From Ex-wife To Heiress

1

Laura

"I'm so lucky to have Lorenzo," I glanced down at my wedding ring, twisting it absently.

Paula, my best friend, raised a brow but smiled warmly. "And my cousin is lucky to have you. You've been nothing but a blessing to him."

"Sometimes, I feel like I don't belong," I chuckled.

Paula frowned. "Stop it, Laura. You two deserve each other. Love doesn’t care about wealth or status. Lorenzo being a billionaire and you not? It doesn’t make you any less."

I tried to hold onto her words, but I still felt uneasy. “You’re right. Thanks,” I muttered, more for her benefit than mine.

Paula tilted her head, her voice softening. “I still don’t understand how you manage to keep so calm with all the press breathing down your neck. I’d have punched someone by now.”

I let out a small, tired laugh. “You get used to it. Five years of questions about how I managed to ‘trap’ a billionaire... it wears on you.” I paused, my voice catching. “Some days, though... it feels like too much.”

She reached across the table, squeezing my hand. “You’re stronger than you think, Laurie. Don’t let them make you feel otherwise.”

I smiled weakly, appreciating her support but knowing that the growing distance between Lorenzo and me wasn’t just about the press. I glanced at my watch. “I should get going. Lorenzo hates when I’m late.”

Paula nodded, standing as I gathered my purse. “Take care, okay? Don’t let anyone steal your peace.”

“Thanks for having me.” I tried to smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes.

Paula gave me a thoughtful look as she walked me to the door. "By the way, how’s everything with Victoria?"

I stiffened slightly at the mention of her name. “It’s… fine. She’s been distant since she came back from the States. She works for Lorenzo now.”

Paula’s brow furrowed. “She’s working with your husband?”

I nodded, suddenly feeling the urge to leave. “It’s been over seven years since what happened, Paula. We’ve grown past it.”

“Maybe you have,” Paula said slowly, “but some people never really change.”

I forced a smile and waved goodbye, feeling the familiar doubt creep back into my mind as I stepped out into the evening air. I wasn't ready to have that conversation with Paula, so I waved it off. "See you, Paula."

While I drove back home, Paula's words kept burrowing up in my head, 'some people never really change'. I pushed the thoughts from my mind. Whatever that happened between me and my half sister was in the past.

As I pulled into the driveway, the gates opened automatically. Henry, the head of security, greeted me as usual.

"Welcome home, Mrs. Smith."

"Thanks, Henry." I handed him my car keys, his polite smile never faltering.

Inside the mansion, I climbed the grand staircase, feeling the weight of the wrapped gift in my hands. FIVE YEARS. Lorenzo and I had been married for five years. I glanced at the small box—a symbol of my hope to rekindle what we once had. Every other anniversary, he’d surprised me with a celebration, reminding me of how much he loved me. But today… today felt different.

I took a breath and opened the door to our bedroom, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips as I anticipated his reaction to the gift.

Then I saw them.