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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?
Looking at the divorce papers my lips curled up into a mocking smile. 'How big fool I am? How can I think that he will give a chance to this marriage? How can I forget that I was nothing more a tool in his eyes to vent his anger until his beloved Tara is back. Since, she was back, how can he let me stay there?' "After you will sign these papers, you will receive 100 million dollars as alimony." the lawyer added. Because of his words, I came back to my senses took the pen from him, and signed the name. I have also gotten exhausted from this marriage both physically and mentally. Even though I had wanted my child to be born into a complete family, I didn't want my child to have a stepmother and live miserably like me for the rest of his life. After taking the papers from my hand, the lawyer gave me the bank card, turned around, and was about to leave when he paused at the door. He then turned around and added, "Mr. Carter said that he hoped that you won't pester him, or you have to bear the consequences." The lawyer's words were like a knife stabbing in my heart, but I still nodded. Anyway, I also don't plan to have anything to do with him anymore. I just want to live a good life with my children. After the lawyer left, the ward fell into silence. I placed my hand on my belly and said to my children, "Baby, I am sorry, Mommy can't give you a complete family! But I promise you, I will do my best to give the love of both mother and father." 'As for giving one of my child, I will never do that. They are my babies and my alone. I and I will give birth to all of them and raise them no matter what.' Four Years Later... Anya came back to the country with her three kids, to inherit the company left by his grandfather...
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. "It's time to reveal your true identity, darling."
On her wedding day, Khloe’s sister connived with her groom, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. She was sentenced to three years in prison, where she endured much suffering. When Khloe was finally released, her evil sister used their mother to coerce Khloe into an indecent liaison with an elderly man. As fate would have it, Khloe crossed paths with Henrik, the dashing yet ruthless mobster who sought to alter the course of her life. Despite Henrik’s cold exterior, he cherished Khloe like no other. He helped her take retribution from her tormentors and kept her from being bullied again.
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
Five years ago, Alessia La Rosa's life took a drastic turn when, suffering from memory loss, she wed to Dominic Carter under her grandfather's mysterious arrangement. But their marriage was a facade, bringing her only humiliation and heartache as Dominic showed no love, and she couldn't conceive. Upon discovering Dominic's infidelity, Alessia sought liberation through divorce. Yet, fate had more in store for her. Five years later, spurred by an anonymous email hinting at her lost child's whereabouts, she returns to the city with her twin babies in tow, determined to uncover the truth. As she navigates the tangled web of her past, a surprising twist awaits. Dominic, upon meeting her again, finds himself drawn to the woman she has become, unaware of her true identity as his former wife. Little does he know, the woman he's falling for is not only his ex-wife but also a powerful Doctor and Master Hacker.