An Unlikely Goddess: The Ex-Wife's Revenge

On the wedding anniversary, Elaria Grace watched her husband kiss a stranger against the wall and take her like a man in love.

The way he kissed her-tender, devoted.

The way he touched her-hungry, unrestrained.

It was a side of him she had never seen in three years of marriage.

And in that moment, the truth hit harder than the betrayal:

He wasn't incapable of love.

He was just incapable of loving her.

*****

As dusk fell, Elaria sat silently in the backseat of a black Rolls-Royce Phantom, fingers lightly tracing the sapphire ring she wore.

She had just bought it that afternoon at an auction.

All because Sebastian Richards once said he liked sapphires. So she used up all her savings to get it for him.

Now? She regretted it.

At that very moment, in a corner of their villa, her husband was wrapped around a blond girl.

The girl was young, dressed in a perfectly fitted white dress. Her golden hair flowed down her back like silk.

She tilted her head up slightly and gave Sebastian a command, almost playfully: "Kiss me, Sebastian! Hard!"

Sebastian didn't respond right away, just stared at her gently-and that moment gave Elaria a flicker of hope.

He never kissed her in public. Maybe he'd reject the blond too?

But reality slapped her in the face-hard.

Instead, Sebastian chuckled softly and leaned down, kissing the girl full on the lips.

She let out a surprised but sweet moan, then reached up and touched his throat-right at his Adam's apple.

Elaria's pupils shrank at the sight, her gaze locked on that hand.

That spot-his Adam's apple-was something he was incredibly sensitive about.

It had always been their little secret, something deeply personal, almost forbidden between them.

She had always believed she was the only one allowed to touch him there.

But now, that girl was brushing it with her fingers, all curious and unafraid.

Sebastian didn't flinch.

His Adam's apple even moved slightly up and down in response.

The girl leaned against the cold wall, still murmuring something in that coy, soft voice.

Sebastian's tall, looming figure pressed closer, effectively trapping her between himself and the wall.

He leaned in, noses nearly touching, like they were in their own little bubble.

The girl looked up, lips parted just enough-it was a silent invite.

Elaria shut her eyes tight, trying to shut out the burning scene.

She didn't recognize the man in that moment.

That wasn't the composed, sharp heir who dominated negotiation tables.

It wasn't the aloof, polite husband who always kept a polite distance at home.

It wasn't even the man who stayed cold and mechanical in their occasional, passionless nights.

No-this man would break his rules just for a coquettish word from that blond.

He'd make out with her in broad daylight, practically in front of the world.

Turns out, he wasn't cold at all.

He simply never loved her, Elaria.

That realization sliced through her like a dull, icy blade, pressing slow and deep into a heart already shattered from years of trying.

Three years of marriage-a thousand nights and more-she had clung to her title as Mrs. Richards like it was salvation, locking herself into a golden prison.

Tiptoeing around his moods, learning his wants, pretending to be the perfect wife.

Foolishly thinking, maybe he'd soften toward her one day.

What a joke.

A tear slipped down her cheek before she even noticed. She shivered.

Then quickly wiped it away with her fingertips, forcefully.

No crying.

Not here.

Even if she'd just been betrayed, she wouldn't let herself fall apart.

No matter what, she'd keep her pride.

The car window muffled the blonde's cries-cries of pleasure as Sebastian kissed her with ruthless force.

Elaria stared toward the gazebo, her grip tight around the phone in her hand. Those two tangled figures...

Sebastian had his head lowered, kissing the girl in places only lovers go. The girl's eyes were shut, lips curved in a look of pure bliss.

Elaria's knuckles turned white as she clutched the phone even harder, resisting the urge to storm out of the car.

Just then, the man outside seemed to sense something. His gaze swept vaguely in her direction.

Elaria's heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, she curled deeper into the shadows of the car seat, trying to stay unseen.

*****

Back at the villa in Imperial Crest Residences.

Half an hour later, her assistant delivered the divorce papers.

She didn't hesitate. After watching her husband cheat on her, yeah, she wanted half of everything.

She took a shower. After dressing, she somehow found herself standing in front of the dressing mirror. Dazed, she undid the white bathrobe and studied her reflection under the harsh crystal lights.

Years of working nonstop had left her slim, not exactly curvy. Her flawless skin gave her a cool elegance, but it was far from seductive.

Clearly, it wasn't enough to keep Sebastian from straying.

Her mind slipped to that young blonde... and then she caught herself imagining Sebastian with that body, the heat, the noise...

Way more intense than what they ever had. She frowned, embarrassed by her own thoughts.

The closet door creaked.

Sebastian had come home.

He stood there, sharp and composed in his designer black shirt and sleek slacks, tall and fit like always. Elaria couldn't help but think-even without his billions, Sebastian's face and body alone could have women lining up for a taste of him.

She'd shared a bed with him for four years. Not exactly a loss, she figured.

They locked eyes. No words, but both understood.

He stepped into the closet, standing just behind her, staring into the mirror at her body. Elaria was already dressed neatly, her dark hair twisted into its usual tight bun. Even fresh from the shower, she still looked every bit the boss lady.

Sebastian remembered their wedding night-how hesitant she'd been, how she trembled at just being near him.

They didn't even sleep together that night.

Two weeks later, a business crisis hit. That night, Elaria buried herself in his arms, whispering his name. That was the first time they actually made love.

Their first time together.

After that, their sex life? Barely existing.

At home, she was the perfect Mrs. Richards; at Halden & Co., she was the powerful Ms. Grace. Always flawless, always composed.

Even in bed, she never really let go. Definitely not the kind of passion you'd call exciting.

Eventually, Sebastian got bored.

He leaned in with a half-smile, teasing, "You're the one who had the utilities shut off at the villa, right? What, just mad I was helping out an elder's daughter a little?"

Elaria's eyes met his in the mirror.

He did the math-it was her ovulation period.

His fingertips brushed against her earlobe as his voice dropped low. "So, was tonight for my birthday... or because your body's been craving it? Haven't you been dying for me to take you?"

Elaria got it.

He wanted a baby.

Mr. Richards, Sebastian's grandpa, still held ten percent of Halden & Co. stock. A child would tip the scale in Sebastian's favor.

But what he didn't know was-having a child with her might be impossible now.

After that incident... when she pushed him away, someone had kicked her hard in the stomach.

Doctors said her chances were slim.

Elaria was drowning in sadness, while Sebastian, unusually, seemed to be in a good mood.

He scooped her up effortlessly, laid her down on the soft bed in the master bedroom, and leaned over her, clearly intending to get intimate.

But there was no way Elaria was going to let that happen.

Her breathing grew uneven as she pressed her hands against his chest, hair partially undone and tumbling over the white pillow. Her bathrobe had slipped open slightly. "Sebastian!"

He locked eyes with her, almost obsessed, and leaned in to kiss her. His body language left no doubt about his intentions.

All Elaria felt was disgust.

Sebastian's dark hair was damp with sweat, his cheeks flushed, voice low and raspy. "Why are you resisting?"

Lying there staring up at the man she'd chased for four years, Elaria felt nothing but exhaustion.

She was done. She didn't want to keep sacrificing herself anymore.

But Sebastian had no idea-he was still demanding to know why she refused to sleep with him, why she wouldn't give him a legitimate heir to help him secure more power.

Elaria reached up and gently touched his cheek. Her voice was quiet, but her words landed like a punch. "Sebastian, I want a divorce."

His expression darkened immediately.

But he tried to keep it together. "This is about Bianca Thompson, isn't it? I told you, she's just a family friend's kid. You didn't like her living there, so I moved her out."

Elaria let out a cold laugh. A "family friend's daughter" being kept in a villa? Clinging to him when they walked?

She didn't bother saying those words. Arguing would only make her look petty.

Instead, she pulled open the nightstand drawer, took out the divorce papers, and shoved them into his hands. Calmly, almost too calmly, she said, "Besides the savings and real estate, I want half of Halden & Co.'s shares."

Sebastian frowned. "Half the company? That's a bit much, isn't it, Mrs. Richards?"

His tone was all business, laced with sarcasm.

Elaria's heart went cold.

But she didn't regret it.

She had given everything she could emotionally. Now, she was ready to walk away.

Trying to stay calm, she spoke from his perspective: "If we divorce, you can finally legitimize your little romance. And I get to walk away with my share of the pie. It's a win-win."

She looked completely serious.

That's when Sebastian finally realized-this wasn't just a tantrum. She had planned this.

He stared at her, dark eyes so intense it felt like they'd swallow her whole.

After a long moment, his voice turned icy. "You better give this up soon. Elaria, divorce isn't happening. You and I both know-we're a power alliance. You can't ignore that."

Yes, she knew.

But now, she just didn't care anymore.

Elaria stayed silent. Sebastian, getting irritated, stood up, threw on a robe, and stormed off to the guest room.

In his mind, Elaria just needed time to cool down. After tonight, she might just rediscover the thrill of being Mrs. Richards-and that rush of power from being second only to the top at Halden & Co.

Sebastian let out a cold chuckle. Elaria was always like this.

Behind him, her voice came soft and low, almost like a whisper. It held a familiar vulnerability, an echo from four years ago when she was still that earnest girl: "Sebastian, can we end this peacefully? I really don't want to keep going like this."

His body stiffened.

After a long silence, he walked back to the bed and said flatly, "You knew what you were signing up for when you married into the Richards family. You knew there wouldn't be love. I wasn't going to give it, and you shouldn't expect it. It'll only make things harder for you."

With that, he waved his hand.

The thick stack of divorce papers scattered across the floor like snowflakes.

*****

8 a.m.

Sebastian came downstairs in a perfectly tailored black-and-white suit, each step calm and collected. The crisp fabric hugged his tall frame-with that kind of look, he was basically made for magazine covers.

He'd started the day in a decent mood. But seeing the empty dining room wiped that away in an instant.

He took a sip of coffee and asked casually, "Where's Mrs. Richards?"

The housekeepers knew. Last night's argument had been loud-no one missed it.

One of the staff spoke up carefully, "Madam left early for the office. Skipped breakfast... didn't even take the driver, just drove herself."

Sebastian set his cup down with a sharp thud.

Suddenly, he didn't feel like eating anymore.

Thirty minutes later, he pulled up outside Halden & Co.

Ms. Woods was already waiting in the parking lot.

As soon as his car stopped, she rushed over and opened the door respectfully.

Sebastian stepped out, buttoning his jacket while walking. Every move was cool and confident-made enough of a scene that quite a few women nearby couldn't help sneaking glances at him.

Inside the private elevator, Ms. Woods cut to the chase in a low voice, "Regarding the Aurvista project-Ms. Grace's team slotted in someone new."

Sebastian stared at the blinking floor numbers overhead.

After a pause, he let out a soft scoff. "Looks like she's finally playing hardball."

*****

The tension exploded during the meeting.

Everyone knew they were husband and wife, and Sebastian had practically mentored Elaria on business from day one. Now here they were, clashing in a boardroom. Watching them go head-to-head was like live theater-the staff at Halden & Co.'s upper levels were all thoroughly entertained.

By the time the meeting ended, the sky outside was already dyed orange.

Back in her office, Elaria tossed herself onto the leather couch, rubbing her temples lightly.

Annie brought over a glass of water and placed it on the coffee table, her voice soft. "Mr. Collins just called. He asked if you'd meet him at the café on the first floor. Should I tell him yes?"

Elaria's brows lifted slightly. "Liam Collins?"

Liam-top dog in the legal world.

His firm, Ashbridge Legal, sat at the peak of the industry. Of course, he was more than just Sebastian's attorney-he was also the man Sebastian leaned on for anything too tricky or messy to handle himself.

Their ties ran deep. Very deep.To say that Sebastian might divorce Elaria but would never fall out with Liam wouldn't be an exaggeration.

This time, involving Liam showed that Sebastian didn't want the divorce drama going public.

After thinking it over, Elaria agreed.

Ten minutes later, she took the express elevator down to the café on the first floor.

Liam was sitting by the window.

His tailored three-piece suit perfectly framed his tall, lean frame. His sharp features had that innate sternness he never quite shook off.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up.

A rare flicker of surprise flashed through those usually quiet, unreadable dark eyes.

This wasn't the Elaria he remembered.

Back then, she was always impeccably dressed in designer suits, standing at Sebastian's side like a flawless statue while he fought his business battles. Everyone in their circle knew Sebastian didn't love her. His heart belonged to someone else.

But today, she looked... different.

She wore a light, comfortable knit top that gently hugged her figure. Her jet-black hair was down, a loose wave brushing her shoulders, making her look softer somehow.

Liam was caught slightly off guard, and before he could collect himself, she'd already sat down across from him. Her tone was calm, unfazed. "Sebastian sent you?"

Liam quickly regained his usual composure.

He pulled a document from his briefcase and slid it toward her. "According to the prenuptial agreement, if you go through with the divorce, you won't come out ahead."

Elaria took the file, flipping through it slowly.

When she got to the last page, her finger paused - subtle, but noticeable.

So, Sebastian had planned this four years ago.

She stared for a while, then quietly said, "Even if I get nothing, I'm still leaving. And Liam, don't call me Mrs. Richards anymore - just Elaria."

Liam had handled more high-profile divorces than he could count - he was used to this. Emotion didn't faze him.

He raised his coffee cup, took a sip, and casually asked, "So, why the change of heart? I thought you were head over heels for Sebastian. Affairs and drama are practically a given in this world."

Elaria turned away, giving a faint, bitter smile.

Everyone knew she loved Sebastian. Except Sebastian himself. Or maybe he did - he just didn't care.

Right then, she had this quiet fragility about her. To Liam, it was a different kind of beauty - softer, more real. Honestly, even more captivating than Bianca.

While he was still sizing her up, the door creaked open, and someone walked in with a poised elegance and undeniable presence.

It was Sebastian.

The moment he walked in, he saw Liam staring intently at Elaria, clearly deep in thought.

And out of nowhere, Sebastian felt this weird, uncomfortable twinge in his chest. A feeling he couldn't quite put into words.

Sebastian gave a small nod.

Liam let out a faint smile before walking off to give the couple-putting on a perfect show for the world-their space.

As Liam left, Sebastian glanced at Elaria's outfit, his brows knitting slightly. "Why are you dressed like that? Go change. We're heading to the house for dinner later."

Dinner, in this context, meant putting on their fake marital bliss. Just another performance for Mr. Richards and the shares he held.

Sometimes, Elaria thought Sebastian was a walking contradiction. He had the face of a gentleman, but deep down? Ruthless to the bone. He was built for the game of power and profit.

That was fine. She'd cooperate-up until their asset split was done. Everything, for now, revolved around mutual gain.

She changed into a formal outfit in her office and joined Sebastian in their private elevator.

No one else was inside.

Sebastian checked the time, tone neutral: "After talking with Liam, I figured you would've dropped the divorce idea. Today's one of your fertile days. Get ready when we get back. I'll try to make it quick if that's what you want."

Elaria gave a small laugh, bitter and self-deprecating.

Even when talking about having a baby, he sounded like he was discussing company logistics.

Four years. She'd put up with this kind of marriage for four damn years.

Her voice was colder than his now. "Same deal-I get half the estate, and you get your freedom."

Sebastian's face sank slightly, clearly annoyed, just as the elevator jolted to a stop.

The doors slid open.

Standing outside was a young woman in a white dress, looking innocent and sweet.

Bianca.

She stepped in lightly, looking nervous as she asked, "The staff elevator's down. Ms. Grace, would it be alright if I used this one?"

Three people. But there was only tension between two of them.

Elaria silently pressed the door button, saying nothing.

But her meaning couldn't have been clearer.

Bianca's face flushed red, embarrassment written all over her. She bit her lip and turned pleading eyes to Sebastian, hoping he'd speak up for her.

Sebastian, instead, replied calmly, "Let Ms. Grace decide."

Crushed, Bianca stepped back out.

The moment passed, but it left a bad taste in Elaria's mouth.

Not a word was spoken until they were in the car. Buckling his seatbelt, Sebastian casually said, "There's nothing between me and her. You're reading too much into it."

Elaria turned to look at him, her tone calm, her eyes unreadable.

"Got worried about her now?"

"Sebastian, I seriously think you should get a checkup."

He thought she meant for fertility, and said matter-of-factly, "There's nothing wrong with my fertility."

Elaria scoffed, her voice laced with mockery. "I meant go to a clinic and make sure you didn't pick up anything nasty from your hookups."

That hit a nerve.

He yanked off his seatbelt and hauled her onto his lap. Good thing the Bentley had a roomy driver's seat-he didn't have to hold back.

Elaria was shoved up against the steering wheel, the hard edge digging into her back.

"You lost it?!" she shouted, struggling against him.

This man-her cold, distant husband-was all over her now, despite always playing saint. Furious, she twisted his hair hard enough to rip it out by the roots.

That made him pause.

He looked up at her under the parking garage lights, lashes casting shadows on his sharp face. For a split second, there was something soft in his gaze, almost... tender.

It made her freeze.

And then he grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her fiercely. Not just kissed-his teeth sank down on her tongue, breaking the skin.

Blood mixed with lust.

Stunned, she stared at his face-so close, so handsome. Disgust flashed in her eyes, sharp and clear.

Still leaning in, Sebastian caught his breath, voice rough and restrained. "So, am I clean enough for you, Mrs. Richards?"

Elaria shoved him off, hard. She climbed back into the front passenger seat, hands trembling as she straightened out her outfit. Her chest was still rising and falling sharply from Sebastian' sudden aggressiveness. That rush of unfamiliar desire unsettled her, but Elaria did her best to maintain a calm facade. "Don't worry, I'll ask my assistant to schedule the check-up."

Sebastian had been aroused too, but Elaria's distant expression killed the mood quickly. He clicked his seatbelt into place and stepped on the gas without saying a word.

His phone buzzed constantly during the ride-at least a dozen missed calls lit up the screen. Elaria guessed it was Bianca. Since she had already decided on divorce, she didn't bother asking.

Sebastian glanced sideways at her.

*****

Half an hour later, the sleek black Bentley rolled slowly into a sprawling estate.

When they arrived, Sebastian gave his phone a quick look and said flatly, "Work stuff."

Elaria didn't respond.

Annoyed, he looked like he was about to say something-only to be interrupted as the butler opened the car door with a smile. "Mr. Richards, everyone's inside waiting for you and Mrs. Richards. The family dinner's about to start."

Sebastian nodded politely, even reaching out to hold Elaria's hand, playing the loving husband to perfection.

To her, it felt hollow.

They entered the dining room side by side.

Mr. Richards had two sons-Anthony Richards, the eldest, and Charles Richards, Sebastian's father.

The large round dining table was packed. Mr. Richards must have heard rumors about Bianca. He gave Sebastian a few subtle jabs before turning to Elaria with vague platitudes about compromise and staying united. But really, he just wanted great-grandkids.

Sebastian glanced over at Elaria and joked lightly, "Guess we better get to work on that tonight."

The old man frowned. "Four years married and not a thing to show-some effort that was!"

Sebastian brushed it off with a few smooth words.

Elaria kept her eyes on her plate, nibbling on food with a calm face. No one knew she was almost infertile-because of Sebastian.

Right then, his phone buzzed again. Without a word, he stepped into the front yard to answer it. From his tone, it was pretty obvious it wasn't work-related.

A piece of fish landed in Elaria's bowl.

Mr. Richards spoke slowly, his voice laced with unspoken meaning. "Men are like cats, easily tempted. But they do settle down eventually."

Elaria didn't even flinch. "Sure-after you've got them stuffed and mounted."

One of the maids let out a snort of laughter.

Feeling stifled, Elaria left the table early to take a breather out back.

By the pool, under the cold moonlight, a tall figure stepped into the glow. He looked a bit like Sebastian-his cousin, Daniel Richards.

Daniel always held a grudge against Elaria. She was the reason he lost so badly.

And with Sebastian tangled up in an affair, Daniel was more than happy to fan the flames.

He handed her a stack of photos-all of Sebastian and Bianca looking way too cozy.

A cold smirk curled Daniel's lips. "Recognize her?"

"She's Bianca. Father's Clarence Thompson-the painter. Big name. Her mom and Sebastian's mom go way back too. You? You're just some orphan. What chance do you think you have against her? Better watch out or you'll get chewed up and spat out by that wolf... But it's not too late to partner up with me."

Elaria flipped through the pictures, then casually tossed them in a nearby trash bin.

She looked up at this man she'd sparred with so many times before, her tone light and breezy. "Thanks for the warning-but I can handle it."

Daniel snorted. "I'll be waiting to see him toss you aside."

Elaria gave a small, relaxed smile.

What Daniel didn't know was-she didn't care anymore. She didn't plan to keep Sebastian either.

This fake marriage was hanging on by threads until the deal was done. Once she had what she wanted-money and the shares-Sebastian would be just another chapter closed. Love, hate, none of that would matter.

Elaria turned toward the hall again.

And then she saw him.

Sebastian stood silently under the corridor light.

In that glow, his sharp features and polished elegance gave him the look of a man born to rule.

That face... used to make her heart race. Used to pull her in deeper and deeper.

Now, his eyes were darker than the night itself.