My husband, Marcus, brushed off my objections and donated his sperm to his childhood best friend, Camille—all because she had a terminal illness and wanted a child. Afterward, he dismissed my feelings with a casual shrug. “Camille doesn’t have much time left, Audrey. Why would you start trouble with someone so sick? I promise, once she has the baby, I’ll make sure the kid calls you Mom.” Everyone assumed I was head over heels for Marcus, completely devoted—convinced I’d never walk away. But this time, I signed the divorce papers without hesitation. The next day, I booked a flight and left the country. I ran into Marcus again two years later at our high school reunion. The second I walked into the private room, he thrust a toddler into my arms, his face oozing arrogance. “Audrey, you’ve been throwing a fit for two years. Don’t you think it’s time to get over it? If you apologize to me in front of everyone, I might just let you be a mother to my child!” The crowd snickered behind their hands, murmuring about how lucky I was—how I’d “landed a ready-made family” without lifting a finger. I just held up my left hand, flashing my wedding ring. “No thanks. I already have a child and a husband. I don’t need to raise someone else’s kid!”
The words barely left my mouth when the room went dead silent. Everyone gaped at me before erupting into laughter. “Oh come on, Audrey! Everyone knows you were obsessed with Marcus. When he had kidney failure, you gave him one of yours! Someone like you wouldn’t just marry someone else—would you?” “Seriously? Could you at least make your lies believable? That’s so far-fetched—who’d buy that?” I rolled my eyes at their gossip. I didn’t blame them for being shocked. The old Audrey really had been head over heels for Marcus. When he was diagnosed with kidney failure, I didn’t hesitate to donate one of mine. Even now, my left side still aches when it rains—a constant reminder of that sacrifice. I always gave him the sweetest parts of the watermelon and checked every dish meticulously because I knew about his seafood allergy. Because I loved him, I even put up with him going on dates with his childhood sweetheart, Camille, over and over. I tolerated him fixing her hair and plating her food right in front of me. As long as he came home and remembered he had a wife, that was enough for me. Everyone knew I was love-struck, so they naturally figured I was just venting. Snapping back to the present, Camille—who’d been standing nearby—grabbed a wine bottle from the table and walked over. Her tone was casual, but her words were cutting. “Audrey, I know you’re still upset about what happened two years ago.” “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t gotten sick, Marcus never would’ve donated his sperm so I could have something to remember me by.” “Since everyone’s here today, I’ll have this drink as a public apology to you!” She grabbed a glass and chugged it, the strong liquor making her cough hard. Marcus jumped up, handed Noah to a nearby friend, and rushed over, patting Camille’s back gently. His voice mixed anger with concern. “Camille, are you out of your mind? The doctor said no drinking! Even if your condition’s been stable all these years, you need to take it easy!” After calming Camille down, Marcus shot me a smug look, his voice icy. “Audrey, you’ve been acting out for two years. That’s more than enough!” “I just donated sperm—it wasn’t like I cheated. Why are you still holding this grudge over something so small? Is it really that big of a deal?” Everyone started murmuring again. “Audrey’s totally overreacting. She gets a ready-made kid—if anything, it’s easier for her.” “And Marcus has been looking for her this whole time. She left for two years, and he searched for two years. Time to let the past go.” So donating sperm to someone else without my consent—a decision that should’ve been made together in our marriage—was just a “small thing” to Marcus? What surprised me more, though, was this idea that Marcus had been looking for me all this time. Why? Lost in thought, I heard Marcus announce, like it was a done deal: “Look, Audrey, Noah needs someone to take care of him right now. Since you’re back, you should step up with the kid. Even if he’s not biologically yours, you’re his legal mom—you have a responsibility.” I actually laughed out loud. Two years later, Marcus was still this arrogant—ordering me around like he had every right. But I wasn’t the Audrey he could push around anymore. The second Marcus made that decision two years ago—completely ignoring how I felt—my heart turned to stone toward him. I left the country without looking back. And I wasn’t just posturing earlier—I really was married with a kid. After moving abroad, I got a new job, and soon after, I met my husband, Liam. He stuck with me through those dark days, and before long, we got married and had an adorable son. My heart warmed just thinking about Liam and Leo. Snapping back to the moment, I shut him down cold. “No thanks. I’ve got my own kid to take care of. As for yours? Maybe his biological mom should step up.” At that, Camille’s eyes filled with tears. “Audrey, I know you hate me—that’s why you won’t accept my child.” “I want to raise Noah myself, but my body just can’t handle it…” “I’m trusting you—that’s why I’m begging you to help. Noah’s a good boy, he won’t be any trouble. Please… just help a sick person out.” Camille put on a show of bowing her head like she was begging, but Marcus quickly rushed to prop her up and comfort her. Then he turned, shooting me a cold glance. “Plenty of people want to be around Noah, but I wouldn’t trust them. It’s a privilege for you to care for him—don’t be ungrateful!” His eyes raked over my outfit, and Marcus sneered. “Audrey, must’ve been rough living overseas these past two years, huh? You can’t even afford decent clothes for a reunion.” “Quit putting on a front. Take good care of Noah, and I’ll give you a nice monthly allowance—way more than whatever crummy job you’ve got.” Camille joined in, acting like she was the one in charge. “Exactly. Take good care of Noah, and we’ll treat you right. At least you won’t have to dress so… basic.” That’s when everyone noticed my simple, casual clothes. Whispers erupted immediately. “Audrey’s living such a… normal life? She doesn’t even have any designer stuff?” “She should’ve thought twice before acting out! I heard Marcus’s career blew up right after she left. If she hadn’t run off to another country throwing a fit, she’d probably be living the high life now.” I just quirked my lips into a small smile. They had no idea my clothes weren’t ordinary at all. They were subtly custom-made, pure silk—easily worth a fortune. Seeing my smile, Marcus assumed I’d agreed to take Noah. He pulled out his phone, ready to transfer money to me. “I’ll send you some upfront. Go buy yourself nice clothes later—don’t let Noah think you’re cheap.” But as soon as he hit send, his phone showed “Transaction Failed”!
Marcus’s eyes went wide. “Audrey, you blocked me?!” I had to laugh. I’d deleted all his contact info two years ago. Was he just figuring that out now? Marcus looked totally humiliated and demanded I add him back immediately. I shot back coldly, “An ex-husband? Why would I bother?” “Besides, my husband doesn’t like me having random people in my contacts. It bugs him.” Seeing me keep refusing to play along, Marcus finally lost his cool. “Audrey, are you done with this act? I’ve given you an out—if you keep dragging this out, we’re getting a divorce!” Back in the day, Marcus would always threaten divorce when things didn’t go his way, making me back down. He thought he could still push me around like before. But I just let out a bitter laugh. “Marcus, don’t you remember? We got divorced two years ago.” The room went dead silent at my words. Marcus froze. “Divorced? When did that happen?” Then it hit him, and he scoffed, “I get it! This is just another one of your games, isn’t it? Two years later, and you’re still pulling this manipulative crap!” I shook my head, exasperated. “Marcus, didn’t you see the papers I left you two years ago?” Marcus looked confused. “What papers?” Before I left the country, I’d left Marcus a package. Inside was my wedding ring, which I’d taken off, plus a signed divorce agreement. I’d made him sign that divorce agreement the very day he ignored me and signed those sperm donation papers. He’d always been careless with me—signed it without even glancing at it. He probably hadn’t bothered to look inside that package two years ago. That’s why he had no idea we were already divorced—still thought I was just throwing a fit. I let out a bitter laugh, pulled the divorce decree copy from my bag, and slammed it on the table in front of him. “Marcus, that package had a signed divorce agreement. I made two copies—this is mine. Take a good look. We’re divorced.” Marcus picked up the papers, stunned. But when he saw his signature and the date, his face went white. “I… I signed this? How could I have signed something like this…?” “You did. Remember that ‘important document’ I had you sign the day you scheduled your donation appointment?” My reminder finally hit Marcus—too late. He realized what he’d signed that day was the divorce papers. His face went pale. The rest of the room was shocked too. “Audrey actually divorced him? Did she finally snap out of it?” “If they’re divorced, why’d she come back? Bet she still can’t get over Marcus.” Hearing that, Marcus lifted his chin, sure I still had feelings for him. Little did he know, I was only back in the country to be with my husband and son. Liam had a big industry summit to attend here, and Leo wanted to visit the local amusement park during his vacation. I’d just arrived when I got the reunion invite, so I figured I’d stop by. I was about to burst his bubble when his phone rang. It was his assistant. “Mr. Miller, we just got word that Mr. Smith from Wenyan Group is back in the country with his wife and kid—they’ll be at tonight’s charity gala too. The board wants us to add seats and roll out the red carpet.” “They specifically said to treat his wife well. Apparently Mr. Smith values her opinion more than anything—winning her over could make or break our future partnership.” That’s when I realized Marcus’s company was one of the gala organizers. As soon as Marcus hung up, everyone started sucking up to him. “Marcus, Wenyan Group is an industry giant! Your company actually connected with them? You’re set for life!” “I heard only the top players from every field are going to this gala. Can you hook us old classmates up with introductions?” Marcus gave me a smug look, looking down his nose at me. “Audrey, you regretting divorcing me in that fit of yours now?” “If you agree to take care of Noah, I might think about remarrying you…” The irony hit me hard. Wenyan Group was my husband’s company, and I was the “Mrs. Smith” they were so desperate to impress. Before Marcus could finish, I cut him off sharply. “Wenyan Group might not even want this collaboration.” Camille, who’d been quiet, gave me a sneer. “How would you know anything about that?” I enunciated each word clearly: “Because I am Mrs. Smith.” Silence. Everyone stared, jaws dropping. Camille actually laughed. “If you’re Mrs. Smith, then I’m Mr. Smith’s sister!” “Everyone knows Mr. Smith spoils his wife rotten! He just bought her some crazy expensive jewel at an auction! Mrs. Smith is like royalty—you think you can just pretend to be her?” “Look at you! You don’t look anything like Mrs. Smith!” I stayed calm, pulling a necklace out from under my collar. The pendant was a flawless, deep blue gem. “You mean this one? The ‘Star of the Deep Sea’?”
Everyone’s jaws hit the floor. “They went viral with that story about Mr. Smith buying that insane gem necklace! That looks exactly like what Audrey’s wearing!” “Does that mean… Audrey really is Mrs. Smith?” Camille’s eyes went wide when she recognized the necklace, jealousy flashing across her face. Before I could react, she lunged forward and snatched it, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Audrey, you’re shameless—wearing fakes to trick people! How dare you pretend to be Mrs. Smith?” “I’ll admit, this knockoff is pretty good—but it’s still a fake.” “Marcus is about to close a deal with Mr. Smith. Are you trying to sabotage him by pulling this Mrs. Smith act?” I gave her a icy stare. “Who said it’s fake? Give it back—now!” I stepped forward to take it back, but she pulled away, clutching the necklace tightly. The sharp setting could scratch the gem. My chest tightened. Liam had picked that out specially for me. Marcus scowled. “Audrey, it’s just a necklace. If Camille likes it, can’t you be the bigger person? I’ll buy you a better one later.” “Don’t bother,” I said coldly, stepping closer again. But Camille suddenly stumbled back with a gasp, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at Marcus. “Marcus, I didn’t mean to! I was just curious… I thought Audrey might still be mad at me…” Marcus rushed to hold her, then turned his anger on me. “That’s enough, Audrey! Camille’s sick—can’t you cut her some slack?” “You started this by pretending to be Mrs. Smith! Are you trying to ruin our company’s chance? Two years later and you’re still this bitter!” I met Camille’s provocative look, and it all clicked. She wasn’t even that sick. Her “terminal diagnosis” had always been fishy—her medical records wouldn’t hold up to real scrutiny. I’d mentioned it to Marcus before, but he’d called me bitter. Said I was just being malicious. And now? He was still choosing to believe her. I didn’t have the energy to argue. I braced myself for more accusations, just like old times. But he took a deep breath, like he was forcing himself to stay calm. “Fine. If Camille likes the necklace, just give it to her as an apology.” “Let’s drop it. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that crazy talk earlier.” That necklace was from Liam. No way was I handing it over. When Camille looked away, I snatched it back quick but careful, my voice icy. “This was a gift from my husband. You have no right to it.” I moved too fast—Marcus reached for it, but missed. Marcus’s face darkened when I wouldn’t let him off the hook. “Audrey, it’s just a necklace. Are you for real?” “Camille, forget it. I’ll buy you something even better—something that’ll make certain people sorry they crossed us!” I tuned them out, tucked the necklace safely away, and headed for the door. Later, I went back to the hotel to rest. That evening, I changed into a formal gown and headed to the charity gala. Before I left, Liam texted—he and Leo had just finished the amusement park fireworks and were on their way. He told me to go in and wait for them. Knowing Liam and Leo have a sweet tooth, I grabbed some desserts on a china plate, planning to find a seat and wait for them. I turned and ran straight into Marcus and Camille, both dressed to the nines. When he saw it was me, Marcus scowled. “How’d you get in here? What, you tracked me down hoping to get back together?” “Weren’t you so high and mighty earlier? Turns out you’re not that tough after all!” Camille saw me holding the pastries and giggled, her voice dripping with mockery. “Audrey, don’t tell me you’re working here? I heard the pay’s decent, but it’s still serving people. You’d be better off coming back to take care of Noah.” Marcus looked down his nose at me. “Audrey, if you beg nicely, I might—for old times’ sake—let you come back.” I kept my voice steady. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not staff. I’m waiting for my husband and son.” Camille laughed like she’d heard the funniest thing ever. “Audrey, the only family attending tonight is Mr. Smith’s. You’re not still claiming to be Mrs. Smith, are you?” “I’ve been telling the truth all along.” Camille crossed her arms and sneered. “Audrey, you’re a compulsive liar! How dare you spout this garbage at an event like this—still wearing that fake necklace!” “If Mr. Smith finds out, you’ll ruin this for all of us!” Before I could stop her, Camille lunged again, trying to grab my necklace. I stepped out of the way, but her momentum made her stumble into a nearby server table. Wine glasses crashed to the floor, shattering loudly. Her nail scraped my wrist, sending a sharp pain through my arm. Before I could check the injury, Camille pointed at me and screamed to the gathering crowd. “She’s a fake! She’s pretending to be Mrs. Smith! Get her out!” The commotion by the champagne tower drew a crowd. Marcus watched coldly from the sidelines, not saying a word to defend me. Then someone in the crowd murmured, “Mr. Smith is here!” Heads turned toward the entrance. I tried to catch Liam’s eye. But Marcus grabbed my wrist, his voice low. “Audrey, calm down! I know you followed me here because you can’t let go.” “If you stop this now, after the gala, I might hear you out. We could even have another baby—our own this time…” He tried to pull me closer, but I wrenched my hand free. Liam had already noticed the chaos. He walked over holding Leo, his forehead creased. “What’s going on here?” Camille instantly put on a polite, wronged expression. “Mr. Smith, this woman is impersonating your wife and making a scene. I was just trying to ask her to leave…” Marcus jumped in, “Yes, Mr. Smith, just a little misunderstanding. Nothing to worry about.” Suddenly Leo squirmed out of Liam’s arms and ran to me. When he saw the red mark on my wrist, his little face fell. “Mommy, what happened to your hand? Who hurt you?”
The room went silent—everyone was stunned. “Wait, that kid just called her ‘Mommy’?” “So… she really is Mrs. Smith?” Marcus and Camille froze, their faces white with shock. “Audrey, how could you be married to Mr. Smith?” “No, that’s not possible!” Marcus knelt down, forcing a smile as he talked to my son. “Hey there, little guy—you must be confused. This lady… she’s my ex-wife. She can’t be your mommy.” Leo’s face scrunched up, his cheeks puffing out in anger. “I’m not confused! This is my Mommy! She’s never been your wife!” Leo ran to my side, gently taking my scratched wrist and blowing on it with his little lips. “Mommy, does it hurt?” “Who did this? I’ll tell Daddy to teach them a lesson!” Leo tugged Liam over, looking up at him to tattle. “Daddy, Mommy got hurt!” Liam took my hand gently. When he saw the red mark, his eyes turned cold. “Does it hurt?” I shook my head, glancing at the broken glasses. “I’m okay. Just hate ruining this dress… and I’m sorry if I caused a scene.” Liam put his arm around me, his stare cutting through Marcus and Camille. “Who’s in charge here?” “My wife is a guest here. Is this how you treat invited guests?” Liam’s words hit Marcus like a truck—he finally had to face the truth: I was Liam’s wife. His face twisted, but he forced a smile when he looked at Liam. “Mr. Smith, this is all just a mix-up. I had no idea Audrey was your wife—I thought she’d snuck in somehow…” Liam’s scowl deepened, his expression turning icy. Anyone who knew him could tell he was furious. And sure enough, his voice turned frigid. “So you just stood there while my wife was being harassed? Who do you think you are?” The crowd backed away, not wanting to get involved. Camille finally panicked, her face going white. She hid behind Marcus, tugging his sleeve. “Marcus, what are we gonna do?” Marcus stepped in front of her, still trying to weasel his way out. “Mr. Smith, we didn’t hurt… Mrs. Smith. She tripped, that’s all. Just a little misunderstanding with my friend here…” Camille nodded frantically. “Yes! I just wanted to talk to her. It was all a misunderstanding…” Their pathetic excuses made my blood boil. They were still trying to twist the story—just like old times. But not this time. Liam was known in business circles for being sharp as a tack. He didn’t buy it for a second. He turned to the banquet manager. “Get the security footage. Now.” “Let’s show everyone how my wife ‘tripped’ and got hurt.” Liam was about to have them pull the footage. Camille, already guilty as sin, panicked—terrified of being exposed, terrified of the consequences. Finally, she made a split-second decision, shoving Marcus forward and pointing at him. “Mr. Smith, no need for footage! It was Marcus! He was… mad Audrey wouldn’t take him back, so he held a grudge and told me… to mess with Mrs. Smith!” Marcus froze. He never thought Camille—who he’d always protected—would throw him under the bus like this. He stared at her, stunned, his voice rising with rage. “Camille, what the hell are you talking about? When did I ever tell you to do that?” Camille bit her lip, her eyes desperate. “Marcus, I’m sorry, but I can’t afford to cross Mr. Smith.” “You’ve always been good to me. Just take the blame this once? Your company’s big enough—Mr. Smith won’t do anything to you…” Marcus had always rambled about loyalty and friendship when he wanted me to take the fall for Camille. But now that it was his turn? He couldn’t handle it. Marcus shot daggers at Camille. “You deal with your own mess!” He snapped, turning to Liam with the truth. “Mr. Smith, Camille’s lying. I didn’t mess with Audrey—she did!” “Check the cameras if you don’t believe me! Everyone here saw it!” Before Marcus could finish, Camille shrieked at him. “Marcus, you asshole! How could you say that? You totally egged me on!” Marcus shouted back. “Only because you started lying first!” They bickered back and forth, making a total scene. With them pointing fingers, Liam tuned out their excuses. He called security and had Camille escorted out. He also told his assistant to cancel all deals with Marcus’s company—and said he’d be pursuing legal action for harassment. Now both Camille and Marcus really panicked. Camille tried to run to Liam, begging, but security held her back. “Mr. Smith, I’m sorry! I messed up! Please give me another chance…” Marcus turned to me, trying to play on old feelings. “Audrey, for old times’ sake, put in a good word. We can’t lose this deal…”
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