Chapter 1

Serena’s POV “Congratulations, Mrs. Ryan,” the doctor said with a bright smile. “You’re pregnant!” I froze, her words taking a moment to sink in. “I’m… pregnant?” I stammered, staring at her. “Yes,” she confirmed, nodding enthusiastically. “About a month along. Your test results are very clear.” My hands instinctively rested on my flat stomach. “A baby,” I whispered, a small smile creeping onto my lips. A rush of excitement and nerves filled me. This was the best news I had ever received. Finally, something to bring Ryan and me closer. Maybe this would change things between us. Maybe he’d finally see me as more than just his contract wife. “Thank you, doctor,” I said, standing up and shaking her hand. As I left the clinic, I couldn’t stop grinning. I was going to be a mother. And Ryan was going to be a father. He deserved to know right away. I headed straight to his office, clutching my purse tightly. I imagined how he would react. Would he be shocked? Happy? Maybe even… excited? When I arrived at the company, I walked through the familiar halls, my heels clicking against the polished floor. I smiled at the receptionist, who gave me a polite nod. His office door was slightly ajar when I approached. I was about to knock when a sound from inside made me stop. A low chuckle. A woman’s voice. “Ryan, stop it,” the voice teased, playful and sultry. I frowned and peeked through the gap. My heart stopped at what I saw. “She’s back?” Ryan stood between Kate’s legs, his hands on her waist. She was perched on his desk, leaning back slightly, her arms wrapped around his neck. Their lips were locked in a passionate kiss, his hand sliding up her thigh. I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. My hand flew to my mouth to muffle a gasp as tears blurred my vision. “No,” I whispered under my breath, stepping back. This couldn’t be real. It couldn’t be happening. Kate’s voice broke through my disbelief. “You missed me, didn’t you?” “You know I did,” Ryan replied, his tone soft and intimate. “You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted.” The words sliced through me like a knife. I couldn’t bear to watch any longer. I turned to leave, my legs shaking beneath me. But my heels betrayed me. The sharp sound of one striking the floor made Ryan’s head snap toward the door. “Who’s there?” he called out, his voice sharp. I didn’t wait to be seen. I bolted down the hallway, tears streaming down my cheeks. “Serena?” I heard him call, but I didn’t stop. I ran out of the building, ignoring the curious stares from the staff, and hailed the first cab I saw. When I got home, I slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing in the empty flat. “Damn it!” I screamed, throwing my purse across the room. My body shook as I collapsed onto the couch, burying my face in my hands. The image of Ryan and Kate together was burned into my mind. The way he touched her, kissed her… like she was the only person in the world. He had never treated me that way. The only day we made out was because he returned home drunk! “How could he do this to me?” I choked out, my voice breaking. “Why now? Why, when I—” I placed a trembling hand over my stomach. “How am I supposed to tell him now?” The door opened behind me. I froze, wiping my tears quickly as Ryan stepped in. “Serena,” he said, his voice cold and distant. I didn’t turn to face him. “What do you want, Ryan?” “We need to talk.” His footsteps grew closer, and I could feel his presence looming behind me. “About what?” I asked, my voice flat. He moved to stand in front of me, adjusting his tie. His expression was unreadable, but his tone was sharp. “I want a divorce.” The words hit me like a blow. I stared at him, my chest tightening. “A… divorce?” “Yes.” “Why?” My voice cracked, but I refused to let him see how much this hurt. “What did I do wrong, Ryan?” “This isn’t about you,” he said, avoiding my gaze. “This marriage isn’t working. It’s better if we both move on.” “Move on?” I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “You mean you want to move on. With Kate, right?” His jaw tightened, but he didn’t deny it. “Say it,” I demanded, standing up. “Say her name!” “Kate,” he said after a pause. “I love her, Serena. I’ve always loved her.” My knees felt weak, but I forced myself to stay upright. “So that’s it? You’re throwing me away for her? After everything—” He cut me off. “This was a contract, Serena. You knew that from the start.” “I didn’t know it would feel like this!” I shouted, my voice cracking. “I didn’t know you’d break me like this, Ryan!” He sighed, pulling a stack of papers from his briefcase. “I had these prepared,” he said, placing them on the table. “You can read them at your own pace. I’m willing to offer financial support if you need it.” I stared at the divorce papers, my hands shaking. “Support?” I laughed hollowly. “You think money will fix this? Fix me?” “I’m trying to be fair,” he said defensively. “Fair?” I repeated, my voice rising. “You cheated on me, Ryan. And now, you’re talking about fairness?” He didn’t respond, only adjusted his tie again. “I’ll give you some space,” he muttered, turning toward the door. “Ryan,” I called after him, my voice shaking. He paused but didn’t turn around. “What?” I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. “I hope she’s worth it.” For a moment, he didn’t say anything. Then he nodded and walked out, the door clicking shut behind him. I sank back onto the couch, tears spilling down my face. The man I had loved with all my heart had chosen someone else. I looked at the divorce papers on the table, their presence mocking me. Slowly, I picked up the pen and signed my name. With that, it was over. I placed a hand on my stomach, a bittersweet smile forming on my lips. “It’s just us now,” I whispered. “And we’re going to be okay.”