The rental income helped cover renovation and maintenance costs. And so, Emma lived a double life. By day, she was just another quiet employee in a sea of cubicles.
At night and on weekends, she was the mistress of a grand estate, slowly transforming into something beautiful and full of life. No one in her family suspected a thing. They still saw her as the plain girl in the background, and Emma didn’t correct them.
She liked keeping it to herself. It made her feel strong, independent. She knew the day would come when the truth would matter.
And that day was drawing near. Ryan and his fiancée, Madison, chose the estate for their wedding through an event agency, completely unaware of who owned it. Emma found out by accident, going over documents Robert brought her to sign.
The agency name, the date, the names of the bride and groom. Everything matched. Her heart gave a quick thump, but she showed no reaction.
She was curious to see what would unfold. Not long after, the official invitation arrived. A white envelope, elegant script.
Inside, expensive embossed stationery. Emma smirked. A formality.
They hadn’t even bothered to call her, just mailed it like she was a distant guest at some social gala, not Ryan’s sister. Then came the day Margaret, their mother, showed up at her home. Her face was tight, eyes scanning Emma’s apartment with silent judgment.
Emma offered tea, but Margaret waved it off. I need to talk to you, she said, perching stiffly on the edge of the couch. It’s about Ryan’s wedding.
You know how important this is for our family, right? Emma nodded, knowing full well that important meant looks good to others. We want everything to go perfectly, Margaret continued, her voice overly measured. And well, Emma, you know.
Emma waited. Here it comes. In short, Margaret said finally, we think it would be better if you didn’t come.
Emma raised her brows, feigning surprise. Deep down, she’d been expecting this. Not come.
To Ryan’s wedding? Why? Margaret faltered. Well, the photos, the guests, you tend to blend in. Don’t take it personally.
You know how Madison is. She’s changed her mind. She’s particular about appearances.
And you don’t really enjoy these big events, do you? You’ll be happier at home. Emma stared into her mother’s eyes. They held no sympathy, only anxiety about keeping the wedding picture perfect.
So, she said slowly, you think I’ll ruin the wedding just by being there? Margaret flushed. Not ruin, but you understand. We’ll send you pictures, bring you some cake.
You won’t miss anything. Emma turned to the window so her mother wouldn’t see the tears forming. Once again, they were pushing her into the background, making her disappear.
And once again, she was about to let them. But not this time. Okay, mom, she said quietly, steadying her voice.
I’ll stay home. Margaret exhaled, relieved. Good, I knew you’d understand.
You’ve always been so thoughtful. She left quickly, convinced the issue was settled. Emma remained by the window, staring out at the dull autumn trees.
Inside her, a fire had ignited. Anger, pain, resolve. That night, she lay in bed for hours, unable to sleep.
Her mother’s words echoed in her mind. Enough. No more being pushed aside.
No more being used. It was time to show them who she really was. The next morning, just like always, Emma headed to work.
Her life hadn’t changed on the surface. Same desk, same dull tasks, same quiet lunch in the break room. But inside, something had shifted.
There was a strange lightness in her chest, like a door had opened. During her lunch break, she went to the bank and cancelled the scheduled transfer of $2,500 that was meant to cover wedding expenses. That money was supposed to help pay for the estate rental and other arrangements.
Ryan and Madison had assumed she would help, as she always had. But not this time. This time, they would get nothing.
Later that afternoon, Emma called Robert Harrison. Hello, Robert. It’s Emma.
Good afternoon, Miss Bennett, he answered. Is something wrong? Yes, Robert. I need to see you urgently.
As expected, Robert didn’t ask unnecessary questions. An hour later, he arrived at her office, just as calm and dependable as always. Emma told him everything, about her conversation with her mother and the decision she’d made since.
I need you to cancel the rental agreement for the wedding, she said. Ryan and Madison can’t hold it at the estate. Robert listened without flinching.
No raised eyebrows, no questions about morality or revenge. He had known Emma long enough to understand she never acted on impulse. And the reason, he asked simply.
Failure to meet the payment terms, she replied. They didn’t make the deposit in time? Robert nodded. Understood.
When should the termination take effect? The morning of the wedding, Emma said. Let them find out when the guests start showing up. Robert gave her a firm nod and rose from his chair.
It’ll be handled exactly as you asked, Miss Bennett. As he walked away, Emma felt her heart pound. Not with nerves, but with anticipation.
It was finally happening. She was no longer playing along with the family fantasy, no longer letting herself be erased. The wedding day wouldn’t be Ryan and Madison’s perfect fairy tale.
It would be the day the truth came out. That morning, the weather was startlingly beautiful. Sunlight spilling across the rooftops like the sky was in on the joke.
Emma awoke feeling clearer than she had in years. She brewed a cup of coffee and sat by her window, watching the quiet courtyard of her modest home. She thought about the contrast, her simple, honest peace, and the carefully curated image her family had spent a lifetime building.
At the estate, chaos had already begun. Madison, swishing through the rooms in a silk robe, barked orders at the stylists and florists. Ryan, smug and pleased with himself, received hugs and handshakes from his groomsmen.
He joked, he grinned, he promised an unforgettable night. Margaret and Charles fluttered about, anxious but glowing with pride. Everything they believed was under control.