Ex Husband's Regret: He Wants Me Back

Rachel's POV

I sat at our favorite restaurant, fidgeting with my napkin. Today was special-our third anniversary. I couldn't wait to see Andrew walk through that door.

Although I was dying with anxiety deep down, I still managed to put on a smile, ignoring the piety looks I was getting from the waiters.

He was going to show up, hopefully.

I loved him more with each passing day, but lately, things have changed. His promotion at work had taken over his life. He was always busy, always tired. We barely had time for each other.

He gets upset at the slightest things, so I choose most times not to get into an argument with him letting things go even though it was his fault.

My heart ached, remembering the way it used to be. We'd laugh together, go on spontaneous dates, and cuddle on the couch.

The way he'd tell me how much he loves and adores me. How much I meant to him.

Now, I was lucky if I got a quick kiss goodbye.

Which I haven't gotten for a month or now.

He doesn't even come home sometimes.

I tried to understand. I did. His job was important, and he was providing for us. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I was losing him, and it was breaking my heart.

I glanced at my watch for the tenth time. No signs of Andrew.

I've been here for almost two hours waiting.

I placed a hand on my barely noticeable bump, and a smile crept on my cheek.

I am two weeks pregnant; I found out yesterday after undergoing a test, so I decided to save the news for today.

Andrew has always wanted a child, and being able to give him one now made my heart swell.

I wonder how he'd take the news.

I took a deep breath and let my eyes wander around the restaurant. Couples held hands, smiling at each other. Families laughed and chatted. I felt a pang of loneliness.

Where was Andrew?

I pulled out my phone and sent him a text: "Hey, running late?"

No response.

I sighed, trying to push away the doubts creeping into my mind. Tonight was supposed to be special. I had planned everything-his favorite food, wine, and most importantly, the pregnancy.

I looked up, hoping to see Andrew walking toward me. But the door swung open, and strangers walked in instead.

My heart sank.

Where was my husband?

I called his line, but it kept sending me to voice mail. I called till eventually the phone was switched off.

"Uhm...Sorry, Mrs. Andreson, we're closing." One of the waiters announced, snapping me out of my train of thought.

Tears began to accumulate at the brim of my eyes as reality dawned on me.

Andrew wasn't going to come.

I bit on my bottom lip getting up. "I'm sorry, I was just leaving," I announced, assembling my stuff before rushing out.

Tears began to slip as I ran out hailing a taxi to get home.

How would Andrew do this to me? To us?

It was our anniversary for crying out loud; what was the matter with him?

Was his work more important than mine? Than us?

I got home shortly.

I walked through the front door, exhaustion and disappointment weighing me down. The evening that was supposed to be special had turned into another letdown.

As I entered the living room, I noticed something off. There were clothes scattered everywhere-lace, silk, and perfume. Feminine clothes that weren't mine.

What was going on?

My heart sank.

I felt a chill run down my spine. Something was wrong.

Definitely wrong!

I just hope it wasn't what I was thinking.

God no!

It can't be.

Andrew will never do that to me or us.

I heard muffled sounds coming from upstairs. My heart rate escalated as I climbed the stairs, each step heavier than the last.

I approached our matrimonial room, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

The door was slightly ajar. I pushed it open.

And my world shattered.

Andrew, my husband, lay in bed with another woman. Not just any woman-my best friend, Victoria.

"Fuck, baby! You're taking me so good," Andrew moans, thrusting hard into Victoria as he spreads her legs wide open.

"Ungh...Right there, Andrew, faster... Fuck me hard," Victoria moans, pulling him for a kiss.

Andrew's eyes were closed, a look of pleasure on his face kissing her with so much adoration, one which he hadn't been giving me.

I can't even remember the last time we had sex with Andrew; he always came home late and left early, and most times he didn't even sleep at home.

Could Victoria be the reason?

Was Victoria the person standing in between our marriage?

A new set of tears began to stream down as I clutched on my bump.

How could Andrew do this to us?

We were more than this; how could he be so cruel?

Victoria's eyes met mine, a sly smile spreading across her face.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. My breath caught in my throat.

No, no, no. This can't be happening.

I stood frozen, my heart breaking into a million pieces.

Andrew's eyes snapped open, locking onto mine. For a moment, we just stared at each other.

"Rachel..." he stammered, guilt written all over his face for a second before it replaced with an emotion I couldn't mistake for satisfaction.

Almost like he wanted me to withhold him fucking my best friend on our matrimonial bed.

My feet got heavy, barely able to carry me as I took steps back, but Andrew didn't care to pull out of Victoria and run to me.

He was focused on pleasing Victoria and getting his release.

Right there, I knew I had lost him forever.

All those years have gone down the drain like they never happened.

I turned and ran.

Rachel's POV

I grasped Andrew's car keys, my fingers trembling as tears streamed down my face. I had to escape. I couldn't bear the sight of them together.

The air felt thick, suffocating. I could barely breathe.

I stumbled out of the house, keys clutched in my hand. Andrew's car was packed ahead of me; I rushed to it.

I settled in, starting the engine with shaking hands. The wheels screeched as I sped away from the nightmare.

How could he?

How could they?

After everything?

I thought Victoria had been my best friend and the only one I could call family since I lost mine.

Images of Andrew and Victoria haunted me, flashing like a cruel slideshow in my mind. Their passionate moment, the way Amanda held her so delicately, their kiss.

Tears blurred my vision, but I didn't care. I drove faster, desperate to outrun the agony.

The pain is the betrayal.

What is going to happen to us now?

Who was I kidding? There wasn't going to be an us. Not when Andrew had disrespected me this much.

I know this was the end of our relationship, but what happened to our child?

My baby?

The road blurred together-streets, lights-a colorful haze.

Suddenly, a car overtook me; a jolt shook the car. I swerved, losing control.

"Ahh!"I screamed, trying so hard to get control of the steering wheel, but the car lost control.

Crashing sounds filled the air. Glass shattered. Metal crumpled.

My hands clutched my bump, hoping for nothing to happen to him or her.

The pain I felt in my head, chest, and abdomen was unbearable. My vision was beginning to blur as I cried in pain.

I could hear the sound of people rushing towards me to help, but the pain I felt in my heart was far worse than the one I was feeling.

"Ma'am, don't move!"

A stranger's voice.

I tried to speak, but my voice was barely audible.

"Andrew..." I whispered.

But Andrew wasn't there; he was with Victoria.

And not me.

Only the haunting memories of his betrayal ran through my mind, reminding me of how undeserving I was to find true love and peace.

It was all a lie.

The last thing I remember was being put in an ambulance before everything went dark.

•••

I lay in the hospital bed, my body battered and bruised. The door swung open, and Andrew walked in, followed by Victoria and my mother-in-law, Margaret.

Margaret's voice dripped with malice. "It's good that you are awake."

Victoria smirked, hand on Andrew's arm. I felt a surge of anger and hurt.

Andrew's eyes avoided mine. "Rachel, what were you thinking? Do you have any idea how much that car cost?." He spat in annoyance

My heart shattered a million times.

He didn't even bother about my well-being but his car.

Who is this man?

This isn't the Andrew I fell in love with.

"Oh, please, honey..." How do you expect the church rat to value your wealth when she has zero ideas about how hard you work to get to where you are?" Victoria mocked.

And my mother-in-law chuckled, "She's right, son. I can't believe you wasted all those years with this godforsaken slum."

My heart ached.

I tried to speak, but my voice trembled. "Andrew-"

Andrew's expression remained impassive. "I think it's best we end this, Rachel. I've brought divorce papers. I can't continue with this marriage."

Margaret snickered. "Finally, you're free from this... this mess. I've tried to make you see how she is only after your money and nothing more."

Andrew nods in agreement. "Yes. At least I see that now."

Victoria taunted, "You never were good enough for him, Rachel. Andrew has always come crawling back to me when you are always leaching off him... You are of no good use; you can't satisfy your husband in bed. Talk less of giving him a child."

My jawline hardened, betrayal hitting me hard.

I couldn't believe this woman was someone I regarded as my best friend.

I sobbed uncontrollably; my heart shattered.

Andrew handed me the papers. "Sign them, Rachel. It's over."

I looked up at him, pain and anger mingling. "You're doing this now? After everything? I love you so much, Andrew; we can work this; I promise I'll do better," I plead desperately.

I couldn't go back to my family after I had abandoned them for Andrew. I gave up everything-my wealth, status, and family-for him, and this is what I get in return.

Andrew shrugged. "It's been over for a while. This just makes it official."

Margaret sneered. "You're just a failed wife and child; that must be why your parents abandoned you in the orphanage."

Victoria chimed in, "Poor Rachel, you're going to end your miserable, miserable life lonely."

Her words stung.

I glared at them, tears streaming down my face. "Get out! All of you! I don't fucking need you."

The trio turned to leave, Andrew dropping the papers on my lap.

As they exited, Margaret tossed back, "Good riddance."

The door closed, leaving me shattered and alone.

How could they be so cruel? Didn't they care about my feelings?

I placed a hand on my bump, hoping that my baby was still there. I was going to raise her/him myself without a father, and Andrew didn't need to know that.

He had made his choice, and it's high time I made mine.

The doctor entered, somber-faced. "Rachel, I have some difficult news." He announced, making my brows furrow in confusion.

What?

"You lost the baby."

My world crumbled. I burst into tears, overcome with grief.

"No! Please no," I cried shaking my head vigorously as I tried to reach for the doctor's hand, my tears knowing no bounds.

"I'm really sorry, Rachel," he apologized, pulling back and walking away, leaving me to my thoughts.

I felt my whole world crumbling.

On the night of my third anniversary, I lost my man and my baby too.

How cruel could fate be?

The pain in my heart grew as I drew my knees to my chest, seeking comfort, which I couldn't get.

How could Andrew do this to me?

Rachel's POV

I walked out of the hospital after being discharged, barely being able to keep my balance.

A familiar stood in the parking lot clad in her work uniform, my heart dropping at her presence.

My father was already aware of my situation.

"It's good to see you again, Boss." She greets me, and I nod, fighting the urge to let out a hiss.

"I'm fine, Diana. Just leave me be."

Diana worriedly states, "Boss, please, I can't leave you in this condition. Let me take you home."

Diana is my assistant; she handles all of my affairs, both business and personal. Her father worked for my family since I was six; he'd come with her on most occasions, clicking our friendship, so we were best friends. Or sister's from another mother.

Best friend?

It tasted bitter on my tongue.

Victoria's face haunted me.

Why did she do this?

Why did she betray me?

My anger grew.

"No-"

Diana caught me off: "With all due respect, Rach! My job is to protect your wellbeing at all costs. I have done all that you've asked over the years; let me handle this for now," she pleads.

Victoria's betrayal made me begin to doubt if Diana was also loyal, but then again, I've known her far too long.

I nod, biting on my lower lip.

"Thank you," Diana sighs in relief.

"Arrange only a car," I ordered, to which she nodded with a slight smile.

"I came here myself, so you don't have to worry about my attention."

I nodded, and we settled into the car.

My mind ran with different thoughts, mostly related to Andrew and Victoria, their betrayal hitting me harder every time.

All this year, I have been nothing but a devoted daughter-in-law, trying my best to see to it that I gave them everything they ever wanted, even though it was undercover.

But they threw that all to my face.

I knew I had greedy in-laws but not a husband. Andrew was different; he loved me genuinely. He taught me to be a better version of myself; he softened my hostility towards humanity and made me believe everyone deserves a chance, but in the end, he destroyed me.

The gates of Beaumont Mansion swung open, welcoming the car.

I hadn't stepped into the mansion for years, and when I did, I only came to visit and get some files, sort out something, or even console myself that my in-laws had oppressed me.

I came here for my training sessions too, which had thinned down due to a lack of consistency.

I did drop everything for Andrew and her family.

But you don't always get what you deserve in return.

I stepped out, my guards bowing deeply.

"Welcome home, Boss," one guard said.

I ignored them, walking straight into the mansion.

My anger still simmered.

The grandeur of my home offered no comfort.

I strode past the marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and lavish artwork.

My footsteps echoed through the empty halls.

Each step is draining and reminds me how much of a failure I was a disappointment. My hands balled into a fist, Andrew's words still fresh and clean, replaying in my head like a broken record.

It's almost like my heart has been ripped apart.

How could Andrew betray me like this? How could he?

Do they think Victoria's family's wealth would save them?

I wasn't letting this go, not until I settled the score.

A knock came through the door, snapping me out of my train of thought.

I hissed as Diana walked in with a slight smirk tugged on her lips.

"Your father is waiting for you at the dining table," she informs.

"I-"

She cuts me off. "You are aware he doesn't like waiting," she reminds me before turning on her show and walking out.

Ugh!

I followed suit shortly.

I met my father's disapproving expression as I settled into one of the chairs, waiting for his reprimanding.

"It's good to have you back," he states, looking up to meet my gaze.

My heart dropped, surprised by his statement. I expected him to scowl, mock, and... you know what I mean.

My father has always been so hard on me, being the only child, and with Muk not being around, he was always under my nose.

I nod, unsure of how to respond to him.

"Let me get straight to the point and explain things to you as I have a flight to catch in about an hour." He starts checking his wristwatch.

"I need you to work undercover at your ex-husband's firm."

One

Two

Three!

"What!"I bolt up.

He sighs, leaning back in the seat and dropping his fork and knife. "This is no time to argue, Rachel. His company is merging with Dulex next week. They've got some dirt up on their sleeves and impending debt they owe to our company," he continues to explain, but I get lost in thought.

After what had happened, he wants me to go back and work for them?

Dulex is Victoria's family's company...

"I have Darius Reid assigned to you... You will be working with him at your ex-in-laws company; he'll be reporting tomorrow morning; he has all the information you need to know," he pushes the chair back, getting up.

"I am counting on you, princess... Don't disappointment again," he pleads, his eyes gleaming with disappointment that has my heart aching.

I still couldn't form any coherent sentences with his request hitting me harder than I expected.

How do I face Andrew again without my heart breaking all over again, not to mention working for him along with Victoria?

I gulped bitterly.

Dad smiled a slight one, reaching for me and placing a kiss on my forehead. "I am counting on you," he says, and I nod and blink back the tears.

He gave me a split second look before walking away.