The Barren Ex-Wife of the Billionaire

The evening shadows stretched long as Mason drove me to the hospital. Jacquelyn’s call had been abrupt and icy, the urgency in her voice unmistakable.

"Come immediately," she’d said. My heart felt heavy with apprehension, and the mention of Ruby only deepened my unease.

As the car pulled up to the hospital, I straightened my back and reminded myself to stay composed. Mason escorted me inside, his silent presence a small comfort amidst the storm brewing within.

When we reached the ward where Ruby was staying, the hostility in the air hit me like a brick wall. Jacquelyn appeared out of nowhere, her face contorted with rage.

"You almost killed my grandson!" she screamed, her voice echoing in the sterile hallway.

Before I could respond, her nails clawed at my arms, her strength surprising for a woman her age. I stumbled back, raising my hands defensively. "Mother, I didn’t—"

"Don’t you dare lie!" she shrieked, scratching at my face now. "You pushed Ruby! She could’ve lost her baby!"

"She fell!" I managed, my voice trembling with frustration. "I didn’t touch her!"

Jacquelyn wouldn’t listen. Her attacks grew wilder, tearing at my hair and leaving burning scratches on my skin. Mason intervened, pulling her away from me with some difficulty.

"Enough Mrs. Wood!" Mason’s voice was firm, but Jacquelyn didn’t relent, her eyes still blazing.

I adjusted my disheveled hair, ignoring the sting of my wounds, and stared at Jacquelyn with a steadiness I didn’t quite feel. My hands balled into fists at my sides. "I told you, I didn’t push her. She fell on her own. You can believe whatever lies she’s spinning, but I know the truth."

Jacquelyn sneered. "You’re a disgrace! A scheming daughter-in-law who only knows how to bring shame to this family!"

Before I could respond, the door to Ruby’s room opened, and Elijah stepped out. His expression was cold, his eyes void of the warmth they once held for me.

"You’re here," he said flatly, his gaze sweeping over my messy appearance before narrowing in distaste. "Apologize to Ruby. Kneel and ask for her forgiveness."

The audacity of his demand stunned me into silence. When the words fully sank in, a bitter laugh escaped my lips.

"I will not apologize for something I didn’t do," I said, meeting his glare with my own.

Elijah’s jaw clenched. "You’re making this worse for yourself, Alyssa. Stop acting like a victim."

I clenched my fists tighter, fighting back tears of frustration. "I’m not acting like anything, Elijah. But I won’t kneel to a mistress just because you can’t see through her lies!"

Jacquelyn lunged at me again, but Mason quickly restrained her. She screamed, "How dare you call her a mistress! You vile woman! My son married a schemer!"

I laughed bitterly, “Isn't that what she is? A mistress?” finally snapping. "And you, Jacquelyn, are a fool. A mother-in-law who protects her son’s mistress and attacks his legal wife? If that isn’t stupidity, I don’t know what is."

Jacquelyn froze, her eyes widening at my words. But I wasn’t done.

"You’re defending a sinful relationship between a married man and his secretary. But why should I be surprised? You did the same thing years ago, didn’t you?" I gave her a cold smile. "Birds of the same feather flock together."

The sound of her slap echoed in the hallway, sharp and cutting. I stumbled to the floor, my cheek stinging, but I didn’t let her see me cry. Jacquelyn didn't know that I knew her past, does she think I didn't know that Elijah is also a product of a sinful relationship too?

"Enough, Alyssa!" Elijah’s voice was a low growl. He stood over me, his eyes filled with contempt. "I’m done with this. I’ll file for divorce."

The word divorce hung in the air, cutting through the silence like a knife. I froze, staring up at him as if I hadn’t heard him correctly.

But the cold finality in his eyes told me he meant every word.

Slowly, I rose to my feet, brushing myself off as though the slap and his words hadn’t just shattered me. I smiled, though tears blurred my vision. "Fine," I said, my voice steady despite the lump in my throat. "Let’s get a divorce."

Jacquelyn looked triumphant, but I ignored her. My focus was entirely on Elijah.

"You’ll have your freedom," I said softly. "But mark my words, Elijah. Everything I gave you—everything that made you who you are today—I will take it all back. Piece by piece, just as you’ve taken from me."

I turned and I walked away, the weight on my chest grew heavier, but I kept my head high. They’d broken my heart, but they hadn’t broken me.

And they just woke up the beast that sleeps inside me.