3 The Final Encounter

3  The Final Encounter As Emma approached the front door of her mother in-law's section of the grand mansion, the chatter inside ceased abruptly. Stepping into the opulent foyer, her heart filled with a mix of sorrow and disdain. This mansion, once a symbol of her marital dreams, was now a hollow shell. Her mother-in-law's voice broke the silence, dripping with scorn. "So the lost daughter finally returns. Where have you been wandering, Emma? I expected you here at 8AM to help with the guests. Or did you delude yourself into thinking you could do better than Alex after the divorce? You're nothing but a social climber, always beneath us. Now get in the kitchen and don't you dare embarrass me in front of my guests." Alex, having built his own business empire from the ground up, had a mother who was as ambitious as she was scornful, especially towards Emma's supposedly humble origins. Emma's gaze swept over the kitchen, bustling in preparation for the guests as stewards, housemaids, chefs hurried to cook and make things right and available. Her mother-in-law had always relished overworking and demeaning her during these gatherings, refusing to let the servants assist. Before Emma could respond, Bella interjected with a feigned smile. "Aunt, shouldn't I help Emma? It wouldn't do for your guests to think I can't manage simple household tasks." Her mother-in-law pulled Bella back, her contempt for Emma clear. "Why compare yourself to her? She's meant for menial tasks, but you, Bella, you're a star. You should be treated like one here." Bella protested, "But Aunt, as a guest, I can't just sit idly while others work." Her mother-in-law's response was cutting. "Once you're part of the family, Emma will be nothing more than a total stranger." Emma, listening to their exchange, felt a bitter laugh escape her lips. "Are you done with your performance?" Her mother-in-law snapped at her. "How dare you interrupt! Get to work!" Emma, her voice steady, replied, "You seem to have forgotten, or maybe you haven't heard. Alex and I are officially divorced. Maybe Bella should showcase her culinary skills instead? After all, all signs point to the fact that she will be taking my place." With that, Emma turned to gather her belongings, determined to leave behind the possessions that now symbolized her pain. As she neared the door, her mother-in-law moved with surprising speed and blocked her path. "You're really leaving us for good, then?" She was both surprised and curious, not expecting Emma to go down without a fight. "The divorce is final. What more is there?" Emma responded, pushing past her, only to be confronted by Alex as he came in. He had rushed back to the mansion after seeing his own lawyer, worried about Bella encountering his ex-wife. Seeing Emma, his concern morphed into frustration. "Are you okay, Bella?" he asked, his voice filled with care. He reached out to touch her arm. Emma, jostled aside, felt the sting of his indifference. His concern for Bella contrasted sharply with his complete disregard for her. Bella immediately switched into acting mode, looking sorry and pained at the same time. Alex missread her distressed expression to mean assault and his face went red with rage. "What have you done now, Emma?" Alex spun around to glare at her, as if she were to blame for everything. Emma, her anger boiling over, retorted, "Can't you see Bella's fine? If your words are senseless, better to remain silent." Alex showed her another online article on his smartphone. "Is this your handiwork?" He accused Emma. "Are you trying to ruin Bella?" Emma glanced at the phone, recognizing the photos and feeling a twinge of satisfaction at Bella's distress. "Is there a single lie in that article? If it's all true, then you're the one who should be worried, not me," Emma countered, her gaze piercing Bella. Bella turned pale, looking to Alex for support. He reassured her by placing an arm around her waist, then turned back to Emma. "If you want to die, do it away from us. This is clearly your revenge," Alex spat. Emma, fighting to keep her composure, shot back, "Maybe you should use your pea brain for something other than just filling your head with nonsense and women of easy virtue." Bella and Alex's mother looked shocked, but Emma didn't care. They could all go to hell for all she cared. Emma swept past them, her resolve unshaken. Love had blinded her for three years, but now it was Alex's turn to be ensnared in his own illusions. She walked out, leaving behind the mansion and a marriage that was nothing but a facade.