The Billionaire Secret Baby After Divorce

Bella's POV

They say every love story begins with hope. But mine began with fire.

I can still see the way Eric looked at me the night of the charity ball. He looked at me like I was the only woman in the room, though we were surrounded by hundreds. I was just a nobody then. A server at the event. Outside that, I was a quiet girl tucked at the corner, working on my small designs and dreaming of someday being seen as one of the greatest perfumers. But Eric saw me.

"Dance with me," he'd said as he walked over to me. He removed the tray from my hand and pulled me closer to him.

I laughed nervously. "I don't even know you."

But he smirked. Looking at me confidently as though rejection never existed to him. "Then consider this the first step. I'm Eric Damon."

That was how it started. The billionaire CEO who could have had anyone chose me. Me, Bella Hayes. I thought it was fate. I thought it was love. He chased me with flowers, midnight calls, and promises of heaven and earth. He loved me hard and fast. With a certainty that swept me off my feet.

Our wedding was a dream. I wore a lace dress with a white rose bouquet in my hands. I believed in the forever he promised. But forever was shorter than I imagined. Cause the Eric I married allowed himself to be covered by someone's shadow. His mother's.

Grace Damon. The woman who reminded me, day after day, that I was an intruder in her son's life. She reminded me of my shortcomings. Watched my womb, and when it stayed empty, she condemned me. "Three years and nothing? My son married a barren woman."

And Eric let her. That's the part that broke my heart. And to make things worse, Grace introduced another girl at the family dinner table and said, "This is who should have been my daughter-in-law." And Eric was silent. He had an affair with her. And so, tonight. I will choose myself.

The next morning. I stood in Eric's office. He sat at his desk, as there were papers spread before him. His head was bent over numbers and business deals like always.

My hands shook slightly as I pulled the folder from my bag. It was divorce papers.

"Eric," I called. My voice cracked, but it managed to get his attention.

He looked up, his dark eyes softening as they landed on me. "Bella. My darling. I didn't hear you come in."

I stepped closer, the papers pressed against my chest. "We need to talk."

He frowned. "What is it?"

I placed the folder on his desk. He barely looked at it at first, but then his eyes widened, and his hand froze mid-motion.

"Bella..." he called as he opened the folder, skimmed the top page, and his breath caught. "Divorce?"

I nodded. "Yes."

He pushed the chair back and stood up.