Emily’s POV

Warm sunlight spilled through the tall windows, bathing the bedroom in a soft, golden glow. I stirred beneath the silk sheets, stretching slowly as Derek leaned in, pressing a lazy kiss to my bare shoulder.

“Good morning, wifey,” he whispered, his voice still husky with sleep.

I turned to him with a sleepy smile, running my fingers through his salt-and-pepper hair. “Good morning, husband.” He had always been handsome but in these quiet mornings, he looked like peace itself.

We shared a soft kiss the kind that didn’t need fireworks. The kind that said, we survived.

Minutes later, we walked down the stairs, hands still entwined, our footsteps soft against the cool marble. The scent of cinnamon rolls and fresh coffee lingered in the air, a quiet promise of comfort.

But something else caught my eye.

On the dining table, placed right at the center like a statement, sat an elegant white box tied with a blood-red ribbon. Pristine. Deliberate. Unmistakably meant for me.

I froze, my gaze narrowing slightly. “What’s this?”

Our chef, Carla, stepped forward from the kitchen island and gave a respectful nod. “A courier dropped it off early this morning, ma’am. Said it was for you, Miss Emily.”

Derek raised a brow, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Are we expecting anything?”

“No,” I replied, already walking toward the box. The wrapping was pristine, the paper thick and textured, like something sent to royalty. I loosened the blood-red ribbon and lifted the lid, slow and deliberate aware of Derek’s eyes following every move.

Inside, nestled in a bed of black velvet, was a wedding invitation. Embossed in gold foil. Elegant. Loud.

My fingers brushed over the names, and a sharp laugh escaped my lips cool and amused.

Derek stepped closer, peeping over my shoulder. “What is it?”

I turned the card toward him, voice smooth as silk. “They’re getting married.”

Tina & Carson Williams

Cordially invite you…

His expression tightened slightly. “To where, exactly?”

I handed him the full invitation.

“To their wedding, apparently,” I said, lips curving into a smirk. “Carson is sending me an invitation.”

Derek opened the card, scanning the content with narrowed eyes. Then a slow, half-smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Bold,” he murmured. “Or just plain stupid.”

“Both,” I said coolly, my eyes still on the card. “They’re trying to turn it into a high-profile event. And they think my presence will crown it.”

Derek leaned against the table, watching me with that calm, knowing gaze. “So… what are you thinking?”

I picked up the invitation again, my fingers brushing the shimmering gold text. The ink shimmered like ambition.

“I’m thinking,” I said, voice soft but laced with steel, “it’s time to return the favor. They buried Nora… but Emily Maddox accepts the invitation.”

I glanced at Derek, my tone dropping to a dark murmur. “And I’m very sure this little stunt was Tina’s idea. She’s hoping my name will elevate their wedding but all it’s doing is making it easier for me to destroy them.”

A pause.

“I think the universe is finally on my side. Everything’s aligning. Everything is falling into place.”

Derek smiled, the corner of his lips lifting in quiet pride. “Just know… I’m always here for you.”

I returned the smile, warmer now, touched by his constant presence. “I know.”

Then I called out, “Carla?”

“Yes, ma’am?” she answered from the kitchen.

“Kindly take this… to the trash.”

She gave a small bow, collected the invitation like it was contaminated gold, and left.

Derek moved behind me, pulling the chair out smoothly. “Sit, baby.”

I sat with a soft smirk. “Thank you,” I murmured as he leaned down and kissed my forehead.

“Anything for you, love.”

I reached for a croissant just as he took a sip of his coffee. “I need to go shopping for tomorrow’s event.”

He nodded without hesitation. “Do you need one of my cards or…”

I shot him a playful look. “Of course I’m going to use your card, darling. Your money is my money.”

He laughed, rich and deep. “And yours?”

I flipped my hair and gave him a wicked grin. “Mine… is mine.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s all yours anyway. I couldn’t possibly spend all my wealth not even in three lifetimes. Might as well let my beautiful wife enjoy it.”

We laughed, clinked our coffee mugs, and tucked into our breakfast both of us fully aware that tomorrow, the games would begin.

Tina’s POV

I was seated in front of my laptop, going over last-minute wedding details when a knock echoed from the front door.

That must be my gown designer.

I stood up and walked briskly to open it.

“Oh my! Miss Vivian,” I said with a bright smile as she stood there, cradling a sleek, white package.

She returned the smile warmly. “Surprised? You thought I’d come early.”

“You didn’t tell me you were coming this soon,” I said, stepping aside to let her in.

She chuckled softly. “Why wouldn’t I come early? This is a big day. And thank you for the opportunity, especially coming from you, Tina soon to be Mrs. Williams.”

I smiled, pride swelling in my chest. “It wasn’t easy.”

“I can imagine,” she said as we both walked up to my room. “After Nora’s death, I know it must’ve been difficult for Mr. Carson to move on. And now, here he is… marrying you.”

I paused, turning slowly toward her. “What do you mean by that?”

She blinked, then laughed awkwardly. “Nothing just that it must have been hard for him emotionally. But now, with you… and the son you gave him, things must feel complete.”

As if on cue, Ryan burst into the room, his little feet padding against the floor.

“Mummy!”

I bent down instantly, arms wide open. “Oh, my pumpkin!”

He threw himself into my arms and I hugged him tightly. “How was your night?”

“It was fine,” he said with a grin, peeping curiously at the box Vivian held.

“Mummy, is that your wedding dress?”

I laughed softly and nodded. “Yes, baby. Do you want to see it?”

“Yes!”

I smiled playfully and held the box just out of reach. “Sorry, sweetheart you’ll have to wait until tomorrow. I want it to be a surprise for you and Daddy.”

He pouted dramatically, and we all laughed. I pulled him closer, my heart warm.

He smiled. “Where’s Dad?”

I brushed my fingers through his soft curly hair. “He already went to work, sweetheart. Now go downstairs so the nanny can prepare your breakfast. My designer and I have something important to discuss.”

He nodded and ran off, barefoot on the marble stairs. I watched his little back disappear around the corner, my heart swelling.

My seven-year-old boy my light, my anchor. So sweet, so full of life.

Vivian chuckled softly beside me. “He’s adorable. Definitely takes after his father.”

I smiled, eyes misting. “I know, right? You see him? That’s my life.”

A single tear slipped down my cheek, and I didn’t bother to wipe it away.

I never thought I’d succeed in becoming Mrs. Williams… not after everything. If not for my son, I whispered under my breath, I wouldn't be standing here.

Vivian carefully unzipped the garment bag and revealed the dress. My eyes widened.

“Oh my God…” I breathed. “It’s beautiful.”

The fabric shimmered timeless, sophisticated, exactly the kind of elegance Emily Maddox herself would respect. My fingers traced over the fine stitching, my throat tightening.

“This dress,” I said, voice low with a hint of awe, “will get her attention.”

I smirked to myself.

Thank God Nora is dead. Now, I’ll finally become the official Mrs. Williams. Someone who commands respect. Someone who’s stepping into the light and closer to Emily Maddox.

I whispered in my thoughts, Thank you, Nora, for handing me your precious husband.

I hope it breaks your heart, watching from heaven as we get married.

A sharp laugh escaped me, forgetting for a second that Vivian was still there.

Then I turned to her with a sweet smile. “Thank you so much, Viv. Please stay over tonight you’ll need to dress me in the morning. And make sure to book the best makeup artist in the city.”

Vivian nodded quickly. “Of course. I already have someone in mind. You’ll look unforgettable.”

She left, and I turned back to the mirror, my reflection smiling back at me flawless, calculated, and ready.

Tomorrow, I become Mrs. Williams.

The title I’ve waited for, fought for… and now, it’s finally mine.

No more shadows. No more whispers comparing me to a ghost from the past. I’ll stand beside Carson not as a placeholder, but as the woman who won.

And Emily Maddox?

She may rule the boardrooms and dominate headlines, but after tomorrow, she’ll see me. I’ll win her trust. Her admiration. Maybe even her heart.

Because when people say “Mrs. Williams has a good relationship with Emily Maddox,” they’ll know before you get to Emily, you come through me.

I can’t wait to taste that kind of power.

Let the world watch.

Let the game begin.