Ex-Wife Returns a Billionaire

"You good for nothing!" Elena poured and in turn, Kendra felt the hot palms of Elena connecting with her cheeks – a resounding slap that sent her ears ringing.

Kendra gasped as her hands ran up to hold her cheeks to mellow the impact of the slap. She looked at her mother-in-law with teary eyes.

"How could you be so clueless?" Kendra barked, her whole body shaking as a result of her raging anger. "Don't you know how to do anything right? How dare you tell me you want to quit your job? Do you have any idea how much help that particular one has been to us?" she yelled at Kendra, with a reverberating sound echoing through the hallways.

Kendra couldn't help but stare at her mother-in-law as tears began to roll down her succulent cheeks. She just couldn't bring herself to utter a word.

What had she not done? Kendra worked four stressful jobs weekly and practically provided for the family.

Ever since her husband's company went bankrupt, Kendra took over the breadwinner of the house, working four jobs; two Mondays to Fridays, and the remaining two during weekends. This had tremendously affected her mental health.

After quitting the fourth one as the doctor instructed, her mother-in-law assumes she'd committed a huge offense.

Kendra had been married to Philip Brooks for four years now and on no account had she had any iota of peace since her assumption of the position as the wife of Mr. Brooks.

He promised her heaven and earth, she ignored her family's warnings and got married to him, and ever since, she'd been rather a punching bag to him while his family turned her into an object of ridicule, blaming her for the collapse of the family's company.

She wondered if all this happening to her was heaven's way of punishing her for ignoring her family's warnings.

And for the fact she still loved Philip, she was ready to bear all the pains she'd gotten used to for the past four years.

"Forgive me, Mother," Kendra apologized, but Elena scoffed and stared at her like she was some piece of trash.

"Sorry can't solve this, Kendra. If you know what's good for you, you better return to that company and withdraw that resignation letter you submitted. How can you be this heartless? You're the reason we're in this mess today. The very moment you came into this family, things fell apart. Go back and retrieve that letter now. Do not make me repeat myself."

"Please, Mother, I can't afford the trauma of four jobs anymore. I can still support the family with these three jobs. I supposed you need me alive to support the family, right?" Kendra asked, hoping there was an understanding between them.

"Do I look like I care? If you die now, I'll gladly sponsor your burial. And will be the happiest person at your funeral!"

Her mother-in-law sneered to her utter shock. This was the same woman that almost died in the hospital if Kendra hadn't donated her blood to her. How could she be this heartless to her?

"You need to get the hell out of my sight right now! Get lost!" She pushed Kendra away while moving to wash her hands in the tap in the kitchen as if Kendra was some kind of dirt.

Kendra walked to the sitting room to get some painkillers for her aching body, still with the resolve to make the marriage work as long as she still believed that Philip loved her.

Before she could push open the drawer, her hand was slapped behind her as she quickly turned.

"What do you think you're doing? Who gave you the right to access this drawer?" Thomas – Philip's younger brother asked.

"My body is in pain. I need the pain relief. Please..."

"Does that look like any of my business?" He said with no emotion and Kendra flinched. "Mum asked us to stop you from touching anything in this house. Your bad luck is beginning to rub off on everybody. Please, leave." He said mockingly.

That was the same drawer Kendra bought with her hard-earned money. That was the same boy whose education Kendra sponsored with her hard-earned money. This time, she was not going to let this one pass.

"There is no way I'll let you touch this drawer. I don't care if you bought it with your money. This is our house. Anyways, I have a big game coming up later tonight, and I need some a thousand dollars from you," Thomas added, clicking his tongue.

"In your dreams!" Kendra scoffed. "You aren't getting a dime from me this time." She turned to leave.

"I know you'd refuse that's why I already helped myself with your credit card," he added, beaming with a smile.

Kendra grudgingly picked up the credit card from the floor. Another card had just been emptied. How was she going to survive such a condition?

As she was about to make her way out of the living room, she heard the entrance door open, she turned and saw Philip entering.

She ran towards him with a wide smile to welcome him home; a smile that wasn't returned. She was used to it already.

"Welcome back, babe," she reached to take his suitcase from him, but he pushed her away, his face flushed with sadness."

"Haven't I warned you not to welcome me, touch me, or any of my things?" He asked with anger in his voice, and Kendra's breathe cut in her throat.

Kendra lowered her head apologetically. "I'm sorry." Philip entered, walking away.

But what Kendra never expected was the slender figure that followed him in. He took her hand with him and beamed a smile.

A sense of jealousy washed over Kendra, she wished for such a smile from her husband to her.

She took a closer look at the woman and noticed from her dressings and jewelries; that she was from a wealthy family and must be a renowned one in New York and a business associate with the Poshelins.

Kendra wondered what the woman could be up to with her husband. She convinced herself the woman could definitely be here just for business.

Kendra's demeanor lit up with smiles as went to join them on the couch.

Despite how clung she was seated with Philip, Kendra waved it off to avoid awakening her husband's wrath again.

"Kendy," Philip called with a smile on his face.

Kendra's heart skipped a bit. She couldn't remember the last time he called her that name and with such a gentle voice. She quickly returned the smile. "I'd like you to meet Bianca Grayson, my girlfriend."

Kendra blinked, shifting closer to the edge of her seat.

"Excuse me?" She refused to believe she heard him clear.

"You aren't deaf, so I know you heard me, but I'll repeat myself so that it can stick to your empty skull. Bianca Grayson is my girlfriend." He grabbed Bianca's hand into his and she buried her head into his chest. She stared at Kendra mockingly.

"Girlfriend?" Kendra asked with widened eyes in shock. "You must be kidding me!"

"I'm in no mood for kidding, woman. She is beautiful, rich, and elegant, totally the kind of woman I want for myself. So, I want you to go into your room, pack your things, and get out of my house."

"What? Oh, goodness!" Kendra exclaimed with teary eyes. "I'm your wife, Philip. You can't do this to me."

Philip stood up with rage, bringing out a manila file from his suitcase and slamming it on the center table.

"It is over between us!" he declared. "I'm divorcing you!" Kendra's eyebrow widened. Tears began to roll down her cheeks.

"Why?!"

"You and I know this sham of a marriage isn't working, Kendra. And I'm tired of trying to make it work, and..."

"What are you saying, Philip? I've been the one working my ass work up for the past four years, trying to fix our marriage. You can't call for divorce out of the blue, not for everything I've done for this family, for this marriage to make it work." Kendra explained, hoping he had got a clear picture of her sacrifices, but his expression was far from it.

He stared at her, his face contorting into a stern frown. "What did you just say? I have tried. How dare you tell me you are the only one making an effort? I still kept you under my roof after you ruined me, my company went down in shambles because I married you, yet I put that behind me and tolerated you for four fucking years."

"What more do you want from me?" His yelling drew the attention of his aunt and Philip's younger sister.

Out of their rooms, they came upon her like swarms of locusts.

"What in God's name is going on here?" Elena asked, turning to face her son. "I'm sure Kendra is responsible for your outburst."

"You're right, aunty. I want a divorce," he announced, and Kendra's heart broke at the smiles that spread across Elena's slips.

"Hallelujah! I thought this day would never come. Oh, dear son, you've done well. Our family needs peace." Elena hovered in jubilation and tears rolled down Kendra's cheeks.

Philip turned to Kendra, giving a smirk. "You see? Nobody wants you here. You are no longer needed, so sign the goddamn papers and leave already. As you can see, I need some quality time with my girlfriend here."

Kendra broke down in tears, and down to her knees, she cried. "Please, Jasper..."

"Sign the papers, you devil!" Elena interrupted with a curse. "We do not need you here anymore!"

Kendra's eyes flew to Bianca who stood up and walked towards her, lifting her from the floor. "Don't you think you're being too cheap? He said he doesn't want, girl. Let him be and get the fuck out!" Bianca snapped.

"Hold your tongue, woman!" Kendra fired back. "He is my husband."

"Not anymore, woman!" She poured and Kendra gasped. Little did Kendra know what Bianca was up to.

How could she come into another woman's house and claim her husband? "He is mine now. You're a broke-ass bitch with nothing to bring to the table. You better leave while I'm still nice." Bianca's eyes grew with anger and murderous intent.

"Philip," Kendra called and held his trousers, but he yanked her hands away. "Philip, please. We can make this work. Don't push me away, Philip."

She held him tight, but he pushed her away from him, leaving her on the floor in the pool of her tears.

She tried to get back close to him again, but this time, Bianca blocked her path.

Bianca pulled her up, and in a twinkle of an eye, she felt Bianca's palms on her cheek, leaving a thunderous slap that sent stars emitting from her eyes.

When she managed to clear her vision, she met with the thunderous eyes of Amanda, staring at her.

"Your husband told me a lot about you, bitch! You made him go bankrupt and couldn't keep the family together. He wants a divorce, and you have the nerve to resist? How dare you?"

Kendra was dumbfounded. It was totally not what she was expecting, and for the fact that Bianca had the temerity to slap her and her husband doing nothing, sent a wave of shock in her nerves.

"I planned to be nice to you, but now, you've left me with no choice but to act otherwise. Boys!" Bianca called, and two men ran into the living room. They were so huge with their big chests bulging out of their hugged shirts.

Kendra felt like an ant before them.

"Throw this bitch out of this house; beat the hell out of her if she dares resists!" Bianca commanded. They grabbed her and dragged her out of the house.

"Put me down! Let me go! Philip!" Kendra cried, looking at Jasper for help but he folded his arms and just watched her dragged away like a thief.

"Don't worry about Philip. My wealth will take care of him and his family." Bianca said, beaming a mocking smile.

Kendra looked at her mother-in-law and Thomas as they smiled and walked away.

She pleaded but to no avail. The door opened only to reveal Thomas and before she could utter a word, he threw her clothes at her and chuckled.

"You came with nothing, you leave with nothing!" Thomas exclaimed. "I never knew getting rid of you would be this heartwarming."

He slammed the door before her, and in a split second, the door opened again and the divorce papers were thrown at her.

Kendra wiped her tears, stood up from the ground picked up only her handbag, and walked away from the premises. She should've listened to her parents' advice.

One thing became clear to her.

There was never love for her from Philip. He just loved money and had shown her the monster he was.

Kendra was so raged thinking about the slap from Bianca and Philip doing nothing. And the trauma he made her go through all these years. She vowed never to let him go scot-free.

Kendra vowed to make Philip pay for causing her such amount of pain. She signed the divorce papers but promised to make him regret it.

Time to return home – her parents' house, where she was truly valued and loved.

She reached for her handbag, brought out her phone, and dialed some digits.

"Hey, Kendy!" A gentle voice called out at the other end. "You finally called!" Allison's voice boomed through the phone and smiled.

Kendra just realized how much she'd missed her best friend who was her personal maid when she was still with her parents.

"Allison, tell Mum and Dad that I'm coming home," Kendra said almost in a whisper.

"Finally!" Allison exclaimed, beaming with a smile. "I'll definitely do that. They'll be so happy to see you."

"And please, tell the driver to come pick me up. I'll text you the address," Kendra added.

"But why are you coming back all of a sudden though?" Allison asked with concern. Kendra's breath caught in her throat.

"I need to make amends to my path and kick some goddamn asses while at it!"

Suddenly, Kendra began feel nauseous and about to throw up. She rushed to the bathroom, covering her mouth with her hands.

Kendra began to pray let it not be what she was thinking. It can't be. Not now. She waved off the thought, convincing herself that everything was cool.

She took a deep breath and made her way out of the car as she observed the home she left for a long time now. She quickly made her into the mansion, flipping her eyes around the environment.

For four years, she turned her back on them and followed Philip. She cut off all links and connections with her family because she didn't want any of them to know her whereabouts with Philip.

Kendra didn't make this decision to run after Philip because she despised her family.

She did what she did because of her father's persuasion to marry James Donovon – one of the youngest and wealthiest men in the city of New York and take over the family's business.

She knew this was based on business arrangement but she wanted something else – she wanted to marry for love and that could only be found with Philip.

But now, she realized she'd made the biggest mistake of her life.

Maids lined up in their numbers to welcome her as she made her way through the door. She walked past them with her head held high.

She could feel the glory around her, solidified by the decision to take control of her life and never be threatened by anyone anymore.

"Welcome back, Kendra," Allison greeted as she hugged her friend. "You've really lost a lot of weight. Your father won't be happy to see you like this."

"You think so?" Kendra asked with worry on her face. Well, I don't think I want to go see Dad like this either."

"Speaking of that, I already had the maids prepare your bath and special clothes for you. Let's go," Allison held her hand and led her to her room, as both reeled with smiles.

She realized Allison hadn't changed a bit. Even though they were friends, she cared for her like she was her sister.

In a few minutes, Kendra had undergone a professional makeover. She observed herself in the mirror and saw a beauty she didn't realize she had until now.

With a sigh, in the company of Allison, Kendra made her way to the living room, gathering the courage to face her father after ditching him for four years.

Her father – Mr. Hawthone Winchester was seated on the couch with his legs crossed and holding a glass of wine in his hand. He had a plain expression on his face which made Kendra's heart skip a bit.

Beside him, was her mother – Anna Winchester, looking as young as ever.

Kendra moved towards her father, her knees drew to the ground.

"So, you finally came to your senses after four whole years, Kendra?" her father asked, his baritone voice sending shivers down her spine.

"I am sorry, father. I regret my actions and decisions. Please, accept my apology. I realized I was being foolish." Kendra pleaded with her head down, and fingers clasped together.

The sudden prolonged silence among them frightened Kendra as she thought her father had got angry and chased her away. And then, she saw her father's hand reaching hers and he held them together.

Kendra looked up at him, he was beaming a smile. "Welcome back, my daughter. I have been waiting for this day. I knew it would come and here you are. I know that gold digger wouldn't know the value of what he had."

Kendra blinked, trying to understand her father. This wasn't what she expected.

"Your father has been keeping watch over you, Kendra," her mother came in, observing her shock. "He knew all you were going through and even though it did hurt all of us, he didn't lift a finger because you said you didn't want our help. You don't need to apologize, my daughter. We are just happy you're here now."

"Now that you are back, prepare yourself to take over the company as the new CEO and of course marry James Donovan," she informed.

"Dad – "

"Hey! I won't take that from you this time, Kendra," her dad cut her off. "Marrying Mr. Donovan is a strategy to solidify our both companies and relationships. You've neglected your duties for four years; it's time for you to face them."

"But Dad, I don't even know who this man is. I can't just marry a stranger." Kendra stood to her feet, looking away.

"You knew about Philip and still went through hell in his hand. Donovan is a different man, daughter. I'm sure things will work out well between you two. Don't disappoint me the second time." Her father warned with finality and sighed.

Assuring herself the marriage wasn't going to be a forever one as it was to be a contract marriage, Kendra agreed to do it.

"Very well, Dad." She said, forcing a smile and he clapped his father.

"That's my daughter. I already sent a message to Mr. Donovan. He's on his way."

Though this arrangement wasn't comfortable for Kendra, she had to accept her fate, so long it had afforded her the privilege to enact her revenge against Philip.

A few minutes later, the entrance door to the living room flew open, ushering in the mighty James Donovan. Everyone stood to their feet.

"He's here," Allison announced.

Kendra glanced at him, wondering who this Donovan of a guy was that commanded so much respect. And just immediately, she felt a chill and a tall guy walked into the room.

She could swear she got goose bumps.

He was like the most beautiful man who ever existed, dressed in a black suit that fitted him confidently. He had ocean-blue eyes and striking, thick eyebrows.

He walked towards Kendra and stretched out his hand for a handshake. "We finally meet, dear wife."