One week after Lily’s birth, Emma and the baby returned to the guesthouse. Richard had arranged for a part-time nurse to help Emma during her recovery, allowing her to rest while also working on her music.
Sam arrived with recording equipment and set it up in the living room. «We’ll keep it simple,» he told Emma. «Just you and the microphone, with the baby monitor right beside you so you can hear Lily.»
Between feedings and diaper changes, Emma recorded the final vocals for Rise from the Ashes. Her voice, changed slightly by childbirth and new motherhood, carried even more emotional depth than before.
«That’s it,» Sam said after Emma completed the final take. «We have everything we need. The label wants to release this in two weeks.»
«So soon?» Emma asked, surprised.
«They’re excited about your story: the talented singer who was humiliated at a millionaire’s wedding, only to rise above it with her song, while giving birth, no less. It’s marketing gold.»
Emma frowned. «I don’t want to be marketed as some kind of victim.»
«Don’t worry,» Richard assured her. «I’ve reviewed their campaign plans. They’re focusing on your talent and resilience, not exploiting the scandal.»
As the release date approached, Emma’s anxiety grew. One evening, as Richard helped her assemble a crib in the guesthouse, she voiced her fears. «What if people only care about the wedding drama? What if they don’t actually like the song?»
Richard paused, screwdriver in hand. «The song stands on its own merit. But even if some people listen initially because of the story, they’ll stay for your voice.»
Emma lifted Lily from her bassinet as the baby began to fuss. «I want her to be proud of me someday, not just as her mom, but as someone who followed her dreams.»
Richard watched Emma rock Lily gently. His feelings for her had grown stronger each day, but he kept them carefully contained. Emma was vulnerable, a new mother just starting to rebuild her life. The last thing she needed was her former employer developing romantic feelings for her.
«She will be proud,» Richard said. «You’re building something meaningful.»
The day Rise from the Ashes was released, Emma sat in the guesthouse feeding Lily while Richard monitored online reactions. «It’s been played over a thousand times already,» he reported. «The comments are overwhelmingly positive.»
Within days, radio stations across the country began playing the song. Music blogs featured Emma’s story and praised her authentic voice and emotional songwriting.
«Your song just hit number 25 on the Billboard chart,» Sam announced during a phone call ten days after the release. «That’s extraordinary for a debut single.»
Each day, the song climbed higher. Emma watched in amazement as her music reached more people than she had ever imagined possible.
«Number three!» Michael exclaimed during a dinner at the guesthouse three weeks after the release. «You’ve officially made it, Emma.»
Emma looked around the table at the people who had become her support system: Richard, Margaret, Antonio, Michael, and even Sam had joined them to celebrate. Baby Lily slept peacefully in a bassinet nearby.
«I couldn’t have done this without all of you,» Emma said.
Later that evening, after everyone left, Emma found Richard on the patio looking at the stars. «Thank you for everything,» she said, joining him. «I think it’s time I start looking for my own place.»
Richard turned to her, surprised. «You don’t have to leave. You’re welcome to stay as long as you need.»
«I know, and I’m grateful. But with the song doing well and the label offering an advance for a full album, I can afford my own home now. Lily and I need our own space to build our life.»
Richard nodded, hiding his disappointment. «Of course, I understand.»
«I found a small house in Studio City,» Emma continued. «Nothing fancy, but it has a yard and a room I could convert to a home studio.»
«That sounds perfect for you and Lily,» Richard said.
Emma smiled. «It feels good to plan our future. Six months ago, I was desperate and alone. Now I have options, and it’s because you believed in me.»
«I just recognized what was already there,» Richard said. «Your talent, your strength—those were always part of you.»
As they stood together under the night sky, Richard’s phone rang. He checked the screen and frowned. «It’s my lawyer,» he said. «I should take this.»
Richard stepped away to answer the call, leaving Emma alone with her thoughts. Her life had changed so dramatically, but the biggest changes were still to come.
Richard returned, his expression serious. «Everything okay?» Emma asked.
«That was my lawyer. Vanessa’s publicist is trying to plant stories about us in the tabloids. They’re claiming our relationship started months before the wedding.»
Emma shook her head. «That’s ridiculous. We barely spoke before that night.»
«The truth doesn’t matter to them. They’re trying to save her reputation.» Richard put his phone away. «But don’t worry, my legal team will handle it.»
Three weeks later, Emma stood in the living room of her new Studio City home, watching as movers carried in the last of her furniture. Sunlight streamed through large windows, highlighting the hardwood floors and fresh paint. At three months old, Lily lay on a playmat, kicking her legs and making soft, gurgling sounds.
«This place is perfect,» Margaret said, arranging baby clothes in a drawer. «Close enough to visit but your own space.»
Emma smiled. «I never thought I’d own a home, especially in Los Angeles.»
The doorbell rang. Emma opened it to find Richard holding a potted plant and a small wrapped gift. «Housewarming presents,» he said, stepping inside. «The plant is supposed to be easy to care for. Good for busy new moms.»
«It’s beautiful,» Emma said, taking the items. «Thank you.»
Richard knelt beside Lily, who immediately grabbed his finger. «Hello there, little one. Do you like your new home?»
While Lily entertained Richard, Emma unwrapped the small gift: a framed copy of the Billboard chart showing Rise from the Ashes at number three. «I thought you might want to remember this moment,» Richard explained, standing up. «Your first hit.»
«I can hardly believe it’s real,» Emma said, placing the frame on her mantle.
Margaret laughed. «No chance of that. You’re a rising star now.»
The doorbell rang again. This time it was Antonio, carrying a large pot. «Homemade soup,» he announced, «for the new homeowner.»
As they gathered in Emma’s kitchen, the conversation turned to Vanessa. «I heard she’s back in New York,» Antonio said. «Her family pulled some strings to get her a job at their foundation.»
«After they tried to ruin my reputation?» Richard shook his head. «Their strategy backfired. Most of our wedding guests have contacted me to express support.»
«The recording made it clear what really happened,» Margaret added. «No one believes her version anymore.»
Emma changed the subject, uncomfortable with discussing Vanessa. «Sam called this morning. The label wants me to start working on a full album.»
«That’s wonderful news,» Richard said. «How do you feel about it?»
«Excited, scared. I never expected this second chance.» Emma looked at Lily. «I’ll need to find childcare while I record.»
«I’d be happy to help,» Margaret offered. «I’m already in love with this little girl.»
Later that afternoon, after Margaret and Antonio left, Richard helped Emma set up a small recording area in the spare bedroom. «Sam is bringing better equipment tomorrow,» Richard explained, positioning a microphone stand. «This is just temporary.»
«It’s more than enough,» Emma said. «I still can’t believe this is happening.»
Richard paused, watching Emma as she sorted through sheets of music. In the three weeks since the wedding disaster, their relationship had evolved from employer-employee to something deeper, a friendship built on mutual respect and shared experiences.
«How are you really doing?» Richard asked. «With everything changing so quickly.»
Emma sat on the edge of the bed. «Sometimes it feels overwhelming. Three months ago, I was worried about paying rent, and now I have a house and a record deal.»
«You deserve it all,» Richard said. «Your talent is extraordinary.»
Emma blushed at the compliment. «What about you? How are you handling the aftermath of everything?»
«Better than expected. The company hasn’t suffered. Most people have already forgotten about the wedding that wasn’t.»
«And personally?» Emma asked cautiously.
Richard considered the question. «I’ve realized how close I came to making a terrible mistake. Vanessa and I were wrong for each other from the beginning. I just refused to see it.»
Their conversation was interrupted by Lily’s cries from the other room. Emma hurried to check on her daughter, returning with the baby in her arms. «Someone’s hungry,» she explained.
Richard stood. «I should go. You have your hands full, and I have a meeting with Michael about a new project.»
«A new security software?» Emma asked, settling into a rocking chair with Lily.
«Actually, no. I’m considering stepping back from daily operations at the company. Michael can handle things while I focus on something new—a foundation to support single parents with artistic ambitions.»
Emma looked up in surprise. «That’s a big change!»
«Your journey inspired me,» Richard admitted. «There are many talented people who just need support and opportunity.»
After Richard left, Emma fed Lily while thinking about his words. The idea that her experience could inspire something that would help others filled her with warmth.
The next morning, Sam Jackson arrived with professional recording equipment and exciting news. «The label loves your story,» he told Emma as they set up. «Young single mother overcomes humiliation to achieve musical success. They want to feature Lily in some of the promotional materials, if you’re comfortable with that.»
Emma frowned. «I don’t want to exploit my baby for publicity.»
«That’s your choice,» Sam assured her. «But consider this: showing yourself as a mother pursuing her dreams could inspire other women in similar situations.»
As they worked on arrangements for Emma’s songs, Sam introduced her to session musicians who would play on her album. «Your song connected with all of us,» said Lisa, a violinist who had played on countless hit records. «It feels authentic in a way most songs don’t.»
By evening, they had mapped out five songs for the album, with Rise from the Ashes as the centerpiece. Emma felt creative energy she hadn’t experienced since before her pregnancy.
The following week, recording began in earnest. Emma balanced studio sessions with caring for Lily, often rocking the baby between takes. Margaret frequently helped, caring for Lily in another room while Emma recorded vocals.
«You sound different now,» Sam observed during one session. «There’s more depth to your voice since having Lily.»
«Motherhood changes everything,» Emma replied.
During a lunch break, Emma received a call from a number she didn’t recognize. «Hello?»
«Emma? It’s Jake, Jake Miller,» the voice continued. Emma froze at the sound of her ex-boyfriend, the father of her child, who had vanished when she told him she was pregnant.
«How did you get my number?» she asked coldly.
«I saw you on the news. Your song is everywhere.» Jake paused. «I heard you had the baby.»
«Her name is Lily,» Emma said. «She’s three months old.»
«I’ve been thinking maybe we should talk about, you know, me meeting her sometime.»
Emma gripped the phone tightly. «You left me the day I told you I was pregnant. You haven’t called once in a year.»
«I know, and I’m sorry. I wasn’t ready then, but I’m different now.»
«No, Jake. You don’t get to disappear and then reappear when it’s convenient. Lily deserves better than that.»
After ending the call, Emma sat shaking until Sam found her. «Everything okay?» he asked.
«Lily’s father called. He saw the news about the song and suddenly wants to be involved.»
Sam shook his head. «Amazing how success makes people remember old connections.»
That evening, Emma told Richard about Jake’s call during his visit to see the recording setup. «He has some legal rights as her father,» Richard said carefully. «But given the circumstances, you should consult a lawyer before agreeing to anything.»
«I can’t afford a custody battle,» Emma worried.
«You won’t have to,» Richard assured her. «I know excellent family lawyers who can advise you. Don’t meet with him without legal counsel.»
As they talked, Emma realized how much she had come to rely on Richard—not just for business guidance, but for emotional support. He had become an important figure in both her and Lily’s lives.
«Why are you doing all this for us?» Emma asked suddenly.
Richard looked surprised by the question. «Because I care about you both,» he said simply. «And because everyone deserves someone in their corner.»
The next day, during a recording session, Emma poured her new emotions into her performance. The musicians watched in awe as she sang with raw power and vulnerability.
«That was incredible,» Sam said when she finished. «Whatever you’re feeling right now, keep channeling it.»
As Emma drove home that evening, a billboard on Sunset Boulevard caught her eye. It featured her face and the title of her song, with a release date for her upcoming album. For the first time, Emma truly believed her life had changed forever.
She was no longer Emma the Maid, but Emma Wilson, recording artist, and she was ready to embrace whatever came next.
Emma couldn’t stop thinking about the billboard she had seen on Sunset Boulevard. Her face, larger than life, advertising her song to all of Los Angeles. The reality of her new life was finally sinking in.
The next morning, Emma woke to Lily’s cries at five o’clock. As she fed her daughter in the rocking chair, her phone buzzed with a text from Sam: Turn on KBLA Radio at 7:30. They’re playing your song during morning drive time.
Two hours later, Emma sat in her kitchen with Lily in her lap, listening as the radio host introduced her song. “This next track is climbing charts nationwide,” the host said. “From a former maid who stole the show at a millionaire’s wedding, here’s Emma Wilson with Rise from the Ashes.”
Hearing her voice on the radio brought tears to Emma’s eyes. She hugged Lily close, whispering, “That’s Mommy’s singing.”
The doorbell rang just as the song ended. Emma opened the door to find Richard standing there with coffee cups and a pink stuffed bear. “Did you hear it?” he asked excitedly.
“I did,” Emma replied, letting him in. “It doesn’t feel real.”
“Well, this might help it feel more real,” Richard said, pulling out his phone. “Your song just broke the top 20 on the national charts. Sam just called me.”
Emma sat down, stunned. “Top 20 already?”
“People connect with your story and voice.” Richard handed her the coffee. “The bear is for Lily.”
“She’s napping, finally,” Emma said. “These early mornings are exhausting.”
Richard studied her face. “You look tired. Are you getting enough help?”
“Margaret comes by most afternoons. Antonio visits too. I’m managing.”
“You’re doing more than managing. You’re recording an album while caring for a newborn.”
Emma smiled, grateful for his understanding. “How are things with the Vanessa situation?”
Richard’s expression darkened slightly. “Her publicist tried shopping stories to several tabloids, but most editors passed after hearing the audio recording. Her parents finally convinced her to return to New York permanently.”
“That’s good news,” Emma said. “For everyone.”
“Enough about Vanessa,” Richard said. “Sam told me the label wants to schedule a small showcase next month. Nothing too big, just industry people and some press.”
“I don’t know if I’m ready to perform live,” Emma worried. “What about Lily?”
“Margaret would watch her, I’m sure, and it would only be two or three songs.”