The Heiress Married Her Ex-husband's Rival

AYAH RUSSELL'S POV

On our 5th wedding anniversary, I found out I was finally pregnant after years of trying with my husband. When I was at the hospital, I tried to reach his number, yet I got no response.

"Are you all alone, Mrs. Evans? Where's your husband?" the OB-GYN asked me. Trying not to make him look bad, I smiled. "He's busy at work. I don't want to disturb him," I lied.

When the check-up was over, I felt so excited to tell my husband that I was three months pregnant. I was about to send him a message when I saw a familiar person entering the OB-GYN clinic.

Mia?

Mia Walker is my husband's ex-girlfriend and also his childhood friend. Although everyone believed they were endgame, not every relationship is perfect and theirs ended. I met Ethan ten years ago when we were in college. He was tall, handsome, and a true gentleman who always treated me right. I still remember the day he proposed to me publicly. After five years of being together, we decided to get married. And today is our fifth wedding anniversary. Everything seemed perfect, even if it cost me losing my family's trust. They never liked him. But since I chose him, I cut ties with my family-the Russell family.

"He will surely be happy with my news," I said to myself, feeling excited. But then I wondered what Mia was doing here. I don't remember her having a boyfriend after they broke up. Well, it's not only because of pregnancy that someone visits an OB-GYN, Ayah.

Yet out of curiosity, I went to check if she was really here for a pregnancy check-up. I looked through the glass part of the door and was surprised to see her having an ultrasound. I could clearly see on the monitor that she was pregnant. I shrugged my shoulders and turned away from the room, starting to walk down the hallway. When I reached the corridor near the clinic, I tried to call my husband to pick me up from the hospital, but it showed he was in another call. Busy with work, I guess. This man has always been hardworking for our family anyway.

When I was about to let it go, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"I'm on my way. Should I just go inside the clinic?"

I couldn't be wrong. It was my husband. I knew every tone of his voice. Did he know I was here? A smile formed on my lips. I turned around, and just as I was about to approach him, the clinic door opened, making me stop in my tracks.

"You're here!" Mia said happily. "I thought you wouldn't come." She sounded as if she would be sad if my husband hadn't come.

To my surprise, my husband smiled.

"You're so cute. What happened? I rushed here as soon as I heard you were at the hospital. Are you alright?"

A sharp pain struck my chest.

He rushed here... because he knew she was here?

He was worried something might happen to her?

I didn't understand.

I was here too. I tried calling him.

Why didn't he-

My thoughts stopped when my husband entered the clinic with Mia. The door was left slightly open.

"You're two months pregnant, Miss Walker. Congratulations," the doctor said. "You're lucky your husband is with you. My patient earlier attended her check-up by herself."

The doctor didn't know that the man standing beside Mia Walker was my husband.

"Well, my husband is always supportive, right, honey?" Mia said sweetly while smiling at Ethan.

My husband looked shocked and didn't know how to respond when she whispered, "Just go along with it. Or I'll look like a pathetic pregnant woman here without a husband, just like the woman earlier."

Then my husband awkwardly smiled at the doctor.

"O-of course. I will always be at my wife's side," he said, stuttering.

Disappointment flashed across my face.

Always at his wife's side?

I was the patient the doctor mentioned earlier. The woman who came alone. The so-called loser.

And now here was my husband, accompanying his childhood sweetheart and claiming her baby.

I turned away as tears rolled down my cheeks. I felt alone... embarrassed... and deeply disappointed. I didn't understand what was happening to my loving husband. Two months ago, there were times when he became distant and avoidant. He said he was just tired and busy with work. As his wife, I understood. After all, he was the one managing our business, and that was no easy job.

But today, I couldn't understand why he needed to pretend to be someone else's husband... and someone else's child's father.

Lost in my thoughts, I bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry," I said quickly.

The papers from my check-up scattered across the hallway. As I crouched down to pick them up, the person I bumped into helped me gather them.

"Thank you," I said as he handed them back. I had no intention of looking at him until he suddenly called my name.

"Ayah Russell?"

Russell?

It had been a long time since I heard my maiden surname connected to my name. Ever since Ethan and I got married, I had only used Evans as my surname.

I slowly looked up at the man who called me that. At first, I didn't recognize him. But when my eyes settled on his face, my breath caught in my throat.

Bryan Mitchell.

He looked different from the last time I saw him eight years ago. Back then, he was already handsome, but now he carried himself with the quiet confidence of a man who had built his own empire. He was taller than most men around him-with broad shoulders that filled his dark suit perfectly. His sharp jawline and straight nose gave him a striking appearance, while his deep eyes held a calm intensity that made it hard to look away.

Yet despite the powerful aura surrounding him, his expression softened slightly when he looked at me, as if seeing me after all these years had caught him off guard too.

Bryan Mitchell, the man I once rejected... and the man who later became Ethan Evans' greatest rival in the business world.

"Bry..." I called softly.

I looked at him from head to toe. It had been eight years since I last saw him in person. We became friends after I rejected him, but Ethan forbade me from getting close to him because he was his rival. Out of respect for my husband, I cut Bryan off as well.

"It's been a while, Ayah Russell. I didn't expect to see you here. Are you working here now?" he asked, looking at me carefully.

I smiled awkwardly and told him the truth.

"I didn't pursue my medical degree. I'm a housewife now."

Back in college, I was studying medicine. But Ethan wanted me to stay at home as his wife, taking care of everything. Slowly, I isolated myself from the world because he didn't want me meeting my friends either. He said I was a married woman now, and I should focus only on my husband, leaving behind everything that connected me to my youth and maiden life.

Out of love, I listened to him.

Bryan didn't react immediately.

"So... you really married him, huh?" he said.

I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic, or if I was just being paranoid.

"Yes, and actually-"

I was about to tell him that I was pregnant with Ethan's child when I suddenly heard a voice calling my name from behind.

"AYAH EVANS!"

Startled, I turned around.

My husband was walking toward me.

And beside him... was Mia Walker, proudly walking at his side.

AYAH'S POV

"Oh my... Who's that? Why are you here with him?" Mia may fool others, but not me. I can see the implication behind her words, sharp and calculated.

"Ayah, explain this to me," Ethan demanded, his voice heavy with authority. I held his hand, but he didn't respond physically. My heart sank.

"Honey, I'm not with him. We- we just ran into each other," I said, trying to steady my voice. "Please... believe me. It's nothing. I accidentally bumped into him, and he helped me with the papers I dropped," I added, desperation edging my words. I was begging him silently, trying to make him understand.

Ethan's eyes bore into mine, trying to process my explanation.

"I understand that... but what are you doing here?" he finally asked. Relief washed over me-I could finally tell him the truth.

"I'm here because-" My words died in my throat as Mia suddenly doubled over, clutching her stomach.

"Ouch... my head and tummy hurt so much," she groaned, clearly exaggerating. And it worked-Ethan's gaze snapped to her immediately. "Ethan... I feel dizzy... I think I'm going to pass out." She staggered, and without hesitation, he released my hand to steady her. His strong arms wrapped around her waist, supporting her.

"Mia, I'll help you get to a room. You need to rest," he said, concern thick in his voice. And just like that, I felt invisible, like the floor itself was pulling me down. My stomach turned, nausea hitting me suddenly.

"Ethan..." I called weakly, but he was already focused on her, speaking to the nurses. Mia, on the other hand, looked back at me with that smug, self-satisfied expression. It was as if she were silently saying, Look-he's all mine. You don't exist.

I wobbled, almost losing my balance, when a familiar arm slid around my waist. I looked up-Bryan. My sudden support drew Ethan's furious gaze.

"What are you doing? Flirting in front of your husband?" His accusation was sharp, and fear clawed at me. Even though I was unsteady, I stood taller, trying to look composed.

"Of course not," I said, voice tight. "I just... felt dizzy. I was trying to call you, but you couldn't hear me." My eyes involuntarily darted to Ethan, who was still supporting Mia, as if my existence didn't matter.

"Bryan, please, go. I don't want any trouble, and I don't want to be associated with my husband's rival," I pleaded, almost on my knees internally. Bryan hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave. I looked at him, eyes begging silently, and finally, with a sigh, he stepped away.

"Ayah, I helped Mia because she's dizzy. She needs me. Don't be childish," Ethan scolded me. Childish? I was watching how deeply concerned he was for his childhood sweetheart while I-his wife-felt abandoned and invisible.

"I need you too, Ethan. I am-" I couldn't finish before he cut me off.

"Enough with your childish tricks, Ayah. Mia needs me more. She's alone here; her family is abroad, her friends are busy. I'm the only one who can be there for her. I hope you understand." His eyes-disappointment, frustration, disbelief-all collided onto mine.

But I need you too... You're the only one I have, I wanted to scream. Silence swallowed me instead.

"Why does she need you? Why can't it be me? Ethan, I'm your wife," I reminded him, my voice trembling, pleading. He only looked at me, jaw tight, fist clenched.

"Ayah, please... don't make a scene. There are too many people watching. She's pregnant-don't be cruel or ridiculous."

Whispers rose around us.

"Maybe the pregnant one is the wife."

"I think she's the other woman."

"Shameless... wanting the man all to herself while the real wife is here."

I searched Ethan's eyes, silently begging for defense. But he didn't speak. Mia held his arm as if to claim him, leaning into his warmth, manipulating him effortlessly.

"No... you need me more, Mia. You're pregnant. We can't risk anything just because she's jealous," he said, finally.

I wanted to scream, What am I to you? But I held back, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"But... they might think I'm the other woman. I... I can't bear the embarrassment. It could be bad for the baby," Mia whispered to him, and Ethan hesitated, swallowing hard, before replying.

"Yes... she's my wife. She's pregnant with my child. Excuse us."

With that, he escorted Mia to the room he had arranged for her.

I remained, watching as my husband-father of my unborn child-took care of his childhood sweetheart. My heart ached with betrayal. My eyes burned, but I refused to let tears fall. Public displays were merciless.

Just as I turned to leave, a voice stopped me cold.

"And you let them treat you like that? This is the life you chose?"

I froze. Slowly, I turned around...

It was Victoria Russell.

My mother.

Her gaze was sharp, unreadable... and I had a sinking feeling that nothing about this encounter was going to be easy.

AYAH'S POV

"Please... I don't want everyone to know I'm associated with the richest family in the country. Besides, I already disowned you when you didn't support me in my marriage," I said, feeling the familiar weight of dissatisfaction settle on my chest.

"Ayah, you clearly don't know what you're getting into. Your husband doesn't love you," my mother said, trying to plant doubt in my mind. I shook my head. No. I knew the truth.

"No. I know he loves me," I said firmly. "Mia doesn't have anyone-no relatives, no friends. Only my husband can be there for her. I understand what they're doing. Don't come near me again." Without hesitation, I left her behind.

As I drove, my vision blurred. I nearly swerved into another car. My exhaustion, my heartbreak, the heaviness in my chest-it was all too much.

When I got home, I felt numb. Empty. Walking into the house where we had once been so happy felt like stepping into a memory I no longer belonged to. What had happened to my marriage? Ten years of love, of trust, and I had always believed that misunderstandings were just part of being together. But this... another woman, his childhood sweetheart, stepping into our lives. Could he really turn his back on me?

After hours of crying, I forced myself to freshen up. When I heard Ethan's car pull into the driveway, I pretended to be busy cleaning the house.

"Honey," I greeted him, trying to sound bright. I leaned in to kiss him, but he flinched, avoiding me.

"I didn't like what you did today. I hope you'll never be someone I hate. You've become... immature all of a sudden. What's wrong with you?" His words hit me like a knife. Was this really my fault? I swallowed my pride and forced a faint smile.

"O-of course... I won't be immature. I was wrong," I whispered, biting back every ounce of hurt, desperate to keep the peace. He didn't reply-he only went upstairs. I followed quietly.

"What do you want for dinner?" I asked softly, trying to soften the tension.

"I'm not hungry," he said coldly. I hesitated. Should I tell him I was pregnant? But seeing his indifferent expression, I felt like it didn't matter.

"Honey," I said again, my voice sweeter this time, hoping to wish him a happy anniversary and give him the gift I had prepared. I hugged him, but he removed my arms.

"Stop being annoying. I'm tired. I want to rest. Which part of that don't you understand?" he snapped. I smiled awkwardly and let him be.

That night, sleep didn't come. He had clearly forgotten that today was our fifth wedding anniversary. I stared at the gifts I had prepared. All my love, all my care, felt meaningless. All I could feel was pity-for myself.

I went to the room I owned-the only room with my key. Inside, my safe held letters, gifts, and my pregnancy records. I locked it carefully and looked around. That's when I noticed my old phone, a gift from my father ten years ago. It still worked.

Thinking of my family and friends, and how harshly I had treated them when I disowned them, tears rolled down my cheeks. All the happy memories flashed before me. How had I become so different? My sweet, open personality had turned guarded; my bold, noisy mouth now only gave awkward smiles. I had no one to talk to.

I opened my old phone and saw messages from the people who mattered most. I wanted to reach out, but didn't know what to say. How were Kyla, Xette, Isaac...? My parents and grandparents? My older brother? My younger sister? They all must believe I hated them.

Tears streamed down my cheeks. My chest ached. I pressed my hand over my mouth, trying to stifle my sobs.

As I was about to put the phone back, a message popped up:

"I know you didn't leave us. Where are you?"

It was from my closest friend-Isaac. My fingers shook as I called him immediately, desperate to hear a familiar voice.

"Ayah? Ayah, is that really you? Talk to me!" His voice filled me with a warmth I hadn't realized I was craving.

"Isaac..." I whispered, barely able to speak.

"Ayah! What happened to you?" I hesitated. I couldn't tell him about Ethan, Mia, or everything that had gone wrong. My throat tightened, and I ended the call. He tried calling back, but I ignored it. I laughed bitterly at myself. Had I really been gone from everyone for so long?

Scrolling through my contacts, I found Bryan's number. Seeing our old messages made my cheeks burn. I had chased him desperately back then, only to reject him when I fell in love with Ethan. Ironic. On impulse, I dialed.

No-

"Hmm?" His calm, familiar voice answered. My heart raced. I didn't know what to say.

"Bry-" I froze as a chill ran down my spine. Ethan's footsteps sounded outside the door.

"Ayah, what are you doing there?" he asked coldly. My heart jumped. I hid my phone quickly.

"I... I was just... cleaning my old room," I stammered, trying to sound natural. Ethan nodded. "I know you will listen to me. You won't use your phone to communicate with people who will not contribute any good to our marriage, right?"

"Of course, honey, I know you want the best for me." After that, I heard footsteps going away.

I exhaled, glancing at my phone. The call was still active. Bryan's voice floated through the line.

"Do you really want to stay there?" he asked softly, as if he could read my mind.

"Yes," I whispered, ending the call. But deep inside, a question lingered-do I really want to stay? Or am I fooling myself, just trying to please a husband who doesn't seem to care?

He didn't answer. That's when, I ended the call. I was about to put it back again, when I received a message from a random number. I opened it, and i feel like my soul will be shattered.

It's a picture of Ethan with Mia on a bed at the hotel. Making love.