Chapter 17 Emily, are you ready?
I thought I was over Arthur and Vivian, but seeing them together hit me hard. He never kissed me like that.
Then I noticed a guy with a rose and realized it was Valentine's Day. They were probably celebrating too.
Arthur never remembered special dates. I used to think he just didn't care about them. Looking back, I feel so foolish. And their choice of place to get intimate? Gross.
"Isn't this Mr. Miller? Out with your mistress on Valentine's Day?" Bella's shout drew everyone's attention. They finally pulled apart. Arthur turned and saw me, his wife, standing there. He looked shocked. "Emily?" Vivian said, stepping away from Arthur, clearly surprised to see me.
I knew why they were shocked. I used to dress plainly, trying to save money. But today, Bella gave me a complete makeover. Even I barely recognized myself. No wonder they were stunned.
"Mr. Miller, you have good taste. Your mistress looks pretty, with a standard fake face," Bella mocked. Vivian's face darkened, and Arthur didn't look much better.
"Emily, you lost your job, and you still have money to come here? Guess you don't care about your mom anymore," Vivian sneered, trying to get under my skin.
Mentioning my mom did upset me. Bella stepped forward, ready to confront her. I quickly pulled her back. Vivian deserved it, but the growing crowd made me hesitate.
Bella got it and stopped. She just gave Vivian a sharp look. "You know what your future might look like?" Bella said suddenly, catching us both off guard. She glanced at Vivian's belly and smirked. "Imagine being pregnant or holding a child at your wedding. Do you think people won't laugh at you?"
Vivian got even angrier and kept targeting me. "So what? Arthur wants to marry me and have our child. Emily, you're ridiculous. Dressed up like this, hoping to snag someone? Who'd be dumb enough to marry you?"
If Bella hadn't spoken up first, I would've ignored them. But Vivian stole my husband acting all high and mighty? I couldn't stand it. "You're right. A fool did marry me, but now that fool's with a bitch." Bella gave me a thumbs up. Arthur's face turned grim and awkward.
Vivian didn't expect me to turn her words against Arthur. She clung to him. "Arthur, see? Her gentleness was all an act. Look how harsh she is now."
I sneered, my voice calm. "I don't speak harshly. If my words hurt, I meant them to."
Bella looked surprised, leaning against the wall, confident I could handle them.
Venting felt way better than holding it in. I got an idea and smiled, walking up to Arthur.
"Emily, what are you doing?" Vivian clung to Arthur, as if I'd take him away. She seemed to forget he was still my husband, but I didn't care anymore.
I stuffed a piece of gum into Arthur's suit pocket. "Arthur, chew this before kissing. It's respectful."
My indifference seemed to provoke him. His brows furrowed. Even if he didn't want me, he still wanted me to revolve around him, begging and boosting his ego. But I wouldn't. I was done with him. Seeing his expression change, I turned to leave.
"Emily, who do you think you are? You're just a woman kicked out by her own husband," Vivian taunted.
I stopped, anger surging. 'Vivian's just a bitch who stole my husband. What makes her think she can talk to me like that?'Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
The wound hadn't healed. A little tug still hurt.
I stood there trembling, feeling my strength waver. Suddenly, an arm wrapped around me. Before I knew it, I was leaning against the wall.
"I chewed the gum. Emily, are you ready?" Ethan's face was close to mine, his gaze on my lips, his voice hoarse.