The luxurious boutique smelled faintly of leather and expensive perfume. As I trailed behind my mother, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. It had been so long since we’d gone shopping together. It made me so happy.

Mom turned to me with a warm smile. "It’s been ages since we did this, Alyssa. Today, I want to spoil you. Anything you like, it’s yours."

Her words touched me, but the weight of my emotions was too heavy to ignore. As we browsed the racks of designer clothes, I finally mustered the courage to speak. "Mom…" My voice was low, hesitant.

Rebecca turned, her eyes immediately latching onto the worry in mine. "What is it, sweetheart?"

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat threatening to choke me. "Do you know why Elijah chose Ruby over me?"

Her brows furrowed in concern, and she shook her head. "It’s because I can’t get pregnant," I said softly, the confession cutting through me like a knife.

Rebecca’s eyes widened in shock. "What?"

I nodded, blinking back tears. "It's been 8 years since we got married and never even once got pregnant. That’s why…" My voice cracked. "That’s why he turned to her."

My mother’s face darkened, her worry quickly morphing into anger. She reached out and squeezed my hand. "Alyssa, you’re worth far more than what that man thinks of you. And if he’s too blind to see it, then he’s a fool."

Her voice softened, but her grip on my hand remained firm. "Your brothers have already told us they aren’t interested in settling down anytime soon. They don’t trust women—they think they’re only after the Straton name and wealth. That makes you our only hope, Alyssa."

I frowned at her words, feeling the pressure behind them.

Mom smiled gently. "But you’re not alone in this. I’ll take you to the best gynecologist soon. We’ll figure this out together, okay. No matter what findings is, we're here for you. You will always be our princess."

Her reassurance soothed some of the ache in my heart. I nodded, grateful for her unwavering support.

As we continued to browse, the store's atmosphere shifted. A familiar, unpleasant voice rang out.

"Well, isn’t this a surprise?"

I turned to see Jacquelyn striding toward us, Ruby trailing smugly behind her. My heart sank, but I stood tall.

My mom’s gaze hardened, but she remained composed. "What do you want?"

Jacquelyn smirked. "Just thought I’d give you some advice. You should be careful of that woman."

My mom's eyebrow arched elegantly. "And why is that?"

Jacquelyn folded her arms, her voice dripping with disdain. "Alyssa is a bitch and a harsh woman. She’s useless—a barren woman who should’ve been thrown out long ago."

I felt mom stiffen beside me, but before I could respond, Jacquelyn continued, "If you keep her around, she’ll bring disaster to anyone she’s with. Just like she did to my son."

Ruby stepped forward, her smug expression infuriating. Jacquelyn gestured to her. "Now this is what a real woman looks like. Not some country bumpkin who can’t even give her husband an heir."

A laugh escaped me, cold and sharp. "You’re really that delusional, Jacquelyn, aren’t you?"

But mom surprised me. She smiled sweetly at Jacquelyn before raising her hand and slapping her across the face. The sound echoed through the boutique, silencing everyone nearby.

Jacquelyn stumbled, her hand flying to her cheek in shock. "How dare you—"

Before she could finish, mom grabbed her hair and yanked her forward. "How dare you slander my daughter?" Rebecca hissed, her voice icy. I told her what Jacquelyn did to me and mom did the same to her. It was quite satisfying.

Ruby froze, her smugness evaporating as she watched her ally being manhandled.

Mom continued, her grip unrelenting. "Your son hasn’t even divorced my daughter yet, and you’re already parading his mistress around? You’re pathetic."

When mom was satisfied, she released Jacquelyn with a push, sending her stumbling to the floor. Her glare was dark, her tone sharp. "Stay away from my daughter, Jacquelyn. She’s divorcing your son, and thank God for that. I wouldn’t want an ingrate like you for an in-law."

Jacquelyn’s face turned red with fury. "You’ll pay for this!"

She stormed off toward the manager, demanding that we be thrown out of the store. But the manager refused, his professionalism unwavering. Instead, Jacquelyn and Ruby were escorted out, their protests falling on deaf ears.

As the doors closed behind them, Rebecca turned to me with a proud smile. "Now, where were we?" I give her a thumbs up.

The rest of the shopping trip was uneventful, but as we returned to the car, mom glanced at me thoughtfully. "Are you planning to visit your company soon?"

The question caught me off guard. "My company?"

Mom nodded. "The one you entrusted to Carlisle. He’s been managing it well, hasn’t he?"

Hearing his name brought a flood of memories. Carlisle had been my childhood friend and our butler's adopted son, someone I trusted completely. I hadn’t thought about him in months after I entrusted my company to him.

Mom’s smile turned teasing. "He’s changed a lot, you know. You might not recognize him."

Curiosity sparked in me, momentarily pushing aside the weight of the day. "Changed how?"

Mom only chuckled. "You’ll see when you visit."

As the car pulled away, I found myself wondering about Carlisle. A part of me hoped that reconnecting with him would be the fresh start I so desperately needed.

The sleek exterior of Scentuelle’s headquarters loomed before me, a testament to years of my hard work and determination. It had been eight long years since I last stood here, and while I had managed the company remotely, this building was a piece of me—a reminder of what I could achieve.

Beside me, my trusted bodyguard opened the car door. His presence was a comforting constant, one of the few in my life.

“Miss Alyssa,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “We're here.”

The moment I stepped through the glass doors, the cool air and faint scent of floral diffusers greeted me. The receptionist, a young woman with a sharp demeanor, glanced up and raised a perfectly shaped brow.

“May I help you?” she asked, her tone clipped.

“I’d like to meet Carlisle Smith,” I replied politely.

Her lips twisted into a mocking smile. “And why would you need to see our CEO? Are you one of those women trying to seduce him? You don’t look like his type.”

My bodyguard stiffened beside me, his sharp eyes narrowing. “Make the call,” he said, his voice commanding. “Let Mr. Smith know that Miss Alyssa Straton is waiting.”

The receptionist frowned. “Straton?” she echoed, her expression faltering slightly. Reluctantly, she picked up the phone.

Her tone shifted the moment someone answered on the other line. “Sir, there’s a woman here claiming to be Alyssa Straton,” she said with thinly veiled disbelief. Her posture stiffened as the deep, authoritative voice on the other end scolded her.

I couldn’t help but smile when I heard the familiar baritone voice. “It’s been a while, Carlisle,” I said a little loudly. I knew that he heard me.

The receptionist hung up, her face pale. She stammered out an apology, but I merely shook my head, brushing it off. She didn’t matter.

Fifteen minutes later, the elevator doors slid open to reveal Carlisle. My breath caught in my throat. The boy I had entrusted my company to was gone, replaced by a tall, striking man in a tailored three-piece suit. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his piercing eyes scanned the room until they landed on me.

His hurried steps brought him to my side. “My lady,” he said, bowing slightly. “Please pardon the ignorance of the staff.”

I waved a hand dismissively, though my heart swelled at his gesture. “It’s fine, Carlisle. I’m here to see you.”

“Of course,” he replied, his voice steady. “Shall we head to the meeting room?”

I shook my head. “Not today. I have another appointment, but I do need to talk to you about the company soon.”

Carlisle frowned, his concern evident. “Where are you headed? I’ll escort you personally.”

“It’s not necessary,” I said, but his unwavering gaze told me there was no point arguing. "You still have some work to do."

“You’re my priority,” he insisted simply.

Reluctantly, I allowed him to accompany me to my appointment. Carlisle and I went to the hospital. Though the car drive is silent, it was comfortable. I sneaked a glance to Carlisle and the boyish features he has before is long gone. He's handsome. we arrived to the hospital and we went to obygyne section.

The clinic was quiet, the sterile scent of disinfectant faint in the air. My friend, Dr. Eleanor Grace, greeted me with wide eyes.

“Alyssa!” she exclaimed, pulling me into a hug. “It’s been ages! Why did you just appear now?”

“It has,” I admitted, smiling at her. “But I promise, I’ll explain everything at a party I’m hosting soon.”

Her warmth eased some of the tension in my chest. The check-up was thorough, and as she finished, Eleanor hesitated before speaking.

“There’s no issue with your body, Alyssa,” she said gently. “But if you’ve been trying for years without success, there’s a possibility of infertility.”

The words stung, a sharp reminder of what I had suspected but never wanted to hear. I managed a small nod, thanking her before leaving the clinic with Carlisle at my side.

We walked in silence for a while, the weight of the diagnosis settling over me. Carlisle, always perceptive, matched my pace without a word. I know he wanted to ask me something but he didn't say anything or ask me. He didn't even ask me why I'm in the hospital or why did I appear suddenly at the company. I'm not ready to answer yet so it's a good thing.

Just as we neared the car, a familiar voice called out. "Is that you, Alyssa?"

I turned and saw Ruby. She's not alone. She's with that girl who protected her. "Aren't you that lying bitch?"

"If you're going to say nonsense, please kindly leave," Carlisle said with his serious face. I saw the glint in Ruby's eyes. That didn't escape my eyes. What is this? Is she interested with Carlisle. I frowned.

"Alyssa, Mr. Wood is worried about you. Your parents has been looking everywhere for you," Ruby said with worried expression on her face. I smirked.

"My parents?" I asked. "It seems your acting right now is getting more ridiculous. You've met my mother already. She did give your 'mother-in-law' a good beating." I made emphasize on mother-in-law and then I smiled. "So, who is this 'parents' you are talking about?"

"The car is here," Carlisle announced.

I turned and saw the car is already waiting for us. I turned to Ruby. "Please do tell Mr. Wood to prepare the divorce papers. Or simply tell him to call me so we can finalize our divorce. I'll take my leave."

Carlisle opened the door for me and I slid in and followed by Carlisle. "Are you really going to divorce him, My lady?" Carlisle asked.