Painful Revenge of an Ex Wife

Ella's POV

I stood confidently on the balcony, a glass of red wine in hand, a smile beaming on my face. The doctor’s words from earlier today about my pregnancy test echoed in my mind, and I couldn't hide my happiness. I was eight weeks pregnant without even realizing it; what a remarkable twist!

The sounds of music and animated gossip from the ladies around me made me chuckle. It was my birthday, and my husband had invited everyone. What was meant to be a simple family gathering had morphed into a celebration worthy of a carnival. Victor clearly wanted to make me feel special.

“Ella, sweetheart, happy birthday!” I heard my mom's voice behind me. Turning to her, I held my glass of wine firmly.

“Mom.”

“Yes, sweetheart?” she responded, radiating satisfaction. She extended her arms for a hug, and I stepped forward without hesitation. She has always been my pillar of strength. Should I share my news? Not yet…

Tears welled up in my eyes, trickling down my cheeks and staining her shirt. She noticed and gently pulled back to assess me.

“Are you okay, child?”

I nodded, swiftly wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. The lively voice of the MC organizing the birthday festivities broke through the moment, shifting the focus back to the celebration.

"Let’s head to the hall now, hun."

"Okay." I grabbed the hem of my gown and walked down the hall with her. She offered me a helping hand, and I raised my chin for a moment. As we made our way to the hall, I took in the decorations in my favorite colors, pink with a touch of blue. When I looked up at the ceiling, I couldn't help but gasp.

"Wow!" I clasped my hands over my mouth to suppress the excitement bubbling inside me. There it was; a chandelier, the very one I had admired at the mall last week. He had stopped me from buying it, insisting he didn’t have the money, and now here it was, dazzling above us, a surprise for my birthday. My heart raced. After four years of marriage, this was the first time Victor made me feel truly cherished as a wife.

"Shh! Ella, it’s just decor. Why the excitement? He hasn’t treated you well for years," my mother chimed in, rolling her eyes as if to dismiss my joy.

Her words shifted my mood, but I refused to let them dim what I felt.

"I know, Mom. But it’s my marriage, not yours," I replied, my voice firm but subdued, knowing she wouldn’t appreciate the strength behind it.

“You better not come complaining.”

“I won't. Victor is the best for me.”

She hissed and walked away, leaving me standing in the middle of the hall. I quickly scanned the room, searching for Victor; he was supposed to be here.

I looked again, trying to find him among the crowd. He wasn’t in the center of the festivities. I glanced back at my mom, but she had already turned to a table of guests, her interest in me clearly gone. Her sharp gaze lingered for a moment, then she dismissed me with a hiss.

I swallowed hard, steadying my nerves. Was he intentionally avoiding me? I refused to stand here, wondering where he was.

Spotting my mom in the distance, I approached her. “Mom,” I said, my voice strained, “where is Victor?”

She didn’t even bother to look away from her conversation. “Look around,” she muttered, still ignoring me.

A cold knot formed in my stomach. I turned and scanned the room again, desperately searching for him. And then I saw him.

Victor walked in, his arm causally linked with Lily’s, my cousin. They were laughing, far too relaxed and carefree. I froze, my heart skipping as the wine glass I held suddenly felt unbearably heavy.

I forced myself to look away, not wanting to appear overly focused on them, but I couldn’t help myself. Victor approached, grinning, but the smile that used to make me feel safe now felt like a facade.

"Happy birthday, Ella," he said softly, leaning in to kiss my cheek. The touch was light and distant, like he was fulfilling an obligation.

Before I could reply, he turned and walked directly to Lily without another word. I stood there, frozen, watching as he pulled out a chair for her and leaned in for a kiss. Not just any kiss—a deep, passionate kiss. My stomach twisted at the sight, and I refused to admit how much it affected me.

The room fell silent as whispers erupted around us.

I stood still, my mouth dry, unable to look away. The kiss lingered, and when they finally broke apart, their exchanged glance spoke volumes. I tightened my grip on the wine glass, fearing it might shatter from my fury.

Then my heart sank further. Victor, still smiling, reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a blue file. It was thick, filled with pages, and as he slid it across the table, I could see the title.

Divorce Agreement.

My breath caught. I was paralyzed, unable to comprehend what was happening. Is this really happening?

His voice cut through my daze. "Sign it, Ella."

“You’ve got to be kidding. Is this some kind of sick birthday surprise? If it is, I want to return this gift, Victor.” I stood up to confront him, but he stepped back.

“I said, sign the papers, Ella Mathew!” he commanded, his fist clenched.

“Just sign the damn papers, sister.”

I stepped forward, trying to gather my thoughts. My cousin had the audacity to approach me while I was speaking to my husband, and I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. My eyes were heavy with unshed tears, but I was determined to hold them back.

“She’s not going anywhere,” Victor said, moving closer to her. My heart sank a little as I watched him wrap his arms around her. She held him tightly, pressed a kiss to his lips, and then turned to me with an intense look.

“Victor, please tell her...” she began, tentatively approaching me. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her voice low. “Tell her to sign it, or I will make her.”

“What are you talking about, Lily?” I asked, bewildered.

“Are you really going to force me to sign this?” I laughed lightly, crossing my arms. I couldn’t help but find the situation absurd, but I was ready to face whatever was coming.

“Go ahead, Lily. Try to force me to sign it.”