The Barren Ex-Wife of the Billionaire

The invitation arrived in an elegant ivory envelope, embossed with the logo of Wood Enterprises. My name, written in neat calligraphy, seemed to glow against the paper.

You are cordially invited to a special event hosted by Wood Enterprises.

I reread the words, my heart racing. Elijah’s company. A corporate party. Me? For years, I had been invisible to his professional world. None of his employees knew about me—Alyssa Straton-Wood, the woman he had vowed to cherish eight years ago.

I traced the embossed edge of the invitation, a mix of confusion and excitement swirling within me. Was this Elijah’s way of finally introducing me to his world? A gesture to make me feel included? It made me smile so happily.

The thought thrilled me. It had been so long since I’d attended a formal event. I gave up corporate parties when I became a housewife, dedicating my time to supporting Elijah and our life together. This invitation felt like a bridge back to that forgotten part of myself.

The week leading up to the party, I prepared meticulously. I chose a flowing burgundy gown, paired it with delicate jewelry, and styled my hair with care. Tonight, I wanted to be the woman Elijah could proudly present to the world.

That night I went to the company, the towering building of Wood Enterprises gleamed under the city lights. I clutched the invitation as I approached the entrance, my nerves a mix of anticipation and hope.

“Good evening, ma’am,” the usher greeted as I handed over the invitation. He glanced at it, then his demeanor shifted to one of respect. “Welcome, VIP.”

VIP? My heart swelled. Elijah had planned this, hadn’t he? He wanted me to feel special. My heart surged in happiness. Elijah is really sweet.

The usher guided me through the grand hall, where laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. I noticed how some employees glanced at me with curiosity and admiration. Their smiles were warm, welcoming. For the first time in years, I felt seen. For some reason I felt embarrassed since their attention is overwhelming.

The lights dimmed, and all eyes turned to the stage. My breath hitched as Elijah stepped into the spotlight, his figure commanding attention. His handsome features brightens the whole place. This was it. He was going to acknowledge me, introduce me as his wife. My heart raced in anticipation.

But then he spoke.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight. This evening is about celebrating someone very special to me.”

I leaned forward, my pulse quickening.

“Elijah…” I whispered, there is hope threading through my voice.

He paused dramatically before continuing, “Ruby, would you join me on stage?”

The name hit me like a slap. Ruby? His secretary? The one whose presence I had always brushed off as insignificant. Why is he calling for her?

Ruby ascended the stage, her smile radiant, her hand resting on her abdomen. She's wearing an off-shoulder white gown. My chest tightened as Elijah wrapped his arm around her, a gesture so intimate it left no room for doubt.

“We’re excited to share that Ruby and I are expecting a child,” Elijah announced, his voice filled with pride.

The room erupted in applause, cheers echoing around me. My vision blurred as my world crumbled.

“Isn’t it wonderful?” the usher beside me said cheerfully. “It’s about time our CEO and Ruby got married.”

Married? The word echoed in my mind, a cruel mockery of the vows Elijah and I had exchanged.

“How long have they…” My voice trembled.

“Oh, it’s been three years now,” the usher replied casually. “They’re perfect together, don’t you think?”

Three years. My husband had been betraying me for three years. My fists clenched as the realization sank in. Then I realize, those nights of working late and often business trips. I grit my teeth.

“And there’s this stalker, too,” the usher continued, unaware of my growing despair. “Some crazy woman keeps sending lunch to Mr. Wood every day, even though he’s clearly with Ruby. Can you believe the nerve?”

My knees nearly buckled. The lunches. My lunches. The meals I prepared with love, hoping to brighten Elijah’s long workdays. And now, I was branded as some deranged stalker?

I wanted to scream, to shout the truth, but my voice was trapped behind the lump in my throat.

I turned to leave, desperate to escape the suffocating betrayal, when I heard a familiar laugh.

Jacquelyn. My mother-in-law.

I turned to see her, her face glowing with joy as she embraced Ruby.

“Welcome to the family, dear,” Jacquelyn said warmly.

Of course. Eight years of marriage had not been enough for Jacquelyn to accept me. My failure to give her a grandchild had sealed my fate. And now, she welcomed the woman who had destroyed my life with open arms just because she's pregnant with his child?

Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall here. I turned on my heels, leaving the hall and its hollow celebrations behind.

Outside, the cold air bit at my skin as I let the tears flow freely. I had come tonight hoping for recognition, for love. Instead, I had found betrayal, humiliation, and a broken heart.

As the lights of the building faded behind me, one thought consumed me: Eight years. Eight years, and I was nothing but a shadow in his life.