Chapter 4 A Promise of Lies

Emily's Pov

John had been incredibly foolish to divorce his wife. He thought that maybe I would make him the CEO of my company. Little did he know, I had ulterior motives. I only used him to punish Sophia, whose mother had once worked as a nanny for my family. However, she had gotten pregnant with my father's child, which infuriated my mother, and she chased her away while pregnant.

My father had pleaded with my mother to let Sophia's mother stay, but she refused. After her departure, my father's health began to decline, and he fell gravely ill. His condition worsened daily, ultimately leading to his untimely death. I was only two years old when this happened.

It wasn't until I turned eighteen that my mother revealed the truth to me. She told me that I had a younger sister and showed me Sophia's mother's picture. I asked about their whereabouts, but my mother claimed she didn't know.

John worked at my father's company, which my mother now headed as CEO. She had promised to hand over the company to me if I got married. Unbeknownst to John, I had been having a secret affair with him for six months, despite knowing he was a married man.

"My mother promised to hand over my father's company to me if I bring a suitor home and get married," I said.

"So, what's your plan?" John asked.

"It depends on you," I replied.

"What do you mean? How does this involve me?" he asked, confusion show on his face.

"You're my fiancé, for God's sake," I said, a sly smile spreading across my face.

Instantly, his face changed, and his eyebrows turned red with anger. He slammed his fists on the table and glared at me, his eyes blazing with intensity. "Look, I loved and cherished my wife a lot, and she means everything to me," he said, his voice firm and resolute.

I felt a surge of annoyance at his words. "So, who am I to you?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.

He didn't hesitate. "Side chick," he spat, his words cutting deep.

I was taken aback by his response, and my anger boiled over. How dare he call me that, despite everything we had shared together? I felt a sting from his words, and my face grew hot with rage.

He didn't say another word. Instead, he stood up, hissed, and stormed out of the room, leaving me seething with anger.

Ever since then, I had made up my mind to punish him. I couldn't let him get away with disrespecting me like that.

After some weeks, we settled our dispute, and I lied to him, telling him that if he agreed to marry me, I would make him the CEO of my father's company. I assured him that my mother was aware of the plan and had given her approval.

From his expression, I could tell he was thrilled with the idea. He gladly accepted, but I made it clear that we had to have a proper marriage.

"That's not possible for me, Emily," he said, his voice laced with hesitation. "You know I did a court marriage with my wife."

Just then, his wife called, but he didn't pick up. "Why didn't you answer your call?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Nothing," he replied, his tone dismissive.

"I wish to know your wife," I said, my interest piqued.

He stood up and moved closer to me, pulling out his phone to show me their wedding pictures. I asked about the people surrounding them, and he explained each person's personality to me.

"That woman is my mother-in-law," he said, pointing to a woman with a kind face.

As soon as I saw the woman's picture, I remembered the lady in the picture my mother had shown me. Their faces looked easily familiar. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I made the connection.

"What about her father?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the turmoil burning inside me.

"They departed before she was born," he said, his voice showing with sadness.

"She came into the world in a messy way," he added, his words sound pity

"What do you mean by that?" I pressed, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Let's just close that chapter," he said, his tone firm, indicating that he didn't want to discuss it further.

From his explanation, I could sense that Sophia was the younger sister my mother had told me about. A spark of hatred ignited within me, and I wished I could lay eyes on her and confront her. How dare she think she could share my father's property with me? The mere thought filled me with rage.

I couldn't understand why she thought she had a claim to our family's wealth when they both had departed before she was even born. The more I thought about it, the more my anger and resentment grew.

"I still stand by my word: if you marry me today, you will be made the CEO of my father's company," I said, my voice firm and persuasive. After making this statement, I stood up and left for home without saying another word.

As soon as I arrived, I rushed to my mother's room, excitement radiating from my face. "Mum, I've found a suitor," I announced.

Her eyes widened with surprise. "Wow, who is he?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"John," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

My mother's expression changed, and she looked me straight in the eye. "Emily, John is married, for God's sake," she reminded me, her tone laced with concern.

I knew I had to think fast, so I lied. "I know, Mum, but he doesn't love his wife, and his marriage has been miserable for years."

My mother's expression softened slightly. "Then he should divorce her," she said, her voice filled with reason.

I nodded in agreement. "And marry me," I added, trying to sound convincing.

My mother looked at me, and I could sense her hesitation. I knew I had to persuade her to help me. "Mum, I want a favor from you," I said, trying to sound as innocent as possible.

"What is it?" she asked, her voice cautious.

"Help me get John sacked from my father's company," I said, my tone firm.

My mother laughed. "Ha! What for?" she asked, clearly amused by my request.

I looked at her with pleading eyes. "Mum, please do this for me."

I knew my mother would always do whatever I wanted. She had always spoiled me, and I was confident that she would help me get John sacked from the company.