second family. Already struggling with heart disease, the elder Richards suffered a severe heart attack, undone by his own betrayal.

In the aftermath, David cut all ties with his father, clawing back the inherited properties and leaving the old man just enough to scrape by. With his father out of the picture, the woman who'd been gunning for a social climb took what little was left and vanished, leaving her five-year-old son, Braylon, with Patrick.

That left the unfortunate father and son to fend for themselves, and Braylon's mischief quickly piled years onto Patrick. Even their wedding day had been tainted by scandal — Patrick had shown up uninvited, lurking among the guests, only to get tossed out by David.

Astrid, ever doting, served Emelia a piece of fish, her voice warm. "I know how much you love fish. I had the chef fix one up for you to take home."

Emelia smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Nana."

"No need to thank me, dear. You're my only granddaughter-in-law, so of course I cherish you. As long as you and David are happy, I'm happy. And when I'm happy, I'll live longer — so I can enjoy more days playing cards, scrolling on my phone, and savoring those cappuccinos you bring me!" Astrid joked, smiling warmly as she sipped her coffee.

Emelia listened to Astrid's words, her chewing slowing as she felt the weight of expectations pressing down on her — like she was being hoisted up onto a pedestal she never asked for.

She stole a glance at David, who was peeling a shrimp with a serene smile that seemed to mock her.

"Nana, you're as healthy as ever — I'm sure you'll live to a ripe old age!" Emelia told her cheerfully, piling some of Astrid's favorite dishes onto her plate.

David placed a plate of shrimp in front of Emelia, his tone playful. "Honey, did you hear that? Nana's given us a mission. The happier we are, the longer she'll live!"

Emelia met his mocking gaze, her jaw clenching. "Stop gloating."

Clearly amused by her exasperated expression, David held a shrimp up to her lips. "Open wide, dear."

Seeing the approving smiles on Astrid and Nadia's faces, Emelia forced a blush and accepted the shrimp.

"Anything to add?" David whispered after she swallowed.

Emelia kept up the act. "Thank you, darling."

Beneath the table, she didn't hesitate to stomp on his foot.

After dinner, they lingered over coffee and small talk for a while, until David announced it was time to head home.

Before they left, Nadia packed up some of Emelia's favorite treats for them to take along. Astrid's parting words to David were a stern reminder: "Don't waste any time!"

David could only offer a helpless smile at her serious tone. "Alright, Nana, I understand."

As the couple left the family estate, Emelia Chapman made a beeline for her own car—until David Richards caught her wrist, his gaze heavy with something unsaid. She instinctively glanced back at the manor house. From the third-floor window, her mother-in-law, Nadia, and grandmother-in-law, Astrid, were waving them off. With a reluctant wave, Emelia slid into David's car, wordlessly tossing her keys to Khari Freeman, his driver.

They drove in silence, thick and heavy, until the car merged onto the highway, heading back toward home. That's when Emelia finally broke it.

"I want to go back to my apartment," she said flatly.

David didn't take his eyes off the road. "Until the divorce papers are signed, you're still Mrs. Richards. And Mrs. Richards belongs at home." He pressed on the accelerator, making it clear he had no intention of turning around.

Emelia took a slow breath. "So, David, when are we going to the lawyer's office? For the divorce?"

He didn't answer right away. Instead, he tossed the question back at her. "Have you actually made up your mind? Are you sure about the divorce?"

"Yes, I'm sure," she said without hesitation.

David shot her a sideways glance, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes before a smirk settled on his lips. "You've got a cold heart, you know that?"

"Call it whatever you like. Just turn the car around." Her voice was steady, unyielding.

Maybe it was that resolute tone that got to him. Without another word, he switched lanes, steering the car toward her apartment.

"You've made your choice. Just don't regret it," he said, his voice low and unreadable—part surrender, part warning.

They reached her apartment building a few minutes later. Emelia unbuckled her seatbelt. "I'll have the divorce papers sent to your office tomorrow."

"Suit yourself." His indifferent mask didn't crack. She got out, and he drove off without a backward glance.

Emelia pulled her own car into the garage. As she waited for the elevator, her phone rang. It was her mother, Jasmine Fernandez—her voice sharp with urgency. Emelia didn't ask questions; she simply got back in her car and sped to her parents' house.

She barely made it through the front door before the shouting hit her.

"Phillip, you've really outdone yourself this time!" her mother's voice echoed from the entryway. "A mess this big and you're telling me now? If you had a single shred of sense, you would have kept it buried forever instead of confessing!"

"Do you even know what you've done? You get talked into some scheme over dinner, and suddenly you're ready to invest? Where's your judgment? If I weren't killing myself to keep this company afloat, you'd have thrown everything away years ago! I leave for one business trip, and you go and pull a stunt like this. Thanks. Really."

Her fury boiled over, and she lunged at Phillip. Their son, Kye Chapman, was faster—he caught her around the waist and held her back.

"Mom, come on. Breathe. Have some coffee," Kye said, guiding her to the sofa and pressing a cup into her hands.

But Jasmine was too worked up to drink. She slammed the cup to the floor. Coffee splattered everywhere, staining Emelia's pants as she walked in.

"Mom, what's going on?" Emelia brushed at the brown stains, her brow creased with worry.

Jasmine's expression darkened when she saw Emelia standing there alone. "Why are you here by yourself? I told you to bring David."

"I told him you called, but he was busy. I figured you could talk to me just the same," Emelia replied.

Jasmine let out a harsh laugh. "Talk to you? Really?" She snatched up her phone and started dialing.

Emelia moved to stop her, but Jasmine's stern glare and raised finger froze her mid-step.

Her mother had always been domineering—pushing Emelia to become a sharp, ruthless businesswoman like herself. But Emelia took after her father: softer, more trusting, and lacking that steel edge Jasmine prized. That had always been a bitter disappointment. As for her brother, Kye, he was an even bigger thorn in their mother's side—he'd ditched corporate life entirely to chase his passion for animals instead of business.

Jasmine's tone changed the moment the call connected, all traces of anger gone.

"Hello? David, it's Jasmine." She walked into another room for privacy.

Emelia sighed, turning to her father. "Dad, did you lose money on an investment?"

Phillip slumped deeper into the couch, shook his head, and said nothing.

Emelia whipped around to Kye. "What happened?"

Kye sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. "Honestly, Em, Dad got conned. He put money into some investment scheme, and the people behind it took off with everything. It's bad. He poured in two-thirds of both the family's savings and the company's funds."

"What?" The word barely escaped her. Her mind went blank, struggling to process the scale of it.

Kye continued, "That's why Mom wanted you and David here. Right now, he's the only one who can help bail us out."

Emelia went quiet. Her father was in serious trouble—just as she was planning to divorce David. How could she possibly accept his help now? And if she did, would she even be able to walk away from this marriage?

Before she could spiral further, Jasmine returned, a smile plastered on her face. "Alright, he's on his way over. Emelia's already here."

Phillip, noticing his wife's improved mood, sat up straighter. "What did David say?"

"Just wait," Jasmine replied, heading upstairs.

A little over twenty minutes later, David arrived.

In front of her family, Emelia knew she had to play the dutiful wife—especially now that they needed his help.

"You're here," she greeted him softly.

David met her gaze, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Darling, how could you come to your family without telling me? Do you see me as an outsider?"

"Of course not. I just didn't want to trouble you—you're so busy," she murmured, forcing a smile.

Jasmine cut in smoothly. "David, your father-in-law's situation is a bit complicated. Let's discuss it in the study."

"Sure, Jasmine," David agreed, following her and Phillip upstairs.

Kye, realizing the "problem solver" had arrived and there was little else he could do, started for the door.

"I'll walk you out," Emelia offered.

Kye grinned. "Em, why don't you learn a thing or two about business from Mom?"

Emelia laughed, the sound surprisingly light. "Are you jealous of how easy I've got it?"

"Maybe a little," he admitted, smile fading. "Drive safe."

The meeting upstairs stretched on. By the time it finally ended, the night had settled in.

"Why don't you stay the night?" Jasmine suggested.