NORA

Two weeks had passed, and now I sat inside Rod's former office as the newly appointed CEO of Hills Pharma. The title was no longer ceremonial. I had officially taken over Rod Hills' position, authority, and name.

"Ma'am, this is the financial report from the past couple of years," Matt said respectfully as he placed several thick folders on my office table.

I glanced at the neatly stacked documents, then gave him a brief nod before lifting my hand-my silent signal that he was dismissed. I had always been like that. Back then, a single nod to Dante was enough for him to understand exactly what needed to be done. No words. No explanations.

Matt exited without another sound, and once the door closed completely, I straightened in my chair and pulled the folders toward me.

I may not have been knowledgeable about pharmaceuticals, but when it came to running a business, I never fell behind. My organization owned several legal enterprises-fronts, some would call them-and I never needed to show my face.

I ran everything from the shadows, with people placed carefully in front to deal with clients, negotiations, and transactions. Clean on the surface. Untouchable underneath.

As I went through the financial reports, one thing became clear-Rod Hills had managed the company well. The numbers were solid, the growth steady, and the expenditures reasonable.

This was the first thing I wanted to examine. I needed to know the true nature of the Hills couple. For all I knew, they could have been hiding illegal activities beneath their respectable image.

I wasn't a saint. I never claimed to be. But I believed that if a company was legal, it should remain so. There was no need to risk contaminating it. It was always wiser to keep clean businesses intact because, when the time came, they would be the ones to save you.

It didn't take long for me to fully understand Hills Pharma's current financial standing.

But I know I still need to look into other aspects of the company's cash flow. Why is Hills Pharma declining despite Rod's proper management? It only means that there's another matter I need to look into.

I moved on to what interested me next-the company's origins.

I pressed the intercom and relayed my request to Matt.

"Right away, Ma'am," he replied promptly.

A few minutes later, he returned with additional documents, which I immediately examined. I couldn't deny my mild sense of admiration-Rod Hills had started from nothing.

Hills Pharma was established shortly after Rod returned from abroad. Esmeralda had already been by his side back then.

Rod was once a pharmacist who later became a pharmaceutical chemist. He had devoted his entire life to this company-his time, his intellect, his ambition. This wasn't just a business to him. It was his legacy. And throughout, Esmeralda was with him. Supporting him.

I was nearly finished reading when a knock echoed through the room.

"Come in," I said without lifting my gaze from the document. I waited for the door to close, aware that the person was already standing in front of my desk. "Speak."

"Is that how you treat a guest?"

At the sound of that voice, my brow arched slowly as I finally looked up.

"All I see is trash," I replied coldly.

"Emily!" Asher shouted.

Of all the things I hated, being shouted at by a man who held no significance in my life ranked at the top.

"I don't remember what you did to me," I said calmly, my voice eerily steady. "But one thing is certain-I don't like you. I don't like seeing your face. And I especially despise men who climb out of poverty by clinging to a woman's generosity."

Asher froze, his eyes locked onto mine as if he were staring at a stranger.

"W-What did you just say?" he stammered.

"Oh, did I stutter?" I leaned back against my chair, completely at ease. "Would you like me to repeat it?"

His hands clenched at his sides. I could see the restrained anger, mixed with something else-shock, perhaps fear. But whatever it was, I had no interest in it.

"I came here to take you with me," he said through gritted teeth. "We're going to stop the divorce proceedings. And now you're saying those things to me?"

"And why exactly should I cancel the divorce?" I scoffed. "What do you take me for-a fool? I must have been insane when I begged my parents to help your family. But I'm no longer insane enough to take back a divorce that you were the one who offered."

"Emily Bennett!" he yelled.

My eyes narrowed. If I could, I would have snapped his neck without hesitation.

But I couldn't.

Because I was Emily Hills now-not Nora Dumont.

And this body... I still needed it.

"Emily Hills. That is my name now." My voice was calm, lethal in its certainty. "I have nothing to do with your family anymore. Whatever help the Hills extended to you, consider it charity. A donation from me to your entire bloodline."

"What-" I didn't give him the chance to finish.

"Now get out," I said coldly, already lowering my gaze back to the documents on my desk. "Before I call security and have you dragged out of this building."

I felt Asher remain standing for a few seconds longer, as if hoping I would look at him again. I didn't. Moments later, I heard his footsteps retreat toward the door, followed by the soft click of the door closing behind him.

I never looked up.

I wasn't Emily-the woman who let her heart dictate her decisions. And I was certainly not as foolish as she had been.

Was he insane?

After I told the Hills couple that Asher himself had admitted to filing for divorce, they became more determined than ever to keep him away from me. That was the reason they insisted I stay at their home after I was discharged from the hospital.

I returned my focus to my work. I needed to understand how this company functioned-from the inside out.

As Emily Hills, I had a responsibility.

I needed to protect what was mine now.

Before lunchtime, I had finished reviewing everything I needed. My head throbbed faintly, but it was worth it.

I called Matt and instructed him to clear my desk.

"I'm going out for lunch," I said.

He nodded without question, and I walked out of my office with steady, unhurried steps.

I already knew where I was going.

Once inside my car, I drove straight to my favorite restaurant-the one I frequented as Nora Dumont.

As soon as I entered, I was greeted by the warm smile of a waitress. The staff had always been accommodating. Professional. Polished.

"Do you have a reservation, Ma'am?" she asked politely.

"No."

The woman hesitated.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am, but you'll need a reservation first."

I already knew that. I was just testing the waters.

This restaurant catered to the wealthy. To people like Nora Dumont.

The Emily Hills standing in front of the waitress now looked nothing like their usual clientele.

I took a deep breath. I couldn't rely on intimidation here-they didn't know who I was.

"I'm really hungry," I said softly, deliberately gentling my voice. "This was the first restaurant I saw while driving. I just want to eat."

"I'm really sorry, Ma'am," she replied apologetically. "But we do have rules."

I didn't argue. I was about to turn away, shoulders lowered in resignation, when a voice cut through the moment.

"Just let her in. She said she's hungry."

I turned to see a man who looked every bit respectable. He was dressed in a crisp white business suit, a black necktie perfectly matched with his polished shoes. His presence commanded attention without effort.

I didn't recognize him. And I was certain I had never seen him here-not even back when I was a regular.

"But Mr. Ashworth, according to-" the waitress began.

"It's fine," the man interrupted smoothly. "I'll speak with Mr. Moss."

"O-Okay, sir."

The waitress then turned back to me. "Please follow me, Ma'am."

I nodded. But before I did, I glanced once more at the man she had addressed as Mr. Ashworth.

"Thank you," I said flatly-no smile, no emotion.

I noticed the slight smirk that tugged at his lips before I turned away and followed the other waitress. Mentally, I made a note to look into him later.

As I walked, my thoughts lingered on Mr. Ashworth-and on how effortlessly he had stepped into the situation.

Did he know Emily?

And if he did... wouldn't he find my behavior strange?

I pushed the thought aside. If necessary, I could always claim amnesia. After all, that excuse covered everything.

For now, food came first.

I would think about them later.

NORA

The waitress led me to a slightly secluded corner of the restaurant-far enough from the main floor to offer privacy, yet positioned perfectly for observation. I had a clear view of the entrance, which worked in my favor. I liked knowing who came in and who left.

I took my seat, deliberately facing the door.

I didn't know why, but an unsettling sensation crept over me, the unmistakable feeling of being watched. My gaze shifted subtly toward the private room to my right.

A one-way mirror.

I couldn't see inside, but whoever was there could see me clearly.

"Here's the menu, Ma'am," the waitress said, placing it neatly in front of me. "Once you've decided, you can press the button at the center of the table."

I followed where she pointed before nodding.

This was actually my first time dining out in the open area. I was always inside a private room before. There was a button there too-but it was built into the wall, not the table.

"No need," I said calmly. "I order fast. You can take my order now."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I scanned the menu.

My preferences were simple. Even inside Emily's body, they hadn't changed.

Seafood.

I loved seafood.

Without hesitation, I rattled off my order. The waitress wrote everything down efficiently before excusing herself.

Moments later, the dishes were placed in front of me one by one.

For a split second, I must have looked like a child staring at a pile of shrimp, practically salivating.

I slipped on the plastic gloves provided and began peeling them methodically. I haven't tasted anything yet. I preferred finishing the preparation first so I could eat without interruption.

Once I was done, I took my first bite.

"Mmm..."

A soft sound escaped me before I could stop it. I even closed my eyes. It was that good.

I took another bite, the corners of my lips lifting slightly in satisfaction.

I was enjoying myself-until I suddenly froze.

An uncomfortable itch spread across my body.

I immediately grabbed my glass of water and downed it in one go. When I set the glass back on the table, my eyes fell on my hands.

Red patches were forming.

My brows knitted together.

Damn. Is there something wrong with the food?

No.

This was my first time here as Emily Hills. Who would even think of poisoning me?

Then my chest tightened.

Breathing became difficult.

And then it hit me.

Fuck.

Emily is allergic to shrimp!

I shot up from my seat. I needed to get to a hospital, but my lungs refused to cooperate. Each breath felt shallow, forced.

My vision blurred.

My knees weakened.

I felt myself tipping forward.

The last thing I registered was the figure of a man rushing toward me-moving fast, decisively. Strong arms caught me before I hit the floor.

Then-

Nothing.

Everything went black.

****

"Shit!"

I gasped as I jolted upright, my heart pounding violently. I scanned my surroundings in alarm before realization set in.

A hospital room.

"You're awake," a male voice said.

I turned my head.

A man was sitting on a three-seater sofa across the room. I stiffened slightly but kept my reaction controlled. Still, my brows furrowed.

"Who are you?" I asked coolly.

He stood up, giving me a better look at him.

He was dressed casually-a red shirt, denim pants. A matching denim jacket was draped over the back of the sofa.

And something about him felt... familiar.

"I'm Devon," he said as he stepped closer to my hospital bed.

Just Devon.

No last name?

"I was heading back to my table when I noticed you were about to collapse. Good thing I caught you in time," he added casually.

I studied him for a brief moment before responding.

"Thank you."

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Judging by the slight shift in his expression, he understood immediately-I had no interest in knowing anything beyond that.

"The hospital contacted your parents," he continued. "They're probably on their way."

I nodded and adjusted the pillow behind my back so I could sit more comfortably.

He didn't offer to help.

Didn't even attempt to.

Did he already know I would refuse?

"Your face says it all," he said suddenly.

I frowned.

The "I don't need your help" look," he added, a hint of amusement in his voice.

That made me chuckle.

"At least you're perceptive."

"Hm," was all he replied.

"Anyway, thank you again," I said, dismissive but polite. "You can leave now. I can take care of myself. You probably have personal matters to attend to."

"I'll leave once your parents arrive."

So he was stubborn.

Before I could respond, the door opened.

But it wasn't Rod and Esmeralda who walked in.

My expression hardened instantly.

"What are you doing here?" I asked coldly.

Asher didn't even look at me. His eyes were locked on Devon.

"What are you doing here?" I repeated, this time louder-sharper.

Only then did Asher turn toward me, irritating me further when he reached out as if to touch me.

"Are you out of your mind?" he snapped. "You know you're allergic to shrimp, yet you still ate it?"

I rolled my eyes.

"You no longer have the right to be concerned about me, Mr. Bennett. Or have you forgotten that we're already separated?"

"I went to the civil registry and canceled our divorce," he declared. "There will be no separation."

For a second, my head felt like it was about to explode. I wanted to get out of bed and smash his face against the wall.

"So end whatever relationship you have with this man," he continued, pointing at Devon-who, infuriatingly enough, was smiling.

What the hell is wrong with him?

There was something about Devon that felt... strange. Unreadable. Unlike Asher, whose jealousy was practically written all over his face.

"You're delusional if you think I'll ever go back to you," I said, my voice firm and final.

He heard it. I knew he did.

"I've told you countless times-there is nothing going on between Corrine and me!" Asher shot back angrily. "When will you finally understand that?"

"Then go ahead and start something with her," I replied flatly. "I don't care. I just want to be separated from you. Don't force me to do something you'll regret, Mr. Bennett. I am no longer the Emily you once knew."

He froze.

Confusion. Shock. Disbelief.

They all crossed his face in rapid succession.

"Mr. Bennett," Devon cut in calmly.

I narrowed my eyes. I didn't like anyone interfering in matters that involved me.

"You heard what Emily said," Devon continued. "You can leave now."

"Tsk," Asher scoffed, turning to him. "You're waiting for nothing. I'm not divorcing Emily."

Devon didn't even blink.

"Do you think I care?" he said coolly. "As long as she's with me, that's all that matters."

This time-

I was the one caught off guard.

Who the hell is this man?

NORA

Asher didn't get the chance to say another word when Rod and Esmeralda suddenly arrived.

"What are you doing here?" Rod demanded the moment he saw him.

"Dad-" Asher began as he turned toward him.

But Rod's eyes turned razor-sharp.

"Don't call me that," the old man said coldly. "You are not my son."

I noticed the slight twitch at the corner of Asher's lips, the way his hand clenched as if he were holding himself back from responding.

"Why are you still here?" Esmeralda asked next. Her voice was calm, almost gentle, but the hostility beneath it was unmistakable. "Aren't you already divorced from our daughter?"

"I canceled the divorce application," Asher replied.

"What?" Rod and Esmeralda exclaimed at the same time.

Shock. Anger. Disgust.

All of it was written clearly on their faces.

"Emily is still my wife," Asher continued. "And I'm here to take her home."

"I'm not going back to your house," I cut in firmly. "We're done. I'm done with you."

"Asher," Esmeralda said, her voice now edged with restrained fury, "it would be best if you leave for now. If you have even the slightest awareness of the trouble you've caused, you'd know better than to stay. Rod and I will never allow you to take our daughter after what you did to her."

Asher was about to argue when the door suddenly opened.

Corrine walked in.

I was certain it was her-even if this was only the second time I'd seen her and no one had clearly introduced her to me before.

"Asher... you're here," she said softly, her voice laced with hesitation and false concern.

I had to give her credit.

She was very convincing.

"What are you doing here, Corrine?" Asher asked, clearly running out of patience. He glanced at me briefly, as if trying and failing to explain something without words.

"I heard what happened to Emily," Corrine replied. "So I came right away."

That made Asher turn fully toward her.

"I'm impressed by your radar," I said coolly. "How did you even know I was here?"

For a split second, Corrine didn't know where to look.

All eyes were on her-waiting.

And when it became obvious she couldn't come up with an excuse, she suddenly clutched her head.

"Ah... my head hurts," she groaned, squeezing her temples and shutting her eyes tightly.

I laughed.

So did Mr. and Mrs. Hills.

Devon, meanwhile, merely smirked-as if he already knew exactly what was happening.

"No answer, so you'll pretend you're sick instead?" I asked mockingly.

Rod and Esmeralda continued laughing while Devon silently shook his head, clearly entertained.

"Asher, you know I fell down the stairs too," Corrine insisted weakly. "This might be a side effect of-"

"Just stop," Asher snapped. His face darkened as he grabbed her arm. "Let's go. Since we're already in a hospital, I'll have you checked."

He guided Corrine toward the door. It was obvious he didn't want to leave, but he must have realized that staying any longer would lead nowhere.

Only when they disappeared from my sight did I finally breathe out in relief.

"And who might you be?" Rod asked, turning his attention to Devon.

"I apologize for the late introduction," Devon replied, scratching the back of his head with a faintly sheepish smile. "I'm Devon. I'm the one who brought Emily here."

Rod and Esmeralda both looked at me, silently asking for confirmation.

Since I genuinely had no idea what had happened before I blacked out-and Devon was clearly the one present, I simply nodded.

"Thank you very much," Rod said politely, though his caution was evident. "But we'll take care of our daughter now. We may already be inconveniencing you."

"I'm not inconvenienced by Emily," Devon replied. "But I'll be going anyway. It seems you still have things to discuss."

Before leaving, he turned to me. A faint smile curved his lips as he spoke.

"Nice meeting you. Next time, don't eat food you're not supposed to."

I nodded at him, keeping my expression neutral.

I didn't know him.

But I had a strong feeling he wasn't ordinary.

The way he spoke to Asher earlier, his calm provocation, his confidence-those weren't the actions of a random man who just happened to save me.

And I never ignored instincts like that.

Devon had already left, leaving me alone with Rod and Esmeralda. The curiosity on their faces was unmistakable-both of them were clearly dying to ask about the man-but they chose silence instead, something I was deeply grateful for.

"Why would you eat something you're not allowed to?" Esmeralda asked as she gently stroked my arm. Her eyes were already brimming with tears, as if something truly terrible had happened to me. Well, something bad did happen-an allergy could have killed me. But here I was, still alive, still breathing, still standing.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know I was allergic to shrimp," I said softly. I didn't want her to worry. I couldn't bear the sight of the woman in front of me looking so distressed. Even if I wasn't truly Emily, I cherished the warmth of being treated like her daughter.

"This is your father's and my fault," Esmeralda said, her voice trembling. "We forgot to tell you, knowing fully well that you have amnesia. When you were younger, you absolutely loved shrimp. You could never get enough of it. That's why I understand why it was the first thing you reached for."

"Mom, you don't have to blame yourself-or Dad," I replied, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "What happened was on me. You were right, though. It felt like I was craving shrimp. But I want you to know that I'm actually happy, because now I know how delicious it really is."

Esmeralda could only smile and shake her head at that, clearly torn between relief and lingering worry. Rod, on the other hand, remained silent, having nothing more to add.

Not long after, I was discharged from the hospital. As usual, we went straight back to the Hills' residence.

But before we had even settled comfortably in the living room, one of the maids hurried over to us.

"Ma'am Emily, Sir Asher is outside."

Mr. and Mrs. Hills exchanged glances.

"Go upstairs to your room," Rod said firmly. "Your mother and I will handle talking to him."

"No need," I said calmly before turning to the maid. "We all know he won't stop anyway. Let him in."

The maid nodded and left. When she returned, Asher was already with her.

"Let's go home," he said without warning, making me let out a small, humorless chuckle. He didn't even bother greeting the Hills, despite clearly seeing them.

"I already told you-we're done," I replied. "Is that really so hard to understand?"

"And I already told you that you're coming home," he shot back. "We're still married, and-"

I didn't let him finish.

"Mr. Bennett, you know exactly what kind of marriage we have," I said evenly. "Like I said before, I don't remember anything about our past. But I do know how I feel now. I don't love you anymore. I'm letting you go, so feel free to openly claim your Corrine."

I made a conscious effort to keep my voice calm. As much as possible, I wanted our separation to end peacefully.

I had no idea what Emily truly felt deep inside-but I didn't care.

"Corrine and I are just friends," Asher insisted. "I never cheated on you. Yes, I took you for granted, but that's not enough reason for us to separate. If you don't want to come home, I'll give you time. I'll let you think this through. Just don't make me do something we'll both regret."

With that, he turned and left. He gave the Hills a brief nod on his way out, fully aware that they wouldn't acknowledge him.

I raised my hand to my temples and gently massaged them, the weight of everything finally settling in.

"Are you okay, my child?" Esmeralda asked, worry etched deeply into her face.

"You should go upstairs and rest," Rod added. "You need to recover so you can attend Mr. Taylor's seventieth birthday party. That will be your chance to build the connections you'll need now that you're the new CEO of Hills Pharma."

I nodded in agreement. I knew how important it was to surround myself with people who could be of help in the future, especially now.

For the moment, there was one person I was particularly eager to meet-a brilliant lawyer who could help me have my marriage to Asher legally annulled. I could only hope that someone like that would be among the guests invited to that party.