Chapter 4
I clenched my jaw, eyes burning red.
Richard, you honestly make me sick.
Sick to my stomach.
All these years–how we met, fell in love, got married–It was all a setup.
Every move you made was part of a plan.
Just to lure me in.
The stormy sky pressed down like I could barely breathe.
I could still hear Richard yelling at Sophia Reynolds inside the room.
But I stopped processing the words.
All I heard was Sophia’s mocking tone:
“What’s the big deal?”
“You scared she’ll leave you?”
“Didn’t you say the marriage was arranged by the White House itself?”
“That she’s stuck with you for life?”
“And with her trust fund footing the entire estate, why would she ever walk away, right?”
“Enough!”
Richard snapped.
“Emily is my legal wife. That’s never going to change.”
Right then, my bracelet accidentally clinked against the doorknob.
The door flew open.
Richard stood there, locking eyes with me and froze.
His anger immediately gave way to panic.
“Em… Emily…”
He stuttered, reaching out to grab my sleeve.
I stepped back, avoiding his touch.
His face twisted, like he didn’t know what to say.
But before he could come up with anything, I cut in coldly:
“Honey, First Lady Margaret sent over some gifts.”
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From Mafia Mistress to Billionaire’s Wife–Same Day. Different Groom
41.9%
Chapter 4
“I left them in the front room. I figured Sophia could pick first!”
“Emily…”
He tried again.
But all I gave him was my back.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him just standing there,
Frozen at the door like a man grasping for something already gone.
The next five days, he came to my wing of the house every day.
Sat with me. Ate with me. Chatted with me.
Not because he missed me.
Not out of guilt or love.
But because he was terrified I’d leave–terrified he’d lose the cash cow keeping this mansion running.
I stayed calm through all of it.
Right up until their wedding day.
I’d just gotten dressed, bag in hand, ready to leave–when a bunch of his people stormed into my room.
“Ma’am, Mr. Holloway said today’s his big day.”
“You should stay in your room.”
“Where the hell is Richard? What’s he trying to pull now?!”
I snapped at the goons.
And then Richard walked in, in full tux, looking like a man headed to a funeral, not a wedding.
“I’m about to marry Sophia,” he said.
“Don’t you have anything to say to me?”
I thought he was here to explain why he locked me up.
Or maybe mock my situation.
But no–he just stood there with that pitiful question.
I gave him a dry laugh.
“Congrats. Hope you and Sophia have a bunch of kids and live happily ever after.”
His face fell. He went quiet for a moment.
Then finally said, “Emily, I know you’re upset today.”
“But you’re not a kid anymore.”
“Don’t pull this runaway act again.”
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From Mafia Mistress to Billionaire’s Wife–Same Day, Different Groom
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Chapter 4
“You remember last time you left and I turned the whole city upside down looking for you?”
He turned the city upside down?
That’s the funniest lie I’ve ever heard.
But it didn’t matter anymore.
In exactly one hour, the presidential order finalizing our separation would arrive.
This wasn’t a tantrum.
This was goodbye for good.
I said nothing.
So he just stood beside me in silence.
Time dragged on until the bridal limo arrived.
People came calling him to the altar.
He turned and left, pausing every few steps to glance back at me,
Like he still couldn’t believe I was really going.
His last order before leaving?
“Don’t let her leave this room. Whatever it takes.”
His guards blocked the door.
No way out.
No way in.
A single ray of sunlight pierced through the blinds.
I looked toward it, and for the first time in forever,
Tears rolled down my face–quiet, clean, final.
ར་ང་བ་ཆ
2
Downstairs, in the lavish hall, Richard led Sophia by the hand to the altar, surrounded by guests.
But his face looked like stone,
The guests all cheered as the officiant began:
“By the laws of heaven and earth…”
“And the blessing of family and community…”
“And now…”
Suddenly, a group of Secret Service agents burst in.
A man in uniform announced in a booming voice: “By order of the President of the United States!”
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5
From Mafia Mistress to Billionaire’s Wife–Same Day, Different Groom
