I leaned back against the seat, closing my eyes. My body was still weak, my heart still raw, but for the first time in years, I could breathe.
Nathan’s POV
Amber stood beside me in front of the full-length mirror—her lips painted a soft rose, her curls falling over her shoulders, her sling neatly wrapped so it looked more like an accessory than an injury. She adjusted her earrings while beaming, eyes sparkling with a kind of triumph she no longer bothered to hide.
I watched her reflection.
The way she leaned close to me.
The way she smiled as if today was her coronation.
Because in her mind—it was.
“Today’s the day,” Amber whispered, resting her hand on my chest. “After this press conference… she’s done.” Her lips curved into a satisfied smile. “Finally.”
She didn’t need to say who. Emerald.
I nodded slightly, brushing lint off my suit jacket. “There won’t be a comeback for her this time.”
The press conference at eleven would be the final blow—public humiliation, forced apology, denial of the affair she claimed existed. All recorded, televised, and sent straight to both families’ boards to restore our reputation. After that, Emerald’s life would crumble so completely she’d never find her way out again.
Amber giggled softly, then traced the line of my tie with her good hand. “After today… we can finally talk to your father again.” She looked up, eyes sparkling with the kind of hope she only showed me. “Can you imagine, Nat? Our wedding? Me walking down the aisle, your mother welcoming me like a daughter?”
I smiled faintly. “They’ll approve it. Once Emerald is gone, there’ll be nothing to stop us.”
“Mm-hm.” She leaned closer, whispering against my ear. “I can’t wait. It’s been years, Nathan. We deserve this.”
Years.
Years of hiding.
Years of pretending.
Years of being with the wrong woman because it was easier politically.
Amber and I were tired of waiting.
She turned in the mirror, checking her dress from every angle. “Do you think the press will believe her apology today?”
“Yes,” I answered, tightening my cufflinks. “What choice does she have? She’ll say exactly what Father wants her to say. And then after the conference…” I shrugged. “Well. She won’t be our problem anymore.”
Amber’s smile widened.
She liked the idea of finality.
Of erasing Emerald completely.