Emily stood by the door, her gaze fixed and unblinking. The day had arrivedthe day she would settle the score with her husband. A fierce determination burned in her eyes. Two long years she had waited for this moment.
Then came the sound of the door unlocking. Her heart pounded as a uniformed officer stepped inside.
“Time to go, Emily,” the woman said. Emily gathered her belongings swiftly, shoving them into the bag provided.
“Eager to see your lover, are you?” the guard taunted as she followed her out.
Emily didnt respond. She walked with her chin high, past the whispers and sneers. The past no longer mattered. She had endured enough, and now it was her turn.
Memories flashed before herthree years ago, when life had been different. She and James had been successful entrepreneurs. Marriage had brought them fortune, but also betrayal. Emily had known about his affairs but endured for the sake of their business.
She had trusted him blindly, signing documents without question. That trust had been her downfall. One day, she was accused of fraud, her wealth stripped away. James had framed her, presenting forged evidence. The trial was swift. He testified against her, and with no proper defense, she was sentenced to five years.
Prison changed her. The timid woman who had once bowed her head was gone. In her place stood someone stronger. For good behaviour, she was released early, and now revenge simmered in her veins.
As her belongings were returned, the guard smirked. “Good luck, love.”
Stepping beyond the prison gates, Emily froze. For two years, she had plotted this moment, yet now, fear gripped her. Then she spotted himOliver, Jamess closest friend.
Her body relaxed. He was here. She rushed forward, and he caught her in his arms.
“Emily, I cant believe youre finally free,” he murmured.
She buried her face in his shoulder, laughing nervously. Oliver had visited her faithfully in prison, believing in her innocence when no one else did. Over time, his quiet affection had grown into love.
“I was afraid you wouldnt come,” she whispered.
He held her tighter. “Id never leave you.”
With Olivers help, she had uncovered the truth. James had orchestrated her downfall to please his mistress, who wanted a share of the business. Now, Emily had the upper hand.
Later, showered and wrapped in Olivers robe, she sipped coffee in his home. “Show me the documents,” she demanded.
Oliver retrieved them from his safe. Emilys smile widened as she flipped through the pagesJamess fate now rested in her hands.
“Tell me everything,” she urged.
Oliver sat beside her. “My sister works at the company. She slipped the papers into Jamess stack when he wasnt paying attention. He signed them without readingtoo busy boasting about his latest fling.”
Emily leaned in, pressing her lips to his. “Marry me,” she whispered.
Oliver cupped her face. “I thought youd never ask.”
The next day, Emily strode into the companys headquarters, heels clicking, documents clutched in hand. No one stopped her as she entered Jamess office.
He paled when he saw her. “What the hell are you doing here?”
She crossed her legs, placing the folder on her lap. “I own half this company. And everyone knows the real fraudster is you.”
Jamess fists clenched. “Get out before I have you arrested again.”
Emilys smile was cold. “You should read these first.” She slid the documents forward. “Copies, of course. The originals are with my lawyer.”
James scanned the pages, his expression shifting from rage to disbelief. “This is a joke.”
“No,” she said softly. “You taught me life isnt a game. I learned well.”
Months later, Emily married Oliver. The court ruled in her favourJames lost everything. The business, the mansion, even his prized car were hers. He vanished from her life, leaving no trace.
Victory was sweet, but the greatest lesson was this: true strength lies not in vengeance, but in rising above betrayal and finding love where you least expect it.
