Shattered Trust: The Revenge of a Billionaire's Ex-Wife

"Celine, this is Ruby. She is my lover, my future wife."

It was like being struck by lightning in broad daylight when Celine heard from the mouth of Nicolas - her husband - that the beautiful woman was his girlfriend.

Celine was shocked beyond belief. In front of her stood Nicolas holding hands with a beautiful woman he had never met before. The woman smiled sweetly at her, as if she didn't feel the slightest bit guilty.

"Your lover? Your future wife?" repeated Celine in a trembling voice.

"Yes, Celine. She is my future wife!" said Nicolas firmly.

Celine shook her head in disbelief at the surprise given by her husband on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary. Since earlier, Celine had been busy in the kitchen preparing a special dinner with her husband. Celine had even prepared a small surprise for her husband.

But everything got messy.

Earlier, Nicolas had told her that he would be leaving early because he had something to say.

And then...?! Nicolas comes home with another woman who will become his new wife.

Celine could only sigh deeply. She tried to calm her overwhelming emotions.

"Come on in, baby, this house is your house too," Nicolas said, leading her into the house.

"What do you mean, Nico?" Celine pulled Nicolas' arm, but Nicolas nimbly brushed Celine's hand away.

"Why are you doing this to me? Why are you betraying me? What did I do wrong? What?" asked Celine softly trying not to cry.

"What do you mean, that you're going to divorce me, huh?" So many questions came to Celine's mind.

"Think for yourself, Celine. I don't need to explain. You should understand!" Nicolas said sarcastically.

Celine's mother-in-law also came, the middle-aged woman immediately warmly welcomed the arrival of the woman named Ruby.

"Celine, you should know. I asked Nicolas to marry Ruby. It's been five years since you guys got married, but you haven't gotten pregnant yet. I'm sure this Ruby, she can give Nico a child!" said Maria, Nicolas' mother.

"Yes, Celine, you're right. And, one more thing! You look uglier and uglier every day. You're not as beautiful as you used to be, I'm so tired of you looking like a maid! That's the reason why I haven't introduced you as my wife until now!" continued Nicolas with a small smile.

Hearing the reasons of her mother-in-law and her husband, Celine felt hurt. The spit she swallowed was very bitter. Her heart was torn apart, like being stabbed by thousands of needles. However, she still tried to remain calm.

"But, Nico... I can be beautiful again if you want, even more beautiful than Ruby. And I can definitely conceive a child for you." Celine held both of Nicolas' hands hoping that he would end his relationship with Ruby.

"Celine, never mind. You have to accept this fact!" Maria swatted Celine's hands away, even going so far as to push Celine's body to the floor. "Nico doesn't need you anymore!" Maria snapped.

Celine looked at Nicolas with tears in her eyes.

"Nico, have you forgotten all the sacrifices I've made for you?"

Celine was a beautiful model who was quite famous. Celine left the career that had made her name in order to fulfill Nicolas' game. Even Celine was so patient as a wife and daughter-in-law even though her marriage was kept a secret.

Celine was patient enough for five years that her husband never introduced Celine as his wife. At the request of his father and mother, Nicolas complied.

Although Celine is a model. However, everyone knew that Celine was the daughter of a maid and her father was a gardener. However, her father and mother had died when Celine was a teenager. Celine is a model, so her parents' identity is easily revealed even if she keeps it a secret.

In addition, Celine had given Nicolas all of her wealth, the result of her hard work as a model. At that time, Nicolas' company was in trouble and was about to go out of business.

Celine sold her mansion, car, jewelry, and all her valuables to help Nicolas' company.

Nicolas looked sarcastically at Celine, "Yes, Celine, I still remember! But your sacrifice was nothing!"

Maria and Ruby chuckled as if laughing at Celine.

"You're starting to count, Celine. Nico and I will reimburse you for all the money you gave to our company if you feel like you lost out on helping Nico!" Maria continued sarcastically.

Celine was really disappointed and desperate. Everything she had sacrificed, everything she had done for Nicolas, had been in vain. Even her mother-in-law accused her of being calculating. How outrageous!

"But you take it easy, Celine. I won't kick you out of this house," Nico said, making Maria and Ruby object to Nico's decision.

"Nico, what's wrong with you, huh? If you're going to marry Ruby, why don't you just kick Celine out? Such a useless wife," Maria said with annoyance, even ruffling her waist.

Nico sighed, then he looked at his mother, "Mom, if I kick Celine out, who will be the maid in this house? Aren't there enough free maids?" Nico replied in a casual tone.

"Free from where, Nico? We feed that woman, give her a ride, and even give her money every month!" cut in Maria loudly.

Celine heard Nicolas and Maria's words, feeling completely humiliated. However, she tried to be strong and hold back her tears that were about to fall.

"Mom, just let Celine stay with us. After all, she's already a part of this family," Ruby said with a cynical smile, trying to defuse the situation.

Nico smiled at Ruby, then kissed his wife's lips in front of Celine, making Celine jealous.

"Yes, ma'am, what Ruby said is true, Celine is like family. Besides, she's been with us for a long time, so she knows our habits," Nico added. "That's good, we have someone we can boss around."

"If Nico kicks Celine out, where will she live? Poor thing, she'll become a poor woman and probably sleep under a bridge," Ruby continued.

Maria snorted in annoyance, but couldn't say anything else. She just stared intently at Celine who was still standing between Nico and Ruby.

Celine felt that gaze, but she still tried to be strong and stood with her head held high.

"Never mind, mom. Just let Celine stay with us. It's true what Ruby said, if I divorce her, and kick her out. Where will she live? She is indeed a former model. But with her ugly appearance and her weight not being as ideal as it used to be, would any producer want to accept her as a model?!" Nicolas said while smiling sarcastically at Celine.

Celine could only stay silent listening to all the insults thrown at her by her husband, mother-in-law and her husband's lover.

"Celine, you shouldn't think too much about what mom says. You are still my wife and part of this family," Nico said as he patted Celine's shoulder.

Celine felt like she had been slapped by Nico's words. She knew that Nico only considered her as a maid, not a wife. However, she could do nothing but endure the growing heartache.

"Celine!" called Maria, "Are you going to stay?" asked Maria sarcastically, she wanted Celine to leave Nicolas - her son.

Celine looked at Nicolas, then glanced sarcastically at Ruby, the beautiful woman who had been standing next to her husband.

"I-"

"I what?" chased Maria. "Don't beat around the bush!" snapped Maria, impatient to know the decision of her useless daughter-in-law.

"Of course I'm going to stand my ground."

"You really are a stupid woman, Celine!" said Maria sarcastically.

Celine smiled slightly, thinking that the decision to stay with the husband who had betrayed her was the right decision.

Celine has a strong reason why she must survive.

Can Celine survive with a husband who no longer loves he

Celine was sitting on the edge of the bed, looking at her wedding photo album with Nicolas. She still couldn't believe that it was the fifth anniversary of their marriage, and last night her husband had brought another woman into the house.

"I will try to survive for the sake of the child that has grown in my womb," Celine whispered, her eyes looking sad. Since last night, she had never stopped crying.

Then Celine heard the sound of footsteps. When she turned her head towards the door, she saw Ruby standing in the doorway. Ruby's smile looked mocking.

"Celine, I want to talk," Ruby said sarcastically, the woman stepped closer to Celine.

Celine closed her wedding photo album and stood up. Celine ventured to look at Ruby with her swollen eyes. "What's wrong, Ruby?" asked Celine trying to smile in front of the woman who became her husband's lover.

Ruby scrunched up her waist, her smile looking sardonic. "I want you to move out of the main room. I will sleep in this room. This room is now mine!"

"What?!" Celine's eyes were perfectly rounded, anger, annoyance, had merged.

"You'd better sleep in the guest room! Because this room is mine!" Ruby repeated.

Celine shook her head, still smiling to hide her annoyance.

"Sorry, Ruby, but I'm still Nicolas' wife. So, I'm not moving out of this room," Celine said.

Ruby pushed Celine's body, but Celine tried to hold her weight so as not to fall.

"Celine, you have to understand. Nicolas prefers me over you! Your status here is just a maid, nothing more! Soon, Nicolas will divorce you. So, you need to get out of the way now!" said Ruby.

"Hurry up, you're out of this room!" Ruby pulled Celine's guard roughly, but Celine immediately brushed off the woman's hand.

"I will never move out of this room. I am still Nicolas' wife. And I still have the right to occupy this room. You'd better sleep in the guest room! What a cheap, shameless woman!" said Celine, refusing to budge.

"You - "

An angry Ruby ventured to slap Celine on one cheek.

"You dare to fight me, Celine! I'm not a shameless woman! But you, Celine, you! It's clear Nicolas prefers me to you. You barren woman!" shouted Ruby, her voice booming.

Nicolas appeared, having heard the commotion while he was in the guest room.

"What's going on?" he asked.

Ruby immediately grabbed Nicolas' arm, "I asked Celine nicely to move out of this room, Nico. But she refused. She slapped me and insulted me, darling," said Ruby.

Nicolas looked at Celine with a sharp gaze.

"Celine!" snapped Nicolas, "How dare you slap Ruby, my sweetheart, huh?" Nicolas slapped Celine's cheek in front of Ruby. For the first time Nicolas played his hand.

"Nico, you - " Celine shook her head, she was really surprised by Nicolas' attitude that changed 180 degrees.

"You'd better move out. Let Ruby take this room." Nicolas tried to hold back his emotions this time.

Celine took a deep breath. Her chest felt increasingly tight at the change in attitude of her husband who had dared to slap her.

"Nico, I am your wife. How can you possibly ask me to leave our room?" Celine was about to grab one of Nicolas' hands, but was quickly brushed off by Nicolas making Ruby smile with satisfaction.

Nicolas sighed and rubbed his face roughly.

"Celine, I don't want to sleep with you anymore. I prefer to sleep with Ruby, she is more passionate and better at serving me," said Nicolas who began to compare Ruby to Celine.

Celine looked up at Nicolas, searching for some compassion in his eyes. However, Nicolas' gaze became even more intense.

Celine tried to hold back her tears. Ruby had only been living in this house for a night, Nicolas was already showing favoritism.

"Alright, I'll move in. But remember, I'm still your wife, Nico. I won't give up so easily," Celine said smiling.

Nicolas nodded without looking at Celine.

With a heavy heart, Celine began to pack up her things with a heart full of hurt.

"You have to be strong, Celine," Celine whispered.

Ruby continued to watch from the door, with a triumphant smile on her face.

"You know, Celine, it's not my fault. Nicolas chose me because you're not as beautiful as I am. You're not good at taking care of yourself, not even at serving your husband in bed. You heard it yourself, right? Nicolas would rather have sex with me than with you! Haha... what a barren woman!" Ruby was content to mock Celine.

But this time, Celine chose to remain silent. She did not respond to Ruby's words.

Ruby continued to smile sarcastically and soon turned to leave after Nicolas.

Celine continued to pack her things, trying to hold back the tears that were about to spill. When everything was done, she walked out of the main room and headed for the guest room.

However, Celine bumped into Maria standing there with a sardonic look.

"Never mind, Celine, you should just give up. You leave this house. The more you stay, the more painful it will be!" said Maria, who still hoped that Celine would leave Nicolas' life.

Celine ventured to look at Maria sternly. "I won't give up. I will survive no matter what happens."

Maria smiled mockingly. "We'll see how long you can hold out."

Maria was sure, Celine would definitely give up.

Celine continued her steps to the guest room, trying to ignore Maria's sharp words. Arriving at the guest room, she sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a deep sense of exhaustion.

Celine looked at herself in the reflection of the mirror, seeing her appearance that was no longer beautiful.

How could Celine take care of herself? The monthly money given by Nicolas was always taken by Maria without Nicolas' knowledge. And Celine, chose to keep quiet. She never complained to her husband about the monthly money that was always taken away by her mother-in-law.

"I won't give up," she whispered to herself. "I will fight for my rights as Nicolas' wife. I will stand up for my son." Celine stroked her stomach, which was still flat but already had a fetus growing and developing.

For now, Celine would still keep her pregnancy a secret.

***

Celine woke up earlier than usual. Even though her heart was hurting, she was still responsible for preparing breakfast for Wiliam's family. Assisted by the servants, she was busy in the kitchen as usual.

Since entering the Wiliam Mansion, Celine had been like a maid.

"Good morning, Miss Celine," greeted one of the servants with a friendly smile.

Celine just smiled back at the servant while cutting the bread.

Not long after, the sound of laughter came from the dining room. Celine knew it was Nicolas and Ruby. They came with Celine's father and mother-in-law, Mrs. Maria and Mr. Morgan.

Nicolas was seen holding Ruby as they entered the dining room.

"Ruby, you look so beautiful this morning," Nicolas complimented her as he kissed one cheek.

Ruby smiled sweetly, "Really, baby!" Ruby buried her face in Nicolas' chest, she looked very spoiled.

Celine took a deep breath and brought a plate of toast to the dining table. "Good morning everyone," she greeted kindly. She was still acting casual as if nothing had happened to her.

Mr. Morgan nodded as he sat on a chair, while Mrs. Maria looked at Celine with a cold gaze.

"Good morning, Celine," Nicolas said in a flat tone.

Nicolas looked at Celine and then back at Ruby. "Look, Ruby. Can you see why I turned away? You look more attractive than... " he said with a glance at Celine.

Ruby chuckled. "I understand, darling. She doesn't deserve to be your wife. She deserves to be a servant," Ruby said.

Celine felt a pain in her heart at Nicolas' words, but she still tried to smile. For now, she would try to hold on for the sake of her baby. Celine didn't want her child to be born without a father.

"Nico, what do you want for breakfast? Let me prepare it," Celine offered, still as sweet as ever.

"Let Ruby prepare it. You don't have to serve me anymore," Nicolas refused.

Madame Maria continued to watch Celine, giving her a sardonic look. The woman seemed to smile mockingly.

"Celine, you really are shameless, aren't you? Nicolas clearly doesn't consider you his wife, but you still stay in this house," said Madame Maria.

Celine tried to stay calm, she always smiled when responding to hurtful words, "I am still Nicolas' wife, ma'am, I will stay," Celine said.

Nicolas raised an eyebrow and looked at Celine with a cold stare.

"Celine, soon you will no longer be my wife. I will immediately apply for divorce papers so that I can marry Ruby. But, you don't need to be afraid, I won't kick you out. So from now on, don't say that you are my wife," Nicolas said firmly.

Ruby smiled sarcastically. "Listen, Celine. You should have realized your position by now. Nicolas' wife is now me, not you," Ruby added.

"So... you're going to divorce me?!" asked Celine, still not accepting her husband's decision.

"Yes, Celine. Maybe in a month," said Nicolas.

"In a month? Nico, why don't you divorce him now, huh?!" protested Mrs. Maria.

Mr. Morgan just listened to the heated debate this morning. He didn't interfere too much. The important thing was that Nicolas would divorce Celine. From the beginning, Mr. Morgan didn't really like Celine either.

"The most important thing is that Nico will divorce her, ma'am. Never mind... we should enjoy our breakfast," Nicolas said.

Ruby was silent, she didn't really protest as sooner or later Nicolas would marry her.

"Celine, if you have any shame and dignity left, you'd better get out of here," Mr. Morgan said without so much as a glance at Celine.

"I will not go. And I will make my husband retract his words. In the end, Nico will definitely keep me as his wife. Because I -"

"Enough, Celine!" snapped Mrs. Maria cutting Celine off.

"Why, Mom?" asked Celine with a faint smile. "Are you afraid?"

"Already... already!" said Nicolas, "We'll see, ma'am, if Celine will be able to prove what she said!" Nicolas challenged Celine.

"We'll see," Celine said, pulling up a chair and getting up to go upstairs.

Nicolas held one hand of Ruby who was sitting next to him.

"You don't have to think about what he said, darling. I will still make you my wife," Nicolas said reassuringly.

"Yes, Nico, I believe you," Ruby said.

Madame Maria and Mr. Morgan could only hope that Celine would give up and walk away from their son's life.

"Nico, you should just ask Celine to prepare your wedding party with Ruby," Mrs. Maria suggested, hoping that this way, Celine would give in.

"Well, mom's right, dear. Celine should take care of our wedding. Then we can just sit back and relax," Ruby said, agreeing with Madam Maria's suggestion.

"Alright, I'll have Celine organize and take care of my wedding party with Ruby," said Nico who finally agreed too.

Celine who was already in her room just cried. After only a day of Ruby's stay at the mansion, Celine's position had already been displaced. If she hadn't remembered that she was pregnant, Celine probably would have left.

"Don't cry, Celine, you have to keep fighting for your marriage," Celine whispered trying to encourage herself.

Celine had one month to maintain her position as Nicolas' wife. She was confident that even if Celine kept her pregnancy a secret, she would be able to defend her marriage and get rid of Ruby.

Nicolas and Mr. Morgan left for the office straight after breakfast.

Madame Maria and Ruby rushed to Celine's room after Nicolas and Mr. Morgan left for the office. They knocked loudly on the door, and Celine opened the door with tearful eyes.

"What's wrong, Mom?" asked Celine in a weak voice.

"I have a task for you, Celine," said Mrs. Maria in a cold tone.

"What task, ma'am?" asked Celine.

"Wash the dirty clothes of Ruby, my daughter-in-law!" ordered Madame Maria.

Celine frowned. "Sorry, ma'am, I don't want to do it. It's not my job. I'm still Nico's wife, you and Ruby should order the maid to wash Ruby's clothes," Celine said, immediately refusing her mother-in-law's order.

Ruby laughed sarcastically and she stepped forward to Celine. "You're right, Celine, you're not a maid. But you're also a nobody in this house. So, you'd better do what I tell you to do. Did you forget? Nico will cheer you up."

"I know, but I won't do it," Celine said firmly.

Ruby immediately pulled Celine's hair roughly. "Who do you think you are? I can make your life here worse and more painful. You should be grateful that I didn't ask Nico to kick you out. So, you should just do what mom tells you to do! Got it!" Ruby pulled Celine's hair even harder.

Celine winced in pain and finally gave in. "Alright, I'll wash your clothes." She didn't want to make a fuss, so Celine should just give in.

Ruby let go of Celine's hair and smiled with satisfaction. Then told Celine to go to the main room, to get Ruby's dirty clothes.

"Remember, don't use the washing machine!" Ruby reminded.

So, Celine brought a pile of Ruby's dirty clothes to the laundry room. She started washing them one by one without the help of the washing machine. The servants who saw Celine felt sorry for her, but they didn't dare to help for fear of being fired.

"Miss Celine, do you need help?" a waiter asked cautiously.

"No need, I can do it myself," Celine replied weakly, holding back tears. However, she was still able to smile in front of the maid.

After hours of washing, Celine's hands began to chafe and her body felt very tired. However, she persisted. She even felt her stomach starting to cramp, but she continued to work until she finished.

When she finally finished, Celine felt very tired and the pain in her stomach was getting worse. She immediately went to the doctor to have her condition checked.

Arriving at the hospital, the doctor immediately checked Celine's pregnancy.

"Your pregnancy is weak, Miss Celine," the doctor said after examining her. "You should get plenty of rest and avoid stress. I will prescribe you medication to help strengthen your pregnancy."

Celine nodded weakly. "Okay, Doc, thank you."

Celine stroked her stomach which was still in pain. Due to overexertion and stress, Celine had almost lost her baby.

"You have to be strong, child," Celine whispered softly.

After the doctor gave her a prescription, Celine immediately went to the pharmacy to fill it.

Celine returned to the Mansion after she got the medicine.

Arriving at the Mansion, she met Ruby in the living room.

"Where have you been, Celine?" asked Ruby sarcastically.

"None of your business, Ruby," Celine replied equally sarcastically.

Then, Celine ventured to look at Ruby. "Remember, Ruby, even though you and mom treat me like a maid. But... I won't give up, I'll stick it out. And I assure you, you will be the one to leave this house," Celine said.

Ruby chuckled, she mocked Celine's words. "We'll see, Celine. We'll see who survives." Ruby was not at all afraid of losing to Celine.

Celine had just arrived at her room when her mother-in-law arrived.

"Celine, my migraine medicine has run out. You'd better go to the pharmacy now, and buy some medicine for me," Mrs. Maria ordered.

"But, Mom, I... "

"I don't want to hear your excuses, Celine. Quickly, buy me the medicine. Don't argue!" snapped Madame Maria.

Celine could only let out a long sigh. She wanted to rest immediately. But if she argued, her mother-in-law would not remain silent.

For the sake of her love for Nicolas, Celine was willing to be badly needed by her mother-in-law. She always hoped that Madame Maria could accept her as a daughter-in-law. However, until now, her hopes have only been wishful thinking.

"Maybe... after Mom and Dad find out that I'm pregnant. Mom and Dad will definitely accept me as their son-in-law," Celine whispered hopefully.