The Barren Ex-Wife of the Billionaire

The luxurious boutique smelled faintly of leather and expensive perfume. As I trailed behind my mother, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. It had been so long since we’d gone shopping together. It made me so happy.

Mom turned to me with a warm smile. "It’s been ages since we did this, Alyssa. Today, I want to spoil you. Anything you like, it’s yours."

Her words touched me, but the weight of my emotions was too heavy to ignore. As we browsed the racks of designer clothes, I finally mustered the courage to speak. "Mom…" My voice was low, hesitant.

Rebecca turned, her eyes immediately latching onto the worry in mine. "What is it, sweetheart?"

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat threatening to choke me. "Do you know why Elijah chose Ruby over me?"

Her brows furrowed in concern, and she shook her head. "It’s because I can’t get pregnant," I said softly, the confession cutting through me like a knife.

Rebecca’s eyes widened in shock. "What?"

I nodded, blinking back tears. "It's been 8 years since we got married and never even once got pregnant. That’s why…" My voice cracked. "That’s why he turned to her."

My mother’s face darkened, her worry quickly morphing into anger. She reached out and squeezed my hand. "Alyssa, you’re worth far more than what that man thinks of you. And if he’s too blind to see it, then he’s a fool."

Her voice softened, but her grip on my hand remained firm. "Your brothers have already told us they aren’t interested in settling down anytime soon. They don’t trust women—they think they’re only after the Straton name and wealth. That makes you our only hope, Alyssa."

I frowned at her words, feeling the pressure behind them.

Mom smiled gently. "But you’re not alone in this. I’ll take you to the best gynecologist soon. We’ll figure this out together, okay. No matter what findings is, we're here for you. You will always be our princess."

Her reassurance soothed some of the ache in my heart. I nodded, grateful for her unwavering support.

As we continued to browse, the store's atmosphere shifted. A familiar, unpleasant voice rang out.

"Well, isn’t this a surprise?"

I turned to see Jacquelyn striding toward us, Ruby trailing smugly behind her. My heart sank, but I stood tall.

My mom’s gaze hardened, but she remained composed. "What do you want?"

Jacquelyn smirked. "Just thought I’d give you some advice. You should be careful of that woman."

My mom's eyebrow arched elegantly. "And why is that?"

Jacquelyn folded her arms, her voice dripping with disdain. "Alyssa is a bitch and a harsh woman. She’s useless—a barren woman who should’ve been thrown out long ago."

I felt mom stiffen beside me, but before I could respond, Jacquelyn continued, "If you keep her around, she’ll bring disaster to anyone she’s with. Just like she did to my son."

Ruby stepped forward, her smug expression infuriating. Jacquelyn gestured to her. "Now this is what a real woman looks like. Not some country bumpkin who can’t even give her husband an heir."

A laugh escaped me, cold and sharp. "You’re really that delusional, Jacquelyn, aren’t you?"

But mom surprised me. She smiled sweetly at Jacquelyn before raising her hand and slapping her across the face. The sound echoed through the boutique, silencing everyone nearby.

Jacquelyn stumbled, her hand flying to her cheek in shock. "How dare you—"

Before she could finish, mom grabbed her hair and yanked her forward. "How dare you slander my daughter?" Rebecca hissed, her voice icy. I told her what Jacquelyn did to me and mom did the same to her. It was quite satisfying.

Ruby froze, her smugness evaporating as she watched her ally being manhandled.

Mom continued, her grip unrelenting. "Your son hasn’t even divorced my daughter yet, and you’re already parading his mistress around? You’re pathetic."

When mom was satisfied, she released Jacquelyn with a push, sending her stumbling to the floor. Her glare was dark, her tone sharp. "Stay away from my daughter, Jacquelyn. She’s divorcing your son, and thank God for that. I wouldn’t want an ingrate like you for an in-law."

Jacquelyn’s face turned red with fury. "You’ll pay for this!"

She stormed off toward the manager, demanding that we be thrown out of the store. But the manager refused, his professionalism unwavering. Instead, Jacquelyn and Ruby were escorted out, their protests falling on deaf ears.

As the doors closed behind them, Rebecca turned to me with a proud smile. "Now, where were we?" I give her a thumbs up.

The rest of the shopping trip was uneventful, but as we returned to the car, mom glanced at me thoughtfully. "Are you planning to visit your company soon?"

The question caught me off guard. "My company?"

Mom nodded. "The one you entrusted to Carlisle. He’s been managing it well, hasn’t he?"

Hearing his name brought a flood of memories. Carlisle had been my childhood friend and our butler's adopted son, someone I trusted completely. I hadn’t thought about him in months after I entrusted my company to him.

Mom’s smile turned teasing. "He’s changed a lot, you know. You might not recognize him."

Curiosity sparked in me, momentarily pushing aside the weight of the day. "Changed how?"

Mom only chuckled. "You’ll see when you visit."

As the car pulled away, I found myself wondering about Carlisle. A part of me hoped that reconnecting with him would be the fresh start I so desperately needed.