The Expired Agreement
Twenty percent of the Hayne Corporations shares, valued in the billions, plus three overseas manors and a private island.
All of it, gifted to my stepsister, Stella Monroe. No strings attached.
When Philip and I got married, all he gave me was a prenuptial agreement.
Its a business merger, a formality, hed said, his tone casual. Just sign it.
I signed. And I walked into the Hayne family with nothing to my name.
Ten years of marriage, and I still dont even know his bank account password.
Who gave you permission to be in my study?
Philips voice, sharp and cold as ice, cut through the silence from the doorway.
I turned to face the man I had loved for fifteen years.
No tears, no hysterics. Just a quiet, steady voice. Philip. I want a divorce.
He strode into the room, snatched the papers from my hand, and threw them to the floor, the pages scattering like fallen leaves.
This is ancient history. Is it really worth making a scene over?
He didnt even bother to explain. He just raged, telling me to get out.
And so I did. I calmly left the study, picked up my phone, and made a call to the hospital.
Hello, Id like to schedule an appointment to terminate a pregnancy for next week.
1
The confirmation text arrived a moment later.
Staring at the appointment time on the screen, a violent cramp seized my abdomen. I leaned against the bedroom wall, sliding slowly to the floor, fighting back the tears as I messaged my lawyer.
His call came instantly. Mrs. Hayne, are you absolutely certain? You want to walk away from all marital assets, with nothing? he pressed. Under the law, especially during a pregnancy, youre entitled to at least
Marital assets?
A bitter laugh escaped my lips.
There were no marital assets.
Philips stock appreciation over the years was all held in proxies. Every property he owned was notarized before our wedding. My name had never once appeared on the list of beneficiaries for his family trust.
Hed told me casually, the day we got engaged, that hed never marry a woman with her hand out. That he wouldnt give away what hed fought so hard to build just because of a marriage certificate.
At the time, I thought he was just bitter that my father had forced his hand. I knew how hard hed battled his half-brothers, the illegitimate ones, to inherit the Hayne Corporation.
So I obediently signed my name, over and over, on a thick stack of documents, waiving my rights to everything.
I thought one day he would see me, truly see me, and let go of his resentment.
It wasnt until I saw that asset transfer agreement that I realized what a fool Id been.
The items on this transfer agreement matched, one for one, the list of assets I had signed away at the notarys office all those years ago.
It wasnt that he was unwilling to share. It was just that the wife he wanted to share it with was never me.
Mr. Davies, I cut him off, my voice steady despite the trembling in my hand. Please prepare the divorce papers. My only condition is that I leave with nothing.
When I hung up, my hand was still shaking.
Not from hesitation. From rage.
Ten years of marriage. A long, elaborate con. And I had been the willing, idiotic mark for every single day of it.
The password to the hidden compartment in Philips study was Stellas birthday.
He was willing to give Stella everything he owned, yet the credit card he gave me had a monthly limit that never exceeded five hundred dollars.
Even when I was seven months pregnant, sick and dizzy from morning sickness, he was with Stella, hosting her private art exhibition.
And the cruelest joke of all?
I was the one who designed their love nest.
Three months ago, Philip brought me the blueprints for a villa, forcing me to work despite the crippling nausea of my pregnancy.
A friend is gifting his partner a villa, hed said. I need you to design it to the highest standard, as quickly as possible.
Now I see it. The friend was him.
And the looping, ostentatious signature on the resident line, S.M., was for Stella Monroe.
The divorce papers arrived that evening.
Mr. Davies tried one last time. Mrs. Hayne, at least keep the money youve earned yourself
I shook my head.
Philip had never contributed a single cent to our household expenses. Every penny I earned went into running our home.
Looking back, I suppose in his eyes, I really was cheap.
As I signed my name, the baby kicked violently, as if in protest, or perhaps, in comfort.
This time, I couldnt stop the tears. I finally broke down and cried.
2
With Mr. Davies help, I rented an apartment that same afternoon. I wasnt picky about the location or the size; I just needed to get out.
It was eight oclock by the time I returned to the Hayne villa. The fatigue of pregnancy made it hard to even stand upright, but I cooked one last dinner.
Four dishes and a soup, all Philips favorites.
After ten years, I knew his tastes better than my own.
No matter how it ended, I wanted to part ways gracefully. Fifteen years was a long time.
But Philip didnt come home until one in the morning.
He reeked of Stellas signature perfume, and a garish smear of lipstick stained his collar.
I watched him loosen his tie and noticed, for the first time, that his ring finger was bare.
I dont know when it happened, but he had taken off his wedding ring.
He glanced at the untouched, cold dinner on the table, his brow furrowing in that familiar, irritated way. There was no warmth in his eyes, only undisguised impatience.
Whats with the martyr act now? You think this will make me give in?
He tossed his jacket onto the sofa and started for the stairs without a single look in my direction.
Philip, I called out, my voice so calm it surprised even me. The divorce papers are on the table. Sign them.
He stopped, his foot hovering over the first step. When he turned, the sarcasm in his eyes was practically dripping.
Because of some expired, useless piece of paper? Elara, when did you become so irrational?
Your father used the fact that he saved my life to force me to marry you. I had no choice.
Stellas heart is weak. I just wanted to give her a blessing, a gesture, thats all!
A blessing?
A gesture?
How ridiculous. Two weightless words to dismiss all my pain and suffering.
I finally understood. The chasm between us for the past decade wasnt about anything else. It was simply that he had never loved me.
Fifteen years ago, on a rainy night, he was being hunted by his half-brothers. I was the one who hid him in a storage closet for three whole days.
I was the one who snuck him food and medicine, nearly getting beaten to death for it.
He was the one who held my hand and whispered, Elara, wait for me. When I take control of the Hayne family, Ill marry you with all the honor you deserve.
And he did take control, with ruthless efficiency.
But he honored me with nothing more than a cold, calculating prenuptial agreement.
Philip, I said, cradling my belly as I slowly pushed myself to my feet. So you do remember that you owe me your life.
He flinched, then let out a cold laugh.
Oh, so now were keeping score? Fine. Name your price. How much do you want?
Name my price.
A bitter smile touched my lips. The last warm corner of my heart finally turned to ice.
That wont be necessary, Philip. Im truly done with this relationship.
By nine oclock tomorrow morning, I want to see those signed divorce papers on the living room table.
I used every ounce of my strength to keep my voice from breaking. Without waiting to see his reaction, I turned and walked upstairs.
Behind me, I heard the crash of something breaking and his furious, strangled roar. Elara Thorne! Youd better not regret this!
Regret?
My only regret was opening that storage closet door fifteen years ago.
3
When I came downstairs the next morning, the living room was empty.
The divorce papers had been torn to shreds, scattered like confetti across the expensive, hand-woven rug.
My heart seized at the sight of the confetti, then settled back into a numb calm.
This was Philips answer, then.
He wouldnt deign to explain, but he wouldnt let me go either.
My phone screen lit up with a new message.
From Stella.
She had re-added me on social media about a month ago. Her first message was: Sister, long time no see! Im back. Philip picked me up from the airport. He hasnt changed a bit. :)
Since then, my phone had become a live stream of her happiness.
A photo of Philips back as they viewed an art exhibit. A candid shot of him putting food on her plate. A picture taken from inside his car, with a deliberate shot of her slender leg
And yesterday, she sent a voice message.
In the background, I could clearly hear Philips impatient voice on another call. Elara? Dont worry about her. Shes always making a big deal out of nothing. Just focus on the art.
The latest message had arrived just ten minutes ago.
It was a picture.
Philip, asleep in her bed, his face peaceful in profile. The bedding was a familiar star-themed set from her bedroom.
The caption read: Sister, I heard you went into Philips study and made him angry?
Sigh, that old agreement was just something he drew up to comfort me when I was sick a long time ago. Its not valid anymore. Please dont misunderstand.
By the way, you really do look like I used to, especially your eyes. Philip said he noticed it the very first time he saw you.
Oh, and hows the baby? Philip said he hopes the baby has my eyes.
A wave of cold nausea rose in my throat. I ran to the bathroom and retched violently. The morning sickness had never been this bad.
I gripped the sink, staring at my reflection in the mirrorpale face, red-rimmed eyes.
These eyes he liked them because they looked like hers?
A fifteen-year love affair, a ten-year marriage, all born from one mans unrequited love for another woman.
And I was just the cheap, convenient substitute.
The tears finally fell, hot and heavy.
With a trembling hand, I replied to Stella.
You always did love picking up my leftovers. You can have them. Philip included.
Message sent.
A second later, my phone rang. It was Philip.
I didnt answer.
I declined the call and blocked his number.
The world went quiet.
I clutched my tightening stomach, taking deep breaths, forcing myself to be calm. This was no time for grief.
I called a moving company and began to pack my things.
My clothes, my design sketches, the simple kitchenware Id bought
Everything that was mine, everything that bore my mark, I packed into boxes.
As for the expensive jewelry, the gowns, the designer bagsthey were all things Philip had purchased to maintain the image of Mrs. Hayne.
I didnt take a single one.
The wedding ring Id taken off lay on the dresser, cold and forgotten.
The movers were quick. In no time, a dozen boxes were loaded onto their truck.
Before I left, I took one last look at the villa I had called home for a decade.
Ornate, cold, and meticulously crafted. A beautiful cage.
And I was finally being set free.
The new apartment was small, but it was filled with sunlight.
It took me the entire day to unpack and settle in. My body ached, a dull weight pulling at my lower abdomen, but my heart felt strangely light.
That evening, I received a text from an unknown number.
It was Philip.
Elara, come home. Now. We can pretend none of this ever happened.
Stella isn't well. Stop harassing her.
And you will have this child. The Hayne bloodline cannot be abandoned.
I stared at the message, a laugh bubbling up that was half sob.
Even now, all he cared about was Stellas feelings and the Hayne bloodline.
My pain, my life, my deathnone of it mattered.
I didnt reply.
I deleted the message and blocked the new number.
4
The day before the scheduled procedure, I went to the hospital for a final check-up.
In the ultrasound room, the technician squeezed cold gel onto my belly and moved the probe gently across my skin.
The baby is very healthy, she said, pointing to the screen. See, theres a little hand, and theres a foot
The tiny figure on the screen was wiggling. My heart felt like it was being squeezed in a vise.
My voice cracked. Doctor, if I if I go through with the induction, will the baby feel it?
The older female doctor adjusted her glasses, her expression complicated. At this stage, a termination is very hard on the mothers body. And yes the baby can feel pain.
She placed her hand gently on my stomach. Are you sure you want to give up? He seems like a very active little one.
I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood.
Walking out of the examination room, I felt like I was floating. At the end of the long hospital corridor, I saw the last person I ever wanted to see.
Philip. Standing there in a pristine suit, every inch the powerful CEO of the Hayne Corporation.
Come back with me, he said, grabbing my wrist. His grip was so tight I thought the bones might snap. Stop this nonsense.
Nonsense? I looked up at him. You think this is nonsense, Philip?
That agreement is expired and void, he said, his voice laced with impatience. Stellas heart is weak, I just wanted to give her a blessing
So Im just collateral damage in your epic love story? I yanked my hand away.
Philip, do you remember our first anniversary? I had a fever of 104. You said you were too busy to come home. Later, I saw pictures on Stellas social media of the two of you skiing in Switzerland.
Our third anniversary. You said you had a board meeting. I saw your car in the background of one of Stellas selfies.
Every single one of my prenatal appointments, you said you were busy. But you had time to go to art galleries with her, buy her jewelry, celebrate every one of her birthdays.
I listed his betrayals, one by one, my voice as calm as if I were telling someone elses story.
Philips face finally changed. You you knew all along?
I never said anything. I just kept telling myself to give you one more chance, to trust you one more time. I smiled, but the tears wouldnt stop. It wasnt until I saw that agreement that I understood what a complete and utter fool Ive been.
He was silent. For the first time, I saw something that looked like guilt in his eyes.
But it was too late.
It was all far too late.
Im going to have this baby, I said softly. But he will have nothing to do with you.
From this day forward, my child and I have no connection to Philip Hayne.
With that, I turned and walked away.
He didnt follow.
For the next few days, I cut off all contact with the outside world, resting in my apartment. Mr. Davies called to inform me that Philip was refusing to sign the divorce papers.
Mrs. Hayne, if you insist on a divorce, well have to file a lawsuit. However, given that youre pregnant, the court will likely push for mediation.
Furthermore, he added, his tone hesitant, Mr. Hayne has made it clear that if you proceed with a lawsuit, he will use every resource at his disposal to gain full custody of the child.
I held the phone, silent for a long time.
I knew he could do it.
He had the money and the power. I had nothing but the baby in my womb.
Mr. Davies, how long would a contested divorce take?
If he fights it and uses his resources, it could drag on for years.
Years?
I couldnt wait years.
My child couldnt be born into that kind of turmoil and uncertainty.
I had to make Philip agree to the divorce. I had to.
5
As I was racking my brain, the doorbell rang.
It was Stella, dressed in a white cashmere dress that made her look fragile and innocent. She was holding an elegant thermos.
I opened the door but didn't invite her in.
What do you want?
Sister, I knew youd be here. She smiled sweetly, trying to push her way inside. Philip was so worried about you, he asked me to check in. I brought you some birds nest soup. Pregnancy is hard, you need to take care of yourself.
I blocked the doorway. Thank you, but I dont need it. You can go.
Her smile faltered for a second before being replaced by a wounded expression. Sister, are you still mad at me? Theres really nothing going on between Philip and me. He just looks out for me
Whatever is or isnt going on between you two has nothing to do with me, I cut her off coldly. Im divorcing him. Soon you can have him look out for you all you want, officially.
A flash of triumph flickered in her eyes, quickly masked by concern. Sister, dont be so rash! A child needs a father. Besides, Philip said he wants you to have the baby
Her words trailed off as I snapped my head up to stare at her.
He wants me to have the baby? And then what? Give him to you to raise?
My glare seemed to startle her. She took a half-step back. Sister, why would you think that? I just feel so sorry for the baby. If my health was better, if I could have children of my own, Philip wouldnt have to
She left the sentence hanging, but the unspoken words were more vicious than any blade, piercing through all my defenses.
So that was it.
That was why he refused to divorce me, why he was so insistent I keep this child.
Because the substitute had finally become a disappointment, and his one true love was infertile.
So he needed me, the woman who looked like her, to give birth to a child with her eyes, to complete their perfect little dream.
A tidal wave of disgust and absurdity crashed over me.
I couldnt hold back any longer. I snatched the thermos from her hand and hurled it at her.
The warm soup splattered all over her pristine dress. She shrieked and jumped back.
Get out! I pointed at the stairs, my entire body shaking. And you tell Philip Hayne, he wants my child? He can have him over my dead body!
Stella looked down at her ruined dress, the fragile mask finally cracking to reveal a venomous sneer. Elara, dont be so ungrateful! Philip wants this baby, and you are going to deliver it! Do you really think you have any choice in the matter?
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