CHASING THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE EX-WIFE

VIVIENNEAs I sat in the conservatory of our mansion, I heard the distant babble of the home staff drift away. I had given them the rest of the day off.Today was my birthday, but I was waiting for Zeke alone once more instead of celebrating.I glanced at the small gift box on the glass table, accompanied by a bouquet of flowers which was delivered by Zeke’s assistant saying it was on my husband’s behalf.The box was the same size as the ones I received over the years with no surprise.I didn’t bother to open it. I bet it was the same gift he gave me last year and the year before that—a luxury car, just a different brand.I was perfectly sure that it was only Zeke’s assistant doing his professional job. I did not even know whether Zeke remembered my birthday or if he just intentionally ignored my birthday for some reason.I sighed and forced a bitter smile. Why was I still expecting? Ever since that incident happened, everything took a sudden turn for the worse between us.Maybe, I ju

VIVIENNEI took one of my husband’s cars and drove to his company. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of anger and despair fueling my determination.I just couldn't let myself stay still while my husband was disrespecting me. However, deep down in my heart, one of my reasons was that I wanted us to fix this too.When I arrived, I stormed into the building. My steps were hurried and resolute. I even gained attention probably because of the evident anger in my expression but I didn't give a shit anymore.I walked into Zeke’s company building, my heart pounding with determination. No one recognized me; Zeke had never brought me here or introduced me as his wife officially. Gathering up my courage, I approached the front desk, trying to keep my voice steady.“I need to see Ezekiel Harrington. I’m his wife,” I said, meeting the receptionist’s skeptical gaze.The receptionist raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.“Sure you are," she said sarcastically. "We get people like you every day.

EZEKIELVivienne’s lips curled into a bitter smile as she looked at me. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter anymore, Zeke.”A dry laugh escaped my lips."Are you serious?" I asked, finding her words absurd. "Are you expecting me to believe that you might be pregnant?"She flinched, the color draining from her face.“This is a joke. A bad one. If you really are pregnant, then whose baby is it? We both know it can't be mine, not with the precautions we've taken."Her eyes widened, a mixture of hurt and fury flashing across her face. I could tell she would be a great actress."You think I'd lie about something like this? You think I'd cheat on you?" she snapped, her voice laced with deep disappointment rather than anger.I shook my head, a mocking smile playing on my lips."Oh, come on, Vivienne. Really? This is your big play? Pretending to be pregnant to keep me around? It's pathetic."Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, her entire body trembling, but it wasn't rage that I saw in her

EZEKIELNo, how could it be her?As the driver drove through the city, I pulled out my phone. "Mr. Harrington," came the prompt answer from my assistant, Brooks."Brooks, I want you to check on Vivienne," I said.I tried not to care much but the side face that I saw earlier somehow bothered me.I hadn’t heard from Vivienne after the divorce. It seemed like she had just disappeared after we parted ways. I wouldn’t deny. After we divorced, there were still moments when I wondered where she was. But after she signed the papers, that was the last time I heard anything from her. It was as if she stopped existing. "Of course, Mr. Harrington. I'll get on it right away,” Brooks said. I nodded and diverted the topic. “What about Viatrix? Any updates about the mystery designer?” I asked. Viatrix was a mystery designer whose first collection basically became a phenomenal overnight success in the few last years. The last collaboration with Viatrix made a company turn a quarterly profit for

VIVIENNE STOOD IN front of the mirror, making final adjustments to her elegant dress. Tonight was the night she would reveal herself as Viatrix, the mystery designer behind the latest stunning collection. The coordinators kept her updated, ensuring every detail was perfect."Everything is set, Miss Lancaster," one of the coordinators said from the other line. "The guests have started to arrive, and the venue looks amazing.""Thank you," Vivienne replied as she ended the call. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. With a final glance in the mirror, Vivienne straightened her shoulders but then, the door swung open, and Alex walked in.Alex’s eyes widened in shock before narrowing with a familiar disdain. She couldn't believe who she was seeing after all these years. The sight of Vivienne brought back a flood of memories and a surge of jealousy. How could Vivienne be here, looking so confident and out of place?“Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up,” she smirked, crossin