Twisted Fates Shattered Vows

Shattered Illusions

Emma Parker stared out of her penthouse's enormous floor to ceiling windows at the vast cityscape below. Though there was a developing storm inside her heart, the city was alive with sparkling lights and humming activity. Every day, it seemed to her, the gap between her and Julian was getting wider, like a chasm that no bridge could fill.

Five years ago, her husband Julian Parker had been her best friend, confidante, and protector. Whispered about in wonder at the many high-society galas they attended, their love story was the stuff of fairy tales. Julian's IT business had taken off, and they were the social circle's golden pair. The warmth had vanished, though, and Emma was left feeling alone and terrified.

Julian said, cutting through the quiet, "Emma, we need to talk."

Turning, she saw him standing in the entryway of their opulent living room, his face a mixture of annoyance and something else she couldn't quite identify. Terrified? Ange?

Is that it, Julian? Emma asked, straining not to stutter. These were the talks she hated; they were too often and always left her feeling more confused and devastated.

Julian drew deeply, his fists gripping and then releasing at his sides. Holding out a bundle of papers, he continued, "Emma, I need you to sign these."

Divorce papers, Emma knew them, and her heart fell. Julian, please, we have discussed this. Why is beyond me.

"It's not just about us anymore, Emma," a strained-sounding Julian said. You don't know some things, and I can't tell you others. But really, this is for the best.

With what you withhold, how can I trust you? Emma started crying and her voice broke. Love you, Julian. You loved me, I thought as well.

Julian hid the agony on his twisted face with a resolution. Emma, love has nothing to do with this. It has to do with defending my firm and my reputation as best I can. Just sign the paperwork, please. .

Emma had a chill run down her back. Sustaining your business? What connection does that make to us?

After he paused, Julian replied, "You've been linked to an embezzlement conspiracy. All the proof points to you, and funds are missing.

Emma looked startled, her eyes enlarging. With what? It is not possible like that. Julian, none of your business accounts have ever been touched by me. That you are aware of.

I wish Emma I could believe you. But there is overwhelming proof. Acting is what the board is seeking. They will ruin everything I've built if I don't break off contact with you.

Emma stumbled back, her head whirling. This is being done to us by who? Who would frame me, I wonder.

Julian looked a little unsure. Not sure, but I'm looking into it. You must sign the documents by then. Protecting yourself and allowing me time to clear your name requires it.

Emma took the papers with shaking hands and tear-stained vision. Julian, you seemed to be my guardian. I believed that united we were in this.

Julian groaned and turned aside. So I reasoned as well.

Heartbreak and confusion characterized the next few days. Emma shut herself up in their apartment, a million questions rushing through her head. By whom would she be framed? Why, too, did Julian think she was guilty so quickly?

Emma started going through their money, determined to uncover the true offender, in search of any hint. More investigation revealed a series of transactions that pointed to Isabella Harris.

Julian's new PR specialist, Isabella, had grown to be a part of their life very fast. For Emma, Isabella had always been unsettling despite her beauty, charm, and seeming perfection. She had good cause now to be suspicious of her.

Emma chose to go right to Isabella. Determined to uncover the scheme, she went to a charity event knowing Isabella would be there. Her worries were not much eased by the foolishness of the occasion when she walked into the magnificent ballroom.

She saw Isabella with her fans gathered around her close to the bar. Emma drew a long breath and walked over. "Isabella, we must speak."

Isabella turned, a false surprise widening in her eyes. Emma, please. You turning up here surprised me. With what may I help you?