After Ten Anniversaries, I Discovered He Cheated Five Years Ago novel
Ironically, at the happiest moment of my life, I received the most painful news.
With trembling hands, I called my husbandonly for a child to pick up the phone.
In a soft and innocent tone, he asked, Who are you? Why are you calling my daddy?
Enduring my grief, I asked back, Whats your daddys name?
A moment later, the answer came from the other end of the linemy husbands name.
Hearing it felt like I had fallen straight into an icy abyss.
It turned out my husband had long ago started another family...
And he was not looking forward to the child growing in my belly!
With that brutal truth came my decision.
Since he already had another family, then I would leave him and keep my child!
Agness POV
I looked at my phone. It was still connected to the call. Even with my mind made up, the question I asked almost choked me.
Wheres your daddy right now?
The little boy on the other end paused, thinking, before answering in a singsong childs voice. Daddys with Mommy. Theyre throwing me a party at the Clarion Hotel for my fifth birthday.
The words hit me square in the chest.
The Clarion was the finest hotel in Belvedere City.
In our circle, unless we hosted the celebration at home, it was the place to go.
And now Ridley Swicord was throwing a grand party therefor his mistress and their illegitimate child
Where did that leave me?
The question drained the color from my face.
The next second, I hung up and drove straight toward the hotel.
Inside my car, the familiar trinkets swayed gently from the mirror, pulling me back through the years.
Ridley and I had been married for ten years. Our relationship had always been good.
But because Id never been able to conceive, even with our families equally matched in status, his mother had gradually begun to look down on me.
Id swallowed countless bitter herbal tonics to nourish my body, endured appointment after appointment at the hospitalanything just to give him a child.
Every time he saw me in pain, Ridley would look more stricken than I was.
He would pull me in his arms, telling me not to put myself through that anymorethat even if we never had children, he wouldnt mind.
If you really want a child, hed say, Id rather adopt one than see you suffer.
Those words had only made me more determined to give him a child of our own.
On our tenth anniversary, my wish finally came true, only for it to come hand in hand with a devastating diagnosiscancer.
Looking back now, I understood. The reason Ridley had suggested adoption was because he already had his biological child with someone else!
The corner of my mouth twisted bitterly at that realization.
Before long, I reached Clarion Hotel.
I knew exactly which hall Ridley favored. Just a few steps in, I spotted him.
His face was full of fondness as he lifted a boyabout five years oldhigh into the air.
Beside him, a woman in a crimson dress, looking incomparably alluring, curled her lips into a smile.
They looked, in every way, like a warm and happy family of three.
In a casual tone, Ridley warned his buddies.
Dont let word of this get out. Otherwise, Agnes will just come here and make a scene.
One of his friends hesitated as he looked around him. But, man, youre holding this party at the Clarion. Shes bound to hear about it.
Ridley glanced down at the squirming boy in his arms with a soft expressionbut his voice was ice.
Ive shut down the gossip. She wont know. I gave her ten years, and yet she still couldnt give me a child. The Swicords have been waiting for an heir.
His eyes swept the group. Youre not to breathe a word of this.
The friend thumped his chest and agreed. Relax. Were not idiots. But hey, she knows more people than just uswhat if she hears from someone else?
He hesitated before adding, And what if she gets pregnant later? What will you do then?
Ridleys expression hardened.
Ive promised Lynzeethe Swicord heir will only ever be our child. Even if Agnes gets pregnant later, I wont change my mind. If it comes to that I wont let her keep the baby.
I stood rooted at the entrance as his words slid into my heart like a blade.
So everything hed ever told me was a lie!
He hadnt been unconcerned about my infertility. Hed simply had someone else carrying his child the whole time!
I knew the woman beside himLynzee Sher, his childhood sweetheart.
After we married, Id believed theyd cut off contact.
But it turned out, they already had a five-year-old child!
For ten years, Id been nothing but a fool living in the dark!
When Lynzee heard Ridleys promise, her eyes lit up with satisfaction.
Feigning concern, she said, Ridley, if Agnes finds out, she might leave you. I dont need to take her place, you know. Just being by your side is enough for me.
Then, like some delicate thing, she leaned into his arms.
He soothed her first, and then he sneered.
Agnes has been kept dependent on me for so long that shes useless now. Even if she learns the truth, she wont leave. Shes like a well-fed doghave you ever seen one walk away from its master?
I couldnt listen to another word. Tears stung my eyes as I turned and fled toward the restroom.
I forced my breathing to steady before pulling out my phone. My voice was raw when my brother answered the call.
Haley I want to leave Ridley. Im keeping the baby and coming back to you.
On the other end of the line, my brothers voice carried a satisfied smile.
Finally. I told you Id never steer you wrong. Ridleys too calculating, Agnes. Hes never suited for you. Ten years with him? That was just you being na?ve. Terrons still waiting. Ill handle everything. Ill come pick you up in a week. Just get rid of that son of a bitch first as soon as you can.
Alright, I replied. I got it.
Agness POV
I hung up the phone, my body weak, and stepped out of the restroomonly to run right into Lynzee, who was touching up her makeup at the door.
It was as if she had known Id been hiding there all along. The moment she saw me, her lips curved into a taunting smile.
Agnes? You finally decided to come out? she said lightly. You saw how much Ridley dotes on me and our son. I thought youd be crying in the restroom all day.
I met her gaze without flinching, forcing a faint and brittle smile.
Relax, I said flatly. What you want isnt necessarily what I want. Its just a man. If you want him, hes yours.
Her cold laugh cut through the air.
Oh, drop the act. You think I dont know todays your tenth wedding anniversary with Ridley? I made sure to hold our sons fifth birthday party today on purpose. And guess whatyour husband agreed without hesitation.
A sharp pain stabbed through my chest, but maybe it was because Id already endured too much in a single day; the feeling quickly dulled into numbness.
When I stayed silent, her smile grew even more arrogant.
Oh, and one more thingnext week, Ridley and I will be holding the wedding and registering our marriage. Ill make sure to send you an invitation. You absolutely must come.
My brows drew together so tightly it hurt. I could hardly believe what I was hearing.
Grinding my teeth, I snapped, As long as Ridley and I are still married, you two cant be together!
Her laughter burst out suddenly, rich with mockery.
You dont know? You really dont know? Your marriage certificate with Ridley is fake! If I want to marry him, I can. Youre the real mistress here!
Her gloating expression hit me like a blow.
I stared at her, eyes wide in disbelief.
Fake? Our marriage certificate? Impossible! Wed been married for ten yearshow could it possibly be fake?
But her certainty left no room for doubt. Fury surged through me.
I stepped forward and grabbed her by the collar, my voice shaking.
What the hell are you talking about? Make it clear!
Her eyes flicked toward the doorwayand in the next instant, she let out a loud and pitiful wail.
Stop hitting me! Agnes, please stop! I swear Im not trying to steal Ridley from you. Hes just here for the party. It has nothing to do with me!
She wrenched free of my grip and deliberately threw herself to the floor.
Before I could even react, Ridley burst in like a gust of wind.
He didnt even glance at me. Instead, he went straight to Lynzee, carefully gathering her into his arms.
Lynzee, are you alright? he asked, his voice low with concern.
Only after checking her over did he turn to me. For a moment, I caught a flicker of guilt in his eyesquickly smothered by anger.
Agnes! he snapped. How could you lay a hand on Lynzee? When did you become such a vicious person?
His words hit harder than any slap.
Vicious. He was calling me vicious?!
A trace of sorrow welled up in my eyes before I could stop it.
Perhaps he noticed it because his expression shiftedjust slightlyas if realizing he might have gone too far.
But before he could speak, the woman in his arms interrupted with a soft, trembling voice.
Ridley, Agnes must have misunderstood something. She probably saw us standing together and got the wrong idea. You were only here for the party. I just didnt get a chance to explain before she
Her voice trailed off, and right on cue, she revealed a fresh-looking scrape on her leg.
Ridleys brow furrowed deeply. His gaze toward me turned cold.
Agnes, how could you do this? If you had questions, you could have come to me. I could have explained.
He looked back at Lynzee, hesitating before adding, Lynzee is my good friends wife. Im only here for their childs fifth birthday. Was there any need to make such a scene? Apologize to her. Once you do, leave firstIll come home after the party.
It was like he thought I was a fool.
I laughed at the insult and looked at him with a mocking smile.
How come I didnt know you had such a good friend? Could it be that the friend is yourself?
A flicker of panic crossed his face, as if I had struck a nerve.
He instinctively loosened his hold on Lynzee and stepped toward me, as though to placate me.
But in Lynzees eyes, a flash of venom appeared.
Agnes, she cried suddenly, how can you say that? If youre so set on ruining my reputation, then Ill just prove my innocence with my life!
And before anyone could stop her, she lunged toward a nearby pillar.
Lynzee! Ridley shouted, diving forward to catch her.
Once he had her safely in his arms again, he frantically checked her for injuries. When he found none, his shoulders sagged in relief.
Then he stood and turned his icy gaze on me.
A slap reverberated on the walls.
His hand came down hard across my face, the force knocking me to the floor.
A gasp tore from my throat. I clutched my cheek, staring at him in disbelief.
Towering over me, he looked at me with a blank expression.
Have you had enough, Agnes? You almost drove a mother to her death! You cant have children yourself, so you want other children to lose their mom, too?
He demanded, Apologize to Lynzee. Now!
I bit down hard on my lip. I wont. Im not the one in the wrong!
A flicker of disappointment passed through his eyes before he spoke again, his voice like ice.
In that case, go home by yourself.
Just like that, he helped Lynzee to her feet and turned to leave.
I tightened my grip on the medical report in my bag, holding onto one last shred of hope.
Ridley, I called after him, my voice trembling, if I told you I was pregnant too would you choose her or me?
He didnt even pause.
Enough, Agnes. Ten years without conceiving, and now the moment I ask you to apologize, youre suddenly pregnant? Even if you were, Id still choose Lynzee. Youre just too unreasonable!
And with that, he walked away without looking back.
As I stared at his retreating figure, a bitter smile curled my lips.
Silently, I whispered, Ridley, were done. Completely done.
Agness POV
Once the pain from my wounds eased a little, I forced myself to stand, ready to leave.
But before I could take a step, a crowd suddenly burst through the door.
The man in the lead pointed straight at me, and the men behind himfaces twisted with hostilitycharged in my direction.
My gut clenched. Something was wrong. I spun around to run, but it was too late. They caught me and dragged me in front of their leader.
I fought with everything I had, but it was useless.
The mans grip clamped around my chin like a vice, forcing my head up.
Only then did I finally see his face.
It was Thiago PerlmanRidleys mortal enemy!
He took one look at the fear in my eyes and suddenly threw back his head in laughter.
Well, well, Agneshow pathetic you look right now. Wheres your dear husband? Why isnt Ridley here protecting you? Dont tell me hes cheating on you? Oh, wait this morning I heard something interestinghes hosting a birthday party for his mistresss child right here in this hotel. Looks like the rumor wasnt a lie after all.
So everyone knew about Ridley and Lynzee. Everyoneexcept me.
A sharp, suffocating ache spread through my chest.
Thiago seemed to savor my reaction, his lips curling in satisfaction. The jagged scar on the left side of his face twisted with his smile.
Years ago, the Perlmans and the Swicords were bitter rivals, evenly matched in power.
But with my help, Ridley managed to swallow the Perlmans whole, driving them to ruin.
I never imagined Thiago would claw his way back for revenge.
He didnt care about my shock. He moved according to his own plan, step by step.
In no time, his men had taken control of the entire Clarion Hotel.
He dragged my struggling body straight into the party hall.
There, he let out a crooked, ugly grin.
I want to see, he said, who matters more in Ridleys hearthis wife or his mistress and his bastard.
The moment the words left his mouth, Ridley spotted us.
His expression froze, horror flashing across his face.
Around us, his bodyguards clashed violently with the men Thiago had brought.
Without warning, Thiago yanked me forward and shoved me right in front of Ridley.
Tell your men to stand down, Ridley, he ordered, or your pretty wifes face gets a brand-new scar.
He pulled out a knife and pressed the cold blade against my cheek.
A sharp sting split my skin as the tip sliced a fine, shallow line.
Ridleys eyes went wide. Let her go! he roared. Stop! All of you, stop right now!
The hall fell into a heavy, ringing silence.
Every gaze was locked on us.
Thiagos grin widened, his voice dripping with malice. The knifes edge traced a slow path along my face.
Oh, so you do care about Agnes. Rightif not for her, you wouldnt have taken the Perlmans so easily, leaving us in ruins.
He turned that cruel glare on me. Then, catching the tension in Ridleys expression, Thiago broke into loud and mocking laughter.
I hear todays your bastard sons fifth birthday, he sneered. Tell you whatlets celebrate with a little game. You get to decide who dies.
He shoved me toward the spiral staircase.
The tall, winding steps led straight down to the marble floor below. If I fell my lifeand the life of the child in my wombwould end instantly!
Panic clawed through me; I thrashed harder in his grip.
Annoyed by my resistance, Thiago whipped his hand hard across my face.
Ridley! he barked. Choosetrade your mistress and your bastard for Agnes, or I will throw her down these stairs right now! he asked heartlessly.
Meanwhile, Lynzee clutched Ridleys hand, her voice trembling. Ridley, let me go to Agnes's place. Just me. Please. Im carrying your child toothis way, at least, well be giving him what he wants.
A flicker of shock crossed Ridleys face. He hadnt known she was pregnant again.
Seeing his hesitation, Lynzee stepped toward us.
But before she could get too far, Ridley suddenly grabbed her arm and yanked her back.
Agness POV
It was as if he forced the words out from between clenched teeth.
Youre pregnant. I cant let you go.
With that, he yanked Lynzee back toward him.
Seeing this, Thiago threw his head back and let out a twisted, mocking laugh.
Thenbefore Ridley could even process what was happeningThiago shoved me hard, sending me tumbling down the steep staircase.
I rolled down several steps before instinctively latching onto the banisters post, my fingers clinging for dear life.
Agnes! Ridleys eyes widened in horror, his voice ripping through the air as he charged toward me.
But in the very next second, Lynzee was suddenly grabbed from behind by Thiago.
She clutched her belly as if in pain, her face pale as she gasped, Ridley, hurry and go save Agnes! Im fine really.
The words had barely left her lips before she groaned again, her voice trembling with feigned agony. Beneath her, blood began to seep out, dark and startling against the floor.
Ridley froze for a fraction of a second, and then he turned to look at me. His gaze was filled with hesitation, pain, and pity.
Agnes Lynzee is carrying a child. You understand, dont you? A life is at stake. Let me save them first, then Ill make it up to you.
Without waiting for my answer, he spun around and ran straight toward Lynzee.
As soon as he pulled her to safety, shehidden from his viewshot me a triumphant glance, her lips curling ever so slightly.
Soon, the strength drained from my fingers, and my grip slipped.
When I opened my eyes again, I found myself lying in a hospital bed.
Almost by reflex, my hands went to my bellybut before I could process anything, Ridleys voice broke through, low and heavy with accusation.
Agnes, why did you get involved with Thiago? Why did you plan this kidnapping? Didnt I tell you I could explain everything?
My eyes flew wide, disbelief flooding through me.
I didnt! I cried. How could I possibly work with Thiago? Ive never even met him in private!
My voice rose until it was almost a scream.
Ridleys brows furrowed deeply, his gaze hard with disappointment.
Without another word, he flung a stack of photographs into my face.
The evidence is right here, and you still want to deny it?! he snapped. Because of this kidnapping, Lynzee is still in surgery! If anything happens to the child shes carrying, I will never forgive you!
He didnt give me a chance to explain. Turning on his heel, he strode toward the operating room.
My hands shook as I gathered the scattered photographs.
They were all the sameangled shots and clumsy edits with obvious Photoshop marks.
Even I could see they were fake. But Ridley, blinded by his concern for Lynzees surgery, hadnt noticed a thing.
Not only had he believed them, he had used them to condemn me!
At that moment, the last fragile shred of feeling I still held for him crumbled into dust.
I rose slowly from the bed, intending to leave.
But just as I reached the door, Ridley returned.
Without a word, he seized my wrist and dragged me toward Lynzees room. I struggled, but his grip only tightened.
His tone was calm, even a bit gentle. I cant watch you keep making mistakes. Thankfully, Lynzees fine, but you still owe her an apology.
A chill swept over me, settling deep into my bones. The next second, my belly twisted painfully.
Let me go! I shouted. The child in her belly is yours. Even if she loses it, its no lossits a cursed child! I will never, ever apologize!
His eyes turned to ice. Without warning, his hand lashed out across my face.
If you wont apologize, then youll kneel in the villa until Lynzee is willing to forgive you.
He shoved me toward the bodyguards behind him, and then he walked away without looking back.
I was pinned in place, my voice raw as I shouted after him.
Ridley! I will never forgive you!
He paused for a heartbeatjust long enough for me to think he might turn around.
But in the end, he kept walking, disappearing from sight.
Agness POV
I was escorted back to the villa and forced to kneel for an entire day.
It wasnt until the next morning that they finally let me go.
Four days remained before the time I had agreed to meet my brother. Still, I already began quietly packing my things.
Over the next two days, Ridley didnt come home. He didnt send a single message either.
But Lynzee? She was suddenly everywhere on my phone.
[Youve never seen this side of him before, have you? Oh, by the way, because of what happened, hes decided well get our marriage license in three days. Ill be sure to send you the invitation. Dont forget to come!]
Attached was a photo of Ridley cooking for her.
After reading the messages, my expression didnt change.
I simply gathered the recipe collections and soup formulas I had spent the past ten years compiling for him. I burned them all to ash.
While Ridley took Lynzee out on a yacht.
I shattered the clay figurines we had once made together.
Ridley bought Lynzee an aerial garden.
I dug up the rose garden he had planted for me, roots and all, and burned it to the ground.
Ridley posed for a family portrait with Lynzee and their son.
I took the ten photo albums Ridley had once saved for us, cut them to pieces, burned them, and buried the ashesalong with our wedding portraitbeneath the garden soil.
In just a few short days, I had erased every trace of the past ten years.
Even the villas interior felt hollow and empty.
But with Ridleys heart and attention fully devoted to Lynzee now, I doubted he would even notice when he returned.
On the day he and Lynzee were set to get their marriage license, he finally rushed backclearly only to grab his documents.
After rummaging through his study, he came downstairs and found me sitting calmly with a book in hand. His brows knitted together.
He paused for a moment before speaking, his tone uncertain.
Tomorrow, come with me to a party. Whatever happens there, dont take it to heart. Ill explain it to you afterward.
I simply nodded, my expression unchanging.
That was when he finally sensed something was off.
Frowning, he let his gaze sweep around the villa.
Wheres all the stuff we used to have? And our wedding photo?
A strange feeling mustve stirred in him.
If this had been beforeafter the way he had treated meby now I would have already been confronting him, arguing, refusing to let it go.
But now, no matter what he said, I remained calm almost detached.
It probably gave him the unsettling sense that I might no longer feel anything for him at all.
And I knewthat possibility tightened something deep in his chest.
Without looking up from my book, I turned a page and answered flatly, The villas going to be renovated soon. Those things arent needed anymore.
His frown deepened, as if the explanation still didnt sit right with him.
He was just about to press further when Lynzees call came in.
The moment he saw her name, his expression softened.
He tossed a half-hearted remark my way before turning on his heel and leaving without hesitation.
Dont forget about the party tomorrow. Ill have my assistant pick you up.
After he left, another message from Lynzee lit up my screen.
[Ridley told you, right? Ill send you another invitationyou have to come. Oh, and he told me that after ten years without a child, you probably cant have one anyway. But he still plans to go through with our agreement and handle you.]
[Tomorrow, youll be in a car accident that will take away your ability to conceive. You cant escape it. LOL, this is the price youll pay for daring to compete with me, Agnes.]
I let out the faintest curl of a smile.
Tomorrow, was it?
Perfect.
Tomorrow was the day Id leave. And this time, I wouldnt hesitate.
Agness POV
The next morning, Ridley even sent me a special message to remind me.
[Remember to come. Ive already prepared a car for you, so you dont have to drive yourself. And remember, no matter what happens, I love you.]
I read it calmly, and then I blocked his number for good.
Not long after, Lynzees message came through as wellit was an invitation.
On it, their names were printed side by side, exactly like how mine and Ridleys used to be.
My fingers trembled slightly, a faint ripple stirring in my heart.
But it didnt last long. I quickly regained my composure.
After blocking Lynzees number too, I turned and pulled my suitcase from the corner.
The person my brother had asked to pick me up was already waiting for me outside.
Without looking back, I got into the car.
Ten years with Ridleythis was where it ended.
At the wedding venue, Ridley stared at his phone, his brows knitting together without him realizing.
If it hadnt been for Lynzee tearfully begging him to invite Agnes, he wouldnt have wanted to drag her into this at all.
The events from the previous days had already left a heavy stone lodged in his chest.
Even now, when he recalled how Agnes acted yesterday, he still felt an unbearable tightness.
He couldnt quite put it into words.
All he knew was that if things continued like this, she might truly leave him.
But soon, he dismissed that thought.
After all, in these ten years, he had given everything to Agnes.
No matter what he did now, she wouldnt leave him.
With that conviction, his gaze hardened.
Although he had told Agnes yesterday to attend todays wedding, in truth, he had never intended for her to come.
As long as she got into the car accident, he could use the opportunity to fulfill his promise to Lynzeeto make Agnes completely lose the ability to conceive.
That way, she wouldnt appear at the wedding.
And once he soothed her afterward, everything would return to normal.
Thinking of this, Ridley glanced at his phone again, waiting for someone to send word.
But before the message arrived, Lynzee appeared before him, her smile as sweet as honey.
Ridley, the weddings about to start. Lets get ready to walk in.
Ridley frowned and gave a curt nod.
The very next second, his phone rang.
Unable to hide his impatience, he answered it at once.
The venue was filled with lively noise, voices and laughter blending into a chaotic hum.
Yet through it all, he heard the voice on the other end with chilling clarity.
S-Sir, the car you sent it exploded. Maam Agnes was in there
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