Ellie arrived at her mother-in-laws house half an hour early and overheard words from her husband that shattered her world.
She parked the car beside the familiar brick cottage and glanced at her watch. Too early, she murmured. But its fineMargaret always enjoys my company.
Adjusting her hair in the rearview mirror, she stepped out, clutching a box of shortbread biscuits. The sun hung low, the air sweet with blooming lavender. Ellie smiled, recalling walks through these quiet lanes with Thomas, back when they were only sweethearts.
Approaching the door, she fished out a keyMargaret had insisted she keep one years ago. She turned it gently, not wanting to disturb her if she was resting.
The house was hushed, save for muffled voices from the kitchen. Ellie recognized her mother-in-laws tone and nearly called outuntil the next words froze her in place.
How much longer can we hide this from Ellie? Margarets voice was tight with worry. Thomas, this isnt fair to her.
Mum, I know what Im doing, came her husbands replythe man who, by all accounts, should have been at a crucial business meeting in Manchester.
Do you? I think youre making a dreadful mistake. I saw the papers on the desk. Youre really selling the family business? Moving to New York? For that whats her name Jessica from the investment firm? The one promising you gold-paved streets in Manhattan? And Ellie? She doesnt even know youve filed for divorce!
The biscuit box slipped from Ellies fingers and hit the floor with a dull thud. Silence swallowed the kitchen.
A moment later, Thomas appeared in the hallway, his face draining of colour.
Ellie youre early
Yes, early, she whispered, her voice trembling. Early enough to hear the truth. Or perhaps right on time?
Margaret appeared behind him, eyes brimming with tears.
Love
But Ellie was already turning away. The last thing she heard was her mother-in-laws sigh:
See, Thomas? The truth always floats to the top.
Ellie slid into the car and started the engine. Her hands shook, but her mind was sharp. She pulled out her phone and dialled her solicitor. If Thomas was preparing for divorce, so would she. After all, half of the family business was legally hers, and she wouldnt let her future be decided behind her back.
Golden Petals had been founded by Thomass father thirty years ago, starting as a humble jewellers workshop crafting bespoke pieces before blossoming into a prestigious chain of fifteen stores across the country.
Ellie had joined the company six years ago as a marketing specialist, where shed met Thomas. After their wedding, shed thrown herself into the business, launching online sales and international deliveries. Profits had doubled in three yearsthanks to her. And now Thomas wanted to sell it all?
Meet me in an hour, she said into the phone. Ive got some interesting news about a potential sale. It concerns Golden Petals.
Hanging up, Ellie allowed herself a thin smile. Perhaps she hadnt arrived too earlyjust in time. Now, her future was in her own hands.
The next six months became a blur of legal battles. Later, Ellie learned everything: six months earlier, at a jewellery exhibition in Paris, Thomas had met Jessica Brown, a representative from an American investment firm. Jessica had seen potential in Golden Petals and convinced Thomas to sell, offering him a seat on the board of a new venture in Manhattan.
Thomas, whod long felt overshadowed by Ellies success and burdened by family expectations, saw this as his chance to carve his own path. There was also the affair with Jessica, whod already found them a brownstone near Central Park.
In court, Thomas was confident hed retain control, arguing that Golden Petals was his fathers legacy. But he hadnt counted on Ellies foresightshed kept meticulous records of her contributions.
By the third hearing, financial reports proved her marketing strategies had driven the companys growth.
Standing by the window, watching the lavender sway, Ellie realised true wealth wasnt in gold or gemstonesbut in knowing your own worth.
