Chapter 2 She Seemed to Be Cheating

Stepping out of Jackie's private room, Emily felt slightly dazed. It was just lighting a cigarette for a stranger... That was all it was. And then, he had said four words to Jackie- "Enough is enough." Jackie laughed like a madman but truly did stop. So much so that Emily still hadn't quite recovered from it. It felt like she had done something wrong. Well, being a married woman, there were things she probably shouldn't do. But then again... Why not? Emily walked downstairs and made her way to the lobby entrance. The cold wind outside hit her, reminding her that she had forgotten her coat. A black sedan was parked outside-it seemed oddly familiar. A young, beautiful girl sat in the back seat, gazing at Emily through the window. On a frigid winter night, dressed like this, she was bound to attract some attention. But soon, the girl's attention shifted. With a soft "ding," the elevator behind Emily opened, and the girl's eyes lit up instantly. She pushed the door open and hopped out of the car like an excited little bunny, rushing past Emily and calling out sweetly- "Honey-" It was an amusing sight, and Emily couldn't help but follow the scene with her eyes. However, when her gaze landed on the "husband" the little bunny had run toward, she froze. The man who had just stepped out of the elevator was tall, dressed in a sleek black suit, and so strikingly handsome that heads would turn. As the little bunny threw herself into his arms, he looked up-his gaze met Emily's. The moment their eyes locked, Emily almost wanted to laugh. After so many days, she was finally seeing her husband, James, again. Yes, the little bunny's husband was also her husband. A legally wedded one, at that. The little bunny clung to James's waist and tiptoed to give him a sweet kiss. "I missed you so much..." James remained as cold as ever. His gaze lingered on Emily, and the indifference in his eyes shifted into clear disgust. Emily saw it clearly. But since they had already run into each other, she still raised a hand in greeting. "Hi, long time no see." The little bunny immediately turned to look at her, then nervously glanced at James. "Honey, do you know her?" Emily and James's marriage wasn't exactly a secret. But in the two years since their wedding, Emily had kept a low profile, never appearing in public. While James's name was always in the tabloids, she never made a statement-not even a single word. Because of that, even though everyone knew James was married, few knew who his wife was. And those who did, treated her as invisible. After all, James's attitude dictated everything. Just like now. Emily figured the little bunny wouldn't get an answer from James, so she spoke up herself. "Can I borrow a few minutes of your time to talk?" The little bunny immediately became alert and held onto James even tighter. "With you? What's there to talk about?" James finally spoke, his voice devoid of emotion. Emily had originally planned to ask the little bunny to step aside to spare her any unnecessary hurt. But seeing James's attitude, she had no choice but to get straight to the point. "You received the divorce papers, right? If you're busy, your lawyer can handle it. I'm available anytime." The little bunny's eyes widened in shock. She instinctively loosened her grip on James's waist. "You've enjoyed the title of Mrs. Green, haven't you?" James sneered. "What's with the sudden change of heart?" "Our family's current situation... It's not good to keep dragging The Green family down." Her family business was in crisis, facing trouble from all sides, desperately seeking help. "I think you have other motives. What is it? Planning to get a divorce, repackage yourself, and sell yourself again?" James's icy gaze fixed on Emily, dark and unreadable. Emily had always been stunning-bright eyes, white teeth, a face that could captivate with a single glance. That radiance had shone through even when she had short, edgy hair in the past, drawing admirers like moths to a flame. James had witnessed that spectacle firsthand. After they got married, she deliberately toned herself down, ditching the bold makeup and vibrant persona to play the role of a gentle, virtuous wife. She had almost fooled everyone. But luckily, he had never forgotten her true colors. Now, with long flowing hair and bold red lips, she looked more dazzling than ever-just like before. James suddenly reached out, gripping her chin, forcing her to look up as he studied her face. "Tired of pretending, aren't you?" Emily's face remained in his grasp, and for the first time in two years, her once-dim eyes flickered with light. "Yeah," she smiled. "Two years of pretending-it's exhausting for anyone." Emily had never been stingy with her smiles. Her gentle and virtuous persona required it. But this time, her smile was different. She wasn't pretending anymore. She seemed genuinely relieved, as if she had finally been freed-her smile was bright, sincere, and dazzling. James, however, felt an inexplicable fire rising inside him, growing stronger. He tightened his grip on her face. "So desperate-is it because you already found a new man?" Emily frowned slightly from the pain but still met his gaze head-on. "No. Just basic morals-otherwise known as self-respect." James let out a cold laugh. "Self-respect? Or is it that no one else wants you? What The Green family throws away-do you really think anyone in New York City would dare to pick up?" Emily knew exactly what he meant. James wasn't just talking about women. In the face of The Green family's overwhelming power, how many in New York City dared to defy them? Just like now-her family was in trouble, yet everyone was waiting to see The Green family's stance. Everyone knew the two families were in-laws. If even The Green family refused to help, why would anyone else? And James, as the so-called son-in-law, had already made his position clear. He was going to let them die. Emily had accepted this reality long ago. "After our divorce, I won't be Mrs. Green anymore. Whatever comes, I'll deal with it myself. And you-" she glanced at the little bunny beside him, "-can have whatever you want. Isn't that best for both of us?" "For both of us?" James repeated the words softly. "But Emily, what if I can't stand seeing you happy?" Emily's gaze remained steady. "If you married into The Green family, then be prepared to stay there for life," James said, releasing her chin. "You can't save your family. And no one else can, either. Just watch them fall-" With that, James strode toward the entrance. The little bunny, still dazed, stumbled after him and got into the car. Emily stood quietly, watching the car drive away. She remained under the corridor for a long time before realizing-snow had begun to fall. The first snowfall of the winter in New York City, drifting lightly through the air. Emily reached out, watching as a snowflake landed on her palm. At that moment, she faintly smelled the scent of cedarwood. She thought she was imagining it. She lifted her dress slightly and stepped into the falling snow. But suddenly, the snowflakes above her were blocked. Emily looked up. A black umbrella. A chauffeur-like man stood beside her, holding out her coat in one hand while shielding her from the snow with the other. "Miss Emily, it's snowing. Do you need a ride?" "No need." Emily took her coat and wrapped it around herself, but it didn't bring any warmth. "Then please take this umbrella-the snow is getting heavier." Her car couldn't get through, and there was still a long walk to the gate. Emily accepted the umbrella. "Thank you." The wooden handle was finely polished, smooth as silk, carrying a faint, cool woody fragrance. Emily turned back, glancing toward the dimly lit windows on the third floor of the small building. Half-lit, half-dark-she wondered if the mysterious man was still behind that window, watching.