Chapter 5: Confrontations and Revelations

"Can you believe the nerve of him? Does he think being the richest man gives him the right to act like that?" Emily slammed her coffee cup onto the table, her frustration evident. "And that line, 'I just need to be good at it'? Who says that? He struts around like some saint, but then he casually drops lines like that. Ethan!"

Jessica listened with half-closed eyes, occasionally nodding or smiling slightly. Being dragged out for lunch to hear about someone else's love life was not how she had planned her day, but she couldn't help but notice something different. The more Emily spoke, the more it sounded like one of those humblebrag posts you find online.

She glanced up at Emily. Her friend's face was glowing, eyes bright, lips curled in a subtle smile. "So, are you still planning on going through with the divorce?" Jessica asked, curious.

"Of course!" Emily didn't hesitate. "Absolutely!"

Jessica raised an eyebrow. "And what about your father? How are you going to handle that?"

Emily's smile faded a bit as she stirred her ice cream. "I'll figure it out. There's got to be a way."

Emily had tried to broach the subject of divorce with her father that morning, but his reaction was predictably negative. He had immediately shut it down. Losing five years of memories felt like she had been away from her family for a long time, leaving her with a sense of alienation and sadness.

The Clarke family was wealthy, their business flourishing in Europe, but after her mother passed away a few years ago, their brand took a hit. Emily's father had turned to the Harrison family to stabilize things, and the alliance had helped him regain some footing in the domestic market.

Despite their financial troubles, the Clarke family was still formidable, but they were no match for the Harrisons. Emily couldn't recall why the Harrisons had agreed to the marriage in the first place, but she had learned that it was Ethan who had initiated the union, not her father. When she found out, she was stunned. Why would he do that? He had everything, yet he seemed to have no interest in treating her well.

As she pondered, the only conclusion she could draw was that he had married her for the physical connection, nothing more.

Jessica's phone buzzed, breaking Emily's thoughts. Jessica looked at the screen and then smiled knowingly. "Guess what? The magazine cover changed."

"Who got replaced?" Emily asked, curious.

Jessica showed her the phone, and Emily's eyes widened in disbelief.

**

Olivia stepped out of her car, adjusting her new sunglasses, and took the coffee handed to her by her assistant. She strode confidently into the building, finally landing the magazine cover after months of relentless effort and negotiations. Despite the negative rumors swirling around, she was determined to make this work.

"Olivia, I heard the photographer for today's shoot is from abroad. Is she really that good?" her assistant asked.

"Yes," Olivia replied with a nod. "She's won several awards and is known for her portrait work."

"Wow! This is going to be amazing! You're definitely going to make waves!"

Olivia smiled, feeling more confident. She had fought hard for this cover, partly because of the photographer's reputation. As the first model to be photographed by this mysterious figure, Olivia knew this was her chance to shine.

The only downside was that Jessica was handling the styling for the shoot. Remembering her last encounter with Jessica and Emily, Olivia couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed. She had seen Emily buy some exclusive items that day, and it still irked her.

Her assistant noticed the change in her mood but didn't say anything as they reached the elevator. Just as Olivia was about to press the button, someone called out, "Hold the door!"

A woman stepped in, thanking them softly. As she looked up, Olivia's expression froze.

It was Emily.

Emily seemed momentarily surprised but quickly composed herself, coolly pressing the button for the 17th floor.

"You're going to the 17th floor too?" Olivia asked.

"Yes," Emily responded, her tone indifferent.

Olivia studied Emily's outfit. Today, Emily was dressed to impress in a tailored spring suit from a high-end brand that had just showcased its collection last week. Even her jewelry and watch were limited editions. The whole look screamed sophistication and wealth.

"Are you working today?" Olivia probed, trying to figure out what Emily was up to.

"Yes," Emily replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Olivia smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. So, the rich housewife had to work after all. She couldn't help but feel a twisted satisfaction at the thought.

"Oh, right. You studied design, didn't you? Are you in charge of the wardrobe or accessories today?" Olivia asked, hoping to belittle her.

Emily simply gave her a sidelong glance, not bothering to answer.

Olivia took off her sunglasses, her smile widening. "By the way, I'm today's model. Just thought I'd let you know."

She paused, making sure Emily heard every word. "In this industry, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Don't just stand there like a piece of furniture."

Emily's reaction was minimal, just a small, bemused smile. But that smile was enough to irk Olivia.

"Did you hear me? Don't just stand there like a dummy—hey, I'm not done talking!"

As soon as the elevator door opened, Emily walked out without a second glance, leaving Olivia fuming.

Inside the studio, the atmosphere was busy as the crew prepared for the shoot. Olivia sat in the makeup chair, still seething over the elevator incident. She was determined to make Emily pay for her disrespect.

"Keep an eye out for that woman from the elevator," Olivia instructed her assistant. "Send her over to me when you see her."

"Okay," the assistant replied, but her eyes widened as she spotted something behind Olivia. "Olivia, look—"

Olivia turned to see the magazine's editor-in-chief approaching with Jessica, but it was the person with them who caught her attention.

Wearing a black suit, composed and elegant, with sparkling diamond earrings, stood Emily.

Olivia's jaw dropped in disbelief.

"Let me introduce everyone to Ms. Alisa, a renowned Chinese photographer from France. We are honored to have her working with us on this project. Let's give her a warm welcome!"

The crew's applause was delayed as they exchanged puzzled glances. They had all assumed Alisa would be an older woman, not someone who looked like a supermodel herself.

Emily acknowledged the applause with a polite nod before scanning the room, her eyes finally landing on Olivia. Her expression didn't change, but her eyes twinkled with amusement.

She approached Olivia and greeted her with a confident smile. "Hello, I'm Alisa. I look forward to working with you."

Olivia could barely respond, her face pale with shock.

"I have certain expectations for my models," Emily continued, her smile never wavering, but her tone held a subtle edge. "I hope during the shoot, you'll be flexible and won't just stand there like a piece of furniture."

**

A sleek black Maybach glided smoothly through the rain-soaked streets. Ethan sat in the back, flipping through a thick stack of documents, his long lashes lowered as he focused.

After wrapping up three days of negotiations, Ethan had barely returned to Jiang City when his family doctor called. The doctor explained that based on his observations, Emily's memory loss was indeed real.

"Selective amnesia often occurs after a person experiences trauma or a significant shock," the doctor had said. "It's a form of self-protection, where the mind chooses to forget events that are too painful or difficult to process."

Ethan had thought back to those words, his brows knitting together as he rubbed his temples. The five years she had forgotten were the years they had spent the most time together.

Did that mean he was the source of her trauma? That he had caused her so much distress?

Frowning, Ethan tugged at his tie, trying to alleviate the irritation gnawing at him.

"What's my wife been up to?" he asked Jason, his assistant.

Jason glanced at his phone. "Mrs. Harrison has been staying at the city apartment for the past few days. Yesterday, she worked with Miss Jessica's studio to shoot a cover for a fashion magazine."

"A cover shoot?" Ethan repeated, raising an eyebrow.

He knew Emily was talented in photography, having won several awards. But after their marriage, she had rarely gone out to shoot, focusing mostly on taking pictures of him.

She had taken countless photos of him in various states and angles, filling albums and frames.

When Ethan arrived home, he headed straight for the bedroom. As he opened the door, he found Emily by the window, surrounded by photographs and albums.

She noticed him but didn't react the way she usually did, by running to greet him with open arms. Instead, she glanced at him with a detached expression, barely acknowledging his presence.

Even the household staff were more enthusiastic than she was.

Feeling a sudden pang of irritation, Ethan tossed his coat onto the bed. His eyes fell on the velvet box containing the pink diamond ring he had sent days ago. The ribbon was still neatly tied, the box untouched.

The annoyance in his chest deepened.

He walked over to where Emily was seated, flipping through an album.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

Emily didn't look up. "Sorting photos."

She casually pulled out a few more and tossed them aside. "Some of these didn't turn out well. I don't want to keep anything that's subpar."

Ethan's gaze followed the scattered photos on the floor, and his brow twitched in surprise.

All of the photos were of him.