**Diary Entry 12th May**
I arrived half an hour early today and heard words from my husband that changed my life forever.
Pulling up outside the familiar house, I glanced at the clock. “Too early,” I muttered to myself. “But its fineMargaret always loves seeing me.”
I smoothed my hair in the rearview mirror before stepping out, clutching a box of biscuits in my hand. The sun was shining, and the air smelled of blooming lavender. I smiled, remembering the walks I used to take through these quiet gardens with Edward back when we were just dating.
Approaching the door, I pulled out my keyMargaret had insisted I have one years ago. I turned it slowly, not wanting to disturb her if she was resting.
The house was silent, save for muffled voices coming from the kitchen. I recognised my mother-in-laws tone and was about to call out when the next words froze me in place.
“How much longer can we keep this from Charlotte?” Margaret asked, her voice tight with worry. “Edward, this isnt fair to her.”
“Mum, I know what Im doing,” came my husbands replythough by all accounts, he should have been at an important work meeting in London right now.
“Do you? I think youre making a terrible mistake. I saw the papers on the table. Are you really selling the family business and moving to America? Because of that whats her name Jessica from the investment firm? The one promising you gold-paved streets in California? And what about Charlotte? She doesnt even know youre filing for divorce!”
The box of biscuits slipped from my hands and hit the floor with a dull thud. The kitchen fell silent instantly.
A moment later, Edward rushed into the hallway, his face turning pale when he saw me.
“Charlotte youre early.”
“Yes, early,” I said, my voice shaking. “Early enough to hear the truth. Or perhaps just in time?”
Margaret appeared behind him, her eyes filled with tears and pity.
“Darling”
But I was already turning toward the door. The last thing I heard was my mother-in-laws voice:
“You see, Edward? The truth always comes out.”
I got back in the car and started the engine. My hands trembled, but my thoughts were clear. I pulled out my phone and dialled my solicitors number. If Edward was preparing divorce papers, so was I. After all, half of the family business legally belonged to me, and I wasnt about to let my future be decided without my say.
“Golden Blossoms Jewellers” had been founded by Edwards father thirty years ago, starting as a small workshop crafting bespoke pieces before growing into a prestigious chain of fifteen stores across the country.
Id joined the company six years ago as a marketing specialistthats where Id met Edward. After we married, I became fully involved, introducing fresh ideas, launching online sales, and expanding international deliveries. Thanks to me, profits had doubled in the last three years. And now Edward wanted to sell it all?
“Lets meet in an hour,” I said into the phone. “I have some interesting news about a potential sale. Its about Golden Blossoms.”
Hanging up, I smiled grimly. Maybe I hadnt arrived too early after allmaybe Id arrived just in time. Now, my future was in my own hands.
The next six months became a gruelling legal battle. Later, I learned everything: six months prior, at an international jewellery exhibition in Rome, Edward had met Jessica Brown, a representative from an American investment firm. Shed seen potential in Golden Blossoms and convinced him to sell, offering him a seat on the board of a new venture in Silicon Valley.
Edward, always overshadowed by my success and burdened by family expectations, saw this as his chance to carve his own path. Worse, hed struck up a romance with Jessica, whod already found them a house near San Francisco.
In court, Edward was confident hed retain control, arguing Golden Blossoms was his fathers legacy. But he hadnt anticipated my foresightId kept every document proving my contributions.
By the third hearing, financial reports showed how my marketing strategies and online expansion had skyrocketed profits.
Standing by the window later, watching the lavender sway in the breeze, I realised true wealth wasnt in jewelsbut in knowing your own worth.
