After My Husband Faked His Death, I Married His Rival

During Elijah's Thanksgiving party, my husband who had been missing for ten years made a grand entrance with his beloved Ayah and their two sons. His brothers were quick to joke:

"Lachlan, your fake death act deserves an Oscar. The Academy owes you an award for this performance."

"Remember when Hazel was running around pregnant, searching the world for you? People mocked her for being so desperate. It was amusing."

With a sneer, Lachlan retorted, "If she hadn't been so determined to marry me, Ayah wouldn't have been devastated enough to try to end her life. I wanted her to feel what it's like to be abandoned."

"Unless she kneels and apologizes to Ayah at tonight's party, she and her unborn child should forget about being recognized," he said, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes, anticipating my humiliation.

Unbeknownst to him, the truth of his fake death at sea had long been uncovered. His reckless actions led to the company's stock plummeting, nearly bankrupting it within days. His father, Warren, had a heart attack in a fit of rage over Lachlan's behavior and passed away before reaching the hospital.

Laurel, blaming me for it all, attacked me with a knife while I was eight months pregnant. The blade pierced my abdomen, and blood flowed, leading to the loss of my unborn child. Just before the police arrived, she jumped to her death, ending it all in tragedy.

After the emergency saved my life, I remarried his creditor, Elijah, and now our child is old enough to run errands.

...

"Lachlan, you should've seen how Hazel looked back then, in the streets crying and making a scene like a madwoman. She was the epitome of a desperate fool," another of his brothers chimed in.

Lachlan scoffed, "Thinking a pregnancy could tie me down? She should know better than to compare herself to Ayah."

I locked eyes with him as he finished speaking, and he froze for a moment before striding towards me.

"Hazel, what are you doing here? I've been avoiding you for ten years, and you're still showing up like a bad penny. Leave now; this isn’t a place for your antics!"

The crowd murmured:

"Who is she? After being insulted like that, why doesn’t she leave? I heard Mr. Gonzalez plans to introduce his wife at the party, and if this woman disrupts it, she'll be in deep trouble."

"This woman is really bold, kicking up a fuss at Mr. Gonzalez’s party. No wonder she was abandoned."

I looked at Lachlan and spoke coldly, "When you faked your death and vanished, I legally dissolved our marriage. You have no right to order me around."

"Everyone knows you're obsessed with me, hoping to cling to me forever. You think I'd believe a word about a divorce?" Lachlan scoffed.

The crowd began to murmur again:

"This woman has some nerve, hanging around despite such humiliation."

"Mr. Gonzalez is famous for doting on his wife. If his wife is upset at the party, he certainly won't let this woman off lightly."

Lachlan's expression changed at the sound of the murmurs. He grabbed my arm sharply, "Get out, don’t embarrass me here!"

He had gone to great lengths to get an invitation to this party, terrified my presence would ruin his chance to cozy up to Mr. Gonzalez.

As he shoved me toward the exit, Ayah, who walked over with their children, looked at me and said in a seemingly innocent tone, "Sister, it’s been ten years. Why all this drama upon meeting?"

"I know it hasn’t been easy for you raising a child alone. Blame me if you must, but spare Lachlan."

"Whatever anger you have, direct it at me, not here where everyone’s watching."

Her words, although appearing to defuse the situation, only fueled Lachlan's anger. He glared at me, accusing me of causing a scene on purpose.

Watching the pair in front of me, memories of an unbearable wedding night rushed back.

That night, I waited eagerly to celebrate with Lachlan. But when Ayah called, claiming she would end her life, he left without a word, taking his coat and not returning until the next day. By then, the whole community knew, and I was the laughingstock, the woman who threw herself at him.

I broke free from Lachlan's hold, my gaze piercing Ayah. "Aren’t you tired of pretending? Because I’m certainly tired of watching."

"Sister, I know you dislike me, but I never intended to hurt you..." Ayah began, but Lachlan interrupted, shielding her, glaring at me.

"Enough. I won’t allow you to bully Ayah. I left back then to teach you a lesson, but you still don’t learn. Today, I’ll make it clear: Ayah’s cared for me all these years and gave me two sons. I'm bringing her home."

"You better behave, or I’ll throw you out immediately."

I couldn't help but find it laughable. "Lachlan, I’ve remarried. Who you bring home has nothing to do with me."