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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?
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
Three years ago, the Moore family opposed Charles Moore's choice to marry his beloved woman and selected Scarlett Riley as his bride. Charles didn't love her. In fact, he hated her. Not long after they got married, Scarlett received an offer from her dream university and jumped on it. Three years later, Charles's beloved woman fell terribly ill. In order to fulfill her last wish, he called Scarlett back and presented her with a divorce agreement. Scarlett was deeply hurt by Charles's abrupt decision, but she chose to let him go and agreed to sign the divorce papers. However, Charles seemed to delay the process deliberately, leaving Scarlett confused and frustrated. Now, Scarlett was trapped between the consequences of Charles's indecision. Would she be able to break free from him? Would Charles eventually come to his senses and face his true feelings?
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.