CHAPTER 2

DIANA'S POV

Leonard and I had been dating since college, after I lost my dad, the only family I had left. We got married after graduation, and it’s been three years of marriage. We were happy, even though we hadn’t had a child. Knowing he was going to divorce me for something I had no knowledge of hurt so badly. I couldn’t let him throw away the love we had built for so long.

I got dressed quickly and walked out. The stranger had left a while ago, leaving me to face the aftermath of the chaos he had caused. As I dressed, I kept thinking about who could have paid him to stage this, but no name came to mind.

The cab ride home was fast. The moment I arrived at the mansion, as I walked up the stairs, I met Mrs. Nelson, Leonard’s mother, standing in the corridor leading to our bedroom.

“So, you’re finally back?” she asked, anger flashing in her eyes. She had never liked me. She hated me for many reasons. She resented me for coming from a poor background and, on top of that, for being an orphan.

She had always thought a girl like me, from a poor home, couldn’t love her son and was only with him for his money. Above all, she despised me for not being able to give her a grandchild after three years of marriage. Now, she had all the reason to hate me even more.

“My son, he told me everything. To think I didn’t expect you to be so shameless. I thought that because my son chose you, brushed you up, and gave you a life of luxury as the wife of a billionaire, that would be enough for you,” she said, a sad smile on her lips.

“Mother-in-law, I...” I started, but the rest of my words crumbled as she struck my face with the back of her hand. Her eyes flared in anger as she moved even closer. I could see the fury written all over her face.

"What are you trying to do? Explain??" She said, her voice rising a little.

A single tear rolled down my cheek as I stared at her, holding my face. She leaned in and whispered, “I hope you’ve only come to pack your things and finally leave my son alone.”

“I just want to see him. Please, let me see Leonard...” I cried. She looked at me with disgust and then smirked.

She called Leonard’s name, making it clear I was no longer allowed to enter our room. She stood there watching me until Leonard finally opened the door to our bedroom and stepped out. But, to my shock, he didn’t come out alone. He walked out, hand in hand with my best friend, Claire.

“Claire? Wh—what is going on here? What are you doing here with my husband?” I said in shock, my eyes wide, my vision blurring from the disbelief. Leonard’s face was hard and stern, but Claire wore a smug smile.

“Your husband? Oh please, Diana. You mean the same man you just cheated on?” Claire said with a twisted smile. My head spun as her words sank in—I could barely process the betrayal from my best friend. I had still had no idea whether or not she was the one who set me up, but one thing was clear, she had been the one feeding my husband with all those lies of me cheating on him.

But even if she lied, why were they together, holding hands? My eyes remained drawn together, hoping all of this wasn't really happening.

“Please, I beg you. I don’t know why you even came back here. Just sign the divorce papers and leave. Haven’t you hurt me enough already?” Leonard said, still holding Claire close, his hand resting on her waist right in front of me. I was speechless.

“Leonard...” I started again, but he raised his hand, silencing me.

“Save it, Diana. It’s not like you were useful to me in this marriage anyway. I had always been at loss spending all my money on you. You couldn’t even give me a child, despite knowing how much I wanted one. You were barren, but I didn’t pressure you. And yet, you still cheated on me. I’m done with you, Diana. I’m taking a new wife who can give me children,” he said harshly, his voice cold and detached.

I was shocked. I had known Leonard long enough to know he didn’t say things he didn’t mean.

“I’m marrying Claire," he said sharply, and my eyes lit up in shock.

"What?!"

"She’s been there for me all this time while you were off with other men. Pack your things and leave my house. I don’t want to see you here when I get back,” Leonard said, and my heart shattered.

He was remarrying—not just to anyone, but to my best friend. Tears flowed uncontrollably as I collapsed to my knees, my legs too weak to hold me up.

---

It didn’t take long for everyone to leave me in the corridor. Leonard walked out with Claire, and Mrs. Nelson returned to her room, giving me 30 minutes to pack my things and leave the mansion or she’d have me thrown out.

Realizing Leonard would never listen to me over Claire, I knew all I could do was sign the divorce papers. Wiping the last tear from my eyes, I promised myself I’d survive the harsh reality ahead.

I had no home, no family. This mansion had been my only home for three years. My only friend was the one who had destroyed my marriage by feeding my husband lies, using the opportunity to get close to him. I still couldn't believe that was Claire. Her betrayal hurt deeper at some point.

Immediately after signing the divorce papers, my phone rang. I picked it up, seeing an unknown number. I swiped the screen and placed it to my ear.

“Hello, who is this, please?” I asked, my voice filled with tears.

“Didn’t you save my number, Mrs. Nelson? This is Dr. Fred from HealthSpace Clinic. You came to my hospital a few days ago for a check-up,” he said, reminding me how he had my number.

“Yes, I- I remember. Is there any problem?” I replied in a low, casual tone.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Nelson. The pregnancy test result is out, and it shows you’re two weeks pregnant,” Dr. Fred said. My eyes widened in shock, and my phone slipped from my hand to the floor.