Chapter 1

Elena POV

My face lit up with a warm smile, as I exchanged pleasantries with the small gathering of friends gathered to celebrate my 25th birthday. 

The air was filled with our gentle conversation and the sounds of our touching glasses, mixed with the occasional burst of laughter, creating a lively atmosphere.

As the evening went on, I could feel butterflies in my tummy, my heart racing as I thought about telling Noah the good news about my pregnancy. 

My hands were instinctively resting on my belly as I basked in the excitement of becoming a mother.

Across the room, I could spot Noah surrounded by his friends, their business conversation filling the air.

As I made my way towards Noah, I was brought to a halt by Alex's words. 

"Elena, could you join me for a moment?" he called out to me, requesting my presence on the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to make a toast for our dear sister and friend, Mrs. Elena Harrison."

For some reason, my hands were fidgeting nervously, but I managed to make my way to the stage. 

Standing before the gathered guests, I smiled warmly at Alex, grateful for his kind words.

As Alex lifted his glass, my mind buzzed with anticipation over my imminent announcement. 

My eyes wandered to Noah, who regarded me with an inquisitive look, his gaze mirroring the gentle light from the chandeliers.

"To Elena," Alex started, his words resonating through the cool stone confines of the room, “A paragon of grace, intellect, and endless compassion. May your radiance persist, brightening the paths of those touched by your presence.”

The guests echoed their agreement with a chorus of cheers and clinking of their glasses. 

I wore a smile on my face as I raised my glass, my eyes meeting Noah's for the umpteenth time, and in a silent voice, I whispered “Thank you” to him.

As the applause faded away, I drew in a deep breath, gathering the courage to reveal my good news. With a gentle clearing of my throat, I sensed the gaze of everyone upon me, eagerly anticipating my words.

“Alex, your kind words are truly appreciated,” I started, my voice steady but infused with anticipation. 

“Tonight marks a wonderful occasion, and I'm thrilled to share something significant with all of you here.”

"I'm..." My words were abruptly caught in my throat as a familiar figure entered the room. 

My eyes widened at the sight of a curvy lady in a long black dress approaching Noah's table. Her features were delicate, with her black ebony hair cascading down in loose waves.

It was Ashley, my step-sister, who abandoned Noah at the altar on the day of their marriage, eight months ago.

I became a substitute bride for Noah to spare the Harrison family from public humiliation. 

It was perplexing to see Ashley suddenly appear out of the blue after all this time.

My brows sternly increased as Noah's gaze met her's making me feel a wave of unease washing over me, mixed with a little resentment due to her presence.

My smile faltered as I stepped down from the stage. "Elena, you were about to make an announcement," Alex's words interjected, but I paid no attention to that.

My mind swirled with questions, as I approached this looming threat in the person of Ashley.

"Why are you here?" I demanded, my tone sharp with a mix of curiosity and disdain, my eyes narrowing as I confronted her unexpected presence.

Ashley brushed off my inquiry, clearly eager to leave, but I gently caught hold of her right hand.

“I don't owe you any explanations, but if you must know, Noah invited me” she retorted with a touch of arrogance before slipping away from my grasp.

My eyes narrowed in shock. "Noah invited you?" I blurted out, incredulity seeping into my voice as I struggled to comprehend the situation.

Before Ashley could utter another word, Noah interjected, his tone carrying a sense of certainty.

“Elena, I invited her,” he stated firmly, “Ashley and I are back together,” he added with a seriousness that brooked no argument.

My jaw tightened, with my eyes wide as saucers as Noah's words echoed in my mind, I grappled with a surge of anguish and shock, my breaths coming in short gasps. 

“How is that possible?" I managed to utter, my voice laden with frustration.

Noah's demeanor hardened, his gaze cold and indifferent. “We don't owe you any explanations, Elena,” he retorted. “Ashley and I have our reasons, and they're none of your concern.”

Tension thickened in the air as I struggled to digest Noah's callous remarks. The party around us seemed to blur into the background as curious glances darted from our guests.

Guests began to leave, sensing the animosity between us. Soon, only Alex, who was Noah's twin brother remained, his uncomfortable glance adding to the palpable tension.

My chest tightened, for eight months, I had been the dutiful wife to Noah Harrison, it wasn't as if we lived as strangers, as the seed in my womb was proof.

I couldn't understand why Noah would just forget all we shared in the last few months due to the arrival of his former flame.

"Noah, we shared something intimate just last night. Doesn't that count for anything?" I implored, desperation creeping into my voice, but Noah's expression remained unwavering.

“I'm sorry Elena, but we can't continue with this marriage” he finally dropped the bombshell that shattered my heart into a million irreplaceable pieces. 

"Noah, think this through," Alex interjected, his voice laced with concern, but Noah silenced him with a dismissive gesture.

“Nothing anyone can say or do can change my mind,” he scowled in a firm voice.

Ashley, who was enjoying the scene all along, finally reached into her handbag and pulled out a stack of paper. 

Slowly, she passed them to Noah with a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

My eyes welled up in tears threatening to spill over as Noah thrust the stack of paper towards me. 

“Sign the papers and leave my life,” he prompted without any remorse.