She gave him everything—her heart, her loyalty, her life and in return, he gave her a pen... and his signature on the divorce papers. After three long years trapped in a cold, loveless marriage to billionaire Ethan Miller, Piper Reyes finally shatters—betrayed, discarded, and replaced by the man she once believed was her forever. With her world in ruins, she walks away with nothing but a broken heart... and one reckless night that changes everything. Now, Piper carries a secret that could unravel both her past and her future……A child, a mystery and a single, devastating question Who is the father? As two powerful men—her ruthless ex-husband and a dangerously charming stranger—vie for a place in her life, Piper must untangle a web of lies, regret, and unfinished love but when past sins ignite a war and a vengeful enemy resurfaces, the truth could cost her more than just her heart. It could cost her everything.
View MorePiper’s POV
The sound of clinking champagne glasses echoed through the grand ballroom, mixing with the subtle jazz music humming in the background. Glittering chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting soft golden light on perfectly polished floors and people dressed in designer tuxedos and dresses worth more than my monthly allowance and I stood there, like a mannequin in a glass case—beautiful, untouchable, and completely hollow inside.
Everyone looked at me like I had it all….. Ethan Miller’s wife, the queen of this castle but what they didn’t know was that my crown was made of thorns and my throne, cold marble.
I adjusted the thin strap of my silver dress, the sequins scratching against my skin. I hated this dress. Ethan picked it out, he said it made me look “presentable.” That was the word he used for me these days. Presentable, like a vase or an antique or something expensive, dusted occasionally, and placed on display when needed.
A waiter passed by with a tray of flutes. I grabbed one and downed the champagne in two swallows. It was not elegant, not proper but I didn’t care anymore.
I scanned the room looking for Ethan. He was somewhere, mingling with the elite, flashing that polite, cold smile he reserved for the public. He wore it well—the mask of the perfect billionaire but I knew better. I knew what lay beneath……. A heart frozen by betrayal and a mind so consumed with control that it strangled everything in its reach—including me.
I turned toward the hallway, suddenly needing air more than anything. My heels clicked on the marble as I walked, each step echoing my resentment. I wasn’t even supposed to be here tonight. Ethan only invited me because it would have looked bad if I didn’t show and not because he wanted me here.
As I passed by a group of guests standing near the bar, their conversation reached my ears—soft, hushed, but enough.
“Isn’t that her? Ethan Miller’s wife?” The first lady said, her voice barely in a whisper
“She doesn’t look happy… not that I blame her. I heard Selena Hart is back in town.” The second lady said.
“Selena? His ex? You’re kidding!”
“No. Apparently, he made her head of PR last week. It was a bold move, right? Especially with his wife still around.”
I stopped breathing.
Selena Hart? She is back and working with Ethan?
My heart slammed against my ribcage as I turned away quickly, fingers tightening around my empty champagne glass. I needed answers and I needed Ethan.
I found him laughing—actually laughing—with two board members by the open bar, his back straight and posture easy. His eyes flicked to me as I approached, but his smile didn’t falter. That cold bastard. I stopped inches from him, ignoring the looks from the people around us.
“Can we talk?” I asked tightly.
He gave me a once-over. “Now?”
“Yes, now.”
He gave a dismissive nod to the board members and followed me into one of the side lounges. As soon as the door clicked shut behind us, I spun to face him.
“Selena?” I asked.
He didn’t even flinch. “Yes, what about her?”
“I heard that she is back and you hired her and made her as the head of PR? Are you serious, Ethan?”
He exhaled slowly, like I was a child throwing a tantrum. “It’s business, Piper. She’s good at what she does.”
I stared at him, mouth dry. “You hired your ex-girlfriend—the woman who broke you— Without even telling me.”
His eyes narrowed. “It’s not your company, It’s mine and I don’t need to run hiring decisions past you.”
My breath caught in my throat. “Right,” I whispered. “Of course, silly me. I’m just the wife, the mannequin you keep in the background.”
He looked away, jaw tightening. “You’re being emotional.”
“Damn right, I’m emotional!” I snapped. “You bring back the woman who ruined you, your family and is trying to run us—and expect me to just smile and wave?”
He gave a humorless chuckle. “There is no us, Piper. There never was.”
I felt like the ground shifted beneath me. The words hit harder than a slap. My throat ached, but I refused to cry, not here and not in front of him.
“I’m done,” I whispered. “I’m done pretending. Done fighting for scraps of your attention.”
He didn’t stop me when I walked out, he didn’t call my name, he didn’t follow.
He just let me go.
***********************
A week passed. An entire week without a word from Ethan. Not a text, not a call…….Nothing.
I moved like a ghost in that cold, glass house we called home. I ate in silence, I slept alone, I couldn’t even bring myself to cry anymore. What was the point? Tears hadn’t moved him in three years. Why would they start now?
But tonight… tonight I was done playing the fool.
I dressed simply—no makeup, no heels. Just a black blouse, fitted jeans, and my dignity.
I was going to his office.
I didn’t call ahead. I didn’t text. I was just going to walk in like I used to back when I thought love was enough to bridge the space between us.
The receptionist blinked when she saw me but said nothing as I passed her desk. I knew the layout like the back of my hand. I used to bring him lunch here and would wait hours just to ride home with him.
Now I was here for something else.
His office door was slightly ajar, and as I approached, I heard voices. It was Low.
It was a woman’s soft laugh.
My stomach twisted.
“…You shouldn’t tease me like that,” Ethan’s voice murmured.
“I missed you,” Selena’s voice purred back. “I hated every second we were apart.”
I froze. My fingers curled into fists as heat rose in my chest. My feet moved before my brain did. I pushed the door open. They were close—too close. Selena was perched on his desk, legs crossed, her hand resting on his chest like she belonged there.
Ethan looked up slowly, his face unreadable.
Selena smirked.
“Piper,” Ethan said, tone flat. “You should’ve knocked.”
I stepped inside, heart thundering. “I shouldn’t have had to.”
He moved away from her slowly, like nothing was wrong, Like I was the one intruding.
“This isn’t what it looks like,” he said.
“Really?” I asked, voice trembling. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks a hell of a lot like my husband is about to cheat on me with his ex.”
Selena laughed softly. “Oh, honey. You still think he’s your husband?”
Ethan turned to her. “Selena, don’t—” Ethan walked towards me and grabbed me by the hand. His grip firm.
“You need to leave,” he said with a cold voice. Before I could respond, he dragged me and pushed me out of the office as he slammed the door on my face.
I stood there surprised at what had happened.
PIPER'S POV"He wants you to move in with him?" Anna asked with her gaze on the permit Mr. Langford's Secretary handed to me earlier today."Apparently.", I replied nervously biting my fingers."Do you think that's a great idea?" Anna asked, her brows curled." Well, I told him I love very far away from the company and he keeps pointing out that he loves my designs and how much impact I would make in the company. He said I needed to be present at work every single day."" I see... Will you be comfortable living with him?" Anna asked, her face softened, nd she placed her hand on my shoulder, " You know I'll always support you. Do you trust living with him?""I don't think he would hurt me." I did trust that Langford wouldn't hurt me, although I didn't tell Anna that I had a one-night stand with Mr. Langford and a one-nig stand is probably the father of my child. "I think you should head out then.", Anna said, bringing me out of my thoughts."Huh?""I think you should start packing up.
PIPER'S POVWhat is he doing here? I muttered under my breathe, "Sorry excuse me--" I said and immediately turned around to get the door but he stopped me, "Hold on!" He ordered. His baritone sending vibrations down my spine."We've met before haven't we?!" He tilted his head to the right, starrinf at me like I was some weird specimen, his eyes squinted as he got up from his seat and walked towards me, "I know you.""Er... Sir... I ... I don't know what you're talking about." My voice broke as I spoke, the first thing that came to mind was to deny my existence. He kept coming closer one step at a time and In return I kept moving backwards, one step at a time to, bit unfortunately my back hit against the door and there was nowhere to run to.He leaned in placing his hands against the wall, "You're the lady from that night."Immediately those words slipped off his lips, my heart sank into my belly and rose back into my chest with full speed, "Sir... I ..." It felt as though my tongue
Chapter 16 PIPER'S POVA few weeks later, with the little knowledge I was able to gather from working with Anna, I started on something with the hopes that it would actually help me take care of myself and my baby without Anna's help. She really helped me by encouraging me all the way and pitching my ideas to bigger brands and companies.On an auspicious day, while I was in my bedroom sitting and looking out the window, lost in thoughts on what to do with my life and how to push my brand forward, how to be successful, and how to get back at Ethan, the door flew open, leaving me in shock."Piper!!" Anna yelled as she pushed the door open, panting like she was being chased by a wild horse.I instantly sprang out of bed, "Are you okay?!" I hurried towards her, totally confused about what was going on."Piper..." She called out again, holding her hand to her chest and panting, "Is everything okay? What's going on?!" I asked with great concern."Pi... Piper" she breathed. I grabbed her b
Chapter 15PIPER'S POVI glared at the pills in my hands before throwing them all down my throat at once. I grabbed the glass of water on the side table and gulped at least half of it. I had escaped my breath and there came a knock on the door.The door was pushed open slightly ajar with Ms. Anna's head sticking out through the side, "Breakfast is ready." She announced to me with a smile." I'm right behind you," I responded. The day I traveled by bus to Howell's township, Anna gave me an offer which I strongly believe can change my life henceforth, she even offered to let me stay with her in her small house till I'm able to get a place for myself. I had never been to her boutique, but with how many calls she takes and how busy she usually is, I'd say she's doing really well for herself. I didn't really know much about her, like whether she's married or has any kids at all, but life seemed pretty peaceful.I didn't tell her the full story behind my dilemma, nor did I tell her about
Chapter 14PIPER'S POV"I'll have one bus ticket, please," I said to the cashier, rubbing my hands against my arm in response to the cold weather as I scanned the bus station, watching different people loiter around with their suitcases. I turned my gaze to my soon-to-be baby bump and rubbed my hands against my belly."Here," the cashier said, drawing my attention."Thank you." I shot her a smile and made my way into the bus and took a seat, as I waited for the driver to start the bus, and turned to the window. From this day onwards, I knew my life would change, moving from the city to a smaller one where nobody knew me. I guess this is what comes with fame: my dumb husband left me, and the entire city is well aware. All Ethan ever did was make a mockery of me to the entire public. Everywhere I go and every room I walk into, I get stares and whispers. It's been weeks since he served me divorce papers and threw me out, and he never even bothered to check on me, nor did he ask about m
PIPER'S POVIt's been weeks since Ethan kicked me out, and not even a word have I heard from him, nor have I seen him around, nor has he replied to the mockery and insensitive comments I was getting from the media.At the same time, it's been quite a while since I met Mr. Mysterious, and we still haven't crossed paths since then. The money I stole from myself had been sustaining me up to this point. After the night at the hotel, I was back to sleeping in the subway or abandoned stores and taking naps on benches in the park.Life only grew worse; I was still unable to find a job, and it seemed like I had already caught the flu. I walked into the pharmacy, and all eyes were on me. The whispers increased, but only reduced when I got to the counter."I'll need medication for a flu and a fever maybe." I ordered." Okay, I'll be right back." The cashier turned over to the shelves, searching for the drugs I requested, whereas I held my head in my hands when I started to feel very, very dizzy
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