My Ex-Husband Watched Me Marry the World’s Richest Man

Ms. Henson, your husband is cheating on you.

Belinda Henson assumed it was a prank. Then the photos flooded in, one after another, until her phone could barely keep up.

In every image, Tim Sawyer and Natalie Henson were wrapped around each other, their eyes heavy with want.

Making out in the car she was still paying off. Holding each other at the top of a Ferris wheel. Walking hand in hand beneath Mount Fuji, the trip she'd always dreamed of taking.

Something cracked inside Belinda's chest. Was Tim really cheating on her?

But ten years of memories pushed back. Every small kindness, every late-night phone call, every promise he'd kept. She forced the doubt down.

Technology made faking photos trivial these days. A few clicks and anyone could manufacture an affair.

Today was Aethon Group's ninth anniversary. Someone was probably trying to sabotage the event on purpose.

Belinda shook it off and drove back to the office.

She needed to be there before three to do a final walk-through of the venue and make sure tonight's gala went off without a hitch.

Traffic was clear the whole way, but her mind kept drifting back to those photos.

Half an hour later, she arrived at Aethon Group and headed straight for Tim's office.

Her hand was an inch from the door when she heard it. A woman's breathless moan, low and unmistakable, then a man's ragged breathing rising to meet it.

Belinda stumbled, nearly losing her footing.

Her hand flew to her stomach.

The conversation that followed was worse.

She loves me, Tim said, his voice dripping with certainty and contempt. If she dares make a scene, I'll divorce her and make her get on her knees to beg for your forgiveness.

But it won't come to that. You hate pain, don't you? Once Belinda carries the baby to term for you, I'll buy out the Hensons' bankrupt little company and hand it to you as a wedding gift. The whole Henson family won't even be worthy of kneeling at your feet.

That familiar voice, twisted into something monstrous, detonated word by word inside her skull.

She remembered their wedding night. A typhoon had torn through the city, rain hammering the windows, and Natalie had called crying, saying she'd twisted her ankle and couldn't get home alone. Tim rushed out to get her and got into a car accident on the way.

Even in the ER, even the moment he opened his eyes, the first words out of his mouth were about Natalie.

Back then Belinda had told herself it was just concern for family. Now she understood. Tim had loved Natalie all along.

The sounds from behind the door climbed higher. She didn't need to open it to picture exactly what was happening on the other side.

Every word those two had spoken hit like a bolt of lightning, splitting apart every scrap of trust she had left in this marriage.

With Aethon Group's resources, crushing Henson Group would be as easy as stepping on an ant.

No wonder the company had been bleeding out.

Belinda let out a quiet laugh at her own expense.

Ten years together. Three years married.

She had believed in Tim. Believed in what they had.

And all she'd done was destroy herself and drag the Henson family down with her.

The noises from inside kept coming, each one pouring fuel on a fire already raging in her chest.

She wanted to burn them alive.

Reason held her in place.

And then there was the baby. Belinda's gaze hardened. She would not carry a child for a cheating bastard and his mistress. Not now, not ever.

She pulled out her phone to book a termination, and the screen lit up before she could type a word.

An unsaved number.

The same number that had sent the photos.

Fury burned through her. She moved to decline the call but hit answer by mistake.

A man's low voice came through the speakerMs. Henson, the child you're carrying is actually mine.

The coffee shop.

Belinda must have lost her mind to actually show up.

And when she saw the man sitting inside, she became convinced the whole world had lost its mind too.

Dominic Ashford. The man who held Crestfall's economy in the palm of his hand, who topped every financial magazine, who'd been voted "Most Eligible Bachelor" five years running. The CEO of Ashford Group was supposedly the father of her unborn child.

Dominic, for his part, looked perfectly at ease. And his opening line was a bombshell.

We've never slept together, Ms. Henson. No need to look so uneasy.

Every muscle in Belinda's face locked up.

Why exactly did you ask me here, Mr. Ashford?

Dominic produced an envelope stamped with a hospital logo, pressed a finger against it, and slid it across the table.

Your husband, Tim Sawyer, has been having an affair with your half-sister, Natalie Henson. A month ago, they planned to have their fertilized embryo implanted in your uterus, making you their surrogate.

A mix-up at the hospital put my embryo in your womb instead.

Belinda flipped through the evidence in her hands. Even knowing she hadn't been turned into a surrogate for her cheating husband and her sister, her mood didn't improve one bit.

She drew a long breath, and her expression settled into calm.

Mr. Ashford, let's cut to the chase. Why did you really ask me here?

A flicker of appreciation crossed Dominic's eyes, so brief it was almost invisible.I imagine that once you learn of your husband's affair and betrayal, you'll choose divorce. As it happens, I need a child and a wife to satisfy my grandmother.

If you agree to become my contract wife and carry my child to term, I'm prepared to invest a hundred million dollars to save Henson Group from the brink of collapse, and give you the leverage to turn everything around.

Belinda let out a short laugh, edged with scorn.One after another, you people really are something. Marry you? Absolutely not

Ms. Henson, Dominic's voice was low and steady, his fingers tapping once against the tabletop, before you decide, consider whether your courage alone is enough to withstand everything you stand to lose.

He was right. She was already surrounded on all sides

If she lost anything more, she truly might not survive it.

Belinda closed her eyes, ran through every angle one final time, and made her decision.

One month from now. We get the marriage certificate.

Done.

The man looked as though he'd known all along she would say yes.

One month. City hall. Don't be late, my fiance.

The words were casual enough, but Belinda caught something unexpectedly intimate in the way he said them. She didn't linger on it. She stood and walked out.

She never noticed the gaze that followed her all the way to the door.

Belinda prepared the divorce papers and her resignation letter in record time, stacked them beneath the other documents on her desk, and knocked on the office door.

The moment she pushed it open, she saw Tim shove Natalie away on reflex, his suit trousers still halfway unzipped.

What's so urgent you barge in without knocking? This is a workplace. Learn some manners.

Belinda ignored the irritation in his voice and walked straight to the desk under both their stares, dropping the entire stack of files in front of him.

Urgent documents. Nothing moves forward until you sign off.

Out of the corner of her eye, Natalie was smoothing down her clothes, deliberately tilting her neck so the red marks showed, her lips curled in a taunt.

Incredible stamina on these two. At the rate they were going, they'd wear each other into the ground.

Tim was about to flip through each page when Belinda let her gaze wander pointedly between him and Natalie.

I didn't notice at first. Natalie, what are you doing here?

Her words made Tim's hand freeze mid-page. As if to cover for something, he grabbed a pen and signed every document without reading a single one.

She said she's been having nightmares lately. I've been doing physical therapy, you know, so I know a bit about that kind of thing. Just gave her a few pointers.

He was still finishing his excuse when the last page was already signed.

Belinda laughed to herself, collected the papers without a flicker of expression.

Well, don't let me interrupt. I have work to do.

Back in college, she'd been Tim's right hand when he was student body president, organizing his events, writing his proposals, drafting his reports.

Now at the company, she'd become the most dedicated, most capable chief secretary anyone had ever seen.

Normally, Tim barely skimmed the documents she brought him before signing.

Today, he hadn't even looked.

The chief secretary's resignation required his signature.

The divorce papers required his signature.

Belinda stared at both signed documents, and a storm of emotions churned through her.

All those years of devotion, wasted on a man who didn't deserve a single day of them.

She went to HR and submitted her resignation, along with the formal departure letter.

The department head was stunned, but the moment he saw Tim's signature, every question died on his lips.

Ms. Henson, we'll begin recruiting a new chief secretary externally. In the meantime, I'm afraid we'll need you to stay on.

The handover can be done in a month. If there's no suitable outside candidate, promote from within.

Belinda shook her head. She knew exactly who inside the company could handle the job.

Back at her desk, she let out a long breath. Free from that sickening farce of a marriage, she felt lighter than she had in years.

She'd barely opened her laptop when a message popped up.

An address.

Fiance, move here. You're pregnant and you need someone looking after you.

I'll come see you in one month.

One month. Exactly when the divorce cooling-off period would end.

This divorce was happening. No question about it.

Inside the office.

Tim sat in his chair, his gaze fixed on the doorway Belinda had walked through. He stared for so long he didn't even hear Natalie calling his name.

Belinda had come and gone like it was just another errand. Strictly business, nothing more. Something about it felt off.

A face suddenly appeared right in front of him.

Natalie was not pleased about being ignored.

Tim, what are you thinking about?

He pressed his lips together. A long pause. Nothing.

Normally, if Natalie so much as mentioned feeling unwell, Belinda would be more worried than he was.

But today, Belinda hadn't seemed to care about Natalie's condition at all.

She'd barely even looked at him.

In all the time they'd been together, Belinda had never treated him like that. Not once.

But Tim didn't dwell on it. Natalie had already pulled his attention back.

The villa.

The master bedroom where Belinda and Tim had shared their daily life was filled with memories of them. Every item carried the shadow of what they'd been.

Everything that belonged to her, she had the housekeeper pack up.

Ma'am, should we move these things to another room?

No. Throw it all away.

Belinda sat in the living room drinking tea, her suitcase beside her. It held the few things that were truly hers.

Everything tainted by that man belonged in the trash.

She had someone load the suitcase into the car. She planned to finish her tea before leaving.

But she had an unexpected visitor.

Belinda, who said you could drink tea?

You're pregnant now. You shouldn't be touching anything that could hurt the baby.

Natalie hurried over to snatch the cup from her hands, but Belinda's grip was steady. Natalie lunged and missed.

Before Natalie could try again, Belinda flipped her wrist and splashed the hot tea right in her face.

Just as Natalie was about to explode, Belinda spread her hands with a look of pure innocenceSorry, sis. My hands slipped. Ever since I got pregnant, I've had no strength at all. Can't hold onto anything. Maybe I should just get rid of the baby?

No!

Compared to getting splashed, the baby was what mattered.

Natalie shot the idea down instantly, softening her toneBelinda, a baby is a life. Don't joke about something like that.

She quickly ordered the staff to bring out the health supplements she'd just bought and set them up in the dining room, inviting Belinda to come eat.

Belinda watched that eager, doting performance and let out a cold laughSure.

The two of them moved to the dining table. Bowl after bowl of supplements appeared.

Chicken soup, fish soup, braised pork hock. All of it rich, greasy, and heavy.

The sight alone killed Belinda's appetite.

And Natalie clearly had no intention of leaving until every last drop was gone.

Belinda, these are all so nutritious for expectant mothers. You should eat more.

Belinda obediently picked up a bowl. The next second, she tipped the entire thing of chicken soup onto Natalie.

Sorry. Slippery hands.

Natalie yelped as the hot broth hit her and shot to her feet.

Belinda! Don't tell me that wasn't on purpose! Nobody's hands slip twice in a row!

Before Natalie finished the sentence, the fish soup landed on her too.

Belinda helpfully corrected her. Three times.

Only one bowl remained on the table: the pork hock soup. Natalie backed away, eyes wide.

The stench of chicken, fish, and grease clung to her skin and soaked through her clothes. Her face was black with fury.

But she couldn't lash out. She bit down hard and forced a smile. It's okay, Belinda. Mood swings are totally normal during pregnancy. I just came back to grab something for Tim from the study. I'll be out of your hair soon.

Belinda watched Natalie stride upstairs and disappear into Tim's study, and the familiar bitterness rose in her chest.

All those years together, and after the wedding he'd never once let her set foot in that room.

He always gave the same excuse: The study's all work stuff. It'd just stress you out. My Belinda deserves to be happy, nothing less. Yet he let Natalie waltz in and out whenever she pleased.

Belinda remembered waking up one night to an empty bed. There were sounds coming from the study.

Half asleep, she'd pushed the door open without thinking. Tim erupted at her.

Who told you to come in here? Get out!

That shout had jolted her fully awake.

Afterward, he said he'd only snapped because he was worried she'd get a headache from not sleeping properly.

But now, looking back, she could see it clearly: the frantic way his fingers had scrambled across the keyboard, the lingering trace of a woman's laughter and his voice, playful and warm, that had only just faded from the room.

None of this was sudden. Tim hadn't rotted overnight. He'd been rotten for a long time. She just hadn't seen it.

Half an hour later, Natalie's voice rang out again.

Could you have the staff load up all the snacks, coffee, and tea in the house and put them in my car? Belinda's pregnant. She shouldn't be eating any of that junk.

She'd gone upstairs to grab something from the study, but she came back down wearing one of Tim's oversized shirts, her hair dripping wet. She'd obviously just showered.

Her provocative gaze met Belinda's unbothered one.

Belinda, you got everything all over me, so I just took a quick shower and borrowed one of Tim's shirts. You don't mind, do you?

Belinda almost laughed. You've already got it on. What am I going to do, rip it off you and send you out of here naked?

At that, Natalie lifted her chin in triumph and began ordering the housekeeper and staff to load things into her car. Anyone watching would have assumed she was the lady of the house.

And everyone just let it happen.

She used to come over all the time, claiming she was there to hang out with Belinda.

Belinda had believed her. She'd told Natalie to treat the place like her own home, to make herself comfortable.

The growl of Natalie's sports car had barely faded before Belinda's phone rang. Tim. Not even two minutes.

Who told you to throw soup on Natalie? Her skin is so delicate, and you burned her!

I'm not coming home tonight. Sit there and think about what you did. I want a written apology on my desk by tomorrow!

Furious accusations, rapid-fire, and then he hung up without waiting for a word.

Belinda laughed.

Writing apologies to each other used to be their thing when they were in love. A cute little game.

Writing one now, with the love gone, would just be pathetic.

This house? He could come back to it or not. She didn't care.

Belinda stood, walked out the door, and didn't look back.

A new house. A new life.

The gated community was quiet, every detail whispering of wealth.

Belinda had been held up on the way over, and by the time she arrived it was well past midnight.

The lights inside the villa were still on.

She had barely pushed the door open when a kindly older woman came forward with a warm smile.

Behind her stood a row of staff.

You must be Belinda! Come in, come in. It's freezing out there at this hour. I've already got a pot of bird's nest and silver ear soup ready for you. Let me go ladle you a bowl.

The luggage you had sent over during the day is all in your room, but I wasn't sure about your preferences, so I didn't unpack anything.

Belinda's brow lifted. There were plenty of personal items in those bags.

If someone had gone ahead and opened them, regardless of the reason, she would have had to seriously reconsider whatever arrangement she had with Dominic.

Thank you. What should I call you?

Just call me Noreen Gilbert. I'm the housekeeper here. These three are the chefs, dedicated to your meals. They can cook anything you like. And these folks handle the cleaning

Noreen took Belinda by the hand and introduced her to every person on staff, walking her through the entire villa.

When she finished, Noreen gave them all a subtle look.

In unison, the staff bowed and saidWelcome, Ms. Henson.

Belinda didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Thank you, everyone. It's late. Please, go get some rest.

Yes, yes, Belinda's right. Staying up is bad for the body.

Belinda finished her soup and headed upstairs under their watchful eyes.

Every person here treated her with genuine warmth. Dominic had clearly given them instructions.

She'd had clothes and toiletries delivered straight from the department store.

Even so, by the time she finished unpacking it was deep into the night.

The eight o'clock grind was every working person's nightmare, but years of routine had hardened her body clock. No matter how late she slept, she showed up the next morning sharp and polished.

Even during the handover period, she refused to let a single task slip.

As Tim Sawyer's chief secretary, when he wasn't in the office, a mountain of responsibilities fell on her shoulders.

And when he was in, she had even more to deal with, especially when her sister Natalie decided to show up at the company too.

Last night's sleep had been terrible, but it didn't touch her efficiency. The dark circles under her eyes, though, barely faded even under makeup.

She looked drained.

So when Tim came in for the morning meeting, his gaze kept drifting to her.

Her features were striking, her complexion fair. On most days she wore nothing but lipstick and still outshone every woman in the room.

Today she'd put on light makeup. Her eyes were slightly puffy, and a faint bruise of blue lingered beneath them.

Clearly, his not coming home last night had hit her hard.

She'd probably stayed up all night waiting for him.

Tim checked his phone. Not a single message from her.

Before, whenever she knew he was angry, she'd flood his inbox begging him to come home.

But the past two days her behavior had been getting stranger and stranger.

Probably her time of the month.

Belinda felt his eyes on her and didn't bother looking up.

All the paperwork was filed. Tim just needed to show up with her at the end of the divorce cooling-off period and sign.

The meeting ended. Belinda had barely risen from her seat when Tim called out.

Hold on.

Something you need, Mr. Sawyer?

How's that apology coming along? From yesterday?

Yesterday?

Belinda had spent the day filing for divorce, packing, moving, and cutting every tie to this man. His question caught her off guard for a beat.

Then it clicked. Tim rarely showed concern for her unprompted.

He was asking about Natalie.

Belinda slid him a cool glance. Apologize for what? If you want to discuss personal matters during office hours, Mr. Sawyer, you'll have to excuse me.

She had handovers to finish, progress reports to confirm.

No time to waste on him.

She walked out without looking back.

And ran straight into Natalie right outside the door.

Natalie's brow creased, irritation flashing across her face, but one look at who stood before her and the man still seated inside the conference room changed everything.

The anger crawled back down her throat.

She clutched her own arms, the picture of wounded innocence. Belinda, I just came to bring lunch for you and Tim. If you don't want it, you can just say so. You don't have to

The tears fell before the sentence finished.

Tim heard her crying and was at her side in an instant. Without a word, he shoved Belinda out of the way.

The force sent her crashing into the wall. Her forehead struck hard, and for a split second her vision whited out.

What the hell is wrong with you, Belinda? Natalie came all this way to bring us lunch and this is how you treat her?

When did you turn so vicious? Going after your own sister now?

The barrage of accusations hammered into a skull that already throbbed with pain.

Belinda's gaze, cold and steady, moved from Tim to Natalie tucked safely in his arms.

Natalie held a single lunch box. She'd claimed it was for both of them, but everyone knew exactly what she was really there for.

Belinda touched her forehead. A lump had already risen under her fingers.

Her body hadn't recovered from the impact. She leaned against the wall for a long time, waiting for the dizziness to pass.

Tim. Her voice was quiet.

Impatience twisted across his face. Don't try to change the subject. You're apologizing to Natalie today. End of discussion.

He'd been too lenient with her yesterday. That was why she'd only gotten bolder.

It's okay, Tim. She's probably just in a bad mood because of the pregnancy. Her emotions are all over the place. Even if she takes it out on me, I don't blame her.

Natalie clung to Tim's sleeve, the very image of frail devotion. What matters most is that she feels better.

Natalie, you're too kind for your own good.

Tim gathered her close, his eyes brimming with tenderness. I've spoiled Belinda rotten. She thinks she's above everyone now. She has to apologize so she knows she was wrong. Otherwise there's no telling what she'll pull next.

You heard me. Get over here and ask Natalie for forgiveness. What are you standing there dawdling for?

Belinda watched the two of them, their little performance playing out seamlessly.

A smile broke across her face.

The way you two carry on, anyone who didn't know better would think you were the married couple.

I'm obviously the outsider here. Should I just go?

Tim went rigid. Then he snapped like a cat whose tail had been stepped onWhat the hell are you talking about?

Natalie is your sister! She's unmarried! You're spreading disgusting rumors about her and you think that's funny? What kind of sister are you?

Natalie collapsed against Tim's chest, sobbing as though her heart would shatterStop, Tim, stop. It's all my fault. I never should have come. I'm the problem. I'll leave. Please, please don't fight because of me

Her mouth said she was leaving. Her body pressed closer into him.

Contempt flickered through Belinda's eyesFine. If you don't actually want to leave, then don't force yourself.

She rubbed her lower abdomen, braced one hand against the wall, and straightened. Her gaze was ice as it settled on the man and woman standing there like the perfect couple.

I'll be the one to go. Wouldn't want to interrupt the lovebirds.

Only then did Tim register how white Belinda's face had gone. The memory of what he'd just done flickered through him, and a flash of guilt crossed his features. He let go of Natalie and moved toward Belinda.

Natalie hadn't expected him to release her so suddenly. She stumbled, nearly losing her balance.

Tim~ she whimpered, soft and helpless. No response. The wounded look on her face froze solid.

Are you hurt? Tim reached for Belinda's stomachHow's the baby? God, why can't you be more careful when you're pregnant?

Belinda almost laughed.

She swatted his hand away. If a certain someone hadn't shoved me into a wall, I wouldn't need to be careful, would I? Save the act.

Guilt tightened Tim's faceI panicked, alright? If you hadn't been giving Natalie a hard time, I wouldn't have lost my temper! She's your sister. You two used to be so close. Why do you have to go at each other's throats now?

Belinda wanted to ask him if he really didn't know why.

But a sharp cramp seized her abdomen, and the words died in her throat.

Hss

She clutched her stomach, and her hand shot out to grip Tim's armMy stomach

This is all my fault! If I hadn't come, none of this would've happened! Belinda's always been perfectly healthy during her pregnancy. It must be because I'm bad luck. Every time I show up something goes wrong. I should just go!

Natalie choked the words out through sobs and bolted from the conference room.

Natalie!

Panic seized Tim's face. Without thinking, he wrenched free of Belinda's grip and went after her.

The pain in Belinda's abdomen had beaded her forehead with sweat. She dragged herself into his path, every word heavy with agonyI'm in pain. Take me to the hospital first.

Tim erupted.

He tore his arm away and turned on herCut the act! I can't believe I ever thought you were decent, Belinda! I thought you were sensible and mature, and instead you'd stoop to faking pain just to compete for attention? Natalie was right. You've been perfectly fine this whole pregnancy. I barely touched you back there. There's no way you're suddenly in agony!

Don't think carrying a baby gives you some kind of golden shield! I promised your parents I'd look after Natalie. You're her older sister and you spend every waking minute competing with her for attention. Have you no shame?

He spat the words, spun on his heel, and tore down the hallway after Natalie's retreating figure.

Belinda lost the only thing holding her up. Her legs buckled and she pitched forward toward the floor.

Belinda!