Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 19

"Crash—"

The lamp hit the wall, shards grazing his face, leaving faint marks.

James was stunned.

"You really wanted to kill me?"

He raised the urn.

"Aren't you afraid..."

Emily smirked, her bright eyes like stars in the night, flickering briefly before fading.

"Then smash it."

She said.

James shuddered. "What did you say?"

Emily repeated, "I couldn't protect my mom when she was alive. She doesn't need me to play the filial daughter now."

Even if she wanted to.

Her mom wouldn't have wanted her to be controlled like this.

"But James, remember this—I will never forgive you."

Her words made James loosen his grip.

Emily took the urn from him and left without looking back.

James slumped on the edge of the bed.

He watched her go, feeling more powerless each time.

There was a noise at the door.

Was Emily back?

James looked up eagerly, only to see Lily walking in.

His smile vanished instantly.

"What are you doing here?"

Lily, her eyes red, walked over to him.

"James, I can't stand watching this anymore. Is it worth it?"

"Emily's been with that man for a while now! The projects at her company?"

"All funded by him! How could a housewife handle such big projects? She's sleeping her way to the top!"

Hearing this, James looked up, dazed.

"You're saying her projects are backed by Alex?"

"Of course! Who else would trust a housewife with that kind of responsibility?"

James clenched his jaw.

"Next week, the Browns are hosting a charity gala. She'll probably be there."

His tone suggested he wasn't ready to give up.

Lily panicked.

"James, can't you see?"

"She doesn't love you anymore! The only one who loves you is me!"

In her desperation to prove her loyalty, she stepped on another one of James' landmines.

He looked up sharply, his eyes darkening with anger, a storm brewing.

Emily went home.

Just as Alex pulled up to drop off Susan.

One look at Emily's disheveled state, and Susan rushed over.

"I was gone for, what, an hour? Did you get mugged or something?"

Her teasing concern made the heaviness in Emily's chest lift—just a little.

She shook her head. "Nothing serious."

But she left out the details.

Susan would've gone to war for her, but Emily didn't want any more ties to James.

Besides…

Her gaze fell on the urn.

She had what mattered most now.

Alex stepped out of the car.

"Do you need a hospital?"

"No."

He frowned.

"How do you always end up like this when I see you?"

First time, two weeks ago.

Now, again.

"Bad luck."