The Wife He Threw Away

Claire’s world shatters overnight when her husband’s ex _ the glamorous actress, Eva Sterling _ returns.

Her husband’s affair explodes in the public and a scandal exposes her supposed infertility to the world. Humiliated, betrayed, and abandoned by her husband, Lucian, Claire discovers the truth: Eva forged the reports and faked a pregnancy to destroy her marriage.

But when Claire returns, not as the quiet housewife, but as a brilliant attorney in the courtroom, Lucian is the one begging.

Fate has other plans and their love story is far from over.

CHAPTER ONE _ Claire’s POV

I never thought this day would come. I’ve imagined a lot of things that could go wrong in my marriage, but I never even imagined that it would come to this. And I never thought I would see it with my own eyes.

But there it was— a picture of my husband holding another woman close, smiling in ways he never smiled at me. To make it worse, it was not just any woman.

It was Eva Sterling.

“Multibillionaire, Lucian Dhark, reunites with superstar, Eva Sterling.”

When I first read the headline, I was so shocked I could barely stand on my feet . For a moment, it felt like the world was spinning.

The name ‘Eva Sterling’ haunted me. Eva was the woman who lived on magazine covers and television screens, the golden girl admired by the whole world.

I grew up watching Eva on TV, in my tiny dorm room, wondering how someone could look so flawless. How someone could be so wanted.

She always seemed so perfect, so untouchable and glamorous, almost as if she wasn’t part of the same world as people like me.

And Lucian… Lucian had once chosen her.

That knowledge lived like a ghost in our marriage, even on the days I tried to forget.

I didn’t even realize when my phone slipped out of my trembling fingers and landed on the kitchen counter.

My eyes burned with anger and hurt as I stared at the picture.

Lucian had never looked at me like that. Not in five years. Not in all the quiet mornings when I made his coffee just the way he liked it. Not in the nights when I whispered “I love you”, begging for something he no longer felt.

But now, he looked at Eva like she was his world.

Eva Sterling was everything I wasn’t—famous, breathtaking, loved, and accomplished in her career.

I sank onto the couch, with my head in my hands, staring at the photo as if the longer I looked, the less real it would become.

“Claire?” A gentle voice pulled me back. Camilla, the housekeeper, stood in the doorway. “Are you okay, dear?”

I lifted my phone and turned the screen toward her. “Did you see this?”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, Claire…” She sat beside me, placing her hand on my shoulder, the way a mother would comfort a scared child. “These pictures… they don’t necessarily mean—”

I didn’t let her finish. “Yes, they do.” My voice cracked despite my effort to sound composed. “I can’t believe he would do this… and with Eva. His ex.”

Camilla sighed softly. “I know it looks bad, but you don’t know the whole story yet.”

“No.” My voice came out firmer than I expected, far stronger than I felt. “But I know this is real.”

We sat in silence for a several moments. Camilla rubbed my back gently, and her voice lowered to a whisper.

“You know… I remember how Lucian used to look at you,” she whispered. “During your first months here. He wasn’t exactly warm _ he never had been —but he noticed you. He cared and he showed it.”

She paused. “He had this… softness in his eyes. I haven’t seen that in a long time.”

Camilla’s words stirred the memories inside me.

I remembered the early days, when Lucian would brush my hair behind my ear during a late-night conversation, how he’d asked if I had eaten when I forgot meals, how he’d held my wrist gently when he thought I was upset.

The small gestures and quiet warmth was enough for me to believe I mattered. But the warmth faded and faded until it was completely gone.

Camilla’s voice pulled me back. “Something changed, but it wasn’t your fault.” She said, rubbing small circles on my back. “It was his.”

It hurt more because it was true.

She bit her lip, unsure what else to say to comfort me. There were no words that could fix this.

Later that evening, the front door opened. Lucian was home.

I sat in the living room, waiting for him like I had done every evening for five years.

Lucian walked in as if nothing had happened. His black tailored suit was perfect, his expression calm and unreadable.

“Claire.” He always acknowledged me by simply saying my name. He glanced at me before removing his coat.

I watched him for a several seconds, silently gathering the courage to speak. I needed my voice to be steady. “Lucian, I saw the photos.”

Silence fell between us. Sharp, heavy silence.

He tightened his jaw. “I see.” He simply said.

I rose from the couch. “The photos are everywhere. You and her. Together.”

I swallowed. “Who is she?”

I knew exactly who she was. I had seen endless pictures of them together before we got married.

Lucian tilted his head slightly, an amused expression formed on his face. “Eva. You know Eva. Everybody knows Eva.”

His words stung. Yes, everyone knew the famous actress Eva Sterling.

“Yes… I know Eva,” I said quietly. “But I didn’t know she was back in the country. I didn’t know the two of you…”My voice faltered. “Are you happy?”

The question startled him, but only for a moment. A frown formed on his face and I could tell he was growing irritated.

“Happy? Claire, what kind of silly question is that?” He exhaled sharply. “I’ve had a long day. I don’t have time for your drama.”

My eyes burned, my shoulders dropped and my heart dropped even lower.

Moments passed between us as we stared at each other—a couple whose marriage was slowly collapsing.

One loved too much.

One did not love enough.

“Claire,” Lucian said at last, sounding detached and distant. “You and I come from two different worlds. You know that. We want different things.”

“I thought we wanted each other,” I whispered.

“You’ve always been naïve,” he muttered. “It’s time to grow up, Claire.”

Lucian’s words struck me like a blow. “Do you still love me?”

The silence that followed was unbearable, heavy and painful.

I had my answer.

After a long moment, he sighed and picked up his coat. “Go to bed, Claire. It’s late.”

He walked past me without touching me. Without even looking at me.

Just like that, he ended the conversation— leaving me standing alone in the middle of the room, with nothing but the image of my husband and another woman, arm in arm, burned into my mind.

CHAPTER TWO _ Lucian’s POV

“Mr. Dhark, we need to discuss the company’s long-term succession plan.” One of the board members began.

I immediately frowned, not bothering to look up from the document lying on the table in front of me. I didn’t need to, because I knew exactly where this conversation was going.

Another board member cleared his throat. “Public image matters, Mr. Dhark. You’re thirty-six and investors value stability. An heir would reassure them.”

Lifting my gaze slowly, I tried to remain calm and composed. “My marriage and my family will not be discussed by this board.”

The board members exchanged knowing glances.

“With due respect, Mr. Dhark,” another board member added carefully. “It’s been five years since your marriage to Claire Moreau… yet she has not conceived. I believe it is time to evaluate the reason.”

The word ‘evaluate’ hit me like a slap. As if Claire was a failing business asset that needed evaluation or replacement.

“If the issue is from your wife,” He continued. “Of course there are other options.”

The sentence made my heart beat louder than usual. Other options. Eva.

It felt like something restless stirred inside me. She was a memory that simply refused to go away.

I stood abruptly, the legs of my chair scraping sharply against the polished floor, making several board members flinch.

“Meeting’s over.” I declared.

“Mr Dhark—-“

“It’s over.” I repeated. My tone was harsh and unquestionable. There was no room for argument.

I walked out of the conference room before my temper exploded, but their words followed me like an echo.

An heir, stability, public image.

Even the elevator felt suffocating on the way down.

I hated when people cornered me about things I couldn’t fix, things I didn’t know how to approach without destroying the person involved. Claire.

The last thing I wanted was for her to get trapped by the world’s expectations. But that was exactly what was happening.

And somewhere at the back of my mind, a face lingered.

A face I had tried so hard to forget —Eva. Her green eyes, her teasing smile, her easy laughter.

A ghost I had buried who refused to stay dead.

The next morning, I woke up to sunlight spilling across the room.

Claire sat at the edge of the bed, still dressed in yesterday’s clothes, staring at nothing.

I realized she had not slept after our argument last night and immediately felt pity for her. She had seen the photos, confronted me and I hadn’t given her even the slightest reassurance.

For a moment, I remembered a different version of her.

I remembered the woman who would bring me tea when I worked late, and I would kiss her forehead in silent appreciation.

I had been gentler then. Before I realized how dangerous my emotions were. So I hardened again.

“Claire.” I called, sitting up slowly.

She wiped her cheeks quickly, pretending she hadn’t been crying, then turned to me with a faint smile.

“Good morning.” Her voice trembled. Her eyes were red and swollen. “We should go to the hospital today, just like you said.”

The board had pushed my hand. After the meeting, I’d instructed my secretary to schedule an appointment with a fertility doctor… and call Claire to inform her.

Perhaps I should have called her myself.

“Are you sure you’re up for it?” I asked, sincerely concerned.

Claire nodded. “I want to know what’s wrong with me.” Her voice was so small, I barely heard her.

Something twisted inside me. I hated it when she spoke like everything was her fault.

There were a lot of things I wanted to tell her—things I should have said last night, instead of shutting down.

I wanted to tell her nothing was wrong with her. That the photos meant less than she feared. That I was sorry for being an ass.

But when I opened my mouth, nothing came out.

The hospital smelled like disinfectant and lavender, a scent I knew too well.

A scent that dragged memories I had buried, back to the surface: my mother’s failing body, the machines beeping around her and her fragile hand in mine.

Many years later and hospitals still felt like a graveyard.

Claire and I sat side by side in the doctor’s office, waiting for our medical reports. Her hands were clasped tightly, trembling. She was terrified.

I wanted to reach for her and put her hand in mine. God, I really wanted to. But I couldn’t.

“Mr. and Mrs. Dhark.” The doctor called, snapping me out of my thoughts. “We have reviewed all the scans and tests.”

My heart pounded in my chest and I noticed Claire stiffen as the doctor flipped through a file.

“As we suspected,” the doctor started. “There is extensive scar tissue around Mrs. Dhark’s uterus. It significantly reduces the chances of pregnancy.”

Silence followed. A heavy silence _ the kind that punches you in the throat.

Claire’s face collapsed. “So… what does that mean?”

“It means pregnancy is extremely unlikely,” the doctor said softly. “Even with treatment.”

It felt like my heart had stopped. Just like the last time I saw my mother…

“So…” Claire whispered, snapping me out of my trance, “I can’t get pregnant?”

“It is very unlikely.” The doctor replied gently.

Claire’s shoulders fell. She looked so defeated, so broken. I hated myself for causing her agony with my silence.

My hand twitched and I almost reached for her.

But somehow, I remained still.

All I could hear was the board’s voices: an heir… stability

Claire turned to me with glassy eyes. “Lucian… say something.”

What could I possibly say that would make her feel better? All I felt was pressure and guilt.

“We’ll discuss it later,” I finally said.

Those were the wrong words, but they were the only words that came out.

Her eyes darkened with hurt. “Later?”

She looked like I had just slapped her.

“Yes.” I said as I rose from my seat, ready to finally leave the hospital. “I have a meeting.”

Her lips parted in disbelief. “After what we just heard?”

“Let’s go home Claire.”

The words came out harsher than I intended, but I needed to leave before the hospital walls suffocated me and the memories swallowed me whole.

The doctor looked away politely, but the damage was done.

The ride home was silent. Claire stared out the window, with tears sliding down her face. This time, she didn’t wipe them away.

Once again, I couldn’t bring myself to reach for her and hold her. I couldn’t even find the courage to say her name.

Guilt consumed me as I sat beside her, useless, while she cried. I had hurt her and I would never be able to fix it.

When we got home, she stepped out of the car and into the house without saying a word. Not even a goodbye.

On instinct, I followed her. She walked through the front door and into the bedroom, slamming the door shut.

I stopped at the closed door, frozen. Unsure of whether I should knock or just leave her alone.

I chose the latter.

I didn’t know how to be the man she needed in that moment.

Claire deserved better than a man who couldn’t even hold her hand.

As I turned to leave for the office, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen, expecting my assistant.

I felt my heart skipped a beat when I saw the name on the screen.

Eva Sterling.

I hesitated for a moment, then curiosity… weakness won. And I opened the text.

“We need to talk.

It’s about the photos.” — Eva.

My pulse was racing as I stared at the text. I knew Eva too well. And I knew leaked photos were never an accident with her.

CHAPTER THREE _ Claire’s POV

I wanted to stay home.

My whole body felt heavy and hollow. The doctor’s words would not stop ringing in my head. It felt like my eyes were burning with tiredness.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Lucian turning away from me after hearing the doctor’s words…

Earlier that day, Lucian’s assistant had sent me a reminder:

“Your presence is required at the Dhark Foundation Gala.”

In other words, I had to go to the event, with or without Lucian.

My whole life, I’ve been taught that the good wife shows up. So I dressed up, put on faint makeup, and I showed up.

But I regretted coming to the Gala as soon as I stepped in.

The photographers barely glanced in my direction as I stepped out of the car. Their cameras swung past me, settling instead on a woman in a red dress. They screamed her name and the camera lights flickered endlessly.

It was just Claire Moreau after all. If Lucian had accompanied me, it would have been a completely different story.

Inside the ballroom, golden chandeliers dripped light, casting the room in a warm glow. People laughed, champagne glasses clinked, violins hummed softly.

On any other night, it would have felt beautiful, but tonight, it felt suffocating.

“Claire, darling!” Mrs. Halberg called, walking up to me and kissing the air beside my cheek. “Good to see you.”

“That’s a lovely dress, Mrs. Dhark,” another woman chimed, though her eyes darted past me, searching for someone more interesting.

“Oh, is Lucian not accompanying you?” Mrs. Halberg asked.

The question stung like a hundred bees.

“He had a late meeting,” I replied, forcing a smile.

Technically, I had told the truth.

I drifted toward a quiet corner, clutching my single glass of water, with the doctor’s words repeating in my head over and over again.

“Extensive scar tissue.” “Extremely unlikely.”

My stomach twisted and twisted.

What kind of wife could not even give her husband a child? I had always imagined that the birth of a child would make Lucian happy. Maybe even make him love me again…

Two younger women walked by, wearing flashy sequined gowns.

“Claire, right?” one asked brightly.

“Yes,” I replied.

“I love your…minimalist look,” she said politely, though her eyes scanned my simple gown with disapproval. “It’s very simple, very… safe.” She added.

Her friend nodded with sympathy in her eyes. “It must be hard dressing for these events when you’re coming alone.”

They left before I could respond. And even if they hadn’t, what could I possibly say? It felt like my insides were crumbling.

Before I could gather myself, a sudden eruption of noise and excited screams swept through the room, grabbing my attention.

The clicking of cameras.

The murmurs and gasps.

The energy shifted as though something extraordinary had arrived.

I turned towards the noise there she was: Eva Sterling.

She walked into the ballroom like she owned it, in a gold gown that hugged her gorgeous body. Her honey-blonde hair flowed in soft curls, framing a face that cameras loved and the world admired.

Eva didn’t just enter the room; She claimed it.

Cameras began firing so fast the air glittered with flashing lights. People stepped aside as she walked, creating a clear path for her as if she were royalty. In a sense, Eva Sterling was national and international royalty.

People flocked to her in an instant.

“Eva! Over here!”

“You look so stunning!” Someone shouted excitedly.

“I loved your last film! Mind blowing!”

“Oh my God, it’s really her!”

“She’s even prettier in real life!”

I had seen photos of Eva, read articles about her, knew she was Lucian’s ex. But nothing prepared me for the real woman in front of me: she was breathtaking and sensational in a way that made me feel invisible.

She was confident, radiant _ everything I wasn’t.

I could still remember the first time I had ever heard her name, years ago. I remembered sitting in my bed late at night, typing ‘Eva Sterling’ into G****e.

It hit me like a bomb: her red carpet pictures, her acting awards, her glamorous life.

And somewhere on a gossip site: ‘A rumored romance with business heir Lucian Dhark.’

I had slammed my laptop shut and never searched her name online again.

Tonight, Eva was even more beautiful than those pictures.

I swallowed, forcing myself not to shrink into the floor.

To my surprise, she started walking towards me, watching me with an expression I couldn’t read. Was she curious or just amused?

“Hi,” she said softly, her voice was as smooth as silk. “You look… comfortable.”

Comfortable. Not beautiful, not lovely, comfortable.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

She smiled at me — the kind of smile celebrities give cameras, practiced and perfect. God, even her teeth were perfect.

“Aren’t you Lucian’s wife?”

“I am,” I answered quietly.

Her smile remained. “What’s your name, sweetie?”

“My name is Claire.” I answered.

Eva’s bright green eyes swept over me, from my face, all the way down to my feet and back up again.

She shook her head, unimpressed. A smug smile lit up her face, like she knew she’d already won.

“Well,” she said, tilting her head, “it’s lovely to meet you, Claire.”

But it wasn’t lovely and her tone said it all.

Before I could respond, a heavily perfumed woman approached us, smiling brightly.

“Oh, Claire!” she exclaimed. “Five years of marriage already, isn’t it? How wonderful! My goodness, time flies.”

All I could do was nod awkwardly.

Eva turned her head toward me, smiling deviously like she knew what was coming next.

The woman laughed, delighted with herself.

“Surely the Dhark Empire needs an heir soon, doesn’t it?”

My stomach dropped. If she had noticed my discomfort, she didn’t show it.

She continued without mercy. “Claire, dear, when will we hear good news?”

Eva turned her head slowly toward me, her lips curved into a soft, poisonous smile.

“Yes, Claire,” she murmured with feigned innocence, “when?”

The question sliced through me like a sharp blade. I felt like the walls were closing in. I desperately needed air.

“I—I should go,” I said, stepping back.

“Are you alright?” the woman asked, still smiling cluelessly.

Eva’s eyes watched me, amused, as I quickly walked away before the tears gathering in my eyes would betray me.

I found a quiet hallway near the restrooms, leaned against the cool wall and finally let the tears I had been holding back slide down my cheeks.

The truth hurt more than anything: I couldn’t have a child. I couldn’t give Lucian the heir he desired.

And Eva… Eva made me feel like a complete failure.

I pressed a hand to my chest, hoping my heartbeat would slow down.

Two women walked past the hallway entrance, whispering loudly.

“Eva left early.” One of them gossiped. “She told the organizers she had to meet someone ‘very important.’”

“Probably a man,” the other giggled. “A woman as gorgeous and successful as Eva never stays single for long.”

Another pair of guests approached. They weren’t aware that I was around the corner.

“I heard Eva used to date someone powerful.” A man whispered.

“Of course,” the woman with him replied, “Eva only dates the elite. Billionaires, producers, CEOS…”

“I bet she left early because she’s meeting her mystery man tonight. Someone said he sent a car.”

The words hit me harder than I expected.

Eva left early to meet someone important. Someone like… could it be…

I closed my eyes and for the first time, a horrible thought crept into my mind.

Lucian.

The name slammed into my mind like thunder and suddenly, the hallway around me felt too tight.

What if Eva wasn’t just Lucian’s past?

What if she was still part of his present?

CHAPTER FOUR _ Claire’s POV

The gala dragged on for longer than any other event I had attended. I waited till it was officially over, all because Lucian’s assistant had sent me a message:

“Mr. Dhark will pick you up when the event is over.”

These days, my husband preferred to communicate with me through his assistant. Never directly.

All I could do was obey and wait.

Guests started leaving, laughing, hugging, exchanging business cards.

The violins stopped playing and the lights dimmed, yet I still waited.

I looked at my phone screen every few minutes.

11:00pm.

11:27pm.

11:49:pm.

The Lucian I married was ruthlessly punctual. But tonight, for some reason, he was late.

The women’s gossip rang in my head. “Eva left early. She said she had to meet someone very important.”

My stomach churned.

I moved towards the exit, searching for fresh air, when a familiar face caught my eye _ one I had seen several times in newspapers.

It was Margot Sinclair; top defense attorney. A respected name in every legal circle. A woman who dominated courtrooms. My inspiration. My idol.

She was speaking to another guest when suddenly, her sharp grey eyes flicked towards me.

“Mrs. Dhark.” She greeted, stepping towards me. “We’ve met briefly, many years ago. You’re Claire, right?”

She remembered my name?

“Yes,” I replied, startled. “It’s an honor to meet you properly.”

Margot smiled. “I remember you from the bar admission dinner many years ago. You were an exceptional student _ top of your class, if I recall!"

I managed a tight smile, knowing she wasn’t wrong.

"I heard you stepped away from law shortly after you married Lucian Dhark.” She tilted her head gently. "A shame. You would have made a remarkable attorney, Claire.”

The color drained from my face completely. Margot was polite and calm, but somehow, her words pierced my soul.

I forced a smile. "I… life took me in a different direction." I whispered.

Margot studied my face for several seconds. It felt like she could see straight through me. Perhaps she saw the old Claire _ the Claire who used to believe she could change the world.

Her eyes softened with compassion and pity.

“If you ever choose to come back,” She touched my arm. “The law will still be here. Always.”

She smiled gracefully and left me alone with my abandoned dreams.

I blinked rapidly to stop the tears from falling. I couldn't cry again, for the third time in one day.

When the ballroom finally closed, I was the last guest to leave. I stepped outside into the cold night, shivering in my dress.

Finally, I saw headlights. Lucian's car rolled to a stop in front of me.

He stepped out, wearing an unreadable expression and a loosened tie, as if it had been a long night.

"Claire," he said simply. There was no apology, no sense of urgency, not even a hint of concern _ Just my name.

I slid into the passenger seat in silence, relieved to escape the cold air. But almost immediately, something hit me before l even buckled my seatbelt: a scent.

It was sweet, it was expensive, it was Eva’s.

My chest burned.

It was the overwhelming scent that filled the air when she walked up to me at the gala _ the scent was impossible to forget.

Lucian joined me in the car and immediately noticed my stillness.

"What?" He asked.

"Nothing," I replied with a trembling voice, despite my best efforts.

We drove home in heavy silence.

Lucian didn’t ask about the gala, didn’t ask how my night went, he didn’t even look at me. But I wasn’t surprised _ that’s what our marriage had become.

When we got home, Lucian tossed his coat onto the couch and loosened his cuffs. I stood in the doorway, watching him, realizing that he seemed distracted.

I reached for the coat without thinking, ready to help him put it away. A folded piece of paper slipped out from the pocket _ a receipt.

I picked it up with trembling hands.

I probably shouldn’t have opened it, but I did.

GLASS TOWER HOTEL

PENTHOUSE SUITE - 10:42 PM

CHARGED TO: L DHARK

My knees weakened so badly, I thought I would faint.

The gala was still on by 10:42 pm, after Eva left. While I waited for him like a fool.

He should have been on his way to pick me up. Instead… he was checking into a penthouse suite.

I sank onto the couch, holding the coat close and the receipt closer.

Denial set in. There has to be another explanation _ any explanation. He wouldn't, he couldn’t, there must be a mistake.

Lucian may not love me the way I wish he would, but he wouldn't humiliate me like this.

I heard footsteps approach, so I turned to see Lucian. He paused for a moment, staring at me with wide eyes.

“Why are you going through my things?” His voice was sharp.

I stood slowly. “Lucian... what is this?"

Lucian didn’t even bother to look at the receipt. “Claire, put that down."

"This receipt is dated tonight.” My throat burned. “Were you with Eva?"

His eyes flashed dangerously at the mention of her name. My suspicions were confirmed.

“You were with her.” I said slowly as realization dawned on me. “You didn’t even try to hide it.”

He took a step forward, his jaw tightening. “Don't start, Claire."

"Then explain it." I cried.

"There's nothing to explain." He retorted.

"I smelled her on you when I entered your car. Lucian, I sat in that car, drowning in her perfume.” I whispered, with a lump in my throat. "I can still smell her on your clothes.”

Lucian inhaled, irritated. “Maybe you’re obsessed with Eva _ the world’s favorite star _ just like everyone else. So obsessed, you know what her perfume smells like _ you’re going crazy.”

"You’re driving me crazy!” I screamed so loudly, even shocking myself.

The vase on the table rattled under my palm, but my fingers slipped and it crashed onto the floor, shattering loudly.

Lucian flinched.

"Look at yourself. Is this what you've become?" His voice was dangerously low.

My lips parted. “I—-“

“Enough, Claire.” He tried to silence me.

Suddenly, something inside me snapped.

"Enough?" I turned to face him fully. “You don’t get to tell me when it’s enough. I waited for you for almost two hours tonight! You said you were coming!"

"I was busy-"

"You were at a hotel!" I choked out. "You were in a penthouse suite! At the same time Eva left the gala!"

Lucian’s expression hardened. "You're being dramatic."

"No," I said. "I'm being replaced."

Lucian exhaled sharply, frustrated. "There is no relationship between Eva and me. Stop making up stories in your head. You’re acting crazy. You’re spiraling.”

I let out a short, dry, broken laugh. “Of course. Because I’m always the problem, right Lucian?”

Lucian sighed. “Don't do this."

"No!" I snapped. "You know what? Let's do this; let’s tell the truth for once!” The words rushed out of my mouth _ years of swallowed feelings, finally breaking free.

"I gave up my entire future and career for you, Lucian. Do you even remember that?" He looked away, but I continued. “I had offers from prestigious firms. I could have built something, I could have built myself! But I chose you!” My voice cracked on the last word.

I could barely hold back the tears.

"I chose you," I repeated softly. "And now I'm standing here, empty handed. I can't give you a child and I can't even make you stay with me for a single night."

Lucian's face darkened. "This isn't about your career, Claire.” He continued, voice low and cold.

“But since we’re telling the truth, you listen to me: the truth is you overthink everything. You cling, you doubt, you suffocate!”

I staggered back, shocked by his words. “Lucian…”

He stepped closer, glaring at me. “And maybe you should stop prying into matters you don't understand. I pay for your life, I pay for this house, I pay for the clothes on your back _ everything. So don't stand there and accuse me of—-“

“You’re unbelievable.” I said, not wanting to hear the rest of it.

We had never argued like this before. It felt like something in me had just shattered, just like the vase.

“We're done with this conversation." He declared, like he was speaking to board members.

"No, we are not—“

"I said we're done." He insisted, turning away from me with rigid shoulders.

I could not tell if he was angry at me or himself.

Lucian brushed past me to grab his phone from the table. Almost immediately, the phone vibrated.

I turned around, just as the screen lit up and a message preview appeared.

EVA: Same place tomorrow?

My heart stopped and Lucian's entire body went still.

He flipped the phone over immediately, but it was too late. I saw it. He knew that I saw it.

Everything inside me shattered and the world went silent.

All I could hear was the sound of my own heart, breaking.

CHAPTER FIVE_ Claire’s POV

I woke up alone.

The other side of the bed was cold and untouched_ almost as if Lucian had never slept there.

I stayed still for a moment, staring at the ceiling, wondering if I had imagined everything that had happened last night.

Eva’s text… the way Lucian hadn't even pretended to hesitate.

He’d checked his phone, grabbed his jacket, and left the house, claiming he had work to take care of.

No explanation.

No reassurance.

Just the sound of the front door closing behind him.

I noticed my phone vibrating on the night stand.

Then I reached for it, almost dreadfully.

The screen lit up.

BREAKING NEWS: ACTRESS EVA STERLING SPOTTED IN INTIMATE MOMENT WITH BILLIONAIRE CEO LUCIAN DHARK.

It felt like my soul left my body.

The first image loaded slowly, as if the universe wanted me to suffer.

It was a picture of Lucian and Eva on the balcony of a luxury hotel suite. His hand was placed intimately on her waist, while her fingers curled into his hair.

Their mouths were joined in a passionate kiss.

I scrolled.

More pictures. More angles. More headlines.

“Lucian Dhark Rekindles Romance with Ex”

“CEO Cheats on Wife with Famous Actress”

I dropped the phone like it had burned me.

This wasn't speculation. It wasn't suspicion. This was my humiliation, broadcast to the world.

I called Lucian.

Once. Twice. Ten times.

My calls went straight to voicemail.

Hours passed.

Then a day, then another.

Lucian still didn't come home.

I called him everyday, but every ring went unanswered and every message I sent was ignored.

“Please come home.”

“We need to talk.”

“Lucian, I'm begging you.”

Three days passed.

Three nights of sleeping alone in a mansion that felt too empty.

The media only grew more vicious. My name trended while Eva smiled for the cameras. Lucian, who was the reason for the chaos, had vanished into thin air.

By the fourth day, something inside me snapped.

If he wouldn't come to me, I would go to him.

Dhark Holdings towered over the city, all glass, steel and power. Just like the man inside.

The receptionist recognized me immediately I walked in.

"He's in a meeting," she said, smiling stiffly.

"I'm his wife," I replied. My hands trembled, but my voice did not. “Tell him I'm here."

Minutes later, I was escorted into Lucian’s office.

He looked up from the computer when I walked in. For a second, something flickered in his eyes— surprise, maybe even guilt.

But it vanished just as quickly.

“Claire," he said cooly. "This isn't a good time."

I let out a sharp, broken laugh. "You think?"

He dismissed his assistant, then stood.

He looked exactly the same_ perfect suit, perfect composure. As if nothing had happened.

"Explain," I started. “Explain why the entire world has seen you kissing your ex."

He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. "It's not what it looks like.”

I stepped closer, my hands shaking by my side. “I saw the photos, Lucian. Was the balcony fake? Were the photos staged? Or am I imagining your mouth on hers too?”

Lucian remained silent.

“Say it," I whispered. "Say you didn't cheat on me."

He looked away.

That was when I felt something shatter inside me. Hot, humiliating tears spilled before I could stop them.

“Do you know what you’ve done to me?" I cried. "I can't leave the house without people staring! I can't open my phone without seeing my husband kissing another woman!”

“Lower your voice.” Lucian snapped.

That hurt more than the betrayal.

“No!” I shot back. "You don't get to humiliate me publicly and then ask me to be quiet!”

“I stood by you, I loved you, even when you pushed me away. And this… this is how you repay me?"

Again, Lucian didn’t say a word.

“So you admit it," I whispered. "You're not even denying it?”

Lucian sighed like I was exhausting him. “Claire, you're too emotional."

“I'm your wife! I trusted you, Lucian. And you-" My voice broke. “You chose her."

Lucian shook his head once. “I’m done discussing this.”

"Alright,” I said, trying to stop my hands from shaking. "Come home.”

Lucian stilled.

“Choose our marriage,” my voice cracked, “the way I’ve always chosen you.”

I hated myself in that moment. I hated the way love made me feel small.

Lucian didn’t answer. Instead, he grabbed his jacket.

“I need to clear my head.” He said, then walked out of the office without sparing me a second glance.

I knew exactly where he was going to ‘clear his head’. And who he was going to.

He left me standing alone in his office, just like he had left me in our bed.

I didn’t know how long I stood there before my phone vibrated again.

I picked it up absentmindedly.

The affair was trending, but it wasn’t the top story.

I was.

CEO’S WIFE UNABLE TO CONCEIVE — SOURCES CONFIRM.

My hands began to shake.

I scrolled.

My test results were attached to the article. My diagnosis.

Cruel comments poured in.

“Barren”

“Disposable”

I held onto a desk for balance, staring at the screen, as strangers debated whether a man like Lucian Dhark should stay married to a woman like me.

That was when it hit me.

Cheating had humiliated me.

This—

This would destroy me.

CHAPTER SIX_ Lucian’s POV

I expected the headlines to slow down after a few hours. But instead, they multiplied.

CEO’S WIFE UNABLE TO CONCEIVE — SOURCES CONFIRM.

DARK CLOUD OVER DHARK SUCCESSION.

I closed the article without finishing it. There was nothing new to read.

My assistant knocked once before entering. “Mr Dhark,” she called carefully. “The board is waiting.”

I knew what I was stepping into before I walked in.

The conference room was already full_ every seat was taken. The air was thick with tension.

The headlines about Claire’s condition slid across glowing screens. It was what my father would call a corporate catastrophe.

I took my seat at the head of the table, without reacting.

Claire’s name was not mentioned at first, but it was obvious she would be the topic of discussion.

The chairman didn’t waste any time. “We need to address the situation.” He pointed at the screen. “This is a threat to your legacy and our market.”

“Your succession has always been a concern,” a board member spoke, “now it’s public.”

“Investors are anxious,” another board member added. “They’re asking questions we don’t have answers to.”

I tapped my fingers restlessly against the table.

I could have said something then.

I could have reminded them that Claire was still my wife.

But I remained silent.

This was bigger than personal feelings.

“The Dhark legacy has always depended on continuity,” the chairman continued. “An heir.”

The word stirred something inside me_ something restless.

The other board members nodded in agreement.

I couldn’t argue because deep down, I knew they were right.

I sat there, expressionless, as they discussed my succession. And Claire’s inability to provide the one thing I needed the most.

“A Dhark without an heir is not something the market likes,” the chairman stated. “You need to provide reassurance. Quickly.”

For a moment, no one spoke. They just watched me expectantly, like they were waiting for me to argue. Or concur.

Then, the chairman spoke again, “Your wife’s condition complicates things.” He said sharply. “With all due respect, the marriage is becoming a liability.”

The board members exchanged meaningful glances, nodding in agreement.

No one argued. No one defended her.

“What matters,” the chairman continued, “is stability.”

I nodded once.

The meeting ended shortly after.

No solutions were proposed, no objections were raised.

Only expectations.

Eva was waiting for me in a private lounge. It was discreet, polished and expensive. The kind of place where secrets were exchanged for service.

She looked radiant_ dressed elegantly with her blonde hair falling perfectly over her shoulders.

Her lips curved into a smile the moment she saw me.

“You came,” she said softly.

I didn’t return the smile. “We need to talk.” I said, skipping pleasantries. “I shouldn’t have come back into your life. That was a mistake. I think it’s time we put an end to this.”

Eva’s smile was unwavering. “Is that what you want?” She asked.

“Yes.” I answered bluntly.

She tilted her head, then slowly moved her hand down to her abdomen.

I froze.

“I'm pregnant."

The words landed like a bomb.

For a second, I thought I hadn’t heard her correctly.

I studied her made up face, searching for any signs that this was all just a big, distasteful joke.

“How far along?” I finally asked.

“A couple weeks." Eva answered, sliding an envelope across the table. "The doctor confirmed it this morning."

I didn't touch the envelope.

“That’s not possible.” I said quietly, almost like I was trying to convince myself.

Eva leaned forward. "It is. And before you ask me any silly questions; yes. It's yours."

I finally opened the envelope.

A positive pregnancy test result. The dates aligned perfectly.

I dropped the result on the table again, and ran a hand through my hair.

“This doesn’t change anything.” I said, trying to appear firm and composed_ everything I wasn’t at the moment.

Eva’s smile sharpened. “Oh, Lucian," she said gently. "It changes everything."

She continued. “I want stability. I want my child to have a legitimate name. That means you have to choose."

“Choose what?" I snapped.

“Me or her."

There it was— the ultimatum I had been dreading since she the moment she touched her stomach.

I paused, a thousand thoughts running through my mind at once.

An heir.

The Dhark legacy.

Claire.

“Claire can't give you what I can." Eva spoke, almost as if she could read my mind.

“Leave Claire out of this." I snarled.

Eva's smile faltered then. “I’m being realistic. You want an heir— you always have. And now you finally have one."

“I won’t be your dirty little secret,” she continued. “And I won’t give birth just to watch you go back to her.”

My breathing slowed.

“What are you saying?” I asked.

Eva’s voice was calm and precise. “Divorce Claire. Or I won’t keep the baby.”

Alarms blared loudly in my head, even though the room was silent.

“You're sick.” I said hoarsely.

“I won’t be second place again.” Eva countered sharply.

I looked toward the window. I could hear the board’s voices echoing loudly in my head.

“Stability.”

“An heir.”

Eva stepped closer. “Decide who you want to build a future with. Me and our child... or Claire and her broken body."

I clenched my jaw, but refused to answer.

Instead, I reached for my phone and dialed the housekeeper’s number.

“Prepare the east wing.” I said calmly.

I ended the call without waiting for a response.

A satisfied smile lit up Eva’s face.

That evening, I came home like Claire had begged me to.

But not alone.

CHAPTER SEVEN_ Claire’s POV

The mansion felt small. Smaller than it ever had.

Even from my bedroom, I could hear the reporters crowding outside the tall gates.

The atmosphere was buzzing, like my home was a spectacle.

Cameras flashed.

Voices carried faintly through the glass.

I could hear them talking about me— my marriage, my body.

Since my medical report got leaked, I had not dared to leave the house.

Every time I reached for the door, my chest tightened with dread, until I couldn’t breathe.

My phone lay face-down on the nightstand. I hadn’t turned it back on since last night.

I hadn’t heard from Lucian either.

I told myself that meant nothing. That he would come home eventually.

And finally, he did.

The sound of a car pulling into the driveway woke me.

I froze.

Lucian was home.

I raced out of the bedroom before I could stop myself.

The front door opened and Lucian walked in, controlled and confident as always.

I heaved a silent sigh of relief.

Then I heard another footstep. It was lighter. Slower.

Eva Sterling walked through the threshold like a woman returning home after a vacation.

The scent of her perfume filled the living room and the relief died in my chest instantly.

I stood at the bottom of the stairs as they entered the hall.

Lucian didn’t look up at me at first. Eva did.

She wore a soft cream dress that clung loosely to her body. She looked radiant. Confident.

And behind her, were two large suitcases.

She smiled when she saw me.

Lucian finally glanced up, but his expression didn’t change when his eyes met mine.

“Claire,” he said. “We need to talk.”

I didn’t move. I couldn’t bring myself to. I couldn’t even speak.

Since the words wouldn’t come out, I let the silence speak for me.

“This is temporary,” Lucian continued. “It’s necessary.”

Necessary.

He said it like that single word explained everything.

How was bringing another woman into our home necessary?

I stared at Lucian, completely dumbfounded.

That’s when Eva stepped forward, her hand resting lightly over her stomach.

I looked down at her flat stomach, which she cradled possessively.

That’s when it hit me.

“For the baby,” Lucian added. “And for the company.”

In that second, the world tilted.

My breath hitched in my throat. I felt my chest tighten, like the air was being knocked out of my lungs.

Eva stepped closer to Lucian, her shoulder brushing against his arm. It was almost romantic.

“I didn’t want to impose,” she said softly, though her eyes glistened with cruelty. “But Lucian insisted. I’m two weeks along and he wants me somewhere safe.”

That’s when I turned to Lucian with a sharp glare. “Safe?” I asked through gritted teeth.

Lucian frowned. “This isn’t the time.”

“When will it be?” I retorted immediately.

Lucian didn’t answer. Instead, he turned toward the hallway.

“Camilla.” He called.

She appeared almost immediately, hands clasped tightly in front of her apron. Her eyes flicked to mine, apologetically, then to Eva.

“Make sure Eva is comfortable and well taken care of.” Lucian instructed. “She shouldn’t be stressed.”

Camilla nodded slowly.

She didn’t look at me again.

It felt like something in my chest had cracked, but I held myself upright. I wouldn’t let them see me break.

Eva smiled at Camilla. “Thank you. I know this is very sudden.”

Then she turned to face me, smiling at me pitifully.

“I hope you don’t mind. This isn’t really about you anymore.”

Lucian had already started walking toward his study.

He didn’t spare me as much as a glance.

No pause.

No acknowledgment that I was still standing there.

Eva looked around the house, like she was already familiar with the space.

“Still the same,” she murmured. “Very quiet. I plan to change that.”

She looked down the hallway.

“The east wing will be perfect for the baby. It’s quieter.” She added. “That means we’ll need to move some of your things. Babies are sensitive to cluster.”

She spoke so casually_ like she was stating the weather.

She glanced toward the staircase, then looked back at me.

“I’ll let the staff know what needs to be moved.”

Then almost like an afterthought, she added. “Don’t worry, you’ll always be remembered. Just not needed.”

With that, she turned and walked away, heels echoing through the mansion.

Camilla followed her, instructing the staff to bring the suitcases along.

Lucian hadn’t brought Eva home to protect a child.

He had brought her home to replace me.

And just like that, I wasn’t the woman of the house anymore.

She was.