The wife he broke, became the heiress he needed

VERA’S POV

Applause thundered through the grand ballroom and right in the middle of the stage stood my husband, Anthony Voss, tall, sharp-suited, golden aura blazing under the crystal lights;

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, smiling that rehearsed billionaire smile, “none of this would have been possible without Clair Richard, my incredible business partner, my friend, my anchor.”

He turned to her, admiration shining in his eyes. His voice softened  “You’ve been the strength behind every smart move this company made. You’re the reason we’re standing tall tonight.”

The crowd erupted again; cameras flashed to capture the moment.

Clair, in her silver gown that hugged every perfect curve, smiled up at him, like the world belonged to just the two of them.

And I, Vera Voss,  his wife, his so-called backbone, stood in the shadows like I was invisible;

He didn't even acknowledge me or mention my name for once;

I was the one who stayed up helping him draft his speeches, edited those endless contracts to win over investors;

Stood by him for three years and made the company from nothing to something when he was about to give up

It was all me.

But I smiled like everyone else, clapping like a well-trained fool.

When he finished, Anthony and Clair walked down the stage together, hand in hand, greeting guests, laughing, looking every bit the power couple the world adored.

The music resumed, glasses clinked, and people floated around in expensive gowns and tuxedos, whispering compliments to one another.

Our family table sat near the front, or rather, their family table, Anthony, his parents, his brother, and now, of course, Clair. They waved her over, pulled her a chair beside him.

She fit right in with them. It's what they have always wanted.

I stayed where I was, at the far corner of the ballroom.

There was no point in sitting with them, they'd treat me like an outcast again.

Like the unwanted piece in a perfect picture.

I thought marriage meant partnership. I thought love meant loyalty. But in Anthony’s world, everything had a value, even love,  and mine had apparently depreciated.

I took my attention away from them and decided to enjoy the party on my own. But the peace didn’t last;

“Vera.”

Someone called from behind me

I turned and saw clair striding toward me,

She was tall, elegant, the kind of beauty that intimidated;  her long blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, green eyes glinting like polished emeralds.

I, on the other hand, wore a simple navy gown. My brown hair was pinned up, not with diamonds, but with a clip. My hands trembled slightly as I held my clutch.

Clair stopped right in front of me, her perfect red lips curving into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Why are you isolating yourself from your husband?” she asked sweetly, but her tone dripped with accusation. “Do you realize what people are saying? You’re giving Anthony a bad image. Guests have been asking where his wife is.”

I clenched my jaw. “I’m not interested in your lecture, Clair.”

Her eyes gleamed. “Oh, it’s not a lecture, darling. It’s a reminder. You’re his wife, you should be by his side, not sulking in the corner like a child.”

Something inside me snapped.

“Don’t,” I hissed, stepping closer. “Don’t pretend you care about his image. You just want him all to yourself, don’t you? Fine. Have him. I’m done playing the good wife for a man who’s already chosen his replacement.”

Clair’s smirk widened. “Replacement?” She chuckled softly. “Oh, Vera… you never were the original. You forget where you came from. You’re a slum girl. He picked you up out of pity, gave you a home, a name, food on your plate.”

Her words sliced through me like glass.

“Maybe remember that before you start acting entitled,” she went on, her voice as cold as ice. “You should be grateful you get to exist under his roof. The least you can do is serve him properly, or he’ll throw you back where you belong.”

My breath hitched but I still didn't react.

Clair leaned closer, whispering the final blow, “And let’s not forget, Vera, you’re barren. A wife who can’t even give her husband a child. Tell me, what good are you? You’re just a burden he has to endure to keep his reputation clean.”

My vision blurred. Heat surged in my veins, and before I could think it through, my palm landed on her face, so hard that it resounded in the hall.

Clair’s head snapped to the side, her cheek instantly red.

A collective gasp echoed around us and the music stopped

“Vera!” Anthony’s voice came, sharp and furious

He stormed over, his family following close behind.

Clair touched her cheek, eyes glistening with tears as she looked at Anthony

Anthony came for me directly and grabbed my arm. “What the hell did you just do?!”

“She deserved it,” I snapped. “You didn’t hear what she…”

“Enough!” He cut me off. “How dare you?”

His mother hissed, “How dare you hit Clair, you lowly bitch.”

Clair sniffled softly, wiping her tears “I was only trying to talk to her…”

Anthony’s eyes burned with rage and hatred; the same eyes that used to hold so much warmth for me.

“The only reason why I won't throw you in jail for disrespecting my business partner is because you are my wife,” he said coldly.

The crowd murmured. Cameras clicked.

I felt small, humiliated, shattered, and yet, I stood still, refusing to let them see me cry.

***************

By the next morning, the internet had turned my pain into entertainment.

“Vera Voss assaults Clair Richard.”

“Jealous wife embarrasses billionaire husband.”

“Anthony Voss spares slum-born wife out of pity.”

I read every word, every hateful comment. People called me bitter, desperate, jealous but they praised Clair for her being “kindhearted”

And once again, they reminded me that I was lucky to be Mrs. Voss.

If only they knew how that “luck” felt like slow death.

But I've had enough, won't take it anymore.

By evening, I walked into the mansion with the divorce papers dangling in my hand;

They were all there, Anthony, his parents, his brother, and Clair, all sitting together, laughing like one big, perfect family.

The sight made bile rise in my throat.

Clair sat beside Anthony, her hand resting on his arm;

The laughter died the second they saw me.

His mother’s face twisted in disgust. “Where have you been all day?”

I didn’t flinch. “What do you need me for?” I asked quietly. “You’ve made it clear I’m not family.”

His brother scoffed, “Don’t talk back to our parents.”

I ignored them and dropped the divorce papers on the table with a hard thud. “I’m done,” I said.

“I’m done cleaning, cooking, pretending to be a dutiful wife for your golden boy.”

His mother’s voice rose. “How dare you!”

Anthony stood, fury flashing in his eyes. “What the hell do you think you are doing, Vera.”

“Getting my life back,” I shot back. “I’ve watched it long enough while you all treated me like dirt. You want Clair? Fine, I'll make it easy for you.”

“That's good, son. Divorce her!” his father barked. “Right now!”

Anthony’s jaw tightened. “Vera,” he said through gritted teeth, “stop talking nonsense or…”

“Or what,” I challenged, my voice trembling.

His mother hissed, “You ungrateful…”

“Sign the papers,” I interrupted, my voice loud and firm

He crossed his arms. “You think I’ll give you that satisfaction? No, Vera. You don’t get to walk away that easily.”

His parents looked confused. “Why not? End it already!”

Anthony didn’t answer them. His gaze stayed fixed on me.

He suddenly grabbed my wrist and dragged me out of the dining room. I stumbled as he pulled me down the hallway and into our bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

“What the hell are you doing?” I hissed, trying to pull free.

He leaned close, eyes dark with rage. “We’re not getting a divorce.”

“Yes, we are.”

“No, we’re not!” His voice thundered. “Do you even know what’s at stake right now? I’m about to finalize a partnership with the Hudsons, one of the most powerful business families in the country. I can’t have a divorce record on my name.”

I stared at him, stunned. “So that’s it? You’re keeping me because of business?”

He didn’t even deny it. “If you want money, I’ll pay you. Stay married to me until this deal is done. After that, you can leave quietly.”

The words hit me like bullets.

“Money?” I whispered, my throat closing. “You think I want your money?”

“I don't care what you want, Vera. You will do as I say,” he commanded with confidence.

I laughed bitterly. “You really think I'll let you control me and use me again?”

He stepped closer, eyes narrowing. “I don’t think so. I know. And you better not try to ruin this for me.”

I stared at the man I once loved more than life; the man who used to hold me like I was his world.

Now, he looked at me like I was dirt beneath his shoes.

“You’re a coward,” I whispered, “and I won't give in to your demands, I won't let you use me again. We are getting divorced and I don't care what happens.”

His jaw tightened;

He glared at me, then grabbed the papers from my hand, crumpled them in his hand, and flung them across the room.

“If you think you have the power, money and influence to go against me…” he said, his voice low and venomous. “Then I dare you, Vera.”