Scumbag Husband Didn't Know I Was a Wealthy Heiress

I called my husband while I was bleeding out, but he rejected all my calls. Later, I discovered he had been reconnecting with his first love while I lost our baby and almost died. “Who's she to you?” the news host asked him. “She's just someone very special,” he said with a smile. I realized I would never be first in his life. So I left. Until he found out who I really was: the only daughter of the wealthiest family in the country. Then he began chasing after me and begging at my feet. My brothers wanted to destroy him but I stopped them, because I had better plans. “Leave him to me. I'll show him what regret means.” Chapter 1 Avery's POV Blood pooled on the floor beneath me. I pressed my trembling hands over my abdomen. “No…please no." The ambulance could only be here in an hour. I didn't have an hour. I dialed Victor's number. Once. Twice. Seven times. All declined. “Victor, please. Our baby,” I sobbed. “Pick up!” His helicopter could reach me in minutes. I kept trying, but he didn't answer. My vision blurred and my hands tightened around the phone. I had to stay conscious. “H-help me.” My grip loosened. The phone fell from my hand, Victor's name still glowing on the screen. A whimper left my throat. Then everything went dark. I woke up in the hospital two days later. The doctors and nurses looked at me with pity. “I am so sorry, Mrs. Kingswell. We tried everything we could, but you were brought in too late. We couldn't save your baby.” “No! No… Please give me my baby!” I burst into tears, thrashing in the nurse's grip as they struggled to steady me. Later, a nurse handed my phone. “We tried to call your husband, but most calls were declined.” She hesitated before saying, “a lady answered once, but said not to disturb him as he was handling more important stuff.” A lady? Victor's assistant was male. So who…? I glanced at the phone. Seventeen unanswered calls. And one message: Stop calling. You're interrupting my meeting. Thinking he might have been busy with work and couldn't take calls, I typed a message: Victor, I'm at the hospital. I had a miscarriage. When the message failed to send, my breath hitched. He had blocked me. The next day as I walked out of the hospital, I caught sight of the TV and my heart dropped. Victor stood in a yacht, with a young woman leaning her head on his shoulder as they watched the sunset. His hand was wrapped around her waist like a possessive husband's would be. Even without seeing her face, I knew who she was. Amber Williamson. His ex-fiancée. The headline read: Star couple of the year! Romance Blooming between the Williamsons and Kingswells? My shoulders slumped. My purse slipped from my hand and landed on the floor with a thud. That night, I was bleeding, losing our child, calling him, but he was… with her. A nurse squealed behind me. “Oh my goodness, they look so beautiful together. I wish them a happy relationship.” Another murmured, “so news of his marriage was just a rumor. Miss Williamson is perfect for him.” My eyes stung with tears. They were right. With Amber, Victor looked content, like he had everything he needed. An interview clip popped up. “Is there something going on between you and Miss Williamson?” the news host asked. “Not really. She's just very special to me,” he said with a smile. Very special. Then what was I? The envelope was still there when I got home. The secret I had wanted to tell him lay inside. That I wasn't just anyone. That I was the only daughter of the Ardent family. That my three brothers were the richest men in the city, and his bosses. I had kept it hidden from him because my family wanted to ensure he loved me for me. Two days ago, on our anniversary, I wanted to reveal it to him. I was heading to his office when I slipped on the stairs. Now, telling him was useless. With tears in my eyes, I crumpled the envelope and threw it in the fireplace. I collapsed onto my bed, letting the tears flow freely until sleep took over. Noise woke me up the next day. I dragged my aching body downstairs to check what was going on. Standing at the bottom of the stairs was my mother-in-law, directing maids. “Hurry up, place it here. She likes lilacs.” Lilacs? Everyone knew I was allergic to lilacs. “Replace this photo, too.” I followed her pointed finger to the picture of my first date with Victor. Soon it was gone, replaced by a family picture I wasn't in. Instead, Amber was. “Work faster. They will be here soon,” she ordered, her voice cold as ice. I stepped into the kitchen where they were. My mother-in-law, Stella Kingswell, rolled her eyes once she saw me. “Hello, Mother, did Victor send you here?” She ignored me. I cleared my throat and asked again, “what is going on?” “And what do you think is going on?” Under her breath, she whispered, “can't wait till my son gets rid of you lowlife woman.” My knees weakened. Before I could respond, cars pulled up to the driveway. “Madam, they're here.” Voices filled the living room. I took a shaky step inside…and froze. Chapter 2 Victor stood in the living room, his left arm draped around a woman's waist. Amber's. My mother-in-law held her hands. “Oh my dear, I am so happy to see you. You look gorgeous as always.” “Thanks, auntie,” Amber answered with a soft smile. “I've missed this place. I'm glad I didn't say no to Victor's invitation.” My mind went blank. Victor invited her to our home. Without telling me? I glanced at him. He looked so relaxed and happy. A week earlier he had told me I was the only woman who could make him happy. But I had now been effortlessly replaced. Before he could see me, I slipped away into our room. “Where's Avery?” he asked casually. Like I wasn't his wife he hadn't seen in days. “She's probably asleep like the lazy girl she is,” Stella responded sarcastically. “Come on mom. Cut her some slack. She's pregnant and needs rest.” Was. I was pregnant. “Aww, pregnant? That's excellent news. Victor, why didn't you tell me?” Amber squealed. My brows furrowed. Why would my pregnancy sound like good news to her? Stella scoffed. “Don't be happy for her, Amber darling. She could be faking it…like she’s currently faking an accident.” “Accident? Mom, what are you talking about?” Victor's voice sharpened. “Who can ever know with someone like her?” Stella mumbled. “Where is she?” he asked, ignoring her. “In there, sir,” a maid replied. Footsteps echoed on the stairway. “Victor, you can't seriously be worried when she's just faking it for attention.” As he drew closer, my chest tightened. The door to our room opened. Victor's eyes widened as he stood frozen for a second, then he let out a gasp and ran to me. “Avery. What happened to you?” Once I saw him, a stream of tears burst out of my eyes. He rushed forward and pulled me into his arms. But there was no warmth. No comfort. A strong scent of perfume wafted into my nose. Amber's perfume. “Tell me, sweetie. What happened? Is our baby okay? Please talk to me.” His voice shook as if anything I would say could break him. For a second, my heart felt lighter. Maybe he still cared. “V-Victor, I… I fell down the—” “Ahhhh!!” A sharp-pitched scream cut me off. “Victor!” Stella banged on the door. “Come quickly. Amber is hurt.” One second I was in Victor's arms, the next, I was shoved aside. My body hit the floor, a jolt of pain running up my back. I stood up, dragged my body to a room downstairs, and laid on the bed, my muscles screaming in pain. Hours later they returned. I walked to the door, from where I could see them but they couldn't see me. “It's a good thing Avery moved out of your room with her childish tantrums,” Stella said. “Amber, go and sleep with Victor,” My grip tightened around my door knob. “No auntie, that won't be necessary. It's their marital room after all. It wouldn't be right,” Amber said softly. Stella rolled her eyes. “Shush darling. You're hurt. It'll be easier for him to look after you.” Victor didn't refuse. He didn't even glance at me. He just lifted Amber into his arms and carried her up the stairs. She looked straight at me and smiled smugly. And right there, I decided: I was done. Done trying to fit in where I didn't belong. Done doing whatever I was still doing here. When morning came, I dialed a number. “Miss Ardent, is everything okay?” “Robert, I need your help.” “Should I get your brothers? They've been waiting for your call.” “Please don't tell them anything. I just want to disappear for a few months before I face my brothers.” He paused for a second. “Okay, Miss Ardent. Two days and I'll have everything ready.” “Two days is perfect. Thanks Robert.” *** I dragged my aching body into my office. I should have stayed home and mourned my child. But if I was leaving in two days, I had to do the last thing that mattered to me. My fingers brushed over the folder on my desk. Three months of hard work was about to pay off. Taking a deep breath, I headed into the boardroom. The investors sat discussing amongst themselves. Victor was talking to someone. Amber. She occupied my seat. My fists clenched. When Victor saw me, he walked over and pulled me outside to a corridor. “Hey, can we talk for a moment?” “Later, please,” I said. “This is the final design. I'll present it now.” Victor hesitated and cleared his throat. “About that. Avery, you're pregnant and I think it's best you go back home and get some rest. Amber will present it.” I froze. What? “I worked hard on this every day for three months, Victor. What do you mean?” “I know, darling, but you see, Amber has more experience. She will present it better.” My chest tightened and tears brimmed in my eyes. Victor didn't flinch. He smiled and extended his hand, so I realized fighting was useless. I handed him the folder. But before walking away I asked, “who is Amber to you?” He blinked twice. “My love, you know she's my best friend and—” “Lover?” “Someone I care about deeply,” he said simultaneously. I let out a humorless laugh. “So she's not your ex–fiancée whom you still have feelings for?” He frowned, then chuckled. “Babe, jealousy looks good on you. Go home and rest. Pregnancy hormones are getting to your head.” He didn't deny it. “You can't have your cake and eat it too, Victor.” I spat, turned on my heel, and strode off. As I walked past my colleagues, I could hear their whispers. “Is that her? Mr. Kingswell’s slum wife?” “Yes. She looks so pale and sickly. No wonder he chose Miss Williamson. She's gorgeous.” I blinked my tears away, walked straight to our HR department and submitted my resignation letter. It was approved immediately, obviously so Amber could fill my spot. As I entered the elevator, Victor's siblings and Stella stepped in. Chapter 3 “Mom, you should have seen Amber's presentation. It's a good thing Victor asked her and not some…peasant that would have disgraced us.” Lilith, his younger sister said with a chuckle. “Yes. She is what this department has been lacking. The bosses will be thrilled. Can't wait till she's my daughter-in-law,” Stella beamed. I rolled my eyes. At the same time all our phones buzzed with new gossip news. ‘Victor Kingswell and Amber Williamson expecting already?’ “Omg this was a week ago, Mom. Do you think Amber is pregnant with Victor's baby?” I blinked at the pictures of Amber and Victor at an obstetrician, both staring deeply at a paper, most likely test results. Something about her smile made my skin prickle. I shook my head. I was probably overthinking. Amber was pregnant? Good for her. The next morning I left the house before anyone else woke up. At the mall, as I walked towards the restaurant where Robert and I would meet, a familiar voice stopped me. “Avery. What a brilliant surprise,” Amber muttered with a bright smile. I groaned. “Why didn't you tell us you were coming shopping? Mom and I would have added you to our plans.” I tightened my grip on my bag. Why was she everywhere! Stella scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Amber darling. Why don't you come with me? You don't want to get contaminated by…pests roaming in places they don't fit into.” I remained straight faced. “Hi Amber. Hi Stella,” I greeted curtly. Their eyes widened. What? Surprised I didn't call you Mrs. Kingswell and try to kiss your ass as usual? I turned to leave when Stella said with a sneer, “See how disrespectful she is, I don't know why Victor married this thing.” I didn't flinch, just kept walking. “Avery!” Amber called. I gritted my teeth and faced her, raising my brow. “Why don't you join me and Mom? It'll be really eventful if you do.” “Thank you,” I said flatly. “But I'd rather not.” Amber pouted, and started taking steps towards me when Stella chimed in, “oh come on Amber, you know you're pregnant. Don't go around bad luck. We don't want anything happening to my grandbaby.” An awkward silence fell on us. I clenched my fists till my knuckles turned white. Amber's eyes softened and she mouthed, “I'm sorry,” as Stella dragged her away. I took a deep breath and walked into the jewelry store, browsing through the aisles while waiting for them to leave. Once they did, I snuck out to meet Robert. “Miss Ardent. Here is everything you asked for,” he said, handing me a sealed envelope. “I also added a card with some money in it. Please contact me anytime you need anything.” I nodded with a small smile and left. At the exit, an attendant stopped me. Two bulky security guards stood behind her. “Excuse me ma'am. Can you come with us?” My brows furrowed. “Why should I come with you?” “Because ma'am,” she eyed me suspiciously. “You stole jewelry from the jewelry store.” I frowned. “I beg your pardon?” For a moment I thought I was being pranked. But she didn't laugh. Nobody did. A crowd started gathering. “I didn't take anything. Sorry your store got robbed but it definitely wasn't me.” “Then you won't mind if we check your bag?” “Sure,” I agreed quickly. I had nothing to hide. The attendant nodded to the security guys. They seized my bag and dumped the contents on the floor. I bent to pick up my belongings when I heard gasps. I looked up and froze. Dangling before me was a glamorous diamond necklace, from my bag. “Oh my goodness such a pretty woman is a thief? How shameful,” an onlooker commented. “What family could she have come from? This is such a big disgrace.” I opened my mouth, but a different voice cut through. “My goodness Avery. When I said shopping could be eventful I didn't mean you should take it literally.” My head shot towards her. She shook her head and clicked her tongue. The whole “nice” personality from earlier was gone with the wind. “I did not steal anything,” I said firmly. “If you needed money you could have asked Victor or even me, Avery,” she murmured. “You didn't have to stoop so low.” “Miss Williamson knows her?” someone asked. “Sadly guys, I even considered her family. Not knowing she is just a pathetic good-for-nothing woman. Is this the kind of lesson you will teach your child—” Smack! My hand landed on her jaw. Amber's head snapped to one side, causing gasps to echo in the mall. “Avery! How dare you hurt my daughter,” Stella roared, coming from another direction. “Oh I'm sorry,” I mocked. “It seems the same hands that slipped and stole that jewelry also slipped now. My apologies to everyone. How much is the jewelry?” I asked the store attendant. “50000 dollars ma'am.” I handed her the card Robert had given me. Amber and Stella exchanged stunned looks. I smirked. They didn't expect me to pay, huh? I dumped the jewelry at Amber's feet. “Please…take that as an apology gift from me, Miss Williamson.” I turned, flipped my hair and walked out with the broadest smile I could muster. Chapter 4 As soon as I entered the house, I rolled my eyes. Victor stood at the door to my room. Stella stood beside him and Amber behind him, her jaw marked in an exaggerated red print. “Victor, don't be too harsh on her, maybe she was just having a bad day,” Amber whispered, her eyes glossy. I scoffed under my breath. “No Amber. She didn't just hurt you, she hurt me. She deserves everything she's about to get,” Victor said coldly. Then he turned to me, his eyes narrowed to slits. “Avery, how dare you. After all the love I've shown you, is this how you repay me?” I stayed silent. Victor took out his phone. He swiped to a video of the mall incident and then swiped to a picture of Robert and me. “Do you care to explain this?” I kept my face straight. “You not only hurt Amber, you decided to cheat on me. How shameless are you!” he roared. “With someone old enough to be her dad,” Stella added, her face twisted in disgust. I still didn't respond. “Why would you humiliate my family in public? Avery, why would you? Don't I give you everything!” “When did I stop being part of that family, Victor? When did I stop being the one you loved?” I cut in softly. Victor's eyes bulged. He ran a hand through his hair and cursed. “It's not like that, Avery. But… but if this continues I'll have no choice but to file for a divorce.” The room went completely still. Even Victor was silent. Like he couldn't believe what he had said. A chuckle escaped my lips. “You're unbelievable Victor.” “I didn't…” he moved to grab my arm, but I stepped back. “Do whatever you want Victor. I don't give a shit.” I walked past them and went upstairs without another word. The house was empty that evening. They had all gone to a company event to celebrate the successful implementation of a project; my project. Upstairs, I paused in our bedroom. Our bed was filled with pink beddings and pillows, Amber's favorite color. I retrieved the envelope Robert had given me, took out the divorce papers, signed, and took off my ring. I scribbled a message on a piece of paper and attached it to the items. [No need to stress yourself Victor. Sign these papers and I'll see you at the attorney's office]. Without a second glance, I walked away, tears blurring my vision as I drove away from the mansion. From the place I had called home for years. And from the man I thought was my forever. My mind raced as I drove, reminiscing about everything Victor had done. I gripped the steering wheel so hard my palms ached. Until I felt it. I was driving, but it seemed the car wasn't being controlled by me. I hit the brakes, tried to stop the car. Nothing worked. My heart froze. The car was heading in the direction of a cliff. I heard the tires screech as I pressed harder on the brakes, but the car didn't stop. I fisted the wheel with all my might and turned as fast as I could. Pain exploded in my head as the car hit a tree. Liquid dripped from the side of my head and dark spots quickly filled my vision. I quickly pulled my phone, hitting one of the numbers in my emergency contact list. “Little Miss Avery Ardent you are in so much trouble—” “B-brother… h-help me,” my voice croaked. His panicked voice, as he called my name and shouted orders, sounded like distant whispers as I welcomed the darkness calling me. （Third Person POV） The company party was in full swing. Amber glanced at Victor with furrowed brows. What was taking them so long? When Victor took out his phone, she smiled. As he ran backstage in panic, her lips curved into a satisfied smirk. Just as planned, Victor was about to be hers forever. But she and everyone froze as the news was displayed. ‘Heiress of Ardent Industries in critical condition after car accident.’ The hall broke into hushed whispers. The Ardent heiress had not been seen by the media all her life. Not even high profile company workers like Victor knew her. Amber cursed under her breath. She would have loved to know her. That way she could use her to get one or even three of the top wealthy men in the world: Marcus, Leon or Blake Ardent. “Who wants Victor when the Ardent brothers exist? Damn how can I have them?” she whispered softly under her breath. Victor was numb. While the news played, his phone buzzed with a message: Mr Kingswell, Mrs Kingswells' car has been involved in a fatal accident. He gulped. The TV was showing Avery Ardent in a car accident. His wife's name was Avery A. Kingswell. Could it be? No. No way. His hands trembled as he took out his car keys and rushed out. “Victor, where are you going?” his mother and Amber asked, running after him. He ignored them and turned on the ignition. As he sped through red lights, cut through traffic, his mind raced. Could it be Avery had been the Ardent heiress all along? He let out a string of curses when he didn't see Avery in her room downstairs. He skipped the stairs to head upstairs, his heart nearly bursting through his ribcage. “Avery. I'm home darling.” He opened his room, and froze. On the table sat a ring, a note and a document. His heart stopped. Avery was gone.