Chapter 4: An Old Flame

In a dark suit, Richard rose from his desk to greet them. However, Emma's reaction was unexpected. She froze in the doorway, her eyes widening in recognition. At this moment, her mind raced. She had not seen this face in years. There was even a time she felt she would never see him again. She inched into the office uncomfortably and walked over to Olivia's side. She greeted Richard politely and looked away. "Emma," Richard replied flatly, Emma's face displayed a mix of surprise and discomfort as she muttered a response. Olivia was no fool. She raised her brow as she looked between them, wondering if there was a history between them that she had been unaware of. "Emma, we're here to talk about your divorce from Charles. Richard is an excellent divorce lawyer, and I thought he could be a great help..." Olivia began the moment they settled down. Emma, avoiding Olivia's gaze, insisted, "Olivia, it's a marriage of convenience. I knew what I was getting into. I don't expect anything from Charles, and he doesn't expect anything from me. It's a transaction, nothing more." Olivia, however, was committed. "Emma, I get that you entered into this for our father's business, but domestic abuse is not something you signed up for. You can't keep enduring this because it's a marriage of convenience. It's not okay for Charles to hurt you." Emma's expression darkened, "I appreciate the effort, Olivia, but I don't need a lawyer. I am not getting a divorce. I'll figure this out on my own." Her discomfort was evident for all to see. She quickly got up from her chair and was about to leave when Olivia grabbed her. "Emma," Richard started to say, only to be cut off. "I appreciate your concern, but I must handle this on my terms. I'll find my lawyer if needed," Emma said, her gaze shifting from Olivia to Richard. "Emma, do you think I care about your unusual circumstance? I don't. I would not have bothered if you were happy. Even if you were not happy, I would not have gone out of my way to find a lawyer if it were just a stupid marriage. He hit you!" Olivia insisted. "I know what you are worried about, but they are an affluent family. They would not push too far for their reputation," she said. "Then what about Henry?" she asked, and Emma's struggle seized. "What about him? He is the more reason why I should stay. Do you want him to grow up in a broken home?" she asked, her eyes starting to water. "Then you prefer her to grow up in a home where his father hits his mother?" Olivia asked. "So I should leave? Just because of that?" "Isn't that enough? You are his mother, I will ask you now. Look inside your heart; is that home the safest place for Henry to grow up or just the place you think is family? Is he safe in that house?" Olivia asked, "He is almost three years old but can't talk. You want me to believe nothing is going on in that house?" "Emma, I just want what's best for you and Henry. Richard has experience in these matters and can guide us through the legal process. But you are the one that needs to harden. You are his mother. Burn that house down if you have to. What are you afraid of? How long can Henry wait?" Olivia asked. Hearing her words, Emma's hands shook, her eyes reddened dangerously. Biting her lip to keep from crying, her face contorted in pain, "She would tie him in his room," Emma said. Hearing her words, Emma froze. "Who did it?" Her voice seemed to crack. "She would lock him in a dark room for hours while I am away," she said. "Who did?!" Oliva asked again. "My mother-in-law," Emma said. "Then take everything," Richard said. Only then did she look at him again. His eyes were cold and unfeeling. "I have a prenup," Emma said. "I leave the marriage with nothing and must leave my son, Henry, behind." "Not with a grandmother like that. According to what your sister has told me, You do not have power in your home. Even while you are there, the staff only obey your mother-in-law and husband. If you cannot stop her from hurting your child, what about your husband? There is ground to speculate that he does not care. There is a high chance you will get to keep him, and they will have to pay you," he said, and she slowly dropped back to her seat. "Is there a high chance?" she asked hopefully. "Take it one step further, Sue your mother-in-law for child abuse and your husband for domestic abuse. Even if this does not go to court, shake up their business till they agree to settle you. I have a colleague who is great at such cases. Do you want to try?" he asked. She knew they were right. Besides, Henry was still young, and there was still a chance to get him help. "I will try." she decided. "When you get home, get a coy of everything; if there are cameras, get the footage, if there are financial statements, bills, I want to see everything," he instructed. "You are sure, you are sure this would work." Emma's question hung in the air, and Olivia sensed an underlying tension. Maintaining his professional demeanor, Richard responded, "Yes, Emma, it's possible to explore those options. I can discuss the legal avenues available to you, ensuring your well-being and your son's. Emma, I'll handle this with utmost confidentiality and professionalism."