The Barren Ex-Wife's Revenge

Chapter One

Elena Valdris sat in the waiting room of Thornwick Medical Center, checking her phone for the tenth time. The Kaelthorn family owned half of this hospital, but that didn't mean she got special treatment.

"Mrs. Kaelthorn?" A familiar voice called out. Elena looked up to see Nerissa Thorne, the head nurse. She knew Nerissa from all those boring charity events Jack's mother dragged her to.

Elena stood up quickly. "Yes, is Dr. Mortaine ready?"

Nerissa smiled, but it wasn't friendly. "Oh honey, he had an emergency. You'll need to wait much longer."

"But I've been waiting for weeks for this appointment," Elena said. "Jack is expecting answers about why I can't get pregnant."

"Well, maybe your husband should have called ahead if this was so important," Nerissa said loudly. Other patients in the waiting room started looking over.

Elena felt her face getting hot. "Can you please tell me when he'll be back?"

"Look sweetie," Nerissa crossed her arms and spoke even louder. "Everyone knows your problem. Some women just can't have babies. No matter how rich their husbands are."

The words hit Elena hard. A young mother with twin babies stared at her with pity. An old woman shook her head sadly.

"Mrs. Kaelthorn comes from nothing," Nerissa announced to the whole waiting room. "She was an orphan who got lucky when she saved Mr. Jack from that fire. Now she thinks she deserves everything."

Elena's hands started shaking. "Please stop."

"Stop what? Telling the truth?" Nerissa laughed. "Jack Kaelthorn is worth ten billion dollars. His family built half of Aethermoor. He could have married a princess. Instead he got stuck with a barren orphan."

People were whispering now:

"Is that really Jack Kaelthorn's wife?"

"The one who can't have children?"

"Poor Mr. Jack."

"Three years of marriage and still no heir."

Elena felt tears coming. "I just want to see the doctor."

"You want to know what I think?" Nerissa stepped closer. "I think you should divorce Jack and let him find a real woman. Someone who can actually give him children."

"That's enough." A younger nurse walked over. "Mrs. Kaelthorn, I'm Sarah. Dr. Mortaine left instructions about your test results from last week."

Elena looked up with hope. "My results?"

"Yes. He wants you to come back Friday at ten. Your blood work showed something important and he has treatment options to discuss."

Elena's heart jumped. "Treatment options? You mean there might be hope?"

Sarah smiled kindly. "The doctor will explain everything. But yes, don't give up hope."

Nerissa rolled her eyes. "More false hope. Jack must be getting tired of this."

"Actually," Sarah said firmly, "Mrs. Kaelthorn's test results were quite promising. The doctor was excited to discuss the new fertility treatments available."

Elena felt a spark of joy for the first time in months. "Really?"

"Really," Sarah nodded. "Friday at ten. Don't be late."

But Nerissa wasn't done. "Promising results don't change the fact that you're still the orphan girl who trapped Jack into marriage. Everyone in Vaelthorne City knows you saved him just to get his money."

"I didn't save him for money!" Elena said, her voice breaking. "I saved him because it was the right thing to do!"

"Sure you did," Nerissa smirked. "And I'm sure you had no idea he was Jack Kaelthorn, heir to the biggest fortune in Aethermoor."

Elena couldn't take it anymore. She grabbed her purse and ran toward the exit. Behind her, she could hear Nerissa talking to someone on the phone.

"Mrs. Kaelthorn? Yes, your daughter-in-law just caused quite a scene at the hospital. I thought you should know."

Elena burst through the doors into the parking lot. She sat in Jack's silver Bentley and cried. The car cost more than most people's houses, but she felt like the poorest person in the world.

She remembered that night four years ago. She was walking home from her job at a cheap diner when she saw the warehouse fire. She heard screaming and ran inside without thinking. Jack was trapped under a fallen beam, unconscious. She dragged him out just as the roof collapsed.

The newspapers called her a hero. Jack's family called her a gold digger. But Jack felt guilty about owing his life to an orphan, so he married her six months later. Not out of love but out of guilt.

Elena started the car and drove through the rich Thornwick District. Past mansions that cost fifty million dollars. Past the country club where membership cost more than a house. Past Jack's company building with fifty floors and his name in gold letters.

She ended up at Meridian Park. She had no happy childhood memories since she grew up in Silvermere Orphanage, but this park was peaceful. She watched families playing with their children and felt her heart break a little more.

Her phone buzzed. A text from Jack: "Mother says you caused trouble at the hospital. What happened?"

Of course his mother already knew. Mrs. Kaelthorn had spies everywhere.

Elena typed back: "Have to return Friday for test results. Doctor has treatment options."

Jack replied: "What kind of treatment? This better not be another waste of time and money."

Elena stared at the message. Even when there was hope, Jack only cared about money and time. She turned off her phone.

When she finally drove home, their mansion looked like a palace. Twelve bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a swimming pool, tennis court, and gardens that required ten gardeners. But it felt like a beautiful prison.

Jack's red Lamborghini wasn't in the driveway. He was probably still at Kaelthorn Corporation, making more millions while his wife sat alone in their empty house.

Elena walked upstairs to their bedroom. Everything was perfect and expensive. The bed cost thirty thousand dollars. Her closet was full of designer clothes. Her jewelry box had diamonds worth millions.

But what good was money when you felt worthless?

She looked at herself in the mirror and heard Nerissa's words again. "Barren orphan. Gold digger. Trapped Jack into marriage."

Maybe they were right. Maybe she should divorce Jack and let him find someone better. Someone who could give him the children and family he deserved.

But the thought of losing Jack made her cry harder. She loved him so much, even though he only married her out of obligation. Even though his mother hated her. Even though everyone thought she was a gold digger.

Elena lay on their expensive bed and cried until she had no tears left. Friday couldn't come fast enough. Maybe Dr. Mortaine really did have treatment options. Maybe there was still hope for her marriage.

Maybe she could finally prove to everyone, including herself, that she was worth more than just the orphan girl who got lucky.

But deep down, Elena was scared. Scared that even if she could have children, Jack would never love her the way she loved him. Scared that she would always be the obligation wife, never the chosen one.

She closed her eyes and tried to imagine a different life. One where Jack looked at her with love instead of duty. One where his mother welcomed her instead of barely tolerating her. One where she felt like she belonged instead of like an outsider looking in.

Tomorrow she would put on her designer clothes and expensive jewelry and pretend to be happy. She would smile when Jack asked about the appointment. She would be polite when his mother called with her usual complaints.

But tonight, she just wanted to dream about being loved for who she was, not what she owed or what she could give.

Chapter Two

Elena was still in her bedroom when she heard the sound of the car doors slamming in the driveway. Her heart dropped. She knew that sound. Mrs. Kaelthorn had arrived.

She quickly fixed her makeup and changed into a simple black dress. No jewelry or designer clothes. Jack's mother hated when Elena looked too fancy. She said it reminded everyone that Elena was just an orphan playing dress up.

Elena hurried downstairs just as the front door opened. Mrs. Vivienne Kaelthorn walked in like she owned the place. Which she basically did. She was wearing a white suit that probably cost more than a car and diamonds that sparkled like stars.

"Mrs. Kaelthorn," Elena said quietly. "I didn't know you were coming."

"Of course you didn't know," Mrs. Kaelthorn said coldly. "You were too busy embarrassing our family at the hospital."

The head butler, Marcus, appeared immediately. "Mrs. Kaelthorn, welcome. Shall I prepare tea in the sitting room?"

"Yes. The good china. And call the chef. I want a proper meal, not whatever simple food Elena usually eats."

Elena felt her cheeks burn. Mrs. Kaelthorn always made comments about Elena's simple tastes. How she preferred normal food over expensive dishes. How she was too common for the Kaelthorn family.

They walked to the formal dining room. Mrs. Kaelthorn sat in the head chair like a queen. Elena stood behind her own chair, waiting.

"Sit down," Mrs. Kaelthorn commanded.

Elena sat carefully, keeping her back straight and her hands in her lap.

"Actually, no. Stand up."

Elena stood up again, confused.

"You know what? Kneel down."

Elena's eyes widened. "Mother, I don't understand."

"Kneel. Down." Mrs. Kaelthorn's voice was ice cold. "You embarrassed my son today. You embarrassed our family name. You will kneel while I eat and explain yourself."

Elena felt tears starting, but she slowly got on her knees beside Mrs. Kaelthorn's chair. The marble floor was cold and hard against her knees.

"Good," Mrs. Kaelthorn smiled cruelly. "Now you're in the right position. This is where orphans belong."

The servants came in carrying silver trays. They set down expensive dishes in front of Mrs. Kaelthorn. Lobster, caviar, imported wine. They didn't even look at Elena kneeling on the floor.

"Eat," Mrs. Kaelthorn told the head maid. "Make sure the food is perfect. If it's not, fire the chef."

"Yes ma'am," the maid replied quietly.

Mrs. Kaelthorn took a bite of lobster and looked down at Elena. "Now. Tell me exactly what happened at the hospital."

"I went for my appointment with Dr. Mortaine," Elena said, her voice shaking. "But he had an emergency. Nerissa was rude to me."

"Nerissa was rude?" Mrs. Kaelthorn laughed. "Nerissa told me the truth. She said you acted like you deserved special treatment because you're married to my son."

"That's not what happened," Elena said. "I just wanted to see the doctor."

"Don't lie to me!" Mrs. Kaelthorn slammed her fork down. "Nerissa said you demanded to see the doctor immediately. You said Jack was expecting answers. You acted like you owned the hospital."

Elena shook her head. "I didn't say that. I was polite. I just asked when the doctor would be available."

"Nerissa also told me something very interesting," Mrs. Kaelthorn cut a piece of lobster slowly. "She said you started crying when she mentioned how Jack could have married anyone. Anyone with a real bloodline. Anyone who could actually give him children."

The words cut deep. Elena felt more tears coming.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you," Mrs. Kaelthorn snapped.

Elena looked up from the floor. Mrs. Kaelthorn was staring at her with pure disgust.

"Three years, Elena. Three years of marriage and you've given my son nothing. No children. No business connections. No social status, just nothing."

"I'm trying," Elena whispered. "The doctor has treatment options. I have an appointment Friday."

"Treatment options?" Mrs. Kaelthorn laughed bitterly. "Do you know how much money Jack has spent on your medical bills? Hundreds of thousands of dollars. For what? For more disappointment?"

Elena stayed quiet. She knew anything she said would make it worse.

"My friends ask me about grandchildren," Mrs. Kaelthorn continued. "What am I supposed to tell them? That my son married a barren orphan who can't do the one job women are supposed to do?"

"Please," Elena said softly. "I love Jack. I'm trying my best."

"Love?" Mrs. Kaelthorn nearly choked on her wine. "You think this is about love? This is about family. This is about carrying on the Kaelthorn name and most importantly this is about business."

She leaned forward and grabbed Elena's chin roughly. "Let me explain something to you. Jack didn't marry you for love. He married you because he felt guilty because you saved him. Because he's too soft-hearted for his own good."

Elena tried to pull away, but Mrs. Kaelthorn's grip was strong.

"But guilt doesn't last forever," Mrs. Kaelthorn said. "And Jack is starting to realize what a mistake he made. Do you know what he told me last week?"

Elena shook her head, scared to hear the answer.

"He said maybe it's time to consider other options. Maybe it's time to find someone who can actually give him what he needs."

Elena's world felt like it was crashing down. "He said that?"

"He said that," Mrs. Kaelthorn smiled cruelly. "So here's what's going to happen. You're going to go to your appointment Friday. If this doctor can't fix you, you're going to divorce my son. Quietly. Without causing any drama."

"I can't divorce Jack," Elena said desperately. "He's everything to me."

"And what are you to him?" Mrs. Kaelthorn asked. "A burden. A reminder of his mistake. An empty womb in an expensive dress."

The servants continued moving around the dining room, pretending not to hear. Elena knew they would gossip about this later. The whole staff would know that Mrs. Kaelthorn made Elena kneel on the floor.

"If you really love Jack," Mrs. Kaelthorn said, cutting another piece of lobster, "you'll let him go. You'll let him find a real wife. Someone from a good family. Someone who can give him children."

"But what about me?" Elena asked, her voice breaking. "Where will I go? I have no family. No money of my own."

"That's not my problem," Mrs. Kaelthorn said coldly. "You should have thought about that before you tricked my son into marriage."

"I didn't trick him!" Elena said, finally showing some spirit. "I saved his life! I risked everything to pull him out of that fire!"

Mrs. Kaelthorn's eyes flashed with anger. "And you've been using that one good deed to manipulate him ever since. Do you think saving someone's life gives you the right to ruin it?"

Elena felt like she'd been slapped. "I'm not ruining his life."

"Aren't you?" Mrs. Kaelthorn stood up and walked around Elena, who was still kneeling. "Jack is thirty years old. His friends all have children. His business partners ask why he doesn't have an heir. You've made him a laughingstock."

Elena closed her eyes, trying not to cry.

"Look at me," Mrs. Kaelthorn commanded.

Elena looked up.

"I'm going to make you an offer," Mrs. Kaelthorn said. "Divorce Jack voluntarily, and I'll give you enough money to start a new life somewhere far away. Refuse, and I'll make sure you have nothing. Not Jack, not money, not even a place to live."

Elena's heart was racing. "You can't do that."

"Can't I?" Mrs. Kaelthorn smiled coldly. "I own half the businesses in this city. I have friends in every important family. One word from me and you'll never find work anywhere in Aethermoor."

She sat back down and continued eating. "You have until Friday to decide. If the doctor can't fix your broken body, you'll sign the divorce papers I have prepared."

Elena felt defeated. "And if the treatment works? If I can have children?"

Mrs. Kaelthorn paused with her fork halfway to her mouth. "Then you'll have bought yourself a little more time. But Elena, let me be clear. I will never accept you as part of this family. Never."

She finished her meal in silence while Elena knelt on the cold marble floor. Every bite felt like an insult. Every sip of wine felt like a reminder that Elena didn't belong here.

Finally, Mrs. Kaelthorn stood up. "Clean yourself up before Jack gets home. He doesn't need to see you looking pathetic."

She walked toward the door, then turned back.

"Oh, and Elena? If you tell Jack about our conversation today, I'll make sure everyone in Vaelthorne City knows exactly what kind of woman you really are. The one who uses tragedy to trap wealthy men."

After she left, Elena stayed on the floor for a long time. The servants cleaned around her quietly. No one helped her up. No one offered comfort. She was truly alone in this big, expensive house.

When she finally stood up, her knees were bruised and her back ached. But the pain in her heart was much worse. Mrs. Kaelthorn was right about one thing. Elena had no choice. Friday would decide everything.

Either the doctor would save her marriage, or she would lose the only family she'd ever known. Either way, she was running out of time to prove she was worth more than just the orphan girl who got lucky.

Chapter Three

Elena woke up on the couch in the living room. She had fallen asleep there after crying all night about Mrs. Kaelthorn's visit. Her knees still hurt from kneeling on the marble floor.

She looked at the clock. Seven in the morning. Jack never came home last night.

Elena went to the kitchen to make coffee. Maybe Jack worked all night at the office again. Maybe he was avoiding her after hearing about the hospital incident. Either way, she felt more alone than ever.

She was pouring coffee when she heard car doors outside. Two car doors. Elena frowned. Jack always came home alone.

The front door opened and Elena heard voices. Jack's voice and a woman's laugh. A beautiful, musical laugh that made Elena's heart sink.

Elena walked to the entrance hall and froze.

Jack stood in the doorway with the most beautiful woman Elena had ever seen. She was tall and elegant with long black hair and perfect skin. She wore a designer white dress that probably cost more than Elena's car. Her jewelry was real diamonds.

But Elena recognized her immediately. Victoria Ravencrest. Jack's first love. The woman whose picture had been hanging in Jack's bedroom when they first got married. Elena had asked Jack to remove it, and he did, but not before Elena memorized every detail of that perfect face.

"Oh," Victoria said when she saw Elena. "You must be the wife."

Elena felt her heart break a little more. "I'm Elena."

"Right. Elena." Victoria looked her up and down with cold eyes. "Jack has told me so much about you."

Elena looked at Jack, hoping he would say something. Anything. But Jack wouldn't even look at her. He was staring at Victoria like Elena wasn't even there.

"Jack?" Elena said softly. "You didn't come home last night. I was worried."

Jack finally stared at her, but his eyes were cold. "I was busy."

That was it. No explanation or apology. Just cold indifference.

Victoria smiled sweetly, but her eyes were cruel. "Jack and I had so much catching up to do. We talked all night at his penthouse downtown."

Elena's world tilted. Jack had a penthouse downtown? She didn't even know about it.

"Penthouse?" Elena asked weakly.

"Oh, you don't know about it?" Victoria laughed. "Jack keeps it for business meetings. Very private business meetings."

The way she said "business meetings" made Elena feel sick.

Jack walked past Elena like she was invisible. "Victoria, let me show you the house."

Elena followed behind them like a ghost. She watched Jack smile at Victoria the way he had never smiled at her. She watched him laugh at Victoria's jokes. She watched him touch Victoria's arm gently when he pointed out different rooms.

"This house is beautiful, Jack," Victoria said. "Much better than that tiny apartment you had in college."

"You remember my apartment?" Jack asked with a real smile.

"Of course I remember," Victoria touched his hand. "I remember everything about us."

Elena felt tears coming. She tried to blink them away, but Victoria noticed.

"Oh no, Elena. Are you crying?" Victoria asked with fake concern. "Did I say something wrong?"

"I'm fine," Elena whispered.

"She's always emotional," Jack said dismissively. "Don't worry about it."

Elena felt like she'd been slapped. Jack had never talked about her like that before.

They moved to the living room. Jack sat next to Victoria on the couch. Elena sat across from them, feeling like an outsider in her own home.

"So Elena," Victoria said sweetly. "Jack tells me you can't have children. That must be so hard for you."

Elena's face burned with shame. Jack had discussed their private problems with Victoria?

"We're still trying," Elena said quietly.

"Still trying?" Victoria laughed. "After three years? Maybe it's time to accept reality."

Jack didn't defend Elena. He just sat there, nodding.

"I always knew I wanted children," Victoria continued. "That's one reason I came back to Vaelthorne City. I'm ready to settle down and start a family now that my modeling career is established."

"Your modeling career?" Elena asked, though she regretted it immediately.

"International modeling," Victoria said proudly. "Lysandria, Celestria, Valdoria. I was the face of five major campaigns last year alone. But family is more important than career, don't you think?"

Elena nodded, not trusting her voice.

"Of course, I could only settle down with the right man," Victoria looked at Jack meaningfully. "Someone from a good family. Someone successful. Someone who shares my values."

Jack smiled at her. "You always were ambitious."

"We always were a good match," Victoria corrected. "Our families have been friends for generations. Our parents always said we were perfect for each other."

Elena felt like she was disappearing. They talked about their past like she wasn't even there. Like she was just a piece of furniture.

"Remember our engagement party?" Victoria asked Jack. "Before I left for Lysandria?"

Elena's heart stopped. "Engagement party?"

Jack looked uncomfortable for the first time. "That was a long time ago."

"Not that long ago," Victoria smiled. "What was it, five years? We were so young and in love. If I hadn't gotten that modeling contract..."

She trailed off and looked at Elena with pity. "But things happen for a reason, don't you think?"

Linc appeared in the doorway. "Mr. Kaelthorn, breakfast is ready in the dining room."

"Perfect," Jack said. He offered his arm to Victoria. "Shall we?"

Victoria took his arm naturally, like she had done it a thousand times before. They walked toward the dining room together, talking quietly and laughing.

Elena followed behind like a servant.

In the dining room, Jack pulled out a chair for Victoria. The same chair Elena usually sat in. Victoria sat down gracefully, smoothing her perfect dress.

Jack sat at the head of the table. Elena stood awkwardly, not sure where to sit now.

"Elena, aren't you joining us?" Victoria asked sweetly.

Jack looked up like he had forgotten Elena was there. "Oh. Right. You can sit there." He pointed to a chair at the far end of the table. Away from both of them.

Elena sat down quietly. The servants brought out perfect breakfast dishes. Fresh fruit, imported pastries, the best coffee money could buy.

"This is delicious," Victoria said. "Much better than the food in Lysandria."

"You were in Lysandria?" Elena asked, trying to join the conversation.

"Lysandria, Celestria, Valdoria," Victoria said casually. "My father has businesses all over the countries. I was learning the family trade."

More business connections. More wealth. More everything Elena didn't have.

"The Ravencrest family owns shipping companies across three countries," Jack explained to Elena, though he was really talking to Victoria. "Very impressive empire."

"Not as impressive as what you've built here," Victoria said, touching Jack's hand lightly. "I've been reading about Kaelthorn Corporation in international newspapers. You've become quite powerful."

Jack's chest puffed up with pride. Elena had never seen him look so happy.

"Perhaps you'd like a tour of the company building later?" Jack suggested.

"I'd love that," Victoria smiled. "I'm very interested in seeing how you've expanded since I've been away."

Since she'd been away. Like she had a right to be involved. Like she belonged here.

Elena tried to eat, but everything tasted like cardboard. She watched Jack and Victoria talk about business, about mutual friends, about places Elena had never been and would never go.

"Elena, you're very quiet," Victoria said suddenly. "Don't you have any opinions about business? Or are you more interested in... other things?"

The question was a trap. If Elena said she was interested in business, Victoria would ask questions Elena couldn't answer. If she said she wasn't interested, she would look stupid.

"I support whatever makes Jack happy," Elena said carefully.

"How sweet," Victoria said, but her tone was mocking. "The supportive wife. How... traditional."

Jack didn't defend Elena. He didn't say anything at all.

After breakfast, Jack stood up. "Victoria, let me show you the gardens."

"I'd love to see them," Victoria said, standing gracefully.

They walked outside together, leaving Elena sitting alone at the table. Through the window, Elena watched Jack give Victoria a complete tour. He pointed out different flowers, explained the new fountain, and showed her the tennis court.

Elena had never gotten a tour. When she first moved in, Jack had just pointed her toward her room and left her to figure everything out herself.

But with Victoria, he was a good tour guide. Excited. He looked like a man showing off his home to someone who mattered.

Elena went upstairs to their bedroom and opened Jack's desk drawer. The silver picture frame was still there, but it was facing up now instead of face down. Victoria's beautiful face smiled up at Elena from the photo.

In the picture, Jack and Victoria were at some fancy party. Jack was wearing a tuxedo and Victoria wore a stunning gold dress. They looked perfect together. Like they were made for each other.

Elena had never looked that elegant. Had never fit into Jack's world the way Victoria obviously did.

She could hear them laughing outside. Real, genuine laughter. The kind of joy Elena had been trying to give Jack for three years but never could.

Elena sat on the bed and cried.

Victoria was everything Elena wasn't. Beautiful, educated, sophisticated, from the right family. She spoke five languages while Elena sometimes struggled with one. She had business degrees while Elena had barely graduated high school.

Most importantly, Victoria made Jack happy. Elena could see it in his face, hear it in his voice. This was the real Jack. The man Elena had fallen in love with but could never reach.

Elena looked at herself in the mirror. Next to Victoria, she looked like exactly what Mrs. Kaelthorn called her. A poor orphan playing dress up in expensive clothes.

Her phone buzzed. A text from Jack: "Taking Victoria to the office. Don't wait up for dinner."

Don't wait up. Like Elena was a child being told bedtime rules.

Elena turned off her phone and lay down on the bed. Tomorrow was Friday. Her appointment with Dr. Mortaine. Her last chance to save her marriage.

But looking at Jack with Victoria, Elena wondered if it was already too late. Maybe Jack had already made his choice. Maybe Victoria's return wasn't a coincidence.

Maybe Mrs. Kaelthorn was right. Maybe it was time for Elena to let go and let Jack be happy with someone who actually deserved him.

Elena closed her eyes and tried to stop crying. But the tears kept coming. Because deep down, she knew the truth.

Jack had never looked at Elena the way he looked at Victoria. Not once in their three years of marriage.

And he probably never would.