Chapter 6
1
Richard stood there frozen, like the soul had drained out of him.
After a long silence, he finally asked in a broken voice, “Emily… are you really willing to leave me?”
“I am.”
I said it firmly, like a verdict.
Sophia scoffed.
“Oh please, Richard. Just let her go.”
“That nasty scar on her leg?”
“Out of the Governor’s estate, she’s just some washed–up ex–wife.”
“No one’s gonna want her.”
“Give it a few days, she’ll come crawling back.”
It was like tossing ice water into hot oil.
The room exploded with whispers.
“Yeah, she’s got a scar like that, who’d want to marry her?”
“She’s not just divorced, she can’t even have kids. She’s ruined.”
“So what if she’s General Carter’s daughter? She’ll die alone.”
Their mockery stung, but I didn’t flinch.
Let them talk
They didn’t matter–only protecting the Carter legacy did.
Agent Collins looked like he wanted to speak up for me.
But before he could say a word-“Her Excellency, First Lady Margaret, has arrived!”
My heart leapt.
I was just about to curtsy with everyone else when she reached out and stopped me.
“Emily, no need for formalities.”
Her face turned cold as she looked around the room.
Her gaze landed squarely on Sophia.
“How dare you.”
“The scar on Emily’s leg came from saving my life.”
“She took an arrow for me.”
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From Mafia Mistress to Billionaire’s Wife–Same Day. Different Groom
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Chapter 6
“She’s a national hero. I dare anyone to insult her again.”
That shut everyone up.
When they looked at me again, their stares had turned from pity to respect.
I wasn’t just some woman with a ruined past.
I was a soldier’s daughter.
Born in a military camp, raised with discipline and purpose.
My father had bled for this country.
I grew up watching him do it.
It was right after President Harrison married First Lady Margaret that it happened.
We were traveling with the presidential convoy for a state ceremony.
I was there as one of the guards, handpicked by my father.
When bandits attacked, aiming for the First Lady, I didn’t hesitate.
I jumped in front of her and took the arrow.
It tore through my leg. The scar never healed right.
But President Harrison awarded my father the rank of General for what I’d done.
I’ve been recovering ever since–off the battlefield, but never far from duty.
Since then, First Lady Margaret had kept in touch, inviting me to the White House often.
We were close.
And now she stood in this house, face hard as stone.
“A mere mistress of the Governor dares insult the woman who saved my life?”
“If I hear one more word like that, I’ll personally see to the consequences.”
“You’d do well to stay in line, Governor,”
She didn’t wait for a response.
She took my hand and led me out.
Richard looked like he wanted to speak.
But the First Lady shot him a glance that shut him down fast.
He could only stand there, watching me leave.
At the gate, my father’s people were already waiting with a carriage.
With First Lady Margaret by my side, no one dared stop me as we loaded my things.
I finally exhaled.
Chapter 6
I was free.
Free to live for myself. For my parents. For my country.
“Miss Emily! You’re home! The General’s been waiting for you.”
Mr. Dawson, our butler, rushed out with a grin.
From inside, the staff called out joyfully,
“The General’s daughter is back! She’s home!”
I looked up at the familiar stonework of the Carter estate.
Part relief, part dread churned inside me.
Relief that I was home.
Dread at what my parents would think.
Five years ago, my wedding had made headlines.
Now I was coming back disgraced, empty–handed.
I hadn’t even stepped inside when I saw them waiting in the foyer.
They were watching the front door like they had been for hours.
“Mom… Dad… I’m sorry. I’ve caused you so much worry.”
Tears welled up as I dropped to my knees and bowed my head.
My mother lifted me up with tears in her eyes.
My father didn’t speak–his eyes were red, too.
“You’re home now. That’s all that matters.”
Five years, and already their hair had grayed.
As a child, I’d hated how strict my father was.
In the camp, even the smallest mistake meant harsh discipline.
Now I understood–it was love.
And I knew, he must’ve gone to the President himself to help me through the divorce.
Their love didn’t just protect me.
It gave me the strength to start again.
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