Chapter 11 Becoming a Guest

They headed back to the Smith Villa.

It was late, and the last bits of sunlight painted the marble floor of the living room with a golden hue. The housekeeper handed them warm coffee, and a stunning woman started descending the stairs. Emily looked up, drawn by the movement.

Olivia walked down with a light, calculated step, perfectly poised and elegant, her long hair flowing over her shoulders like a waterfall. She wore a white dress, simple yet exquisite, hugging her slender waist. Her delicate features radiated elegance and confidence.

Seeing Olivia, Emily's fantasy of happiness shattered instantly.

Although they had not met before, and Emily hadn't seen a picture of Olivia, she knew the woman in front now was her.

Only a woman like this could be someone James couldn't forget.

Emily's gaze lingered on Olivia. A wave of inferiority washed over her. She looked down at her plain dress, neat but ordinary compared to Olivia's. Emily's fingers tightened around the cup, her fingertips turning white, a pang of bitterness rising in her heart.

"James? Who's this?" Olivia approached with a light smile.

Olivia actually knew who Emily was; she had sent those messages to Emily herself. Before returning, Olivia had already investigated all the women around James.

When Olivia heard that James had brought Emily back today, she felt a moment of nervousness. But just from walking down the stairs, Olivia knew Emily was no match for her. Emily had nothing special except for her face; James would never like such an ordinary woman.

Olivia feigned surprise, unfamiliarity, and just the right amount of gentleness. She naturally took James's coat and hung it up, then took the coffee from the housekeeper and poured it for James herself. "You said you were going out for something, how come you're back so soon and brought a woman with you without telling me? I could have tidied up the house to entertain the guest."

Olivia, like a true hostess, leaned on James playfully.

Although Olivia was talking about Emily, her eyes stayed locked on James, making Emily feel like she was sitting on pins and needles.

Just a day ago, this was Emily's home; she should have been the one entertaining guests here. But in less than a day, she and James had divorced, and she had become the guest.

This subtle difference made Emily even more uneasy. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner turmoil, but the feeling of inferiority and the small pangs of pain surged like a tide, overwhelming her.

"Olivia, this is my ex-wife, Emily. I mentioned her to you before. We're already divorced, but today is her birthday, and Michael insisted on celebrating it with her, so I brought him over. I originally planned to just drop off a gift and leave, but her family..." James paused, feeling a bit guilty towards Olivia. "It's not worth mentioning. Emily has nowhere to go now, so I brought her back to stay for a while. If you disagree, I'll take her somewhere else."

"No! Daddy! Don't let Mommy leave, please!" Before Olivia could speak, Michael was already anxious. He had worked hard to bring Emily back.

"It's okay. I can stay somewhere else." Emily immediately stopped him nervously, not wanting to stay here and affect James and Olivia's relationship.

Olivia's hand trembled slightly, then she lowered her eyes, hiding her turbulent emotions, and smiled. "Since Emily is Michael's mother, there's no reason to keep them apart. Michael would be unhappy. Although I'm your girlfriend, Michael is still so young, we should prioritize his feelings."

Olivia showed an innocent and gentle smile. "James, you're so busy every day. Having Emily to chat with me would make me happy. Let her stay here."

These words deeply moved James, making him apologize for his earlier words. "Sorry, Olivia, I should have known you are always such a kind person. I'm sorry for putting you in this position."

"I'm fine with anything as long as you're happy, James." Olivia's smile grew even gentler. She turned around, seemingly sincere, and said to Emily, "Emily, please stay here. Otherwise, James and Michael will be worried."

Emily's fingertips turned white as she tightly pinched her palm to stop herself from turning away in inferiority. Olivia was so good, gentle, noble, and kind, even inviting her to stay at the Smith Villa despite her past with James.

But what about her? She had been speculating with dirty thoughts, thinking Olivia would harm her. Maybe all those rumors were false, and Olivia was truly a good person. No wonder James liked Olivia so much; only someone like Olivia deserved such love.

Emily didn't want to stand there and disturb the silent exchange between the two. She couldn't let go of James, but if James had found someone better, more suitable, and more loving, she also wanted to graciously wish them happiness.

But for now, she couldn't return to the Johnson Family, and she didn't want to leave Michael, so she had to stay at the Smith Villa.

Emily felt a mix of sourness and bitterness, feeling like she was a ridiculous rat in the gutter, disturbing and spying on others' happiness.