How a Crippled Heiress Tore Down Her Husband's Empire novel Chapter 1

"Hey babe, something urgent came up at work."

"I won't be home tonight." 

I was arranging the last rose when Samuel's text came through. 

I'd spent the past week planning this romantic dinner for Valentine's Day. 

Knowing how busy he was, I still couldn't help but beg: 

"You've been working nonstop for years."

"Can't you just take one night off? I've got something special planned." 

Samuel's voice message came back sharp and annoyed: 

"Stop being so selfish, okay?"

"The entire company's riding on my shoulders."

"It's not like you're doing anything important at home."

"I don't expect you to understand, but at least don't make things harder for me." 

"Everything I do is for us. I'll make it up to you tomorrow." 

His words felt like knives stabbing into my chest. 

Two years ago, a lab explosion cost me my right arm. 

During those dark days, Samuel took over my company, becoming the CEO of Emerson Enterprises. 

He never once made me feel like a burden, and I've been grateful ever since. 

But now, every word he spoke cut deeper than the last. 

The candles and gourmet meal I'd prepared felt like a cruel joke. 

Just as I typed "Okay," a notification popped up—a new follower request. 

Lately, their meetings had become more frequent, and I'd started to notice. 

Whenever I brought it up, Samuel would brush it off: 

"Relax, babe. She's just a kid fresh out of college."

"I'm helping her figure out her career. Don't overthink it." 

He'd even cup my face and say, 

"You're the only one for me. Lily's just a mentee."

"She's not even on my radar." 

But now, this so-called "mentee" was flaunting her victory in my face. 

Lily had tagged her location in the post. 

I threw on a loose coat to hide my missing arm and rushed to the upscale lounge.