No Longer Mrs. Cooley: The Architect's Return

I went to the City Clerk’s office for a routine copy of my marriage license to finalize a trust fund audit. I expected a simple piece of paper, but the clerk’s pitying look told me my entire life was a lie. "The license was never finalized, Ms. Oliver. In the eyes of the state, you are single." The three-hundred-guest wedding at the Plaza and the Vogue features meant nothing. My husband, Gray Cooley, had intentionally filed the documents with a "procedural defect" so he could discard me without a legal divorce. Moments later, an iCloud invite titled "Our Little Secret" popped up on my screen. It was a photo of my best friend, Brylee, holding a positive pregnancy test at our Hamptons estate. Gray’s text to her was the final blow: "Happy anniversary, babe. This baby is the best gift. Once the trust unlocks today, we’re done with the charade." I soon discovered they were even stealing my career, reassigning my architectural masterpiece to Brylee while preparing my eviction notice. Gray's mother called me a "barren mule" in a leaked recording, mocking the infertility I suffered after saving Gray’s life in a construction accident. I wasn't a wife; I was a three-year placeholder used to secure his inheritance. How could the man I bled for treat me like a disposable prop? How could my best friend carry his child while pretending to comfort me through my darkest moments? The betrayal burned until it turned into a cold, hard stone of fury. I didn't cry. Instead, I walked into the penthouse of the Barretts, the Cooleys' most powerful rivals. I signed a marriage contract with Kane Barrett, the man the tabloids called the "Beast of Wall Street." "I want a wedding," I told his father, my voice steady and lethal. "Bigger than the one I had with Gray." If they wanted me gone, they would have to watch me become the woman who owns their world.

Modern Revenge Divorce Revenge Female-centered Divorce

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"Maren, haven't you ever noticed how much honor Nadia has brought our family? And look at yourself—all you've done is drag us down."

"Remember, Nadia once risked herself for you. It's time to return the favor."

"Save Nadia! Do whatever you wish with Maren."

"I also choose Nadia!"

"Same here."

At the grim outskirts, in an abandoned factory, Maren Morgan's wrists were bound tightly. She listened helplessly as her three brothers chose Nadia Morgan, her half-sister, over her.

Her final hope rested in Wilbur Thorpe, the fiance she had cherished deeply for over ten years, the man she'd shared a childhood with.

Wilbur stood nearby, impeccably dressed, his demeanor polished and aloof.

Their gazes connected briefly, but Wilbur's lips parted only to speak with brutal detachment. "My choice is Nadia. Touch her, and you'll regret it. As for Maren—she's meaningless to me. Do whatever you like."

Wilbur's ruthless disregard crushed Maren, slicing through her heart. She remembered clearly all she'd sacrificed to keep him alive, giving her blood repeatedly even when the doctors warned her she might not survive.

Though she'd anticipated his rejection, hearing his cold words shattered something deep inside her.

The pain was overwhelming—so much that she couldn't even speak.

All she could do was watch as Nadia burst into tears and threw herself into Wilbur's arms. The same man who had been cold and distant towards her was now tenderly brushing Nadia's tears away.

Her brothers surrounded Nadia protectively, showering her with affection, utterly blind to her distress.

No one cared about her. They did not even cast her a brief glance.

Instead, she faced leering kidnappers, their filthy bodies moving towards her with sinister anticipation.

"Who'd have guessed the Morgan family would dump their legitimate daughter just to protect an illegitimate one? Looks like gutter rats like us hit the jackpot tonight."

"Patience, boys—everyone gets a turn."

Maren backed against the wall, trapped.

Her throat burned from earlier cries, the taste of blood still fresh.

As her family celebrated Nadia's rescue, Maren felt the last thread of hope vanish.

She finally gave up.

Her mother's face flashed through her mind, and with it came a surge of strength. She was done living this nightmare.

In a sudden burst, Maren threw her head up and made a break for the wall.

But before she could get far, the lead kidnapper caught on. He grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her back with brutal force, cutting her attempt short.

Then, a fierce and stinging slap landed hard on Maren's face.

"Think again, bitch! We're not finished with you yet."

The brutal impact sent Maren spiraling into unconsciousness.

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