The Unfortunate Billionaire Husband

"He is not the right man for you. Leave him."

Those words echoed in her mind, refusing to fade even as the heavy rain blurred the windshield, obscuring her vision. She paid no attention to it, her hands gripping the wheel tightly as she drove at full speed, her face drenched in tears. The warm, clear drops streamed relentlessly from her eyes, and the sound of her sobs was the only thing filling the silence inside the car.

Her gaze was fixed on the road ahead, barely visible through the downpour, but it shifted when her phone vibrated on the dashboard. She glanced at the screen, pressing her lips into a thin line as she read the name flashing there.

"Shameless man. How dare he still call me?"

Frustration swelled in her chest at the mere sight of his name, which kept appearing as he called incessantly. Unable to contain her rage any longer, she grabbed the phone and pressed the side button to turn it off, completely forgetting that her car was still speeding. The moment she looked up, it was too late.

She finally noticed the roadwork ahead. A worker waved frantically, signaling her to stop, but in a panic, she jerked the steering wheel to the right with all her strength, desperately trying to avoid him.

The black sedan skidded violently, swerving off course before crashing into the roadside barrier with a deafening impact. Smoke billowed from the hood and the back of the car, while shattered glass from the windshield scattered everywhere.

"Ma'am, are you okay?!"

The road workers rushed to the wrecked vehicle, banging on the windows in alarm, trying to wake the driver slumped over the wheel.

But she didn't move. Tears still streamed down her face, as if the pain from the deep gash on her forehead was nothing compared to the agony in her heart.

As her consciousness faded, she whispered in a broken voice, her heartbreak pouring out with every syllable.

"Why is my fate like this? Do I not deserve happiness?"

And with that, her eyelids fluttered shut. A final tear fell, mingling with the blood trickling from her wound.

"Ma'am, open the door! Ma'am!"

"It seems we have to force open the car door and get the lady out."

However, the voices of the officers conversing could still be heard by the woman, and she slowly opened her eyes again. No, she did not want to be disturbed by anyone at this moment. She would not allow the officers to pull her out of the car. Acting recklessly, and despite the pain from the wound on her forehead that was still bleeding, she started the engine once more, forcing the heavily damaged car to move forward.

The car sped down the road at high speed, ignoring the shouts of the officers trying to stop her. She kept driving, not knowing where she was heading. After a few minutes, the vehicle came to a stop-right on a bridge, beneath which a busy highway was filled with passing cars.

Staggering out of the car, the woman walked to the bridge railing. Her gaze drifted downward, watching the vehicles that appeared small from her vantage point. Her eyes held a determined look as she gripped the railing, slowly lifting one foot. Whatever she was planning to do, the sorrow in her eyes was unmistakable-deep heartache, disappointment, and a spirit that had faded away.

This is the story of Rhea Addilyn Blaire... a strong and independent woman who now seemed on the verge of despair, cursing the fate of her love life that had always ended in heartbreak.

***

Five Years Ago

Several people sat quietly in the courtroom, occupying the seats provided for them. Two opposing parties faced each other, their expressions starkly different. On the left side, a group of individuals appeared restless and tense. Meanwhile, on the right side, the people remained calm and composed, with a woman seated at the front occasionally smiling, convinced that she would win the trial.

As the sound of the gavel echoed through the courtroom, all eyes turned forward, focusing on the chief judge, who was about to announce the verdict after nearly two hours of proceedings.

"Based on the testimonies of the witnesses we have presented and heard, and the evidence examined throughout this trial, it has been decided that Watson Industries is found guilty of copying the product designs of Blaire Industries. Therefore, all claims from Blaire Industries have been accepted and must be fulfilled by Watson Industries."

The woman who had been smiling throughout the trial now widened her grin. She had anticipated this outcome-she would emerge victorious because her side was in the right.

As the chief judge and other trial participants exited the courtroom one by one, the woman-Rhea Addilyn Blaire, the president of Blaire Industries, a major company operating in the food and fashion industry-rose from her seat. A thirty-year-old woman known as a successful young entrepreneur, her name frequently appeared in various print and digital media. Rhea-beautiful, firm, and independent-had never lost a business competition. Like today, when her instant food product was copied by Watson Industries, she had successfully won all the claims she had filed against her opponent.

"Miss, congratulations. We've won this trial."

Monica, a 25-year-old woman, cheerfully congratulated Rhea on her victory. For the past two years, she had been Rhea's personal assistant and most trusted confidante in the company.

"Of course. We were bound to win because we were right. They copied our product, and I will not let them get away with it. They must face severe consequences for their wrongdoing against me."

"You're absolutely right, Miss," Monica replied, nodding in agreement.

"Send our lawyers to Watson Industries. They must pay the compensation of 100 million dollars as per our claim, and I want them to settle it immediately."

"Understood, Miss. I will deliver your message right away."

Rhea nodded and began to walk away, feeling that all her business here was done.

"Wait a moment!"

A voice suddenly halted her steps. Rhea turned around, raising an eyebrow as she found her opponent in this trial now standing before her.

"Don't get too comfortable just because you won this trial. One day, your arrogance will be your downfall."

Watson Hana, the CEO of Watson Industries, spoke through gritted teeth, visibly furious after being defeated in the court proceedings just moments ago.

Rhea remained completely unfazed. She scoffed and flashed a faint smile.

"And what exactly are you going to do? Copy my company's products again because yours can't compete in the market? Will you send your people to my company once more to steal our product designs, just like you did before? Listen, Miss Hana, if you think this case is over just like that, you're gravely mistaken. Do you want to know why? Because I won't rest until I've completely destroyed anyone who dares to cross me."

Rhea was about to turn away again, but something made her pause.

"Unless you publicly issue a formal apology, I might consider settling this matter peacefully. Oh, and one more thing... Make sure your company pays the compensation as soon as possible. My lawyer will be in touch with you shortly. Good day, and I do hope your business survives now that your dirty tactics have been exposed to the public. Excuse me."

Throwing a smirk, Rhea finally walked away, leaving her rival clenching her fists, her heart burning with anger and resentment.

"You just wait, Rhea Addilyn Blaire. I will make you pay for humiliating me today," Hana muttered under her breath, grinding her teeth as she began plotting her revenge.

Meanwhile, Rhea walked confidently through the corridor of the courthouse, intending to return to her office. There was still much work to be done. If her phone hadn't started ringing from inside her bag, she would have already reached the parking lot.

Rhea pulled out her phone and saw an incoming call from Aliza Blaire, her mother. She answered without hesitation.

"Hello, Mom," she greeted as soon as the call connected.

"Rhea, how was the trial?"

Rhea smiled, having already expected this question.