*Emily*

Five years. I wasted five years of my life in a damn cell! The reason ? For a crime I didn't even commit!

I will always remember that day, that day that changed my life forever. It was my wedding, I was so happy, but someone had to ruin this wonderful time in my life that only lasted a few minutes.

The lifeless body of my sister-in-law, Paulina, will forever be etched in my memory. She was so sweet and kind. So why kill her? Why kill such an innocent girl?

I was devastated after discovering her lifeless body in my room lying on the floor. There was blood everywhere. Everywhere.

But what hurt me the most was that everyone I trusted didn't hesitate to point fingers and call me a murderer. I was devastated. My parents disowned me, my friends turned their backs on me, and my fiancé spat hurtful words in my face that I will never forget. Words that pierced my heart. Words that finished me off.

I also remember the surprise I wanted to surprise him and my family and friends. However, I lost it after Leo hit me hard.

A tear rolled down my cheek thinking back to that night. I had lost everything. All. I was so naive at the time that I didn't see it coming. But all that is over! Yes, it's over! I spent five years of my life surviving in the hell they call prison. I was beaten by many prisoners day and night. And thanks to that, I became stronger! Stronger than I've ever been!

After begging for some money, I stop at a phone booth and call the only person who can help me. Mary, my grandmother.

"Hello ?

- It's me, Emily.

-Oh my God ! Emily! How are you ?

-I'm fine granny but I have a little problem and I need your help.

- What do you want my darling?

-Actually, I just got out of jail and I have nowhere to go. Can you host me for a while?

- But of course sweetie! You can come live with me all the time you want.

-It's true ?

-Yes. I'll even prepare your favorite little dish.

- Yes, thank you very much Grandma! I love you !

-You're welcome my dear."

I hang up smiling. She was the only one who supported me and the only one who visited me when I was in prison. However, my smile disappears immediately when I notice that I no longer have any panties on me.

When I arrive in front of his magnificent villa, I run as fast as I can, then enter the house without bothering to knock.

I see grandma in the kitchen preparing food.

"Granny!" I shouted

She jumps and turns around, staring at me.

"You scared me silly!"

I take her in my arms and she hugs me back. I missed her so much.

"Sorry to scare you grandma."

I apologized

-It's nothing. But the next time you do that to me again, I'm going to spank you."

I laugh at his remark and help him cook. She told me everything that happened during the last five years.

I don't hide that I had a little twinge in my heart when I learned that Léo, my ex-fiancé got married to Melina, his so-called "childhood friend". My parents meanwhile are still busy working, while my brother, Steven married a certain Hannah and as for my sister, Elisa, she left home without giving any sign of life for five years now. Grandma says she left when I got arrested.

"And you? She asked me

-What, me ?

-How are you ?

-I'm fine, Grandma.

- No, you're not well! Stop lying to me Emily. I know you and I can see the pain in your eyes. It's because of Leo isn't it?

Only by hearing his first name, I stop crying. How could he do this to me? Why didn't he believe me? Yet it was he who promised me never to turn his back.

My grandmother caresses my back while I cried on her shoulder.

After a few minutes, I calm down, but it was short-lived when my grandma speaks.

"Emily, I have to tell you something."

Oh oh. I don't feel it at all....

"What do you want to talk about grandma?

- Sit down first, I want you to eat and then we'll talk about it okay? I don't want to spoil your appetite, darling."

I nod and sit down at the table. I help myself and savor my favorite dish with relish. I missed it so much!

I help my grandmother clear the table and then we head to the living room. I sit on the chair and she does the same.

"So? What did you want to talk to me about?

-From Leo.

- We already talked about him, grandma. You told me he got married and...

-That's what I wanted to talk to you about Emily. Did she cut me off

- About his marriage to Melina?

-In effect.

-I don't want to talk about that grandma.

- But you have to!

- Grandma! You know I still love her and it hurts me to talk about it so why do you insist?"

She immediately shuts up and avoids my gaze. I have the impression that what she is going to tell me is not going to please me.

"Grandma? What is it?

-The day the police took you away, Leo was really mad at you. He was out of control. He said he wanted to be alone, I disagreed but he insisted. So I went home."

She breathes before continuing.

"But I had a bad feeling. I knew it was not a good idea to leave him alone so I went back to his place. When I entered the house, I..."

She doesn't finish her sentence and just stares at me. What has the gift to annoy me.

"You?

-I caught him with Melina trying to... De... Well, you see."

My heart skips a beat. What ? What is this story ?

"Don't tell me he banged Melina when I got arrested.

-That's what happened Emily. But that's not all. she told me

-What else has he done?

-Leo proposed to Melina the next day where I surprised them and even partied the same night to celebrate their engagement with your so-called friends and...your parents.

My parents ? Is this a joke?

A tear runs down my cheek. How could they? They were never close to me when I was a child, of course, but how can parents do that to their own child?

"My parents ?

-Yes my darling. I cut ties with your parents when they disowned you. And when I found out they were at Leo's engagement party, I caused a huge scandal. But the worst part is that your parents were really happy for them.

-The bastards !

- But there is even worse.

-And what's worse?

She looks at me sadly before continuing.

"Honey, was Leo really in love with you?"

But she is completely crazy or what? What is this stupid question?

"Sure, what question."

She looks away as I try not to swing the vase next to me on a wall. I need to calm down before the beautiful villa in my grandmother looks like a dump.

"Sweetheart, I know it's hard for you but you had to know.

-I know Grandma and I thank you for telling me everything." I whispered. "I'm going to take a shower.

-Okay, you will sleep in one of the free rooms."