Chapter 1

580words2026-01-19 04:18

I still remember that rainy afternoon five years ago. The doctor had just confirmed my pregnancy. My hands trembled as I clutched the ultrasound picture to my chest. Alexander would be thrilled about our baby.

I rushed home to our penthouse, eager to share the news. The elevator ride felt endless as I rehearsed different ways to tell him. Would he prefer a creative announcement or a simple, heartfelt moment?

Our living room lights were on when I arrived. Strange voices drifted from Alexander's study. I recognized his uncle William's stern tone immediately.

"The Sullivan merger is our only option, Alexander." William's voice carried through the door. "Victoria's father will only agree if you marry her."

My heart stopped. I pressed my ear against the cold wood, praying I'd misheard.

"There must be another way." Alexander's voice sounded strained, desperate. "I love Elise."

William laughed, a harsh sound that cut through me. "Love won't save King Enterprises from bankruptcy."

"What about Elise?" Alexander asked. "I can't just abandon her."

"She brought nothing to this marriage except her pretty face." William's words stabbed like knives. "Victoria brings financial salvation."

I backed away from the door, my hand covering my mouth. The ultrasound picture slipped from my fingers. My whole body shook with silent sobs.

"You have until tomorrow to decide." William's footsteps approached the door. "Your father built this empire from nothing."

I darted into the guest bathroom just as the study door opened. Tears streamed down my face as I stared at my reflection. My hand rested on my still-flat stomach.

That night, Alexander came to our bedroom with cold, distant eyes. I pretended to be asleep, hoping he would leave me be. He didn't.

"We need to talk, Elise." His voice held none of its usual warmth. "Things are changing."

I sat up slowly, clutching the blanket to my chest. "What things?"

"The company is in trouble." He wouldn't meet my eyes. "I need to make some difficult decisions."

My voice trembled. "I heard you talking with William."

Alexander's head snapped up. "You were eavesdropping?"

"I was coming to tell you something important." Tears filled my eyes. "Instead, I learned my husband plans to marry another woman."

He paced the room like a caged animal. "It's not what you think."

"Then explain it to me." I begged, one hand protectively over my stomach.

Alexander's expression hardened. "The Sullivan merger is non-negotiable."

"And our marriage?" My voice broke on the question.

"It was a mistake." His words cut deeper than any knife. "We rushed into it."

The room spun around me. "A mistake? Three years of marriage was a mistake?"

"You need to leave, Elise." Alexander turned away. "Tonight."

I couldn't breathe. "You're throwing me out? For Victoria Sullivan?"

"She brings value to the company." His voice was emotionless. "What do you bring?"

I slapped him hard across the face. "I bring love, Alexander. Something you clearly know nothing about."

He grabbed my wrist painfully. "Love doesn't pay the bills."

"Where am I supposed to go?" I whispered, shock replacing anger.

Alexander tossed an envelope onto the bed. "There's enough money to set you up somewhere modest."

I stared at the envelope in disbelief. "You're buying me off?"

"Consider it a parting gift." He walked to the door. "Be gone by morning."

I packed through blinding tears. The wedding band on my finger felt like it weighed a thousand pounds. I left it on his nightstand with the ultrasound picture.