Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 3

"Emily's great, but even the best woman is just a side dish."

'Once the flavor's gone, it's over."

Lily giggled, nestled in his arms. 

"What about me?"

James raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on her face. 

"Which flavor are we talking about?"

The room erupted in laughter.

Lily buried her face in his chest, half-pouting, half-flirting. 

"You're terrible!"

Watching the video, Emily turned off her phone, a wave of nausea rising in her throat.

She wanted to vomit but couldn't.

She swallowed the bitterness, got up, and pulled a dress she hadn't worn in years from the closet.

In the mirror, her figure was still stunning, curves in all the right places.

An open marriage?

Maybe she should find her own fun.

Emily walked into the private room, and all eyes turned to her.

Shock, disbelief, confusion.

Michael was the first to react, standing up to greet her. 

"Emily, what are you doing here?"

Emily replied coolly, "I was invited."

Her tone was icy, her smile not reaching her eyes.

James's face flashed with irritation, but he pushed Lily off and walked over to Emily.

He hadn't expected her to show up, but in front of others, he had to save face.

James asked impatiently, "Why are you here?"

Emily's gaze dropped. 

"I was bored. Thought I'd join the fun."

He didn't respond, just took her hand and led her to the couch, shooting Michael a sharp look.

Michael quickly took the blame. 

"Emily, don't get the wrong idea."

"These girls are just here for my welcome party. If you're uncomfortable..."

Emily cut him off. 

"I'm not uncomfortable. You've got good taste."

Her words hit Michael like a thunderbolt.

Emily knew why he was shocked. 

Over the years, she'd become the image of a desperate, broken woman.

She sat in Lily's spot, feeling both disgusted and amused.

She was his legitimate wife, yet she was the one who had to move aside, as if she were the intruder.

She smirked, turning to the hostess. 

"Can I get a drink?"

Before the hostess could respond, Lily, pushed to the edge, grabbed a glass and threw its contents at Emily.

The cold liquid dripped down her face, bitter on her tongue.

Lily feigned innocence. 

"Sis, it was an accident."

She smirked. 

"James lost a game, so this drink's on you."

"You're not going to back out, are you?"

Emily's hands clenched on her lap.

And that woman had just thrown a drink in her face.

Emily knew this was just the beginning. 

Like his affairs, it would become the norm.

She turned to James, meeting his eyes.

But his gaze wasn't on her—it was filled with concern for Lily.

The realization stabbed her like a knife.

She looked down, forcing a smile, and defused the tension. 

"Just kidding. You're not upset, are you, sis?"

Lily wiped her tears. 

"Of course not. I just shouldn't have meddled."

She stood up, swaying dramatically, and left the room.

Emily felt James's grip tighten.

She turned to him. 

"If you're worried, go after her. Don't take it out on me."

James's face darkened. 

"If you're going to be this petty, just go home!"

He grabbed his cigarettes and stormed out.

Watching him leave, Emily knew she'd lost this round.

Winning the argument meant nothing when she'd already lost the war.

The room grew quiet, the hired girls exchanging uneasy glances.

Emily spun an empty bottle. 

"Don't just stand there. Let's play a game."

If this was the game, she'd play to win.