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"I want a divorce!" Ryan demanded, despite the fact that he had cheated on her with his ex. ~ Serena is no longer the quiet, romantic lady Ryan Winters married and divorced five years ago. Now the CEO of Rocky's Designs, she is bright, unwavering, and unapologetic about her independence-a far cry from the woman Ryan remembers. When fate brings them back into one another's lives, Ryan is forced to confront the truth about their past, their newfound hot chemistry, and a surprising revelation; Serena has a daughter who may be his. But Ryan's girlfriend, Kate, isn't prepared to lose him again. She will do whatever it takes to keep Ryan in her grasp-even if it means destroying Serena's life and the corporate empire she has built. What happens when Serena's now peaceful life is being disrupted? Will Serena lose once again or will she seize this billionaire's heart?
Serena's POV
"Congratulations, Mrs. Ryan," the doctor said with a bright smile. "You're pregnant!"
I froze, her words taking a moment to sink in. "I'm... pregnant?" I stammered, staring at her.
"Yes," she confirmed, nodding enthusiastically. "About a month along. Your test results are very clear."
My hands instinctively rested on my flat stomach. "A baby," I whispered, a small smile creeping onto my lips. A rush of excitement and nerves filled me.
This was the best news I had ever received. Finally, something to bring Ryan and me closer. Maybe this would change things between us. Maybe he'd finally see me as more than just his contract wife.
"Thank you, doctor," I said, standing up and shaking her hand.
As I left the clinic, I couldn't stop grinning. I was going to be a mother. And Ryan was going to be a father. He deserved to know right away.
I headed straight to his office, clutching my purse tightly. I imagined how he would react. Would he be shocked? Happy? Maybe even... excited?
When I arrived at the company, I walked through the familiar halls, my heels clicking against the polished floor. I smiled at the receptionist, who gave me a polite nod.
His office door was slightly ajar when I approached. I was about to knock when a sound from inside made me stop.
A low chuckle. A woman's voice.
"Ryan, stop it," the voice teased, playful and sultry.
I frowned and peeked through the gap. My heart stopped at what I saw. "She's back?"
Ryan stood between Kate's legs, his hands on her waist. She was perched on his desk, leaning back slightly, her arms wrapped around his neck. Their lips were locked in a passionate kiss, his hand sliding up her thigh.
I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. My hand flew to my mouth to muffle a gasp as tears blurred my vision.
"No," I whispered under my breath, stepping back. This couldn't be real. It couldn't be happening.
Kate's voice broke through my disbelief. "You missed me, didn't you?"
"You know I did," Ryan replied, his tone soft and intimate. "You're the only one I've ever wanted."
The words sliced through me like a knife. I couldn't bear to watch any longer. I turned to leave, my legs shaking beneath me.
But my heels betrayed me. The sharp sound of one striking the floor made Ryan's head snap toward the door.
"Who's there?" he called out, his voice sharp.
I didn't wait to be seen. I bolted down the hallway, tears streaming down my cheeks.
"Serena?" I heard him call, but I didn't stop. I ran out of the building, ignoring the curious stares from the staff, and hailed the first cab I saw.
When I got home, I slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing in the empty flat.
"Damn it!" I screamed, throwing my purse across the room. My body shook as I collapsed onto the couch, burying my face in my hands.
The image of Ryan and Kate together was burned into my mind. The way he touched her, kissed her... like she was the only person in the world.
He had never treated me that way.
The only day we made out was because he returned home drunk!
"How could he do this to me?" I choked out, my voice breaking. "Why now? Why, when I-"
I placed a trembling hand over my stomach. "How am I supposed to tell him now?"
The door opened behind me. I froze, wiping my tears quickly as Ryan stepped in.
"Serena," he said, his voice cold and distant.
I didn't turn to face him. "What do you want, Ryan?"
"We need to talk." His footsteps grew closer, and I could feel his presence looming behind me.
"About what?" I asked, my voice flat.
He moved to stand in front of me, adjusting his tie. His expression was unreadable, but his tone was sharp. "I want a divorce."
The words hit me like a blow. I stared at him, my chest tightening. "A... divorce?"
"Yes."
"Why?" My voice cracked, but I refused to let him see how much this hurt. "What did I do wrong, Ryan?"
"This isn't about you," he said, avoiding my gaze. "This marriage isn't working. It's better if we both move on."
"Move on?" I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. "You mean you want to move on. With Kate, right?"
His jaw tightened, but he didn't deny it.
"Say it," I demanded, standing up. "Say her name!"
"Kate," he said after a pause. "I love her, Serena. I've always loved her."
My knees felt weak, but I forced myself to stay upright. "So that's it? You're throwing me away for her? After everything-"
He cut me off. "This was a contract, Serena. You knew that from the start."
"I didn't know it would feel like this!" I shouted, my voice cracking. "I didn't know you'd break me like this, Ryan!"
He sighed, pulling a stack of papers from his briefcase. "I had these prepared," he said, placing them on the table. "You can read them at your own pace. I'm willing to offer financial support if you need it."
I stared at the divorce papers, my hands shaking. "Support?" I laughed hollowly. "You think money will fix this? Fix me?"
"I'm trying to be fair," he said defensively.
"Fair?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You cheated on me, Ryan. And now, you're talking about fairness?"
He didn't respond, only adjusted his tie again. "I'll give you some space," he muttered, turning toward the door.
"Ryan," I called after him, my voice shaking.
He paused but didn't turn around. "What?"
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. "I hope she's worth it."
For a moment, he didn't say anything. Then he nodded and walked out, the door clicking shut behind him.
I sank back onto the couch, tears spilling down my face. The man I had loved with all my heart had chosen someone else.
I looked at the divorce papers on the table, their presence mocking me. Slowly, I picked up the pen and signed my name.
With that, it was over.
I placed a hand on my stomach, a bittersweet smile forming on my lips. "It's just us now," I whispered. "And we're going to be okay."
Jane Fitzergald, a 22 year old medical student and the illegitimate daughter of the Harrison family, was forced to take her half-sister's place as a substitute bride to the eldest son of the Harrington family, Ethan, a deformed cripple with less than 6 months to live. She dealt with mockery right from her wedding from everyone and was a victim of vicious plots due to her naivety which caused a strain on the relationship with her new husband whom had already decided to be on good terms with. Unbeknownst to her and everyone else who looked down on her husband, he was not what he seemed. Ethan Harrington knew that she was not his bride but he didn't mind as long as she stuck to his words, his known health status was a front to cover his escapades. He's set to unmask some plots but what happens when he starts to fall for his naive wife who shows him the love and care he never got? Will their budding love be cut off or will they weather the storm together?
When Zora was sick during the early days of her pregnancy, Ezrah was with his first love, Piper. When Zora got into an accident and called Ezrah, he said he was busy, when in actual fact, he was buying shoes for Piper. Zora lost her baby because of the accident, and throughout her stay at the hospital, Ezrah never showed up. She already knew that he didn't love her, but that was the last straw for the camel's back, and her fragile heart could not take it anymore. When Ezrah arrived home a few days after Zora was discharged from the hospital, he no longer met the woman who always greeted him with a smile and cared for him. Zora stood at the top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, "Good news, Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us anymore, so let's get a divorce." The man who claimed not to have any feelings for Zora, being cold and distant towards her, and having asked her for a divorce twice, instantly panicked.
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
Her fiance and her best friend worked together and set her up. She lost everything and died in the street. However, she was reborn. The moment she opened her eyes, her husband was trying to strangle her. Luckily, she survived that. She signed the divorce agreement without hesitation and was ready for her miserable life. To her surprise, her mother in this life left her a great deal of money. She turned the tables and avenged herself. Everything went well in her career and love when her ex-husband came to her.
Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life on his own terms, while she could indulge in the rest of hers. However, fate had other plans in store. "My darling, I was wrong. Would you please come back to me?" The man, whom she once loved deeply, lowered his once proud head humbly. "I beg you to return to me." Belinda coldly pushed away the bouquet of flowers he had offered her and coolly replied, "It's too late. The bridge has been burned, and the ashes have long since scattered to the wind!"
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"