**Diary Entry**
He locked his wife away, thinking hed won, but she was cleverer than he ever gave her credit for.
Emily sat rigid, eyes fixed on the cell door. The day had finally arrivedthe day shed make her husband pay. A cold fire burned in her gaze. Two long years shed waited.
Then, the sound of the lock turning. Her pulse leapt. On the bed lay her few belongings, neatly folded, beside the bag shed been told to pack. A stern-faced officer stepped in.
Time to go, Emily. She stood quickly, stuffed her things into the bag, and strode out without a backward glance.
In a hurry to meet your lover? the guard sneered behind her.
Emily didnt answer. She held her head high. After everything shed endured, their words meant nothing now. She was done being a victim.
Her mind flashed back three years. She and James had been successful entrepreneurs. When they married, their fortunes soaredbut so did the cracks in their marriage. She knew about his affairs, but for the sake of the business, she swallowed her pride.
It hurt, but shed clung to the memory of the man shed fallen forback when they were just two people in love. That love had faded into habit, then resentment.
Then came the betrayal. Shed trusted him blindly, signing whatever papers he put in front of her. Until the day she was arrested for fraud, her empire crumbling in hours. James had framed her, falsifying documents to pin everything on her.
The trial was swift. His testimony sealed her fate. No decent lawyer would touch her caselikely because hed paid them off. Five years, the judge ruled.
But prison changed her. The meek woman whod let him walk over her was gone. Two years of hardening her heart, plotting her revenge. Now, released early for good behaviour, she was ready.
As the guard handed back her belongings, he smirked. Good luck, love.
Outside the gates, Emily froze. Fear clawed at her throat. Two years of planning, and nowwhat if she failed? Then she saw him.
Her breath steadied. *Thank God.* She hurried forward; he met her halfway, pulling her into his arms.
I cant believe youre finally here, Thomas murmured.
She buried her face in his shoulder, laughing shakily. ThomasJamess oldest friend. Hed visited her from the first day, the only one who believed in her innocence.
And then, after a year, hed confessed his feelings. By then, shed fallen for him too.
I was afraid you wouldnt come, she whispered.
His grip tightened. Id never leave you. Not now.
She inhaled his scentclean, safe. In prison, with his help, shed uncovered the truth: James had orchestrated her downfall to please his mistress. The woman had demanded a share of the businessEmilys share.
Thomas knew Jamess dirty secrets. Hed fed her information, visiting under the guise of checking on his sisterwho worked at the company.
Now, in his flat, Emily sipped coffee, wrapped in his robe.
Show me the papers, she said, setting the mug down. I need to see it with my own eyes.
Thomas handed her the documents. The sight of them sent a thrill through her. Jamess fate, clenched in her hands.
Tell me everything, she urged, pulling him down beside her.
He grinned. My sister slipped them into his stack. He was too busy gloating about his latest fling to notice what he was signing.
Emily closed her eyes, savouring the moment. Then she turned to him.
When this is over will you marry me?
Thomas cupped her face. Ive waited years to hear that.
Their kiss sealed the promise.
The next morning, Emily walked into Jamess office, heels clicking, folder in hand. The staff gaped but didnt stop her.
He was on the phone, smirking. Ill pick you up at eight, darling. Then he saw her. The colour drained from his face.
What the hell are you doing here?
She crossed her legs, placing the folder on her lap. I own half this company. Or didnt you check the paperwork you signed?
His fist clenched. Get out before I have you arrested again.
Emily smiled. Oh, James. You really shouldve read those documents. She slid the copies across the desk.
His face twisted as he scanned them. This is a joke.
She leaned in. You taught me jokes have consequences. I learned well.
Six months later, Emily married Thomas. The courts ruled the business, the house, even the Bentley were hers. James vanishedleft with nothing.
And this time, Emilys victory was absolute.
**Lesson learned: Never underestimate a woman with nothing left to lose.**
