The Billionaire Regrets Losing His Chubby Wife

Seraphina's pov"You're late." Cassian didn't look up from his phone.The penthouse smelled like someone else's perfume.. The same one I'd bought Vespera for her birthday last year.I set the grocery bags down, ignoring the way my arms ached from carrying them three blocks because Cassian had "forgotten" to send the driver. But I forced a smile anyway."Traffic," I said, my voice lighter than I felt. "I brought your favorite. The lamb chops from that butcher you like. I thought I could make that rosemary glaze you…""I don't care."The words hit me like a slap. He still didn't look up.I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Right. Well, I'll just…"He finally glanced at me. "You look tired," he said flatly. "Maybe skip dinner tonight.""Okay," I replied, because that was easier than fighting. "I'll just... put the groceries away."Three weeks… that's how long we'd been married. Three weeks of this cold silence, me convincing myself it would get better, that he just needed time to open up

I spent the entire day preparing for the dinner. I'd even bought the expensive wine Vespera liked. I wanted her to think I still believed her lies.By seven o'clock, the doorbell rang. I smoothed my dress and opened the door.Vespera stood there, all smiles. "Seraphina!" She pulled me into a hug. "You look... well. Are you feeling okay?"I forced a smile. "I'm fine. Come in."She walked past me into the penthouse, "Dinner smells amazing," she said, settling into her chair. "You really didn't have to do all this.""It's no trouble." I poured her wine. "I wanted to. We haven't had a proper catch-up in weeks.""So," Vespera said, leaning forward, her voice dropping into something intimate. "How are things with Cassian? Really?"I set down my fork. "Why do you ask?"She shrugged. "You just seem... different. Distant. Is something going on?""Cassian and I are fine," I said calmly. "Why wouldn't we be?"Vespera's smile tightened. "No reason. I just worry about you."I stared at her. "Vespe

Two days before the meeting, I called Lucien Thorne, Cassian's biggest rival.His assistant put me through immediately, my father had arranged the introduction weeks ago, and Lucien had been waiting for my call."Seraphina Vale." His voice was smooth, amused. "I was wondering when you'd reach out.""You knew I would?""I know everything that happens in this city. Including the fact that Cassian Rourke's wife disappeared and his company is about to lose the Aurelian Project." He paused. "I also know you're not just his ex-wife. You're Alaric Vale's daughter."I froze. "How did you…""I have my sources. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." There was a smile in his voice. "What can I do for you?"I took a breath. "I want to give you the Aurelian Project."Silence. Then, "I'm listening.""You're Cassian's biggest rival. You have the resources and the vision to make this project succeed. Cassian doesn't. He's desperate, sloppy, and his proposal is full of loopholes that would leave V