Chapter 3

Meanwhile, Emily had just returned from her vacation and went straight to her private villa. This was where she had lived before marrying Nicholas. No one knew it was her personal asset because she was never an important one of the family.

Emily and Maria were born as twins but raised in different environments. Due to an unfounded divination, their parents were convinced Emily was a jinx. So, they fostered Emily in the countryside at a very young age and raised Maria with the best in the city. They almost forgot they had another daughter until Maria got into an accident and her twin sister became the perfect transfusion kit.

When she had been taken home, Emily once had looked forward to family affection. But as time progressed, she realized she was only a tool in their eyes. There was no place for her in that family and she had all on her own.

Marriage with Nicholas was the only stupid dream she'd ever had. But now, she'd come to the reality. It's been a month since the divorce was filed and they had never contacted anymore. That's good. Now that she had decided to divorce, she didn't want their life to cross anymore. Emily was sure Nicholas wouldn't have a problem with that. He must be busy planning his grand wedding with Maria.

"Comm'n, stop thinking of them anymore Emily," she muttered to herself as she shook her head. "The past is past. Time back to be yourself now!"

She looked around the house and had a warm smile. It was clean and tidy, the layout was the same as in the old days. Whilst she was busy playing the housewife, Lily must have put much effort into taking care of this place. She shouldn't continue to fail the people who really cared about her.

Emily went upstairs and placed her bags in her room. Everything was so familiar making her miss her old independent and bold self even more. She decided to take a quick bath, however, when she stepped into the bathroom, she was caught off guard by the sound of running water already coming from the other side of the frosted glass. She froze, her heart racing.

"Who's there?" she called out, her voice trembling slightly.

A moment later, the shower door opened, and out stepped a tall, muscular figure. It was Oliver, a successful model. Emily used to be his agent and they survived the toughest start-up period together.

"Oliver?" Emily gasped, eyes wide. "You scared me."

"Emily?" Oliver's voice echoed her surprise as he turned to face her. He only had a towel wrapped around his waist. His chiseled features were as striking as ever, water glistening on his toned physique. No wonder he was voted one of the top five dates last year.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Oliver said, a slow grin spreading across his lips. “I almost doubt I am dreaming.”

"What are you doing here?" she demanded, trying to keep her eyes from lingering on his bare chest.

Oliver shrugged casually, his grin never faltering. "I got back from my shoot early and thought I'd stay here for a bit. I didn't expect you to see here."

Emily had permitted Oliver to stay here when he was going through a rough patch. This was a shelter for her and her friends.

Emily relaxed, a smile forming on her lips." it's okay, It's good to see you again."

"Likewise," Oliver replied, still looking a bit sheepish. "Sorry about the surprise. I didn't mean to intrude. I didn't know you were coming back."

"It's fine," Emily reassured him. "It's your home too. Let's catch up once we're both decent."

After her bath, Emily came downstairs and found Oliver in the kitchen, brewing coffee. He looked up and smiled.

"Coffee?" Oliver asked.

Emily nodded, taking a seat at the kitchen table. "Yes, please. Thank you."

As he poured her a cup, Oliver glanced at her with curiosity. "Are you moving back here?" he asked, handing her the steaming mug. He had heard about Emily's divorce from Lily but he wasn't sure whether she really moved on or not.

Emily took a sip, savoring the warmth. "Yeah. I needed a change of scenery. Things have been...complicated."

Oliver leaned against the counter, concerned in his eyes. "Complicated? Do you want to talk about it?"

Emily sighed, feeling a mix of relief and hesitation. "It's a long story. Maybe later another time."

Oliver nodded, his expression softening. "I'm here for you, Emily. Whatever you need."

Emily smiled, feeling a bit lighter. "Thanks, Oliver. It means a lot."

Her heart racing from the unexpected encounter. She couldn't help but feel a bit nostalgic. Oliver had always been a good friend, and seeing him again brought back memories of simpler times.

Compared to their princess Maria, Emily was the outcast of the White family. Even though it was her blood that saved Maria's life, they never had blue eyes on her. She was a coarse country girl, unworthy of the style of the Whites. They were ashamed to call her the daughter of the Whites, let alone share any of the family resources with her.

Emily completed her education on scholarships and part-time wages. With a nice group of friends, she built her career with bare hands. Even though they chose different paths later, they are still the best back of each other. Emily felt lucky to have them around.

"How have you been?" Emily asked, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Busy, but good," Oliver replied.

"What brings you back here? With your current status, I’d have thought you'd be in a more luxurious place." Emily joked.

Oliver was now the most famous and sought-after actor in the country, and Emily had heard he had also been working on projects abroad.

Oliver chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, old habits die hard. I still find comfort here. I really appreciate you letting me stay when I was going through a tough time."

Emily smiled, touched by his gratitude. "It was my pleasure. I’m glad you’re doing well."

As they were deep in their conversation, the doorbell suddenly rang.

"Are you expecting anyone?" Emily asked Oliver. No one knew she was there, so it was obvious the visitor was for Oliver.

He shook his head. "I'll check."

Oliver walked to the door and opened it, only to be met with an angry face. The man outside was Nicholas Sinclair. Emily's husband. Oh, ex-husband now.

"Mr. Sinclair?" Oliver asked in surprise. "What brings you here?"

Nicholas's anger surged when the person who opened the door was a man, not Emily.

"Get my wife to come out! I know she's in there!"