Chapter 5
“Well, well. Didn’t mean to crash the party,”
“But when President Harrison gives an order, I don’t get to say no.”
Agent Collins‘ tone was polite, but his face held not a trace of apology.
Richard quickly stood, attempting to smile.
“Agent Collins, what a surprise.”
“Richard Holloway, at your service-”
He began to kneel out of habit, but Collins raised a hand, stopping him.
“This one’s not for you, Mr. Holloway.”
“Go ahead and bring out Emily Carter.”
“She’s the one who needs to receive the President’s order.”
Richard froze.
For a moment, he didn’t even register my name.
The guests looked around, suddenly realizing I wasn’t in the room.
Back in my quarters, I heard everything.
And for the first time in five years, I let go.
“The groom’s marrying another woman, and his actual wife isn’t even here?”
“Guess she didn’t approve of the wedding, huh?”
“That alone’s probably grounds for annulment.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
“The President arranged this marriage. Who’d dare divorce her?”
Their voices dripped with judgment, but I felt nothing.
I stood tall, chin up, and walked toward Collins.
I was just about to kneel out of respect when someone shoved me–hard.
“Big sis never had any kids.”
“And now she’s mad Richard’s marrying me?”
“I bet the President’s here to scold her for being so petty.”
Sophia sneered.
Richard’s face turned stormy.
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From Mafia Mistress to Billionaire’s Wife–Same Day. Different Groom
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Chapter 5
He tried to catch me as I stumbled but I pulled away.
“Sophia, let me make this clear–Emily is, and always will be, my legal wife.”
“Don’t ever say otherwise again.”
His voice wasn’t just for show.
It was like he needed me to know–needed himself to believe.
From the moment Collins had said my name,
He’d felt it.
That something irreplaceable was slipping away.
The look on his face almost made me laugh.
All these years I poured myself into loving him.
And he made me a joke.
The scented bracelet? Laced with sedatives.
His grand romantic gestures? All part of the con.
And when I realized it was all a lie–that’s when everything between us died.
I fixed my hair, straightened my dress, and knelt with grace and dignity.
“Emily Carter, daughter of General Carter, ready to receive the President’s order.”
Richard looked like he might burst a blood vessel trying to stop it.
The guests and Sophia had already knelt–all eager to watch me get humiliated.
Only he stayed standing, paralyzed,
Sophia tugged on his sleeve to make him kneel.
Collins smiled, satisfied, and read aloud:
“By the authority of the President of the United States-”
“We have been made aware that the marriage between Emily Carter and Richard Holloway has broken down irreparably,”
“Forcing continuation serves no benefit.”
“Therefore, a formal separation is hereby granted.”
“Each party is free to remarry.”
“This order is final.”
Richard’s eyes went wide.
“You you can’t be serious.”
“The President arranged our marriage. Why would he… undo it?”
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From Mafia Mistress to Billionaire’s Wife–Same Day, Different Groom
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Chapter 5
Collins calmly rolled up the parchment and gave him a sharp look.
“Are you questioning a presidential decree?”
“Or suggesting I’m faking it?”
Richard backtracked fast.
“N–No, I’d never- I just…”
Collins ignored him.
He handed me the official document with a smile.
“Congratulations, Emily.”
“You’re free to return to your father’s estate, with all your assets intact.”
“Thank you, Agent Collins.”
“I deeply appreciate the President’s mercy.”
As I held the heavy envelope, I gave the first genuine smile I’d shown in months.
Richard stared like he didn’t recognize me.
Like I was a ghost from a life he’d already lost.
He thought all my anger and sadness was just possessiveness.
But when he made up his mind to marry Sophia–that was when I made up mine to leave.
For good.
“Emily, please… ask the President to take it back.”
“I can’t lose you. I love you. Don’t go.”
Love?
I laughed right in his face.
His so–called love was nothing more than greed.
He just didn’t want to lose my money.
My inheritance was the lifeline of his crumbling estate.
That’s the man I loved for five years.
And now, looking at him, I felt nothing but disgust,
Sophia, who’d been practically glowing since hearing the decree,
Suddenly lost her composure.
She yanked Richard aside in front of everyone.
“You said you loved only me!”
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From Mafia Mistress to Billionaire’s Wife–Same Day, Different Groom
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Chapter 5
“You married her for her name and her money!”
“Shut up!”
Richard snapped, his last shred of dignity unraveling.
His eyes wild, he grabbed my arms, desperate.
“Emily, please, let me explain-”
I shook him off with a blank stare.
“Mr. Holloway, please show some respect.”
“We are no longer related in any way.”
I’ve heard enough lies.
It doesn’t matter if his regret is real or fake.
Even if he finally loved me–too little, too late.
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