From Fake Divorce to Real Fortune Novel – Chapter 7
The Davises’ old house, the one Jack had grown up in and had once been promised to us, sold for an astronomical sum thanks to the tech park boom.
John and Margaret, true to their word, gifted me a substantial portion.
“For your new life with Ben, Emily,” John said, his voice firm, his grip on my arm surprisingly strong. “You deserve every happiness.”
We were planning to use it, along with my own savings, to buy a beautiful new home in a neighboring community, a fresh start for our blended family.
The wedding was set for a charming winery nestled in the Temecula hills.
The rehearsal was in full swing. Sophia, as flower girl, was giggling as she practiced scattering petals.
Ben stood beside me, his hand warm in mine, his smile making my heart skip.
John and Margaret watched from a nearby table, their faces beaming.
It was perfect. Too perfect.
A commotion at the entrance to the winery’s private garden made us all turn.
A man, gaunt and disheveled, his clothes ragged, his hair matted, was arguing with the wedding planner.
His voice, raw and desperate, cut through the idyllic afternoon.
“I’m telling you, I know her! That’s my wife! Emily!”
My blood ran cold.
The man pushed past the flustered planner and stumbled towards us.
His eyes, wild and bloodshot, fixed on me.
It was Jack.
Thinner, beaten down by life, but unmistakably Jack.
He pointed a trembling finger.
“Emily! What is this? Who is this guy?”
He gestured vaguely at Ben. “And what about my money? Our house! I heard it sold! I’m back for my share!”
The beautiful, sun-drenched garden suddenly felt like a trap.