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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?
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
"I've warned you from the beginning. Don't marry him, but you won't listen." She stood close to me and smiled with concern. "You are not a woman worthy of a man as handsome, rich, smart, and virile as Blaze." My whole body trembled at her words. "Have you no shame?" I asked in a quivering voice. "Take a good look at yourself, Heather." She looked at me in the mirror. "You can't even look at your ugly face. Do you think Blaze can endure a lifetime of looking at that face?" Heather Bailey had a surprise from her husband that night: a divorce agreement. After a year of marriage and facing ups and downs, she couldn't believe Blaze intended to divorce her. But she was devastated when she saw him gazing lovingly at another woman because that person was closest to her. Shortly after she put her signature on their divorce papers, shock waves caught her up. Her flower shop was severely burnt, beyond repair. Her father's company collapsed, and her parents blamed her. She struggled to rebuild her life from the ground up and became more successful than ever. Having many customers who came from influential families, she started her action against Blaze. She won the very thing he wanted. But that was just the beginning.
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"