I Lost a Husband, But I Gained an Empire

Aurelia's POV

I once thought this man had finally grown up, that he was ready to take responsibility. Turned out, he only quit smoking so he could prepare to have a baby with this girl.

My stomach twisted violently at that realization, and then I grabbed the wall as waves of nausea hit me.

Callum hurried forward to support me, speaking in a soft, careful tone. “Aurelia, I’m sorry. I know I’m wrong. I’ll give you time to process all this. As long as we finalize the divorce before Melina gives birth, it’ll be fine. I hope you understand. The baby in her stomach can’t grow up without a father.”

His familiar cologne mixed with the cold air and hit my senses, making me gag even harder.

I shoved him away and forced a smile. “What’s there to process? Let’s get divorced now.”

Then I glanced at Melina’s barely noticeable baby bump. “Her child can’t grow up without a father? Funny, mine can’t either. So, hurry up. The sooner we’re done, the sooner I can find a better dad for my son.”

Hearing that, something flickered in Callum’s eyes. “Aurelia…”

Before he could continue, Melina interrupted with a pout, “She already agreed, what are you waiting for? Bring out the divorce papers!”

While he stood there stunned, she quickly handed me a pre-printed divorce agreement.

I skimmed through it and laughed. “Not a single share of the company in my name?”

Callum kept his voice calm. “This company has always belonged to my family. And back when you were still in school, I supported you for eight years. Emotionally and logically, the company’s shares don’t concern you.”

I had always been grateful. Why else would I have married into the family when they were on the brink of bankruptcy?

Over the years, I earned dozens of patents, all of which outside companies were willing to buy for astronomical prices. But I gave every single one to his family for free for eight years.

Nine out of ten of his family’s clients came because of my patents.

And now, during this divorce, he wanted me to walk away with nothing.

“If you’re unwilling, I can give you a small portion of my personal shares—”

“No need. I’ll sign. We’ll divorce now.”

Once the marriage ended and you forgot your shares, his entire family will soon be nothing but an empty shell.

As I signed the last stroke of my name, Melina let out a mocking laugh. “I don’t know what you’re so proud of. You’re just a pregnant country woman. Once you leave Callum, how do you expect to survive?”

She lifted her chin smugly and added, “Unlike you, I have my family supporting us. With their help, Callum will become the richest man in this city in less than a year.”

I suddenly paused and glanced sideways at her. Her face looked familiar, like someone from an influential family I’d heard about, but I couldn’t quite place where.

Brushing that thought off, I tossed the divorce papers onto the table and turned to leave. But the moment I stepped out, Callum called after me.

“Aurelia, did you sign that forty-million contract today?”

I turned back, smiling faintly. “I did. But I just messaged the client and canceled it. Callum, we’re divorced now. I’m done working like a horse for your family. I hope you understand.”

For the first time today, his quiet patience snapped.

“Aurelia, do you really have to go this far?!” He gritted his teeth and yelled, then immediately pulled out his phone to call the client. The second the call connected, his voice switched to a polite, desperate tone.