I know I am not supposed to start a new story without finishing the other two. Which I have not neglected by the way, I am just having severe writers block. Anyone want to be my muse? No? But this story is something I enjoyed writing. I needed something to get me out of my writing funk. This is a AU of course and it is starts in a made up place. Below is a bit of a better summary...

BY CHANCE SYNPOSIS: Emma is a new divorcee who never expected to be in the situation she is in. But vows to herself that she will take this second chance the universe has given her. But even the universe has a way of throwing a stone in the pond that is known as our lives. But Emma never expected the ripple to bring a dog into her life but now that it has. Chances are a dog won't be the only thing that is thrown into the blondes life. **Regina G!P** Story will include OUAT CHARACTERS as well as some characters I have invented. Some characters will seem OOC (OUT OF CHARACTER) but it will make sense.

Genre(s): Mystery/Romance/Suspense/Murder/G!P/Infidelity

Errors are mine. Some of you won't like because it is Regina G!P but that's fine. To those who read thank you and let me know what you think. Disclaimers I don't own anything, have no knowledge about medical examinations, advanced dynamics of technology, etc. etc

Emma sighed as she pushed through the heavy door into the fresh air. Mixed emotions tensed her shoulders as the door closed behind her. Olive eyes looked toward the sky as she thought about what had just happened. Everything she knew, everything that had become a part of her was gone. A marriage of five years that had all been lies. Lies that Emma had believed.

Smoothing her burgundy power suit she continued forward. Trying to push the memories to the back of her mind. As she moved toward the parking lot, twisting to access the purse under her arm. Feeling for her car keys as she continued forward.

Her hands trembled as she let out a frustrated sigh. Tears threatening to fall, as her slender fingers skimmed across the metal. Gripping her keys, she freed it from the confines of her purse. Before using the back of her hand, to clear her tear blurred vision.

This wasn't supposed to be her life. After she said I do, her life was supposed to begin. Not come to a divorce settlement only five years later. Gritting her teeth she clutched her key tighter in her hand, turning her knuckles white as she laid her forearms against the car. Bracing her forehead against her soft skin.

A hand stroked her arm, julting her to turn around. As she stared into the somber cognac irises of her lawyer. A saddened smile graced the young lawyer's lips as she allowed her hand to fall back to her side. Her fingers cradled a manila folder to her body with the other.

"Emma I'm sorry. If there was another way…"

A forced chuckle escaped the blonde as she dabbed at the corner of her eyes.

"No it's my fault. The signs were there I just…"

"Don't you dare Miss Swan?" Emma almost broke down at the use of her maiden name. For years she had played the part of 'Lily's Wife' or 'Missus Phillips'. But hearing her own maiden name, almost stopped her heart. "I've only known you for a short time but this is hardly your fault. That's why the judge awarded you."

Emma sighed. "Anna you've done your job. And welly I might add. Your sympathy is appreciated but not needed." The blonde sighed in admittance "It's not your fault things happened this way."

"Emma…" The red-head offered. Feeling a wave of guilt that she couldn't soothe her client's pain. "What are you going to do? Where are you going?"

"I don't know. Start over?" The blonde half-joked. Feeling her shoulders grow slack at the statement.

"Well you'll need this," Anna commented handing the folder to the blonde. "This is proof that the company is solely yours. And I know you didn't ask for it, but I figured you want the cars as well." The red-head winked. Earning a small but sincere smile from Emma.

"You have my number correct?" The client nodded. "Don't be afraid to use it." Before Emma realized what had happened the bubbly lawyer had pulled her into a tight embrace. That she resisted before allowing herself to relax into it.

"Emma you're such an amazing person. And if I may be unprofessional, anyone would be lucky to have you. I know right now it sucks but I have a feeling that this second chance will be magical." The lawyer whispered. Bringing Emma closer to her as if she could force her optimism by osmosis.

The divorcee wanted to cry but she couldn't. She was too tired, to emotionally drained to form tears. Maybe Anna was right maybe she needed this second chance. Her happy ending was out there somewhere she just had to find it.

X

Emma wiped a velvety hand down the front of her face. Her muscles strained from exertion from spending the remainder of her day packing boxes. It had been in the agreement that the day after the settlement, Emma would spend the early parts of the morning packing. While Lily remained away from the premise to resist the temptation of an unnecessary altercation. In honesty the businesswoman had been excited that her lawyer had proposed the deed. A piece of her had wanted to suggest it but looking across from Lily she had lost her nerve.

Taking a moment, the web-designer positioned her hand on her hip. As she viewed the spacious room. This room had been her favorite. When she had married Lily and they had moved from their apartment into the home they shared, the French archways had sold the blonde. A part of her grimaced at the memories that flooded through her mind. Thinking back to her naïveté. She had been so involved in getting her business off the ground she had been oblivious to the change in her marriage.

Emma knew all the blame couldn't be held accountable to Lily but it didn't make the sting of infidelity lessen. Shaking her head she pulled a scrunchy from her wrist and pulled her hair into a high ponytail before she returned to her boxes. Filling it with the only remaining items she wanted, before she taped it shut.

"Emma?" A familiar voice questioned as the blonde felt her chest seize. "What are you doing here?" Her tone holding hint of spite as the CEO gripped the duct tape tighter. Unable to muster the strength to turn around, to face the person who had aided in ruining their marriage. "You were supposed to be gone by now."

Gritting her teeth she sighed. Her throat tightened, wanting to scream. How did Lily have the right to be angry with her? Slowly the woman in doubt turned to her ex-wife. "I'm within my limit."

The blonde turned around and instantly regretted it. Her ex-wife wasn't alone. Emma hated the fact she recognized the blonde as her previous secretary. A growl caught in the blonde's throat, did Lily have to fit the spousal stereotype so perfectly?

The CEO watched as the brunette checked her watched before she pulled Kathryn closer. Wrapping her arm around her waist, whispering into her ear, as a smirk graced the blonde's lips. The secretary nodded before shooting Emma a look of indifference, before she rotated on her heels and fled the spacious living room.

The brunette watched Kathryn leave the room, humming to herself. Refusing to acknowledge the remaining blonde until the clicks of her heels completely disappeared.

Returning her piercing glance to the shorter woman in the room, Lily frowned. Checking her watch once again before she smoothed her long sleeved light blue cotton shirt down. And back over the large time faced display.

"I suppose you are. Maybe I read the time wrong," the brunette commented. But Emma read between the lines. She was here to taunt her and make her life more difficult then it was. Lily wanted to watch her suffer, to watch her crumble, but she wouldn't. She refused.

"So are you going to leave?" Emma questioned. Hoping her question held the venom she wanted, but had a feeling it didn't. Based on the overconfident grin her ex-wife was sporting.

"I could but," she started moving closer to the blonde. "This is my home. But I'd be willing to let you stay. We have enough history between us Swan." Her finger twisted around stray stands that fell from Emma's ponytail. Anger fueled the blonde as she swatted the hand away. Not missing the sneer the brunette gave. A defensive chuckle escaped, as the offender held her hands up in front of her. "Fine. Then get the hell out of my house."

"Gladly." Bending to retrieve the box, she straightened before pushing past the once love of her life. Tears stung at the back of her eyes as she clutched the box closer to her chest. Forcing her legs that threaten to buckle, out of the door and into her second chance.

(Regina)

The brunette sat in her mother's office. Awaiting the older woman to make an appearance, so they could attend their habitual Friday evening dinner. Cora Mills was a respected mayor in the small city of Wonderland, Texas. She was the embodiment of their towns slogan. 'Wonderland,Texas: Where happiness resides and smiles can be found around each corner.'

Regina remembered shooting her mother a curious look of really. To which Cora Mills had only shrugged and offered her mayoral smile. She had thought the sign and it's slogan was far fetched but upon moving she had learned the towns description was accurate. It didn't apply to everyone but it was enough to make the brunettes skin crawl when she thought about it.

She had been content wallowing in the misery that was her life in New York City. But after her father had fallen victim to aggressive leukemia, her mother had all but begged her to join her. Cora Mills may have been dubbed the people's champ, but she never begged. And when she had, Regina had crumbled over the phone and agreed.

"Well you seem deep in thought. Penny for your thoughts?" Cora asked as she sashayed into her salt and pepper colored office. Laying her coat over the arm of her suede couch. Before moving behind her mahogany colored desk, which occupied her stacks of papers and her computer.

"Mother do you ever feel like you are missing apart of yourself? Of your life?" Regina asked turning away from the window. Catching her mother's sullen look. Mentally reprimanding herself for the ill question. As she stepped away from the glass to apologize, but the mayor only held up a hand.

Smoothing down her grey pant suit. Allowing a half-hearted smile to grace her lips. "Ever since I lost your father," the red-head answered. "But yes I understand what you mean. Now that you are here the hole doesn't feel quite as large." A softened smile greeted the brunette.

"Perhaps we should continue this over dinner? I grow famished."

Regina couldn't deny she was hungry. But food was not the thing that captivated her mind at the moment. Issuing her mother a nod, she went back to her previous train of thought. She was a thirty year old woman, with a promising career, a handful of friends, and a secret. But she still felt something missing.

A soft hand touching her shoulder pulled her from her train of thought.

"Shall we dear?"

The brunette nodded. As she followed her mother, pulling the door closed behind her.

(Emma)

Draining the remaining stale coffee from the gas station Styrofoam cup, Emma sighed. Returning the empty canister to the cup holder. She had made multiple stops and she was finally getting closer to Wonderland, Texas. When her old college roommates had offered her the spare room in their home after her divorce she had jumped at the opportunity. Taking the opportunity she changed the radio station, before her eyes fell to the abandon and empty wrappers that littered her car floor.

Returning her strained eyes to the road, a sigh escaped as she took the exit her GPS commanded her too. All she wanted to do was shower and forget everything that had happened.

'In 1.1 miles take the second left and your destination will be on the right.' Her Garmin barked. As her eyes surveyed the area around her. Small and comfortable pastel colored houses lined either side of the two way street. Even at night it was easy to see the lawns and houses were maintained properly. Along with the houses ranging from single to two story homes.

Emma felt a shiver crawl down her spine as she pictured the white picket fence lifestyle. Something she had once wanted with Lily. Shaking her head she turned down the instructed street and smiled as she came to a brightly red house that was illuminated by street lights. The house stood out and Emma immediately knew it belonged to Ruby. And as strange as it felt approaching the house, a sense of calm washed over the blonde as she pulled into the wide driveway.

Killing the engine, Emma jerked the keys from the ignition. Taking a breath as she rested her head on the back of worn car upholstery. Her mind drifted into wondering how her life had gotten to this point. But in reality she knew, and was tired of thinking about her previous life and Lily. As if the universe was agreeing with her a faint tapping struck her window. Pulling her attention to the brunette staring into her window with a smile of happiness and faint worry.

Emma offered Ruby a smile as she unlocked the car, for her friend to open the door. Oceanic orbs pierced the blonde's isolated bubble as her best friend popped the door open and peered inside.

"You were supposed to call me an hour ago." Her best friend reprimanded. Clearing the empty wrappers and plastic containers to the floor as she slid in to claim the seat.

"I meant too… I just." Emma tried but couldn't finish. She had needed the quiet drive. Not that her friend was a pester or worrisome she just needed the space.

Leaning back against the chair, Ruby nodded her own seldom nod. She didn't need Emma to explain, broken hearts took time to heal. And while some did, others didn't.

"I get it Swan. David and I were just worried is all. I have been sitting by the window waiting to see this old hunk of junk drive up." The brunette joked. Hoping to see that prized Emma smile she had gotten to know over years of friendship. "Besides David may not admit it but he was worried too. But if you ask he'll deny it."

The CEO appreciated her friends attempt at trying to make her feel normal again. But Emma knew the elephant was still there. Somewhere on her cramped backseat, between pieces of plastic and empty coffee cups.

"Thanks Ruby." Emma voiced lowly. Rubbing her slender fingers over her steering wheel.

"That's what friends are for Swan. Ready to go inside?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

(Lucas/Nolan Residence)

David paced back and forth waiting, for his best friend and Ruby to come through the door. He absent-mindedly bit has nails in between glances at the clock. He was excited to see Emma again, not under the circumstances but he had never liked Lily. He had viewed her as a 'Dragon Lady,' selfish and ready to consume the unexpected. He would know his twin brother was the same way, but Emma had been genuinely happy and he chose to keep his mouth shut.

The sound of the door knob turning caught his attention mid-pace as he lowered his hand. Rubbing the small amount of wetness that coated the top of his fingers on the back of his pants before the door finally opened.

"Hey David I found a stray, think we should keep it?" Ruby humored as she pushed through the door, carrying a suitcase in her free hand. Throwing her head over her shoulder in the blonde's direction.

"Maybe," He answered with a miniscule chuckle. "Let's get a good look at this stray."

Stepping out of the way Ruby allowed the blonde to step into their home. David analyzed his best friend as she came into view and he felt his heart drop. Emma's skin had lost its glowing, life filled luster. Her eyes carried the heartbroken feel. Rather then the captivating emerald colored irises they were obsidian hued orbs.

Without further thought he opened his arms, and Emma retreated into the embrace. Soft sobs raked through her body, and David only held tighter. Cradling the back of her head. As he whispered calming words. He and Ruby locked eyes sharing a quick conversation, before she nodded and walked toward the guest room.

Returning his attention to the fragile woman in his arms, David rested his head against hers.

"It's her loss Emma. No one as great as you should cry over someone like her."

The blonde felt the small woman begin to calm in his embrace. Emma pulled away and David let her. Cupping her face in his warm hands as he stroked away tears with the pad of his thumb.

"How about we get you a cold beer some hot food and you tell us all about your trip?"

An unexpected chuckle broke from Emma's lips. As she used her long sleeves to wipe the unshed tears from her eyes.

"Why do you have to be such a guy?"

"That question would be better left for my father." He commented with a wink. "So shall we go and find the lady some sustenance?" He inquired with a playful bow.

"After you Charming."

(Regina)

Once again Regina had fallen victim to a sleepless night. She hit her alarm before it could ring. Turning over slowly she stared at the electronic, brightly illuminated red numbers. A groan escaped her lips before returning her gaze to the ceiling. She watched the ceiling fan as it turned. Throwing back the comforter, she allowed a shiver to cascade down her spine. As the icy air in her home assaulted her warm skin.

Rotating until her feet pressed against the cold wooden floor, she ran a manicured hand through her hair. Today was a new day but to Regina Mills it felt the same as yesterday. And the day before that one. Retreating to her bathroom she began her morning prep.

An hour and several wardrobe changes later Regina was prepared to start her day. She had dressed herself in a silk black V-shaped dress shirt accompanied by grey straight legged cuffed pants. Black red bottoms graced her feet. As she slipped her thin wallet and badge into her pocket. Grabbing her car keys and black blazer, she stepped out into another blazing day.

(X)

Regina mashed the brake as she slipped her car into park. Being a medical examiner had its perks. Her own office in the basement, restricted visits and the ability to do as she pleased.

Exiting the vehicle she pulled on her blazer. Before pressing the alarm to lock her car.

"Regina! Regina! Hi," Came a voice Regina knew all to well.

"Mary-Margaret," the brunette slightly acknowledged as she tucked her car key into her purse. Then continued her walk toward the deck elevator.

"I was wondering…" The pixie-haired woman began. Fidgeting with her shield, as Regina pressed the elevator button. "I was wondering if you wanted to join us for drinks at Marcos tonight?"

Shocked filled the examiner. She had been in the town nearly two years, and no one had bothered trying to make friends with her other then her assistant. Belle had been chosen as her assistant because she kept to her self and was excellent at her job. Covering her shock with a small cough. She turned slightly to make eye contact with the woman.

"And why might I wish to do that dear?"

"I know I'm fairly new to the force, but since I've been here. I haven't seen you participate in anything. You carry around a off-putting persona, but I think you're lonely." The dark haired officer replied honestly. "I don't believe what the bureau says about you."

"Not concerned the Evil Queen might curse or steal your heart?" Regina hissed. She was well aware of what the officers called her. They all found her intimidating and borderline scary. And to her that was fine, she wanted them to believe it. Getting close to people led to heartbreak.

Surprise made itself apparent on the young officers face before she could recover.

"I didn't know…"

"That I knew the name they address me as? I'm well aware of my title dear."

The sound of the elevator chiming, cut off whatever Mary-Margaret planned to say. Regina didn't wait for her counterpart to salvage herself, before she stepped into the elevator. Pushing the button to her designated floor. The brunette tucked her hands into her pocket, waiting on the door to close.

As the younger woman's voice flooded into the metal box before it completely closed.

"The offer still stands." Regina smirked as the heavy doors clamped together. She shook her head at the re-announced invitation. 'Not now, not ever dear,' Regina thought to herself with a sense of finality.

(X)

Her pen scrawled anxiously over the documents that had found their way to her desk. Belle pushed through her office door, more folders pressed flushly against the front of her floral print dress. Before she neatly deposited them onto Regina's pile of unaddressed cases.

"Chief Glass would like these back as soon as possible. He, and I quote said 'he needed damning evidence not that pansy circumstantial shit'."

A raised eyebrow greeted the young brunette, as Regina's pen ceased movement.

"Very well. Perhaps he should also wear my coat and take my title since my work ethic isn't pleasing to him."

Belle smiled at her boss. She had known Regina enough to know something else was bothering the chief medical examiner. Sydney Glass had always had a short fuse, but when it came to Regina he cowered. The fact that her comeback hadn't contained it's usual snap, was an immediate flag.

"Is something else bothering you?" The brunettes Australian accent apparent, as it decorated her question.

An irritated scoff escaped Regina as she returned her attention back to her papers. Waving the brunette away. But Belle refused to move. She had been with Dr. Mills long enough to know her ill-temper was backed with empty threats.

"What happened? Didn't sleep well again?" Concern escalated the Australians voice.

The pen stopped moving again.

"No," the doctor whispered nearly inaudibly.

"Perhaps it's time to visit a therapist Dr. Mills. There is no shame is needing help." Belle comforted as the older woman sneered at the implication. "I could make a call to my friend Dr. Hopper. Very discreet and professional."

"No." Came Regina's answer.

"Well if you decide you do. It'd be no problem."

"I wasn't aware I had already scheduled a session with you Belle. But if this is over perhaps you could get back to work?"

A sincere smile curved the smaller woman's lips.

"You can pretend to be the Evil Queen but we both know that's not who you are. You are Regina Mills and the sooner you accept that, you won't be nearly as lonely."

"Leave. Now. Before I find a replacement for you."

Belle laughed. "And break in a new assistant? We both know you wouldn't. To much of a head ache and whether you admit it or not you love me." The assistant smiled as she retreated backward from the office. Taking a moment to wave at the brunette, before she all but skipped off to continue working.

Regina watched her twenty-five year old assistant disappear. Feeling her smile surface as she contemplated what Belle had just said to her. In retrospect she did love Belle in her own way. She was caring, beautiful, and had a brain full of knowledge that almost rivaled her own. Turning back to her documents she plucked the folder her assistant had laid amongst the stack. Sneering at the bright pink sticky note that stuck out. Commanding she make the folder her top priority.

Putting her current work on hold, she went against her better judgement and opened the file. Stapled into the folder was a body Regina had recognized well. It had been the case that had begun her nights of unrest. Flipping the picture upward she examined the evidence that had been collected and catalogued. Something had seemed off about the body and the case, but Regina had made sure to follow protocol. Proceeding nearly robotic as she examined Mr. Arthur. Searching over every nick and cranny to make sure everything was covered.

Slamming the folder shut she pinched the bridge between her eyebrows. Why Sydney was making her relive a case that had been nearly detrimental to her health was beyond her. The doctor could feel the vein in her forehead beginning to bulge. A headache would be sure to follow. Laying her head against her hands Regina sighed. Her day couldn't get worst could it?

(Emma)

Dark circles were painted under the blonde's eyes as she examined her appearance in the guest bathroom. The events of yesterday seemed to cling to her skin. She looked like she had been through a divorce, had her heartbroken and moved in with her best friends. Ruby and David had made an attempt at distracting her with beer and David's signature hot wings. But she still felt sullied.

"Wait? Wait?" Emma laughed, as she covered her mouth with her hand. Making a promising attempt at trying to keep the food in her mouth. "You told me you didn't believe in happily ever after. And now you're dating…" She snapped her fingers. Trying to get Ruby to fill in the blank she was missing. As the brunette tried to stifle her fits of laughter.

"…Snow White." Ruby offered. As Emma swallowed down her bite of hot wing, turning back to David who was blushing.

"She is a officer." The only man in the room grimaced. Not appreciating the sudden shift in attention. "And she can't held the nickname she was given. She believes in seeing the good in everyone. She reminds me a lot of you Emma." David bantered. Causing the blonde to lower the bottle in her hand as a wave of sadness swept over her face. Ruby's laughter died as she shot David a damning look.

Hoping to turn the conversation around Ruby cleared her throat. Earning emerald colored orbs to fall to her face as she spoke. "So tomorrow is your first big day in the city of Wonderland. Any plans kid?"

"Business actually."

"Elaborate." David said as he bit into a wing.

"I am suppose to do a full system workup for the local police department actually. The system Ruby and I developed in college. Of course I made a few minor tweaks but nothing without Ms. Lucas's approval of course," Emma winked to her business partner.

"You know that's great. We are going out tomorrow to a local bar called Marco's and I'd love for you to meet Mary-Margaret. She and a couple officers from the precinct are coming. Would love to show you off and introduce you," David smiled. Nudging Emma with his elbow.

Emma wasn't sure what had possessed her to agree, but she had. Turning on the shower as she began to shed her clothing. She smiled as she recalled last night's activities.

An hour after she had finished preparing herself for the day, Emma groaned as she checked her appearance. She hated days like this. She was her own boss and rich in her own right, but even corporate America requested she dress professionally when conducting business. Concealing her body was a white collared shirt that clung to her arms. Demonstrating their natural luster, something Emma was proud of. A simple black tie was fastened under her collar. Along with a slim straight legged pair of dress pants. She had even forgone her usual boots for a small pair of glossy black pumps.

Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail. And she had even added a splash of Ruby red lipstick to her lips.

"Wooh! Someone is dressed to impress." Ruby commented as she leaned against the bathroom door frame. Eyeing her best friend up and down. Holding a bowl of cereal in her hand, as her pajamas decorated her body.

"Sometimes I hate you." Emma chided, leaning against the sink counter.

Ruby lifted the spoon to her mouth as she shook her head. Cleaning the spoon before she pointed it toward her blonde best friend.

"No you don't."

Emma smiled warmly at her. "You're right. But at this current moment… I do." The CEO half joked. She did envy Ruby. The brunette had a mind that equaled her own, but she rarely had to leave the comfort of her four walls. If Ruby needed to conduct or hold a meeting, she did it via email or pushed the business of interest into Emma's general direction. "Remind me again why I have to do the dirty work?" The blonde whined. Offering the brunette her signature pout. Watching as Ruby placed the spoon back in her mouth. Swallowing the bite before a sinister smile curved her lips.

"Because you signed up for it. And according to our accountant, the way I carry myself could insult the corporate world. Plus I'm stubborn. You were the person to get caught and endorse the idea. So in other words… you're the one that fits the bill."

"I never agreed with Will you did." The blonde reminded. Only to have Ruby issue a shrug as she returned to her cereal.

"Perhaps. But I must say partner… you look hot in a suit." The tall woman offered with a giggle before she disappeared from the doorway.

Ruby was right, Emma acknowledged. Sure what she and Ruby had done had gotten them in big trouble, but it had also been the start of their lives. And they were both good at it. Re-examining herself in the mirror. Emma caught herself smiling and chuckled. Her father had told her a long time ago, 'loving what you do means an adventure everyday.' And she had lived by the motto every since. Whispering a silent 'thank you' to her deceased father, she made a silent vow to her reflection. That today would be no different that today would be the start of a new adventure.

Comments? Questions? Concerns... Should I continue this?