MayaMara and lokas

No Longer Mrs. Cooley: The Architect's Return

Xiao Xiaosu

I went to the City Clerk’s office for a routine copy of my marriage license to finalize a trust fund audit. I expected a simple piece of paper, but the clerk’s pitying look told me my entire life was a lie. "The license was never finalized, Ms. Oliver. In the eyes of the state, you are single." The three-hundred-guest wedding at the Plaza and the Vogue features meant nothing. My husband, Gray Cooley, had intentionally filed the documents with a "procedural defect" so he could discard me without a legal divorce. Moments later, an iCloud invite titled "Our Little Secret" popped up on my screen. It was a photo of my best friend, Brylee, holding a positive pregnancy test at our Hamptons estate. Gray’s text to her was the final blow: "Happy anniversary, babe. This baby is the best gift. Once the trust unlocks today, we’re done with the charade." I soon discovered they were even stealing my career, reassigning my architectural masterpiece to Brylee while preparing my eviction notice. Gray's mother called me a "barren mule" in a leaked recording, mocking the infertility I suffered after saving Gray’s life in a construction accident. I wasn't a wife; I was a three-year placeholder used to secure his inheritance. How could the man I bled for treat me like a disposable prop? How could my best friend carry his child while pretending to comfort me through my darkest moments? The betrayal burned until it turned into a cold, hard stone of fury. I didn't cry. Instead, I walked into the penthouse of the Barretts, the Cooleys' most powerful rivals. I signed a marriage contract with Kane Barrett, the man the tabloids called the "Beast of Wall Street." "I want a wedding," I told his father, my voice steady and lethal. "Bigger than the one I had with Gray." If they wanted me gone, they would have to watch me become the woman who owns their world.

Modern Revenge Divorce Revenge Female-centered Divorce

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Catherine's POV

*At the hospital*

My hands trembled as I opened the envelope. Arthur kept on insisting I visited the hospital after I had been showing several symptoms of illness. I was scared of what could be in the envelope as I sat in the doctor's office waiting for her to come see me.

She greeted me and entered the office, she sat down on her chair and opened the file. She took a deep breath and suddenly widened her eyes.

"What is it doctor?" I said, I was almost running out of oxygen.

She was silent at first and looked at me.

"How is this possible?" She asked me as if in some kind of shock or amazement.

At that point I was sure that whatever was in that file was not good news.

"Tell me what the problem is doctor" I persisted as I could no longer tolerate the suspense.

"You are 2 months pregnant" she stated firmly, from her tune you could tell that she couldn't believe it but was left with no other choice because the reports couldn't be wrong.

"But I was told I will never be able to concive again after my last miscarriage" I questioned the doctor looking more surprised than her.

After I had 3 miscarriages, four consecutive years ago. The doctors were sure that I will never be a mother. Arthur and I made so many attempts as we went for so many treatments but I just couldn't get pregnant.

"Doctor, are you sure this report is correct because I don't want to give my husband false hope?" I was happy and at the same time disappointed because of my past experiences.

"I think we need to conduct another pregnancy test. It will be ready 2 days from now" the doctor concluded and I completely agreed with her.

I just couldn't get the thoughts out of my head, I was so deep in thoughts that I didn't even look where I was headed. I bumped into one of the workers at the hospital.

*At Catherine's and Arthur's home*

Arthur had returned home late that night and I was too worried to even ask why.

"What is it?" He enquired as we both sat to have our dinner.

"Thank you" I looked at the maid who served the dinner.

"Nothing" I lied trying to hide my concern.

Arthur clearly knew I was lying but he decided not to push the issue any further.

"So how was your visit to the hospital? What did the doctor say?" Arthur shoved a piece of meat in his mouth and drank a little wine.

"Uhrm nothing much. I just have a fever, that's all. Please excuse me" I wiped my face with the napkin on the table and walked away.

When Arthur was done with his meal and came into the room, I switched off the lights and pretended to be asleep.

As usual he went to the study room in the mansion to continue the work he brought from the office.

I don't know why I am so bothered about this. It is actually good news that I will finally have my own kids but I just can't tell Arthur yet at least till I am sure. The last time I had a miscarriage, Arthur almost took his own life.

I woke up the next day with a very painful headache.

"Celine, Celine" I kept on yelling to get the attention of one of the maids in the mansion.

"Yes ma'am" a young, fair, tall and elegant blonde ran towards me.

"You aren't Celine. Where is she?" I questioned the young girl as I have never seen her before, though it is impossible for me to know all the workers in the mansion, because they are over 500. I do keep the names of my favorites.

"I'm sorry ma but Celine went to see her family since it's the period of her 3 months off" she spoke softly and lowered her head as she spoke to me.

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