The invitation arrived in an elegant ivory envelope, embossed with the logo of Wood Enterprises. My name, written in neat calligraphy, seemed to glow against the paper.

You are cordially invited to a special event hosted by Wood Enterprises.

I reread the words, my heart racing. Elijah’s company. A corporate party. Me? For years, I had been invisible to his professional world. None of his employees knew about me—Alyssa Straton-Wood, the woman he had vowed to cherish eight years ago.

I traced the embossed edge of the invitation, a mix of confusion and excitement swirling within me. Was this Elijah’s way of finally introducing me to his world? A gesture to make me feel included? It made me smile so happily.

The thought thrilled me. It had been so long since I’d attended a formal event. I gave up corporate parties when I became a housewife, dedicating my time to supporting Elijah and our life together. This invitation felt like a bridge back to that forgotten part of myself.

The week leading up to the party, I prepared meticulously. I chose a flowing burgundy gown, paired it with delicate jewelry, and styled my hair with care. Tonight, I wanted to be the woman Elijah could proudly present to the world.

That night I went to the company, the towering building of Wood Enterprises gleamed under the city lights. I clutched the invitation as I approached the entrance, my nerves a mix of anticipation and hope.

“Good evening, ma’am,” the usher greeted as I handed over the invitation. He glanced at it, then his demeanor shifted to one of respect. “Welcome, VIP.”

VIP? My heart swelled. Elijah had planned this, hadn’t he? He wanted me to feel special. My heart surged in happiness. Elijah is really sweet.

The usher guided me through the grand hall, where laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. I noticed how some employees glanced at me with curiosity and admiration. Their smiles were warm, welcoming. For the first time in years, I felt seen. For some reason I felt embarrassed since their attention is overwhelming.

The lights dimmed, and all eyes turned to the stage. My breath hitched as Elijah stepped into the spotlight, his figure commanding attention. His handsome features brightens the whole place. This was it. He was going to acknowledge me, introduce me as his wife. My heart raced in anticipation.

But then he spoke.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight. This evening is about celebrating someone very special to me.”

I leaned forward, my pulse quickening.

“Elijah…” I whispered, there is hope threading through my voice.

He paused dramatically before continuing, “Ruby, would you join me on stage?”

The name hit me like a slap. Ruby? His secretary? The one whose presence I had always brushed off as insignificant. Why is he calling for her?

Ruby ascended the stage, her smile radiant, her hand resting on her abdomen. She's wearing an off-shoulder white gown. My chest tightened as Elijah wrapped his arm around her, a gesture so intimate it left no room for doubt.

“We’re excited to share that Ruby and I are expecting a child,” Elijah announced, his voice filled with pride.

The room erupted in applause, cheers echoing around me. My vision blurred as my world crumbled.

“Isn’t it wonderful?” the usher beside me said cheerfully. “It’s about time our CEO and Ruby got married.”

Married? The word echoed in my mind, a cruel mockery of the vows Elijah and I had exchanged.

“How long have they…” My voice trembled.

“Oh, it’s been three years now,” the usher replied casually. “They’re perfect together, don’t you think?”

Three years. My husband had been betraying me for three years. My fists clenched as the realization sank in. Then I realize, those nights of working late and often business trips. I grit my teeth.

“And there’s this stalker, too,” the usher continued, unaware of my growing despair. “Some crazy woman keeps sending lunch to Mr. Wood every day, even though he’s clearly with Ruby. Can you believe the nerve?”

My knees nearly buckled. The lunches. My lunches. The meals I prepared with love, hoping to brighten Elijah’s long workdays. And now, I was branded as some deranged stalker?

I wanted to scream, to shout the truth, but my voice was trapped behind the lump in my throat.

I turned to leave, desperate to escape the suffocating betrayal, when I heard a familiar laugh.

Jacquelyn. My mother-in-law.

I turned to see her, her face glowing with joy as she embraced Ruby.

“Welcome to the family, dear,” Jacquelyn said warmly.

Of course. Eight years of marriage had not been enough for Jacquelyn to accept me. My failure to give her a grandchild had sealed my fate. And now, she welcomed the woman who had destroyed my life with open arms just because she's pregnant with his child?

Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall here. I turned on my heels, leaving the hall and its hollow celebrations behind.

Outside, the cold air bit at my skin as I let the tears flow freely. I had come tonight hoping for recognition, for love. Instead, I had found betrayal, humiliation, and a broken heart.

As the lights of the building faded behind me, one thought consumed me: Eight years. Eight years, and I was nothing but a shadow in his life.

The morning sun greeted me as I approached the tall building I once admired with pride, a symbol of Elijah’s hard work and my silent sacrifices. Today, that pride was marred with doubt and pain. I smoothed down my dress, a quiet resolve blooming within me. It was time for everyone to know the truth: Elijah’s true wife wasn’t just a shadow in his life.

Mason, Elijah’s former secretary and my person who I hired to help Elijah in building his empire, waited for me by the entrance. His sharp suit couldn’t hide the concern in his eyes. "Are you sure about this Mrs. Wood?" he asked softly, his voice low enough that the passing employees wouldn’t overhear.

I nodded, gripping the strap of my bag tighter. "It’s time, Mason. The truth can’t stay hidden forever."

He escorted me to the top floor, his presence shielding me from curious gazes and whispered speculations. The hum of conversations turned to murmurs as we passed. People stared, wondering who I was and why Mason, once a key figure in the company, was personally accompanying me.

When we reached the CEO’s office, the tension in the air thickened. Mason opened the door for me, but the secretary stationed outside stepped forward to block my path.

"I’m sorry, ma’am, but you can’t—"

Before she could finish, Mason’s firm hand pushed her aside. "She has every right to be here," he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

As I entered, the scene before me froze me in place. Elijah and Ruby were entangled, their lips locked as if the world beyond them didn’t exist. My heart clenched painfully, but years of mastering my emotions allowed me to mask the devastation.

“Elijah,” I called softly, yet firmly.

He jerked away from Ruby, the color draining from his face. Ruby stumbled, nearly losing her balance, but Elijah steadied her before turning to me.

"Alyssa," he began, his voice tight. He didn't expect that I will come to the company without his knowing. He glared at Mason behind me.

I smiled, though it felt like shards of glass cutting through my soul. "This is what you’ve been doing behind my back, I see," I said, keeping my tone calm despite the storm inside.

Elijah straightened, releasing Ruby, whose face turned pale. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice tinged with both surprise and irritation.

I stepped further into the room, my gaze steady. "Why shouldn’t I be here? I am your wife, after all."

Gasps echoed from the hallway. The door remained open, and curious employees peeked in, their whispers growing louder.

Elijah glared at Mason. "Close the door. Now."

But I raised a hand to stop Mason. "No. Let them hear. Let everyone know who you really are and what is my relation to you." My voice didn’t waver, though my heart threatened to break with each word.

The weight of my revelation left the room silent for a beat. Then, Ruby stepped forward, her delicate hand reaching for mine. "Mrs. Wood," she said softly, tears welling in her eyes. "Please, don’t blame Elijah. It’s all my fault. I’ll do anything to make it right. I’ll even kneel before you if you want."

Her pitiful act ignited a spark of anger within me. My eyebrows furrowed as I pulled my hand away. Before I could respond, Ruby stumbled backward and she collapsed to the floor.

“Ack! My baby!” Ruby wailed, tears streaming down her face.

Elijah rushed to her side, his face contorted with panic and anger. He gathered her in his arms, cradling her protectively. "Ruby, are you okay? The baby—" He looked up at me, his eyes blazing. "If anything happens to the baby, Alyssa, I swear you’ll pay for it!"

I stood there, stunned, the air knocked out of me. I hadn’t even touched her.

“Elijah,” I began, but my voice faltered as he stormed past me, Ruby sobbing in his arms. The sight of them together—the man I loved, the woman who had taken my place, and the child I hadn't known until yesterday—felt like a dagger piercing through me.

As they disappeared down the hall, the employees who had gathered stared at me with a mix of shock and pity. My chest ached, but I forced myself to stand tall.

Mason approached, his hand hovering near my shoulder but not quite touching. "Ms. Straton..." he started, his voice filled with regret.

He called me by my maiden name. Straton, my proud last name before I married Elijah. I was once the daughter of the No.1 tycoon and the most prominent and rich family in the Country, but I threw them away for Elijah who abandoned me just because I can't bear him a child. I wiped my tears.

I walked out of the office with Mason by my side, ignoring the stares and whispers. My steps were steady, my head held high, but inside, I felt as though I were crumbling.

As the elevator doors closed, I allowed myself one deep breath. Today had been about reclaiming my voice, but it came with a bitter aftertaste.

For the first time, I wondered if the man I had loved and supported was ever truly mine—or if I had only ever been a footnote in his story.

The evening shadows stretched long as Mason drove me to the hospital. Jacquelyn’s call had been abrupt and icy, the urgency in her voice unmistakable.

"Come immediately," she’d said. My heart felt heavy with apprehension, and the mention of Ruby only deepened my unease.

As the car pulled up to the hospital, I straightened my back and reminded myself to stay composed. Mason escorted me inside, his silent presence a small comfort amidst the storm brewing within.

When we reached the ward where Ruby was staying, the hostility in the air hit me like a brick wall. Jacquelyn appeared out of nowhere, her face contorted with rage.

"You almost killed my grandson!" she screamed, her voice echoing in the sterile hallway.

Before I could respond, her nails clawed at my arms, her strength surprising for a woman her age. I stumbled back, raising my hands defensively. "Mother, I didn’t—"

"Don’t you dare lie!" she shrieked, scratching at my face now. "You pushed Ruby! She could’ve lost her baby!"

"She fell!" I managed, my voice trembling with frustration. "I didn’t touch her!"

Jacquelyn wouldn’t listen. Her attacks grew wilder, tearing at my hair and leaving burning scratches on my skin. Mason intervened, pulling her away from me with some difficulty.

"Enough Mrs. Wood!" Mason’s voice was firm, but Jacquelyn didn’t relent, her eyes still blazing.

I adjusted my disheveled hair, ignoring the sting of my wounds, and stared at Jacquelyn with a steadiness I didn’t quite feel. My hands balled into fists at my sides. "I told you, I didn’t push her. She fell on her own. You can believe whatever lies she’s spinning, but I know the truth."

Jacquelyn sneered. "You’re a disgrace! A scheming daughter-in-law who only knows how to bring shame to this family!"

Before I could respond, the door to Ruby’s room opened, and Elijah stepped out. His expression was cold, his eyes void of the warmth they once held for me.

"You’re here," he said flatly, his gaze sweeping over my messy appearance before narrowing in distaste. "Apologize to Ruby. Kneel and ask for her forgiveness."

The audacity of his demand stunned me into silence. When the words fully sank in, a bitter laugh escaped my lips.

"I will not apologize for something I didn’t do," I said, meeting his glare with my own.

Elijah’s jaw clenched. "You’re making this worse for yourself, Alyssa. Stop acting like a victim."

I clenched my fists tighter, fighting back tears of frustration. "I’m not acting like anything, Elijah. But I won’t kneel to a mistress just because you can’t see through her lies!"

Jacquelyn lunged at me again, but Mason quickly restrained her. She screamed, "How dare you call her a mistress! You vile woman! My son married a schemer!"

I laughed bitterly, “Isn't that what she is? A mistress?” finally snapping. "And you, Jacquelyn, are a fool. A mother-in-law who protects her son’s mistress and attacks his legal wife? If that isn’t stupidity, I don’t know what is."

Jacquelyn froze, her eyes widening at my words. But I wasn’t done.

"You’re defending a sinful relationship between a married man and his secretary. But why should I be surprised? You did the same thing years ago, didn’t you?" I gave her a cold smile. "Birds of the same feather flock together."

The sound of her slap echoed in the hallway, sharp and cutting. I stumbled to the floor, my cheek stinging, but I didn’t let her see me cry. Jacquelyn didn't know that I knew her past, does she think I didn't know that Elijah is also a product of a sinful relationship too?

"Enough, Alyssa!" Elijah’s voice was a low growl. He stood over me, his eyes filled with contempt. "I’m done with this. I’ll file for divorce."

The word divorce hung in the air, cutting through the silence like a knife. I froze, staring up at him as if I hadn’t heard him correctly.

But the cold finality in his eyes told me he meant every word.

Slowly, I rose to my feet, brushing myself off as though the slap and his words hadn’t just shattered me. I smiled, though tears blurred my vision. "Fine," I said, my voice steady despite the lump in my throat. "Let’s get a divorce."

Jacquelyn looked triumphant, but I ignored her. My focus was entirely on Elijah.

"You’ll have your freedom," I said softly. "But mark my words, Elijah. Everything I gave you—everything that made you who you are today—I will take it all back. Piece by piece, just as you’ve taken from me."

I turned and I walked away, the weight on my chest grew heavier, but I kept my head high. They’d broken my heart, but they hadn’t broken me.

And they just woke up the beast that sleeps inside me.