Chapter 112

**Emily**

Evelyn's unwavering support has been invaluable during this challenging time, keeping me grounded as I cope with the immense grief of losing my mother. Despite feeling overwhelmed, I managed to organize my mother's burial surprisingly quickly. It's like a part of me is operating automatically, driven to finish these painful responsibilities.

I feel Evelyn's curiosity about Bronn's noticeable absence, but she's chosen to be the supportive friend I need right now, setting aside her worries.

Mr. Thompson sent a message asking where I was, showing his concern for me. Evelyn was the one who responded, saying I was in Los Angeles, lifeless in my grief.

It took us two more days to finally hold my mother's wake, and Evelyn was with me throughout the entire ordeal.

"Would you like to stay with me for now?" Evelyn asked as I took her to a hotel.

I nodded. The idea of returning to the empty villa, with its echoing halls and memories, was unbearable. I needed company, and being alone at home would only make my grief worse.

While lying in bed, Evelyn voiced what had been troubling her. "Where is Mr. Martin, Emily?"

"On a business trip in Dubai," I murmured.

"I hate to say this while you're so vulnerable, but I can't stay silent anymore, Emily. That man... he doesn't love you. You've been together for two years, and if he truly cared, he'd ensure you're okay, no matter what business trip he's on. Your well-being should be his priority." Evelyn's frustration spilled over.

"Perhaps it's my fault. I didn't tell him that my mother died," I reasoned. "I asked him to call me because I couldn't convey such news through a message."

"But he never called you..." Evelyn concluded firmly.

I broke down, sobs wracking my body. "I don't know what to do, Eve," I choked between tears. "I rushed the burial as if I had no right to mourn, trying to avoid facing the reality of her loss. It feels like if I were to slow down, if I allowed myself to feel it truly, I might lose control!"

"Oh, Emily," Evelyn murmured, pulling me close. "You're so brave. It's okay to let it out now."

I cried in my friend's arms, releasing all the pain and confusion I had been holding inside.

"I'm always here for you, you know that, right? Why don't you come with me to Lancaster?" she suggested.

Evelyn's family has an apple and grape farm in Pennsylvania,

"But my life is in Henderson, Eve..."

Despite Evelyn's likely assumption that I was focused on finishing my studies there, now that my mother is gone, I realize I must find a way to move forward. Many things are demanding my attention, including spending more time with Bronn Martin...

I eventually fell asleep while Evelyn gently stroked my hair, her presence comforting me as we lay together in the hotel room she had rented.

The following day, Emily woke me up to tell me she was heading back to Pennsylvania; her flight was scheduled soon. As I checked my phone, I saw a text from Robert informing me that Bronn's team was returning to Henderson.

"Oh, my God!" Evelyn exclaimed, covering her mouth as we sat at the table, eating our breakfast.

"Why?" I asked, curious about her sudden outburst.

"Isn't this Mr. Martin?" she questioned, showing me her phone screen. Bronn's picture was on the left, next to a blurred image of an anonymous woman. The woman's photo showed only her neck adorned with a thick diamond necklace and a beautiful black satin gown.

My eyes darted to the headline, each word feeling like a physical blow:

'June 25th - Dubai, UAE - The prestigious families of Martin and Benner joyfully announce the upcoming wedding of their beloved heirs, Mr. Bronn Martin and Ms. Sarah Benner, an event captivating both high society and the media.'

The announcement continued, detailing the upcoming wedding date and Sarah Benner's background, but the words blurred before my eyes.

Deep down, I'd always known Bronn was destined for someone in his circle. It explained the nagging feeling that something was missing despite our closeness. But the pain... God, the pain was overwhelming.

"Oh, God! Emily, it says here they've been engaged for two years! I mean..." Evelyn's voice trailed off, and I could see the questions swirling in her eyes, mirroring my own confusion and hurt.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as the full impact of the situation hit me. The contract from two years ago came rushing back to me. I was to be Mr. Martin's mistress. I had known this truth despite my doubts over the past two years!

"Emily... you deserve better than this," Evelyn said firmly. "I expect your call and tell me you're ending this madness with that guy! He's an asshole! He's cheating on his fiancée-with you?! He's messing with your head and deceiving whoever he's marrying!"

Evelyn failed to grasp that the fault lay with me. It was I who had dreamed, I who had agreed to this life. Answers were what I needed then. A part of me clung to the belief that Bronn loves me somehow.

I've seen it in his eyes-how he looked at me with adoration, his willingness to give me anything I asked for. There were times he'd cast aside work just to be with me. I know, I feel that I'm important to him, that he loves me!

If he doesn't love me, I'll end this immediately.

There would be no sense in continuing this relationship. I must find strength somehow, even though I'm not sure how.

After dropping Evelyn off at the airport, I returned to the villa and noticed Bronn's car parked on the lawn.

Wearing dark sunglasses to hide my red, swollen eyes from days of crying, I entered the villa and encountered Mr. Thompson in the foyer.

"Emily, you're finally here!"

I can't bring myself to respond. The weight of everything-my mother's death, Bronn's engagement-leaves me feeling hollow.

"Mr. Martin is in your room. Please... his mood isn't good."

Simply nodding, I made my way to the room. There, Bronn stood by the window, holding a glass of alcohol-an uncommon sight. The tension in the room was palpable.

"I was informed you haven't been home for several nights. Have you forgotten our agreement? You are supposed to stay here even when I'm away!" he exclaimed.

The audacity of this man!

His words make me furious. After all that's happened, that's what he's worried about? I decide to get to the point directly, my voice trembling as I speak.

"I want to know about this, Mr. Martin. Are you engaged to a woman named Sarah Benner-for two years? You didn't even tell me you would marry someone else."

His voice thundered through the room, making me flinch. "You don't have the right to question me, Emily! I am paying you so that you'll stay by my side!"

"I stayed with you because I love you!" I couldn't help but shout those words at him. The opulent bedroom of his villa suddenly felt suffocating. "I understand. Maybe you were just bored and looked for someone to pay to be in bed with. I know what you've spent on me-lavish gifts, designer clothes, this luxurious lifestyle-but my feelings are real!"

"You can't, Emily! You shouldn't have done that!" he roared, running his hands through his perfectly blonde hair. "Can't you see I've drawn a line in our relationship? I am supposed to marry into the Benners! That's what I get for everything I do!"

Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably; I couldn't stop. Maybe this is really my fault because I let myself be carried away by my desire to love him, to believe that what we had was more than a transaction.

"But do you love me, Mr. Martin?" I asked weakly.

He paused, locking eyes with me. His gaze contained so many emotions-conflict, desire, and perhaps a flicker of something softer.

"This isn't love, Emily... we are bound by contract. You're my mistress, and you certainly don't have the right to question me when you're living the life everyone envies."

"Then let's end this! I'm done, Mr. Martin!" I replied, summoning what little dignity I had left.

"You can't, Emily!" he declared, a hint of panic creeping into his voice.

"All I want to know is if you love me! Answer me!"

Bronn's face hardened, a mask slipping into place.

"Answer me, Mr. Martin!"

"I'm paying you to play my lover. You know perfectly well your part in this messed up situation!" He threw his glass of alcohol against the wall and stormed out of the villa.

Collapsed onto the plush carpet, my body was wracked with sobs, feeling the pain of what my life had become.

I couldn't bear waiting by Bronn Martin's side any longer, longing for scraps of affection from someone who viewed me purely as a business deal.

From that moment on, I made the painful decision to disappear from his life, convincing myself it was the right decision.

Then, Willow was the most unexpected angel who came into my life.