"They taught me that love was supposed to be unconditional. That mothers always forgive. That family comes first, no matter what.

They were wrong.

I was Emily Thompson—veterinarian, wife, mother. I gave up my career to support my husband's failing farm. I spent eight years nursing my asthmatic son, building a life around their needs, sacrificing my dreams for their comfort.

Then they chose a stranger over me.

When a beautiful liar claiming cancer came into our home, my husband believed her over his wife of eight years. My eight-year-old son wished she was his real mother. They traded me for a fraud, and expected me to quietly disappear.

Instead, I chose myself.

Some women forgive. Some women fight for their families. Some women break down and beg for a second chance.

I became the woman who builds an empire from the ashes of betrayal.


No Second Chances

Emily
"Dr. Thompson," Sarah's voice cut through my thoughts as she entered with a steaming cup of coffee. "The Vancouver International Veterinary Congress is on line one. They're confirming your keynote address for next month."
I lifted the phone. "Dr. Thompson speaking."
"Dr. Thompson, this is D...

Chapter 7