The Storm Begins with a Whisper

Four years after marrying Wesley Coleman, Emma Payne is expecting a baby.

She shows up at the hospital with her forms to get registered, but when the nurse runs her info, she tells her that the marriage certificate isn't valid.

Emma simply can't believe it. "No way. That can't be right."

The nurse taps on the stamp. "Look at that. The seal is all crooked, and the code doesn't check out."

Emma isn't convinced yet. She rushes to the courthouse, but they tell her the same thing.

"Mr. Coleman is married, and his spouse's name is Sandra Payne."

The news hits her like a ton of bricks. Her mind just goes blank.

Sandra Payne is Emma's half-sister. Worst of all, she is also Wesley's first love.

Years ago, she went abroad to chase her dreams. She never showed up to her own wedding and left Wesley heartbroken. And now, she is actually his legal wife.

Emma Payne left the courthouse like a wreck. She was totally out of it and barely able to walk straight.

She held it together until she got into the taxi that pulled up for her. Then, the tears she had been fighting back finally started falling.

Four years ago, she married Wesley Coleman in Sandra Payne's place after Sandra backed out of the wedding to save their families from disgrace.

Wesley gave Emma the cold shoulder at the start. But she never complained and took care of him.

Eventually, he warmed up to her after all the time spent together. He even started putting up with her throwing off his plans.

He would listen to her lame jokes without interrupting. He even trusted her enough to handle the confidential documents.

Later on, he treated her more and more kindly. He got her an unlimited credit card and took her to many famous restaurants.

Even if she got a craving for peanut butter cookies from the north side in the middle of the night, he would drive halfway across the city to get them for her.

He even pinched her cheek and said dotingly, "You're such a foodie. I've never seen anyone as obsessed with snacks as you."

Emma believed she had finally won Wesley over. But that all came crashing down two months ago when Sandra came back, sick with cancer.

Adam Payne, Emma's dad, gathered everyone for a family meeting that night.

Looking her dead in the eye, he announced, "Sandra's cancer is at the end stage. The doctors say she has less than half a year left.

"Her biggest regret is not marrying Wesley. We need you to just disappear for a while. When the wedding is done and she isn't around anymore, he will still be yours."

Jamie Valentine, Emma's stepmom, pleaded, "Sandra is your sister. Can't you just give in for her?"

Sandra bawled her eyes out. "This is my last wish. Please let me have it."

Emma couldn't believe what she was hearing. Tears welled up in her eyes as