The Billionaire Who Lost Everything

The mansion was beautiful. Its marble floors sparkled beneath crystal chandeliers. Fresh flowers decorated every room. Expensive paintings hung on the walls, and servants moved quietly through the hallways. To anyone looking from the outside, Elena Hart looked like the luckiest woman in the city. She was married to Adrian Hart, one of the richest and most influential businessmen in the country. She lived in luxury, wore designer clothes, and never had to worry about money. But appearances could lie. And in Elena's case, they lied terribly. Elena stood in front of the dining table that evening, carefully arranging Adrian's favorite dishes. She had spent hours preparing dinner, hoping he would come home early for once. The clock struck eight. Then nine. Then ten. Her heart sank with every passing minute. She already knew where he was. Or rather, who he was with. As if summoned by her thoughts, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway reached her ears. Elena quickly stood up. A small smile appeared on her face despite herself. Maybe tonight would be different. Maybe tonight he would come home alone. Maybe tonight he would look at her the way husbands looked at their wives. Maybe— The front door opened. And her hopes shattered immediately. Adrian walked inside with Vanessa hanging on his arm. Vanessa's laughter filled the entrance hall. "Oh, Adrian," she giggled. "You're spoiling me too much." Elena's eyes landed on the diamond necklace around Vanessa's neck. It sparkled brilliantly under the lights. Her stomach twisted painfully. Another gift. Another expensive present. Another reminder that Adrian could be generous. Just not to her. Vanessa noticed Elena standing there and smirked. "Good evening, Elena." Elena forced a smile. "Good evening." Adrian barely looked at her. He loosened his tie and handed his coat to a servant. "Is dinner ready?" Elena nodded. "Yes." Without another word, he walked toward the dining room. Vanessa followed closely behind. Like she belonged there. Like she was the wife. Elena silently followed them. The three sat at the enormous dining table. Adrian sat at the head. Vanessa sat beside him. Elena sat across from them. Alone. Vanessa admired her necklace dramatically. "Do you like it, Elena?" Elena looked up. "It's beautiful." Vanessa smiled triumphantly. "Adrian bought it for me today." Adrian continued eating without saying anything. Vanessa reached for his hand. "I told him it was too expensive." She laughed. "Of course, he insisted." Elena lowered her gaze. Something sharp twisted inside her chest. Not jealousy. Not anymore. Just sadness. Because she couldn't remember the last time Adrian had bought her anything. Not flowers. Not jewelry. Not even a birthday gift. Vanessa leaned against Adrian's shoulder. "You know, Adrian promised to take me to Paris next month." Elena nearly dropped her fork. Paris. She had always dreamed of visiting Paris. Years ago, when she and Adrian first got married, she had mentioned it once. He had laughed. "A waste of money." But apparently it wasn't a waste when Vanessa wanted it. The rest of dinner passed in painful silence. Eventually Vanessa stood. "I should go." Adrian immediately rose from his chair. "I'll walk you out." Elena watched them disappear together. A few moments later she saw Adrian gently opening the car door for Vanessa. The same man who never pulled out a chair for his wife. The same man who barely acknowledged her existence. When Adrian finally returned inside, Elena was still clearing the table. Without looking at her, he said, "I'll be out tomorrow." Elena swallowed. "For work?" "No." That one word was enough. Vanessa. Again. Elena lowered her eyes. "Okay." Adrian paused. For a brief moment, she thought he might actually notice how hurt she looked. Instead, he frowned. "Why do you always look miserable?" Elena blinked. The question stunned her. Miserable? Did he really not know? Or did he simply not care? "I wasn't—" "Whatever." He turned and started walking away. Something inside Elena cracked. "Adrian." He stopped. Slowly. Impatiently. "What?" She gathered every ounce of courage she possessed. "Do you ever regret marrying me?" The silence that followed felt endless. Then Adrian laughed. Actually laughed. The sound cut deeper than a knife. "You already know the answer." Elena froze. Six years ago. The memory returned instantly. The day before their wedding. The day Adrian had looked her directly in the eyes and said: "I don't love you, Elena. I'm marrying you because my grandfather asked me to." Even now, years later, those words still hurt. Adrian turned toward her. His expression remained cold. "I never hid the truth from you." Then he walked upstairs. Leaving Elena standing alone. Just like always. The moment his bedroom door closed, Elena's strength finally disappeared. She sank into a chair. Tears filled her eyes. The house was quiet. Too quiet. A mansion full of luxury. A marriage full of emptiness. A heart full of pain. And no one to share it with. No one except one person. With trembling hands, Elena picked up her phone. She called the only person who had never abandoned her. Mira. The phone rang once. Twice. Then Mira answered immediately. "Elena?" The concern in her voice was instant. Elena burst into tears. Mira sighed sadly. "What did he do this time?" Elena couldn't answer. Because deep down, she already knew the truth. The problem wasn't what Adrian had done. The problem was that tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that... He would keep doing it. And she would keep staying. For now.