The Barren Ex-Wife of the Billionaire

The sleek exterior of Scentuelle’s headquarters loomed before me, a testament to years of my hard work and determination. It had been eight long years since I last stood here, and while I had managed the company remotely, this building was a piece of me—a reminder of what I could achieve.

Beside me, my trusted bodyguard opened the car door. His presence was a comforting constant, one of the few in my life.

“Miss Alyssa,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “We're here.”

The moment I stepped through the glass doors, the cool air and faint scent of floral diffusers greeted me. The receptionist, a young woman with a sharp demeanor, glanced up and raised a perfectly shaped brow.

“May I help you?” she asked, her tone clipped.

“I’d like to meet Carlisle Smith,” I replied politely.

Her lips twisted into a mocking smile. “And why would you need to see our CEO? Are you one of those women trying to seduce him? You don’t look like his type.”

My bodyguard stiffened beside me, his sharp eyes narrowing. “Make the call,” he said, his voice commanding. “Let Mr. Smith know that Miss Alyssa Straton is waiting.”

The receptionist frowned. “Straton?” she echoed, her expression faltering slightly. Reluctantly, she picked up the phone.

Her tone shifted the moment someone answered on the other line. “Sir, there’s a woman here claiming to be Alyssa Straton,” she said with thinly veiled disbelief. Her posture stiffened as the deep, authoritative voice on the other end scolded her.

I couldn’t help but smile when I heard the familiar baritone voice. “It’s been a while, Carlisle,” I said a little loudly. I knew that he heard me.

The receptionist hung up, her face pale. She stammered out an apology, but I merely shook my head, brushing it off. She didn’t matter.

Fifteen minutes later, the elevator doors slid open to reveal Carlisle. My breath caught in my throat. The boy I had entrusted my company to was gone, replaced by a tall, striking man in a tailored three-piece suit. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his piercing eyes scanned the room until they landed on me.

His hurried steps brought him to my side. “My lady,” he said, bowing slightly. “Please pardon the ignorance of the staff.”

I waved a hand dismissively, though my heart swelled at his gesture. “It’s fine, Carlisle. I’m here to see you.”

“Of course,” he replied, his voice steady. “Shall we head to the meeting room?”

I shook my head. “Not today. I have another appointment, but I do need to talk to you about the company soon.”

Carlisle frowned, his concern evident. “Where are you headed? I’ll escort you personally.”

“It’s not necessary,” I said, but his unwavering gaze told me there was no point arguing. "You still have some work to do."

“You’re my priority,” he insisted simply.

Reluctantly, I allowed him to accompany me to my appointment. Carlisle and I went to the hospital. Though the car drive is silent, it was comfortable. I sneaked a glance to Carlisle and the boyish features he has before is long gone. He's handsome. we arrived to the hospital and we went to obygyne section.

The clinic was quiet, the sterile scent of disinfectant faint in the air. My friend, Dr. Eleanor Grace, greeted me with wide eyes.

“Alyssa!” she exclaimed, pulling me into a hug. “It’s been ages! Why did you just appear now?”

“It has,” I admitted, smiling at her. “But I promise, I’ll explain everything at a party I’m hosting soon.”

Her warmth eased some of the tension in my chest. The check-up was thorough, and as she finished, Eleanor hesitated before speaking.

“There’s no issue with your body, Alyssa,” she said gently. “But if you’ve been trying for years without success, there’s a possibility of infertility.”

The words stung, a sharp reminder of what I had suspected but never wanted to hear. I managed a small nod, thanking her before leaving the clinic with Carlisle at my side.

We walked in silence for a while, the weight of the diagnosis settling over me. Carlisle, always perceptive, matched my pace without a word. I know he wanted to ask me something but he didn't say anything or ask me. He didn't even ask me why I'm in the hospital or why did I appear suddenly at the company. I'm not ready to answer yet so it's a good thing.

Just as we neared the car, a familiar voice called out. "Is that you, Alyssa?"

I turned and saw Ruby. She's not alone. She's with that girl who protected her. "Aren't you that lying bitch?"

"If you're going to say nonsense, please kindly leave," Carlisle said with his serious face. I saw the glint in Ruby's eyes. That didn't escape my eyes. What is this? Is she interested with Carlisle. I frowned.

"Alyssa, Mr. Wood is worried about you. Your parents has been looking everywhere for you," Ruby said with worried expression on her face. I smirked.

"My parents?" I asked. "It seems your acting right now is getting more ridiculous. You've met my mother already. She did give your 'mother-in-law' a good beating." I made emphasize on mother-in-law and then I smiled. "So, who is this 'parents' you are talking about?"

"The car is here," Carlisle announced.

I turned and saw the car is already waiting for us. I turned to Ruby. "Please do tell Mr. Wood to prepare the divorce papers. Or simply tell him to call me so we can finalize our divorce. I'll take my leave."

Carlisle opened the door for me and I slid in and followed by Carlisle. "Are you really going to divorce him, My lady?" Carlisle asked.