Linda had long given up trying to rein in her daughter. What could she do when Emily had her own version of the truth?
To ease her mother’s worries, Emily promised to get her act together and find a job.
But in reality, her mind was elsewhere. Owen had become an obsession, lodged in her thoughts like a splinter.
“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll make something of myself,” Emily whispered, as if casting a spell.
The next morning, she packed her bags, said goodbye to her mother, and announced she was off to start a new life.
Linda blessed her the old-fashioned way and gave her what she needed for the road.
“Fly, my little bird, fly higher than the sun. You’ll achieve everything, as long as your wings aren’t clipped too soon,” Linda whispered, wiping away a bitter tear as her daughter left.
Emily had no intention of finding work. The moment she arrived in the city, she went straight to Owen. At first, he hesitated, wary of being seen together. Flings in their small town were one thing, but this was too close to his wife. But no man’s heart had ever resisted Emily’s charm.
Their romance ignited quickly. The budding businessman rented her an apartment downtown, covering all her expenses. Days and nights of passion and love followed. What Emily initially saw as a transactional affair for money blossomed into a full-blown relationship, with all its complications. Owen was smitten with his young, stunning mistress.
“What’s the harm if I have some fun with a girl like this? My wife won’t miss a thing,” he thought, mistakenly believing Emily would understand his situation.
But not only did she not understand, she blindsided him with news of her pregnancy.
“What were you thinking, you brainless doll? Are you a child? Didn’t anyone teach you about protection? A kid is the last thing I need right now! I’m opening a new store, every penny’s accounted for. And I’m not even in charge—Lisa runs everything and keeps a tight grip on the wallet. But don’t worry, we’ll scrape together enough for an abortion,” Owen said, wiping sweat from his brow.
Emily was so furious she could hardly breathe.
At first, she wanted to spit in his face, but then, calming down, she realized revenge is a dish best served cold.
“Don’t worry, Owen. You’ll regret this—calling me a doll and dismissing our child,” she thought, plotting her vengeance.
Pretending to accept her role as a kept woman, Emily secretly recorded Owen talking about his wife, his business, and how tired he was of her aging body.
Realizing she held a ticking time bomb, Emily decided to go all in. She showed Owen a copy of the recording. His hair stood on end when he realized what a snake he’d let into his life, but he had no choice—he paid her off in full.
“You’re a real piece of work, Emily! You’ve cleaned me out, you vixen,” Owen fumed, his eyes still lingering on her slender legs.
“Oh, darling, let’s see how you sing when Lisa finds out,” Emily thought venomously, smirking to herself.
She didn’t waste time. During lunch, she strutted into the director’s office, heels clicking.
“Sweetie, I’m not seeing visitors today,” said Elizabeth Anne, peering over her pink glasses with a curious glance. Nearing sixty, she looked like a wrinkled autumn apple.
“I think you’ll make time for me, day or night,” Emily said, tossing a USB drive with part of the recording onto the desk.
“What’s this?” the director asked.
“It’s a little something featuring your husband. Well, half of it. The juicy part’s on this,” Emily said, flashing a tiny memory stick between her fingers. “If you’re interested, we can talk price.”
Elizabeth, after listening to the recording, asked brusquely, “How much?”
Emily, smiling like the serpent in Eden, wrote a number with five zeros on a piece of paper.
The director glanced at it, shook her head, crossed out one zero, and said, “That’s the final offer. No haggling.”
The cunning young woman agreed immediately. The sum was more than satisfactory.
Emily left Elizabeth’s office in high spirits.
Two days later, she heard Owen had been kicked out of the business and was now selling mushrooms he’d picked by the highway.
Rumor had it he was doing alright.
Emily felt no remorse. It’s doubtful she ever had a conscience to begin with.
But as ruthless as she was, she couldn’t bring herself to get an abortion. Something good must have lingered in her cold, greedy soul. Her pregnancy went smoothly, and the delivery was a breeze.
And so, the reckless, flighty mother gave birth to a charming boy named Jack. After spending the required time with her son, Emily brought him to her mother.