Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 5

Emily knew why he was shocked. 

She knew how desperate and unhinged she must have seemed over the years.

She took Lily's seat, feeling both disgusted and amused.

She was his rightful wife, yet here she was, having to take someone else's spot, as if she were the intruder.

She smirked bitterly and turned to the host. 

"Can I get a drink?"

Before the words fully left her mouth, Lily, now pushed to the edge, splashed a glass of wine in her face.

The cold liquid dripped down her chin, the bitterness spreading across her tongue.

Lily feigned innocence. 

"Oops, my bad, sis."

She grinned. 

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

"You're not gonna bail, are you?"

Emily's hands clenched tightly on her knees.

But before she could react, James spoke up. 

"You wanted to have fun, right? This is how we play."

His words cut through her like ice.

She had thought she could handle whatever pain he threw her way, that they could at least maintain some semblance of dignity.

But now, she realized she had overestimated herself.

Emily grabbed a napkin and wiped her face.

Lily, seeing this, added, "Honestly, sis, as a married woman, you shouldn't be out partying with us young folks."

"Dad always said we should focus on being good wives and mothers, remember?"

The sarcasm was thick, and Emily almost laughed.

Be a good wife? Save money? 

Only for it to be spent on someone else.

Her father had said the same to her mother, and look how that turned out—Lily was the result.

Now, using the same old tricks, she wasn't falling for it.

She wasn't stupid.

Just like his cheating—it would become a habit.

She turned to look into James' eyes.

His deep gaze held no trace of her, only concern for Lily.

The realization stabbed her like a thorn, and the only way out was to rip it out by the roots.

She lowered her head and smiled softly, defusing the tension herself.

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

Lily wiped her tears aggressively.

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

She stood up, sobbing, and stumbled out of the room.

Emily could feel the hand on her shoulder gripping tighter.

She turned to James.

"If you can't bear to see her go, then chase after her."

"Don't take it out on me."

Why pretend you don't care when you clearly do?