The Billionaire Forsaken Wife

When Esme was exposed as the unfaithful wife who betrayed her husband and disgraced her family, she did what any world-class w***e would do-she threw herself in front of a car and died. Or at least, that’s what everyone said. But that wasn’t where the story began. It began with a single moment. A soul-crushing, life-altering moment that shattered every fiber of her existence.And that moment was happening now for Esme Flores. Or rather, Esme Lombardi. It was as if the world had paused for a second, and though it continued to spin- though she could see the doctor’s lips moving once, then twice- her brain had completely shut down. “…What?” “Pregnant. You are pregnant, Mrs. Lombardi.” Esme didn’t know how to react. She was sure the doctor had delivered this news to hundreds of women, their expressions probably ranging from pure joy to earth-shattering sobs. But for her, it was neither. She was frozen in shock. “No…” Esme stared at her pale, slender fingers, the diamond ring she’d once treasured more than life itself dangling loosely, its weight feeling almost unbearable. The ring wasn’t her size- because it wasn’t meant for her. She had stolen it from its rightful owner. Or at least, that’s what her beloved husband reminded her of every night before he f****d her. And now, because of his recklessness- or perhaps her cursed luck- she was carrying his child. “It’s not possible,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I can’t be pregnant. I don’t feel pregnant.” The doctor removed his glasses, offering her a sympathetic smile. “Well,” he began gently, “you’re actually five months along. It’s quite uncommon not to notice any signs, but for a woman with such a frail-” Weak. That’s what he had meant. Her health was weak. She had sickle cell anemia, and the family doctor had warned her long ago that her womb would be too fragile to carry a child. That was when her downfall in the Lombardi household began. Her one job was to give birth to the next heir, without that what was she useful for? Everyone stopped treating her like a human being, the maids stopped respecting her, and her mother-in-law swore to make her life miserable. To everyone, she was nothing but a b***h who got lucky. A waste. A barren waste. But now? Now, the doctor was telling her she was pregnant? “You have a weaker constitution than most women your age,” he continued, still watching her closely. “I’m sure the pregnancy was able to mask itself, given that…” “Mrs. Lombardi?” he called, his voice trailing off when she didn’t respond. “Mrs…?” Esme was already on her feet before the doctor could finish as her body had gone on autopilot. She paused past the nurse behind, almost running out of the doctor’s office. Her heart was pounding so fast she felt like it might burst. And that feeling -hope- it was growing, digging its claws deeper and deeper into the depths of her heart. She finally felt something, something real. She felt alive, it was terrifying. She was pregnant. She was going to have Nathaniel’s child. Maybe… maybe he wouldn’t hate her anymore. Maybe, just maybe, he could love her. “Madam!” Hector, her personal driver, hurried after her, holding her bag and jacket, his eyes wide with confusion as he watched Esme race down the hospital hallway. She didn’t stop until they reached the car. “Madam, are you alright?” Hector was a tall, slender man with a mustache that gave him an air of distinction. He doubled as her butler and was one of the few people who still respected Esme in the Lombardi household. She trusted him, she had no one else behind her. Esme barely registered his presence, her mind reeling by the fact that this had happened, she could barely breathe but his voice grounded her. She turned to him, her breath shallow, still trying to catch up with her own racing thoughts. “Madam Lombardi, this is out of character! Are you okay? What did the doctor say?” Hector’s voice was full of concern as he hurriedly draped her coat over her shoulders, fussing like an old nanny. “Here, wear your coat, it’s cold out.” But Esme wasn’t listening. Her mind was still racing, the doctor’s words echoing in her ears. Pregnant. She could barely comprehend them. “Please, take me home. I need to see my husband” only then did Hector pause, less concerned, more shocked. “Madam… okay,” Hector said, his tone full of confusion, but he obeyed, helping her into the car before climbing into the driver’s seat. Esme sat quietly in the back, her entire body trembling- not with fear anymore, but with joy because she had a stupid thought. A really stupid thought, that with this baby her life could change. Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach, gently rubbing it as a small smile spread across her lips. Tears threatened to spill as disbelief washed over her. She was finally pregnant. After everything she’d endured. After all the whispers, the doubts, and the judgment. It was a miracle. “I swear I’ll protect you, if it’s the last thing I do. I’ll protect you” So lost in her emotions, she didn’t notice Hector watching her in the rearview mirror, his gaze flickering to her stomach. Without a word, he reached for his phone and began typing something hurriedly. She didn’t even wait for Hector to park the car. The moment they arrived, she flung the door open and hurried out, her steps quickening as she jogged toward the Lombardi family mansion. She ignored the startled maids who stopped to stare, their surprise obvious - it was completely unlike her to move with such speed. To run, to smile, to look so alive. “Nathaniel! Where’s my husband?” she called out breathlessly, her voice echoing through the halls. “How presumptuous of you to barge in here, shouting for my son,” came a cold, cutting voice. Madam Lambordi, Nathaniel’s mother, entered the room with an air of disdain, her piercing gaze settling on Esme as if she were scum. “I thought I told you to act as if you were dead and not bother me while you’re in my house. Just looking at you ruins my mood.” The words stung, but Esme smiled through them, as she always did. She had never understood the depth of Madam Lambordi’s hatred or the reason behind it. Yet she endured it because Madam Lambordi was Nathaniel’s mother and she loved him. “I’m sorry, Mother. I just… I have good news, and I want to share it with everyone. Please, where is Nathaniel? This is really important,” Esme pleaded, her voice trembling with hurry. Madam Lambordi’s gaze swept over her, slow and deliberate, lingering on her stomach. Her lips curled into a slight sneer, but she said nothing as Esme turned and hurried up the grand staircase, her heart racing. She reached the door to the main study smiling so much it hurt when she froze. Her hand hovered above the handle as a sound pierced through the heavy wood- a giggle. A familiar giggle. Her blood turned to ice. “No,” she whispered, shaking her head in disbelief. “It can’t be.” Before she could stop herself, she pushed the door open with a force that made it slam against the wall. The sight before her made her world crumble in an instant. Nathaniel and her sister Blair were locked in a passionate kiss, completely unaware of her presence.