For Her Ex, The Wife Abandoned Her Sister in the Hands of the Criminals

The details of the book rights hadn't been finalized yet, and a colleague suggested meeting to discuss a sequel. I decided, while staying at Lily's old rental, that it was a good idea.

I needed to live well, not just for myself but also for Lily's sake.

When I arrived at the upscale venue for the meeting, I felt self-conscious of my modest clothes amid the luxurious décor. Hesitating at the entrance, I noticed familiar figures.

Emma and Jack were heading inside, Jack voicing a concern. "James hasn't been home since then. He might really be angry this time, and it's because of me."

Emma dismissed his worry with cool indifference. "Give it a week. He'll come crawling back. He can't survive without me."

"Keep staying in the guest room; the place is mine, after all. He has no right to object."

Her voice carried across the foyer, and I heard every word clearly.

"Mr. Parker!"

A voice called out from afar, and I looked up to see Sophia, my contact for the meeting. She seemed fresh out of college, full of youthful energy, and hurried towards me.

"Sorry, my scooter broke down, so I'm late. Let's head in, Mr. Parker."

I nodded, ready to go inside, but was abruptly stopped.

"James, who is this girl?" Emma demanded, her eyes blazing with anger as she glared at Sophia beside me.

"Are you trying to get back at me? Just because I left Lily to pick up Jack, you go and find yourself a new plaything?"

So, she knew what she had done. She just never cared if it hurt me.

Emma raised her hand, seemingly ready to strike Sophia, who looked frightened. I stepped in between them, catching her hand.

"Enough, Emma. Don't go too far."

"Who I see or speak to is none of your concern anymore. We're divorced, remember? Please, leave my colleagues out of it."

Emma's lips tightened, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"How can you talk to me like this?"

It was the first time I'd spoken to her so coldly. She should now understand that I was no longer her obedient follower.

I didn't want to see her tears, which used to soften me so easily. I turned to Sophia, asking, "Are you alright? Why don't you wait for me inside?"

She nodded, assured me she was fine, and quickly entered the building.

Jack, standing by, raised an eyebrow, "I never thought you were this kind of guy, James. Emma and I are just friends, why do you have to—"

"Shut up!" Emma unexpectedly shouted at him, turning back to me with pleading eyes. "You're just mad, right? Let's not go through with the divorce. Come back home."

She quickly tore the document into pieces, her voice desperate. "I promise, I won't leave you for Jack again. I'll accept Lily."

I shook my head at her earnest attempt, "There's no point, Emma. We're done."

Once, her tears would have broken my heart, driving me to do anything for her smile. But now, I just looked at her, detached.

"You probably don't know yet, but Lily is dead. She was killed on the day you refused to negotiate with the kidnapper and went to see Jack."

"I still remember the chilling feel of her blood on me."

"So，get out!"