The Barren Ex-Wife of the Billionaire

The morning sun greeted me as I approached the tall building I once admired with pride, a symbol of Elijah’s hard work and my silent sacrifices. Today, that pride was marred with doubt and pain. I smoothed down my dress, a quiet resolve blooming within me. It was time for everyone to know the truth: Elijah’s true wife wasn’t just a shadow in his life.

Mason, Elijah’s former secretary and my person who I hired to help Elijah in building his empire, waited for me by the entrance. His sharp suit couldn’t hide the concern in his eyes. "Are you sure about this Mrs. Wood?" he asked softly, his voice low enough that the passing employees wouldn’t overhear.

I nodded, gripping the strap of my bag tighter. "It’s time, Mason. The truth can’t stay hidden forever."

He escorted me to the top floor, his presence shielding me from curious gazes and whispered speculations. The hum of conversations turned to murmurs as we passed. People stared, wondering who I was and why Mason, once a key figure in the company, was personally accompanying me.

When we reached the CEO’s office, the tension in the air thickened. Mason opened the door for me, but the secretary stationed outside stepped forward to block my path.

"I’m sorry, ma’am, but you can’t—"

Before she could finish, Mason’s firm hand pushed her aside. "She has every right to be here," he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

As I entered, the scene before me froze me in place. Elijah and Ruby were entangled, their lips locked as if the world beyond them didn’t exist. My heart clenched painfully, but years of mastering my emotions allowed me to mask the devastation.

“Elijah,” I called softly, yet firmly.

He jerked away from Ruby, the color draining from his face. Ruby stumbled, nearly losing her balance, but Elijah steadied her before turning to me.

"Alyssa," he began, his voice tight. He didn't expect that I will come to the company without his knowing. He glared at Mason behind me.

I smiled, though it felt like shards of glass cutting through my soul. "This is what you’ve been doing behind my back, I see," I said, keeping my tone calm despite the storm inside.

Elijah straightened, releasing Ruby, whose face turned pale. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice tinged with both surprise and irritation.

I stepped further into the room, my gaze steady. "Why shouldn’t I be here? I am your wife, after all."

Gasps echoed from the hallway. The door remained open, and curious employees peeked in, their whispers growing louder.

Elijah glared at Mason. "Close the door. Now."

But I raised a hand to stop Mason. "No. Let them hear. Let everyone know who you really are and what is my relation to you." My voice didn’t waver, though my heart threatened to break with each word.

The weight of my revelation left the room silent for a beat. Then, Ruby stepped forward, her delicate hand reaching for mine. "Mrs. Wood," she said softly, tears welling in her eyes. "Please, don’t blame Elijah. It’s all my fault. I’ll do anything to make it right. I’ll even kneel before you if you want."

Her pitiful act ignited a spark of anger within me. My eyebrows furrowed as I pulled my hand away. Before I could respond, Ruby stumbled backward and she collapsed to the floor.

“Ack! My baby!” Ruby wailed, tears streaming down her face.

Elijah rushed to her side, his face contorted with panic and anger. He gathered her in his arms, cradling her protectively. "Ruby, are you okay? The baby—" He looked up at me, his eyes blazing. "If anything happens to the baby, Alyssa, I swear you’ll pay for it!"

I stood there, stunned, the air knocked out of me. I hadn’t even touched her.

“Elijah,” I began, but my voice faltered as he stormed past me, Ruby sobbing in his arms. The sight of them together—the man I loved, the woman who had taken my place, and the child I hadn't known until yesterday—felt like a dagger piercing through me.

As they disappeared down the hall, the employees who had gathered stared at me with a mix of shock and pity. My chest ached, but I forced myself to stand tall.

Mason approached, his hand hovering near my shoulder but not quite touching. "Ms. Straton..." he started, his voice filled with regret.

He called me by my maiden name. Straton, my proud last name before I married Elijah. I was once the daughter of the No.1 tycoon and the most prominent and rich family in the Country, but I threw them away for Elijah who abandoned me just because I can't bear him a child. I wiped my tears.

I walked out of the office with Mason by my side, ignoring the stares and whispers. My steps were steady, my head held high, but inside, I felt as though I were crumbling.

As the elevator doors closed, I allowed myself one deep breath. Today had been about reclaiming my voice, but it came with a bitter aftertaste.

For the first time, I wondered if the man I had loved and supported was ever truly mine—or if I had only ever been a footnote in his story.