Chapter 3 It's Not Going To Happen

Emma was momentarily stunned.

Why hadn't Ricky signed the divorce papers yet?

Could it be that he regretted asking for the divorce and no longer wanted it?

This notion of hers momentarily amused herself.

How could he possibly regret asking for the divorce? Impossible-he was eager to move on, especially now that Nicola was healthier and of age for marriage.

"Tomorrow morning, at nine, meet me at the courthouse," Emma snapped, ending the call before Ricky could respond.

That night, sleep eluded her. She remained in a trance-like state from dusk till dawn. By eight, after showering and dressing in a suit, she put on light makeup and went to the courthouse.

An hour passed, but Ricky was nowhere to be seen.

Her irritation growing, Emma tried calling him, but he didn't answer.

In frustration, she stormed into the Jenner Group, bypassing the receptionist and taking the elevator directly to Ricky's floor.

Returning from a meeting, Ricky discovered Emma on the leather sofa in his office, her expression marred by unmistakable frustration and anger.

"How long have you been sitting here?" he inquired, his voice even, as he walked to his desk and began sorting through a file.

"Thirty minutes," she replied.

"Wait longer then," he suggested, diving back into his work, blatantly ignoring her.

Fury simmered within Emma, on the verge of erupting.

"Ricky, what's the meaning of this?"

She had waited for him at the courthouse for an hour, and now that she had come here, he still wanted her to wait.

Did she matter so little to him, less than a mere document awaiting his signature?

"What exactly do you expect from me?"

Her voice escalated slightly, catching Ricky's attention as he finally looked up.

"I asked you to wait."

"I can't wait any longer. I want the divorce finalized today."

Emma's patience had worn thin with his apathy and disdain.

"It's not going to happen."

Emma froze, shocked and speechless.

Ricky bowed his head, returning to his work. After a few moments, he pulled the divorce papers from a drawer and approached Emma.

Before her, he ripped the papers to shreds.

"You're still my wife, Emma, and that's not about to change. Didn't you say you love me? Wasn't it you who insisted on being my wife? That title remains yours. No one else can claim it." Anger burned in Ricky's eyes as he spoke.

Emma was perplexed. She had signed the divorce papers, and Nicola was getting better. Why was Ricky having second thoughts now?

For two years, he had seemed desperate to remove her from his life. With his chance at hand, why was he hesitating?

"Why? You were the one who asked for this divorce. I've decided to hand you back to Nicola. I won't trouble you any further. Please, let me leave." Emma set aside her dignity, pleading with humility.

She had resolved to end things for the good of all, including herself.

Though it was a tough choice, she was mentally prepared for it.

"Let you leave?" Ricky's mouth twisted into a mocking smirk. "It's never that simple."

"Why have you suddenly backed out of the divorce?"

"It's Nicola's wish."

"What?"

"She hopes to see us together, happy."

Emma's disbelief was palpable, her frustration evident.

"What do you mean, she hopes to see us together?"

"She envisions a life where we're united and thriving."

The smirk vanished from Ricky's face, replaced by his typical aloof expression.

Yet internally, he was in turmoil. He was not a pawn to be shuffled between these women. His life was his to control.

Emma struggled to grasp his reasoning, suspecting he was merely fulfilling a promise to Nicola.

But it made no sense to her.

"Aren't you planning to marry Nicola?"

Her question struck a chord, and Ricky's expression darkened. "Go back to the hotel and pack your belongings."

Emma was shocked. Was he really asking her to return to the Jenner Mansion?

His tone was as commanding as it had been a month earlier when he had expelled her.

"Ricky..."

Ricky's eyes narrowed, a storm of anger swirling in them.

"Will you leave on your own, or must I force you out?"

Confronted by Ricky's intense rage, Emma parted her lips, yet no sound emerged.

Ricky turned away, facing the expansive window. He lit a cigarette, his silhouette framed against the glass, the other hand casually in his pocket.

By the time he faced the room again, Emma had left.

She left behind only a cup of cold coffee and the remnants of torn paper scattered on the table.

For two years, Ricky had anticipated this divorce.

The papers, prepped by his assistant, were meant to cut their ties once signed. Yet now, with Emma's signature drying, a confusing mix of irritation and reluctance plagued him.

Was it really Nicola's desire for them to remain together causing this hesitation?

He wasn't even sure himself.

--

Late autumn brought a chill to the evening air.

Emma roamed the streets aimlessly, her spirit seeming as adrift as her steps, until she found herself outside Ecatin General Hospital once more.

The number of visits here had blurred into countless. She longed to see Nicola but hesitated at the threshold. Amidst the bustling entrance, she watched life move by-the flow of people, the rush of cars-before mustering the courage to enter and make her way to the inpatient wing.

Standing at Nicola's door, as she had so often, Emma stopped when she heard Verena's stern voice from inside. "Once discharged, you're marrying Ricky."

Nicola, tired yet resolute, shook her head. Her voice was gentle but definite. "I won't marry Ricky. He belongs with Emma."

This nearly sent Verena over the edge. "Nicola, why can't you think for yourself? If Ricky won't divorce, you need to push him. He cares for you, not Emma."

"Mom, my health is shaky. The doctor warned that my illness could come back. Given my condition, another bone marrow transplant might not be an option; I'd need to resort to chemotherapy. But chemo is harsh, and I'm scared I won't survive it."

"The doctor said it might come back, not that it definitely would!"

"I get what you mean, but Ricky hasn't brought up divorce. What can I do?"

A weight settled in Emma's chest. She had believed Nicola was recovering well post-surgery, yet she hadn't anticipated the threat of a relapse.

Could this be why Nicola was hesitant to marry Ricky?