I Became the Ex When Her Ex Came Back

Clara Sterling, the richest woman in the city, successfully got a divorce and the custody over her daughter. I married her right away.

Five years into our marriage, I've already quit my job and focused on becoming a great father and husband at home.

Everything changes when Clara's ex-husband, William Sawyer, returns to the country abruptly.

That night, my stepdaughter, Sarah Sterling, moves my things from Clara's room to a guest room.

"You're my stepdad, so you can't sleep with my mommy. I can't make Daddy sad. You should leave our home!"

The maids make fun of me.

Meanwhile, Clara raises an eyebrow at me. "It's completely normal for Sarah to take her biological father's side. Don't take her words to heart. You're my husband now, anyway."

I just hum in response as I pack up my luggage silently.

Clara tries to climb into my bed late at night, only for me to turn her away.

"Our marriage contract will come to an end in two days. Once the time comes, let's get a divorce."

Clara Sterling didn't seem bothered at all. She pinched my cheek lightly. "Are you upset over Sarah, or is this really about William? He only came back to see the child. He poses no threat to you, and I am still satisfied with you. Why are you talking about divorce?"

I lowered my eyes. "Because I am tired."

Clara laughed softly in surprise and raised my chin. "Tired? You married me for money, didn't you? Or are you planning to leave like William, thinking it will make me care more?"

William Sawyer was the ex-husband Clara could never forget.

I pushed her hand away. "I wouldn't do that."

Clara scoffed. "You would be wise not to. William was always proud. I was drowning in debt back then and held him back, so I can't blame him for leaving, but you aren't him.

"If you leave, I won't stop you. I've paid you well over the years, and I can keep doing that. Now that we have come this far, are you still insisting on a divorce?"

The mockery and disdain in her voice hit me like a knife.

I smiled bitterly, and I felt my eyes grow dim. In the five years I had been married to Clara, she had always measured me against William.

To her and her daughter, Sarah, I would always fall short of William. I was neither as handsome nor as dazzling as him. Perhaps the way we met was flawed from the start. Deep down, I had always felt her respect was never mine to earn.

When Clara teetered on the edge of bankruptcy and despair five years ago, William had abandoned her and Sarah without hesitation.

At her lowest point, she came to me with a sum of money and proposed a contractual marriage, so I could look after her child.

I agreed. For the past five years, I had given her everything.

In the end, it was my