My Ex Stole Our Son's Bone Marrow

At 4:30 p.m., Emelia Chapman wrapped up her workday and headed straight to Magnolia Grill. Twenty minutes later, she pulled into the lot and parked right by the restaurant entrance. As she stepped out, a voice called from nearby, "Em, over here!"

She turned to see a tall, broad-shouldered guy leaning against a car, waving her over. It was Ryatt Bailey—Lorelai's younger brother, and the so-called "affair partner" she'd cooked up to push David Richards into agreeing to a divorce.

Ryatt was an impressive six-foot-two, muscular, with striking features. Standing there, he looked more like a bodyguard than anything else. He was straight-up and loyal—qualities that had made him say yes to Emelia's unusual request.

"Hey! I didn't know you were coming today. Lorelai didn't mention it," Emelia said, walking over to him.

"My sister figured you might need a little cheering up after your negotiations didn't go so well," Ryatt replied sincerely. "Thought I'd see if there was anything I could do."

Emelia chuckled. "Thanks, Ryatt, but not right now."

He winced slightly at the nickname. "Em, I'm 22 now. Please stop calling me Ry-Ry like I'm still a kid. Ryatt works just fine."

Emelia grinned. "I think Ryatt has a more personal touch."

They chatted as they walked into the restaurant, gave Lorelai's name at the front desk, and a waiter led them to a table by the window.

"Let me know if you need anything," the waiter said politely before leaving them to it.

As soon as they sat down, they spotted Lorelai's car pulling quickly into a spot outside. She stepped out with a radiant smile, practically skipping toward the entrance.

"What's got her so hyped? She's walking on air," Ryatt joked, pouring Emelia a cup of coffee.

"Looks like she's got some good news," Emelia guessed, craning her neck to catch sight of Lorelai at the door.

Lorelai rushed over to join them, her excitement contagious. "Remember that $3 million project I mentioned? I finally closed the deal today!" she announced jubilantly.

"Come on, we're celebrating today! Order something extravagant," she said, waving the waiter back over.

"Congratulations!" Emelia exclaimed, genuinely thrilled for her friend, knowing exactly how much effort Lorelai had poured into this venture.

Ryatt laughed. "Sis, think you could spring for a new car for me?"

Lorelai pretended to be deeply engrossed in the menu, completely ignoring him.

Ryatt leaned closer to Emelia, whispering, "See? Not a word."

Shortly after, their appetizers arrived along with some wine. Lorelai wasted no time pouring them all a drink, still riding high from the good news. "All those late nights were worth it. Let's not leave until we've properly celebrated!"

The three of them raised their glasses, just about to toast, when Lorelai suddenly paused. "Wait a sec!"

"Ryatt, why do you always sit next to Emelia whenever we have dinner together?" she asked curiously.

Emelia and Ryatt exchanged a quick glance at her question. In a mock-serious tone, Ryatt draped an arm around Emelia's shoulders, declaring, "Why? I'm her stand-in boyfriend, after all. Makes perfect sense!"

Emelia's head bumped lightly against Ryatt's firm chest, making her wince slightly. "Ryatt, no need to be so convincing," she murmured, rubbing her forehead.

Ryatt left his arm resting over Emelia's shoulders, completely unfazed by her protest.

Lorelai shook her head, amused. "You're getting way too into character for a pretend role!"

She gave her brother a teasing look before turning back to Emelia. "Come on, let's celebrate and help you move on from your current situation!"

As they clinked their glasses, laughter filled the table.

Meanwhile, across the restaurant, David Richards walked in with a group of business associates. His gaze instinctively landed on the lively table by the window—where Emelia sat with Ryatt and Lorelai. Her laughter and the way Ryatt's arm encircled her shoulders didn't escape his notice.

David felt his expression harden involuntarily, his eyes narrowing as he watched them. Was this her supposed "new love"? Were they toasting the upcoming divorce?

Even while he smiled and made conversation with his business partners, David couldn't shake the image of Emelia looking so carefree and happy in another man's arms.

As their meal wound down, Emelia's phone buzzed with a message from David: "Be home by ten. I've covered the bill for your meal."

"Thanks for that," Emelia typed back, not bothering to refuse the gesture.

She set her phone aside and turned to Lorelai. "David covered our bill."

Lorelai giggled, raising her glass once more. "Well, thanks to Mr. Iceberg's generosity, I won't hold back!"

Emelia smiled softly, saying nothing more.

About half an hour later, the trio left the restaurant.

David's driver, Khari Freeman, approached Emelia with a polite nod. "Mrs. Richards, Mr. Richards has asked me to drive you home."